The Abbey Resort

While Lake Geneva, Wis., is known throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois as a vacation hotspot, its neighboring city, Fontana (located on the west edge of Lake Geneva), doesn't get as much publicity. Fontana is much smaller and doesn't have a "downtown" or main strip, but it does have a beach and a great resort called the Abbey (about a 75-min drive from Madison).

The Abbey has an indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts, several restaurants and bars, a marina and a full-service spa called Avani. The resort is designed to look like an abbey, though it never was one.

The food was great (had the all-you-can-eat prime rib and crab leg dinner, amongst other meals), and not too pricey despite being a resort. The lounge had a nice selection of martinis, and the cigar lounge was a relaxing way to cap the night.

The spa, though rather expensive, is definitely worth a visit. It has exercise equipment, a sauna, a steamroom, a lap pool, a jacuzzi, a private outdoor pool and of course, massage services.

A few minor complaints about the Abbey: Because it was built out instead of up, depending on what room you get, you can be really far away from the restaurants, pool, etc. Also, the indoor pool doesn't have a handicap accessible entrance--since the resort is family-friendly, it makes it hard to get your stroller there. Lastly, the beds are very high off the ground; it takes a while to get used to and not fall on your first step.

The Abbey Resort is definitely worth a visit. More info at www.theabbeyresort.com.