Geneva! The Best Chicago Getaway

Have you ever been to Geneva? Not to be confused with Lake Geneva or Galena. Just straight up Geneva.

Surprisingly not too many people know about this little town. It’s THE BEST one hour escape from Chicago!

Filled with tree-lined streets, gourmet restaurants and one of a kind shops, it makes for the ultimate girls trip or lazy weekend away with the better half. I grew up in the town over and know it quite well. My brother and sister-in-law live here too (Hi Sam and Eric!). So when asked to Day-cation to this lovely destination, I immediately said “yes!”.

Meredith, the marketing director at BB Interiors, set up an amazing itinerary for me, Maya, Jess and Kelly last week to show off Geneva’s greatest spots. It’s simply the best time and recommend mirroring the exact same agenda if ever visiting! Instead of telling, I would love to take you along with us! Everything is within walking distance of each other. And warning. Lots of wine is involved.

THE AGENDA

1. Beauty and pampering at Odalisque
2. Wine tasting with Geneva Wine Cellars
3. Lunch on the patio at The Herrington Inn & Spa
4. Shopping at Fuschia
5. Home decor and design with BB Interior Designs
6. Cocktails and bites at Preservation Bread and Wine Bar

The day began with a car ride from Chicago to Geneva, but it’s an easy train ride away! It takes you straight downtown Geneva and all the places mentioned, are within walking distance as well. Now for the details…

*****

GENEVA ITINERARY

1. ODALISQUE
An on trend makeup and beauty store that will blow your mind!

We began our day with one of my favorite stores (thanks to my Mother-In-Law Chris who first introduced me!), Odalisque. This apothecary and beauty shop makes me feel like I am in Soho New York given its chic decor and on trend beauty products. Pampering was in order and they crafted these beautiful makeup profiles for us ahead of time. Not only to they carry quality products but I adore their “hard to find, off the beaten path” selection. They had an eyelash curling iron that actually warmed up! Bridget, the owner, is originally from Chicago and has been in the industry for years. Everyone falls in love with her immediately and incredibly well dressed! Lip gloss, skin care, candles, eyeliner…I have it all from here!

2. GENEVA WINE CELLARS
A charming wine store designed for wine tasting and pure enjoyment. Make special note of their hand selected bottles at can’t-beat prices.

The next stop (just a block down from Odalisque) consisted of a one on one wine tasting with the owner of Geneva Wine Cellar. The owner, a successful lawyer downtown, decided to quit his job and pursue his passion – wine! He purchased this wine shop just a few years ago and what a joy to talk shop with. His knowledge and excitement about wine will make you feel just as enthralled! Us girls were quite candid with our million questions and he was ever to gracious answering every single one. A knowledgeable one he is. He prides himself on his incredible selection and price points. People typically assume higher price tags at local wine shops, but not here. He has an abundance of quality bottles under $20, as well as the difficult to find vintages from around the world. I personally enjoyed sipping sparkling rosé on the outside patio and picking his brain! Especially with the beautiful weather ahead of us.

3. THE HERRINGTON INN & SPA
A gorgeous riverside, boutique hotel, restaurant and spa. An Illinois hidden gem and luxury at it’s finest!

Once a dairy creamery, The Herrington Inn feels like you stepped into a luxurious European hotel. Right on the waterfront, the Atwater Restaurant is a view to be seen and a place to be tasted! We were starving so we ordered a wonderful lunch on the patio. It’s basically vacation. Jess and I went with their famous burger, while Maya and Kelly went with the salmon. We were of course quite thirsty, so a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc was absolutely necessary. The courtyard was so beautiful we were inspired to take advantage for a full on photo shoot. I must say I learned quite a lot from these ladies! Afterwards we received a tour of the rooms. I’m telling you. Get here. I cannot wait to come back with Sean someday for a weekend getaway and indulge in the spa! I hear it is incredible from several friends and family members.

4. FUSCHIA
A bright and chic boutique with a curated designer selection and unique labels! The best of the best all in one spot.

Fuschia’s space and decor is equally as gorgeous as their frocks and pieces! They carry some of my favorite designer’s, Rebecca Taylor and Joie. I now, more than ever, appreciate chic, soft and flowy pieces. AKA day-to-night garments. Practical, feminine and pretty. This place is so swoon worthy, they have another boutique downtown Glen Ellyn! After shopping, we hopped on the cutest bicycles (courtesy of Geneva!) and made our way to our next destination! Ring, ring!

5. BB INTERIOR DESIGNS
A design showroom and retail boutique filled with gorgeous curios and decor. Leaves you feeling inspired and sparks the imagination. You’ll be wanting to re-design your entire home!

BB Interior immediately makes you feel at home. This lofted space is basically Pinterest in real life. Seriously, you could spend all day in here. And the owner, Claudia Beebe, is known for her exquisite eye for detail and {more importantly} her exceptional taste in champagne. She greeted us with bright bubbly bottles of Veuve. How about that orange table?!

Fun fact: BB Interior carries an exclusive line by French fabric maker Toiles de Mayenne. Extremely rare to find! My favorite part? These custom pillows. Claudia had one made for each of us with our respective blog names. Just about died. Wouldn’t these make for a lovely housewarming present or for that person that has everything? Not to mention affordable and something different! Oh, and If you guest at a friend’s lake house this summer…talk about the greatest hostess gift!

6. PRESERVATION BREAD AND WINE BAR
Last but not least, this corner bar serves up delectable cocktails, tasty bites and a bustling atmosphere. Love this for a girl’s night out, catching up with your mom or a hot date!

This place was poppin! Cleary a hot spot with the locals. We gave our shopping bags a much-needed rest; kicked up our feet; and ate and drank our hearts out. As for the menu? I highly suggest the following…

• The Day Light Savings cocktail (heaven!)
• Crispy Duck Salad with spinach, wild rice and dried cherries.
• English Pea Polenta
• The European Cheese Plate
• Short Rib Pie (obsessed!)

Whatever you do, do not look at their menu hungry. And the owner clearly knows his stuff. He made us feel as if we were walking into his home. Can’t wait to get back!

*****

All in all, I cannot get over how fun this day was. You could go to any and all of these places in any order. However if you’re like me, I love a great itinerary. So grab your girls {or the boy toy} and get a planning. This doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the Geneva stores and restaurants.

And don’t forget. It’s only a train ride away from Chicago!

Thanks again Maya, Jess and Kelly for such amazing company! Be sure to pop over and say hello!

An especially HUGE thank you so Meredith Beebe who organized and planned every detail. I highly recommend following her on Instagram for more inspiration and hot spots outside the city! She is quite the talented young lady.

And another wonderful thank you to Odalisque, Geneva Wine Cellars, The Herrington Inn, Fuschia, BB Interior, Preservation Bread and Wine and the City of Geneva for such a magical day. Such an honor to meet you all. Your genuine hospitality speaks wonders of your talent. I promise, I will be back VERY soon!

 

Photo credit: Maya, Kelly and little ‘ol me! Thanks girls for the gorgeous photos and tips along the way 🙂