One of the best ways to get through a long winter is to have something to look forward to, and there are always reasons to celebrate at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. From one-of-a-kind weddings to spending a weekend tasting wines near Lake Erie, this resort redefines the idea of the perfect getaway.
“People are tired of being cooped up, and they’re looking for a safe way to see everyone face-to-face and spend some quality time together,” said Daisy Hall, director of sales and marketing, when discussing the fact that the property recently had its best year ever. “We are lucky enough to offer an amazing outdoor setting where people don’t feel closed in and can celebrate in whatever way works best with their comfort level.”
Already, the resort is showing strong wedding bookings for 2022 and 2023, in part due to the fact that there are so many things for guests to do while on the property.
“Of course, the number one draw is our beautiful gazebo, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Erie,” said Hall. “But couples also like the fact that we are a great destination for guests who want to come in early or stay longer. Our onsite amenities, including an outdoor pool, lawn games, a huge food and beverage pavilion, golf carts and a zipline, provide a lot of fun options for those who want to extend their stays.”
Couples can choose to have all of their events at this one-stop shop, from bachelor and bachelorette parties to bridal showers and rehearsal dinners and more. The Lodge offers different menus customized for different events, including an anniversary package that was put together as a result of guests’ requests.
“It’s shocking how many surprise birthday parties we have coming up this year—people are really ready to get together as long as they know they can do it in a safe way,” said Hall.
The Lodge is also seeing a resurgence in conferences, especially from groups and associations that have missed holding those annual events.
“Groups return to The Lodge year after year because they love our amenities, including the dining options, firepits and flexible accommodations in the meeting spaces,” said Hall, adding that there is more than 8,500 sq. ft. of meeting space at the resort. “We see a lot of continuing education groups, like medical professionals re-upping for certification, and we also work very closely with SPIRE, the sporting venue nearby that hosts collegiate level events for athletes. They tend to fill the hotel when they come in for regional swim meets, indoor track and field meets or other college competitions.”
Those who appreciate outdoor activities find plenty to do at the resort, which is home to Lake Erie Canopy Tours, the largest aerial attraction east of Cleveland. The zipline course offers both guided and self-guided adventures including a climbing course, and a tyke-sized version for kids 4-10. It’s also an easy walk to the resort town of Geneva-on-the-Lake, and there are lakeside walking trails into Geneva State Park.
Another very popular attraction is the resort’s wine shuttle, which runs every day. For $45 per person, guests can spend an hour at each of three different wineries and enjoy the fun without the worry of driving.
“We are located in the heart of Ohio Wine Country, and there are approximately 30 wineries within 20 minutes of us,” said Hall, adding that each one specializes in something different, from dry and sparkling wines to ice and fruit wines. “People can explore different wineries every time they come to see us.”
She noted that one upcoming event, the Ice Wine Festival, is a perfect time to visit—it takes place the first two Saturdays in March and pairs perfectly with an overnight stay. The Lodge also offers unique wine-related events throughout the year including overnight packages like the Two-Night Wine Excursion, a Wine Making Weekend in March, Wine Pairing Dinners and even a Master Sommelier Dinner in April.
No matter when you’re planning to visit, it’s best to book early, especially during the summer season.
“For a wedding, I recommend booking at least a year out; for family reunions, at least six months,” said Hall. Booking in the shoulder seasons, like May and June, can cost less for guests looking to save money.
The resort offers 109 well-appointed hotel rooms and suites within The Lodge, as well as 25 lakeside cottages, and follows best-practice guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Stay Safe program to keep both guests and employees safe.
To learn more or to make a reservation, visit www.thelodgeatgeneva.com.