There are few things I love more than the perfect daycation with a few of my favorite ladies – in fact, I can’t name anything I really love more.
When my sweet friend Nicole asked if I’d like to spend the day exploring Geneva, IL with her, Jess and Kelly, I was more than happy to take a personal day and make it happen! Because really, what’s better than exploring a new city with girlfriend, shopping, wine and food? {The correct answer is: Nothing!}
We started the day by meeting Meredith and her friend Sarah who were our lovely local tour guides for the day. Meredith made an adorable itinerary chock full of emojis {obviously, we were so on board} and explained a bit about the adorable town of Geneva – just a hop and skip away from downtown Chicago. The city is everything you’d want in a daycation – adorable, friendly, amazingly lively and full of incredible boutiques and restaurants.
We spend the beginning of our trip getting beautified at Odalisque, an adorable beauty apothecary filled with all natural and unique beauty brands like Kai, Dr. Houschka and Juliette Has A Gun {A new favorite perfume of mine!} The lovely ladies did our makeup, and I was amazed at how flawless and long lasting my makeup was for the whole day – even after a few too many glasses of wine 😉 Needless to say, I’d go back time and time again just to peek into this gorgeous store.
The “before” look beautifully drawn on {you bet I kept that sketch too!}
And the “after” with Jess!
Next on our jam-packed trip we swung by the Geneva Wine Cellar, which we were all excited to visit. The local wine store boats and impressive collection of global wines, and has a pretty patio that’s perfect for a spring day with the girls. I loved learning more about my favorite rosés and white wines with the owner, and he even shared what we should all be looking for in wines when we go to a restaurant – hopefully I’ll retain all the important info 😉
Next up, we had a super delicious lunch at the Herrington boutique spa and hotel. Geneva is located on a gorgeous river, and we were lucky enough to have a gorgeous day to sit on the patio overlooking the water. I feasted on this amazing salmon and spinach risotto {I’m drooling all over again} which was unbelievable. Now if I could only recreate it in my own kitchen I could be forever happy 🙂
And, since no trip is complete without at least one visit to a boutique, we stopped in at Fuschea, a city inspired women’s fashion boutique in the ‘burbs. I loved perusing the gorgeous racks of clothes – and taking as many pictures as possible in the gorgeous, crisp store. White walls, chandeliers galore, and the most beautiful decor – I was seriously ready to move in, or at least make the store my wardrobe!
Our last store for the day was at the upscale BB Interiors, which happened to be owned my our lovely tour guide’s mother! It’s such a stunning retail boutique, and I loved the unique pieces throughout the showroom – especially their collection of vases and glassware.
Most adorable of all, we each received our own custom pillows with our blog painted on them! I seriously thought I was going to tear up they were so freaking cute {and the perfect accessory for my desk space too!} If you’re ever looking for a thoughtful gift for a friend or monumental celebration – definitely consider one of these charming pillows.
And last, but certainly not least – we ended our day at Preservation Bread & Wine, which is clearly a winning combo I can get behind. I had a few delicious cocktails and tried an assortment of their most popular dishes {definitely try the flat bread and cheese plate if you happen to visit yourself!} I loved the intimate, but laid back atmosphere, and the fun locals who filled the restaurant with boisterous laughter and chatting. If you happen to make it to Geneva, I’d definitely recommend swinging by for dinner and a few drinks!
So basically, spending the day in Geneva was the best daycation ever – full of everything you’d ever need for a totally relaxing and fun day in the suburbs. I’ll definitely be coming back to explore the down again with friends and family – so if you’re in the Chicago area, make sure to check it out too! You won’t be disappointed, promise 🙂
photos by myself and kelly!
Such a fun day Maya!!!! xoxo
This looks like th perfect day! Glad you had fun. Those custom pillows are pretty fabulous, too.
I loved, loved, loved this! You gals are seriously too cute. This makes me want to plan a little staycation/daycation somewhere close to KC..I've just got to find somewhere as darling as Geneva!
26 and Not Counting
Oh my gosh this is the cutest! And SUCH a fabulous group of ladies! xo
Isn’t That Charming. & Wandeleur
Your makeup looks amazing! That would have been such a treat for me, especially since I am very clueless when it comes to eye shadow. What a fun trip!
You all look beautiful! It looks like it was a fabulous day!
What a fun packed day! I'm adding Geneva to my bucketlist for weekend getaways. 🙂 That was so sweet of her to make you custom pillows!