Why Activists Are Boycotting Black Friday in a “Day of Defiance”

For tens of millions of Americans, the day after Thanksgiving is one of the more exciting days of the year. Black Friday, a longstanding retail tradition, is the magical day when stores open up very early and offer deals on anything from big screen TVs and cars to board games. The day is usually a big win for stores, and shoppers can save on gifts for the winter holidays. But for some, Black Friday is an opportunity not for a great deal, but for civil rights activism.

Following weeks of protests in Ferguson, Missouri in the summer of 2014 over the police killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown, similar protests followed in cities across the country. Fighting back and speaking out against police brutality and killing of Black people, activists from Minnesota to California and beyond took to the streets. When the holiday season approached, some groups decided to take aim at Black Friday, one of the most important days of the year for retailers, to protest police violence.

The first calls to boycott retailers on Black Friday was led by Blackout for Human Rights, a collective focused on raising awareness for police violence; and Not One Dime, a “nationwide boycott focused on racial justice,” according to its website. Activists poured into the streets for the #BoycottBlackFriday, #BlackFridayBlackout, and #NotOneDime campaigns to disrupt regular shopping on Black Friday to raise awareness, and also boycott by not spending money. Not One Dime encouraged protesters not to shop at all on Black Friday, or if they did want to shop, to support black-owned businesses. The Black Friday boycotts have continued since 2014, and some groups around the country have plans for 2017 too.

In Chicago, the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR), an organization dedicated to ending police violence in Chicago and demanding accountability from police, has called for a day of activism on Black Friday dubbed Day of Defiance. According to the Facebook event page for the Day of Defiance, protesters will gather on the Magnificent Mile, a stretch of largely high-end shops in downtown Chicago to protest police violence, and specifically the police killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in 2014 and the alleged cover-up of the killing.

McDonald was shot 16 times by officer Jason Van Dyke in October of 2014, only a couple of months after Brown was killed in Ferguson, and Chicagoans have used Black Friday shopping on the Magnificent Mile to protest against the Chicago Police Department since 2015. Both in 2015 and last year, protesters blocked entrances to popular stores and gathered in the popular shopping area to speak out about police crimes.

The national activist group Justice or Else also has called for boycotts on Black Friday this year as in past years. Dubbed Redistribute the Pain, the faith-based group is calling for shoppers not to spend any money on Black Friday, that weekend, or on Cyber Monday to protest racial injustice against black people.

Using Black Friday, a day that’s popular for shopping and leisure, to activate communities to speak out against racism and police violence has officially become a social justice activism tradition. Coming out of massive protests in Ferguson just a few years ago, activists around the country have continued to spend time in the streets rather than money on Black Friday.

Are you boycotting Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Tell us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Joshua Lott/Getty)

The age-old Halloween dilemma (for some of us): Your funny sense of humor is dying to go with a Halloween costume that produces laughter, but another part of you wants to look sexy. Well, you’re in luck, girl, because funny *is* the new sexy. That said, we get what you’re actually going for, so we’ve brought you 33 Halloween costumes that prove you can get freaky (in a weird yet sexy way) and still wear those fishnets on Halloween.

Brit + Co

Daria & Jane

Daria and Jane were the two best friends I admired growing up so it would make so completely happy to see someone dress up as for them for Halloween. They were proof anyone can be sexy with the right attitude, and these two have ‘tude in spades.

Brit + Co

Party Animals

Puns for days! You can hit a double whammy and be a sexy mouse (insert Mean Girls quote), but the choice is yours.

Brit + Co

Cher & Dionne

You can pretend to be Clueless all evening, but the joke’s on them. Plus, real fans of the movie knew Cher and Dionne were actually smart underneath their Valley girl personas.

Brit + Co

Bun In the Oven

Pregnant mamas can find funny and sexy Halloween costumes to wear too. While this one errs on the side of a joke about having a bun in the oven, at least you'll have someone to store your keys and phone while you're out!

Brit + Co

The Simple Life

In honor of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie reuniting for The Simple Life, get your denim overalls and flared miniskirt in order, because it’s about to be #hot out. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Misty

Catch all the admirable stares and candy while wearing this cute Misty Halloween costume. You may even catch all the cuties at the party.

Brit + Co

Netflix & Chill

This is on the sexy Halloween costumes that may actually lead to a little bun in the oven if you know what I mean. It literally takes the cake for couples who are looking for a different Netflix subscription package.

Brit + Co

Super Bowl Katy Perry

The real humor lies in what the shark on your left side does all night. That poor guy has no clue what he’s doing, does he?

Brit + Co

Mean Girls

Do you wear pink on Wednesdays? Do you have Kälteen bars in your purse? Excellent, the squad is ready to roll out.

Halloween Costumes

Monsters Inc. Celia Costume

Dress as funny man, er monster, Mike Wazowski's girlfriend this Halloween. Heads won't stop turning to get a better look at your costume!

Halloween Costumes

Zookeeper Costume

Who knew zookeepers could be this smart and sexy? Apparently this costume had this idea in mind when they created this tailored jumpsuit.

Halloween Costumes

Mad Hatter Costume

The Mad Hatter may be known for coming up with silly yet intriguing sentences, but this costume adds an irresistible appeal to a hilarious persona.

Halloween Costumes

Karen Smith from Mean Girls Mouse Costume

"I'm a mouse, duh" is one line from Mean Girls we find ourselves quoting. It only makes sense we add the infamous costume to the list!

Halloween Costumes

Harley Quinn Costume

You won't be able to resist saying, "I may be twisted but at least I make it interesting" once you slip into this funny, sexy costume.

Halloween Costumes

Tweedle Dee Costume

Only this costume could bring out Tweedle Dee's charm. Put your own sexy spin on it and keep the fun going.

Halloween Costumes

Lola Bunny Costume

Turns out Lola Bunny had sex appeal and stellar basketball skills in Space Jam. Even if you don't plan on hitting the court to score points in this costume, you'll at least look the part.

Halloween Costumes

Sexy Pirate Costume

Pirates haven't always been known for their immense sex appeal but Captain Jack Sparrow changed that. Invoke his swagger and witty sense of humor with this Halloween costume.

Halloween Costumes

Sexy Cheshire Cat Costume

The cheshire cat from Alice In Wonderland proved to be mysteriously alluring with a dose of humor that we came to love. Wear this costume to see if a bit of his charisma rubs off on you.

Halloween Costumes

Sassy Scarecrow Costume

Channel your inner scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz with this fun costume.

Halloween Costumes

80's Workout Costume

Get physical with this fun Halloween costume that reminds us of Jane Fonda during her VHS workout tapes era.

Halloween Costumes

Galactic Alien Costume

I love science fiction movies that involve aliens, but this galactic costume makes them seem less scary. Of course you're free to be as funny as you want, but you'll still look great while speaking your own special language.

Halloween Costumes

Britney Spears Costume

Britney Spears is having the last laugh with the release of her new memoir and we're here for it - hence this fun costume.

Halloween Costumes

Plus Size Popcorn Costume

This costume is for everyone who's ever giggled while listening to popcorn kernels popping in the microwave. Your secret is safe with us and this popcorn costume.

Halloween Costumes

Mushroom Costume

People won't be able to stop saying, "Aw, look at the cute mushroom" when they see you in this costume.

Halloween Costumes

Candy Maker Costume

Make Willy Wonka proud by leading the candy brigade this Halloween. Who wouldn't want to follow you once they see this sexy Halloween costume?

Do you have any silly and yet fabulously sexy costumes to share with us? Show us on Pinterest!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

With prior reporting by Ariel Garneau and Jessica Ourisman.

This post has been updated.

Brie Larson takes wellness very seriously. And considering she's saved the universe as Captain Marvel and fought alongside King Kong in Kong: Skull Island, prioritizing her health only makes sense. I got up close and personal with the Oscar-winning actress at Thorne's Mocktail Club in New York City on October 8, where she told me that in the pursuit of wellness, she's "always" seeking to feel "happy and safe in my body."

  • Brie Larson tells Brit + Co that movement, breathing techniques, and temperature changes help her feel "happy and safe in my body."
  • When it comes to her work, she says she chooses stories with messages she'll "be able to live with for the rest of my life."
  • She also reveals the best piece of advice she's received, and says keeping it in mind "makes things easier."

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

But even Larson has days she feels off, saying she knows that feeling "very well," and whether it's seasonal blues or mental health days, she knows routine is where she thrives — and seasonal affective disorder lamps. "Light is a big game changer for me because I grew up in California," she says.

To engage her other senses, she relies on movement, breathing techniques, and temperature changes to keep in touch with her body. "A hot bath, a cold shower, both — anything that sort of wakes your brain up and kind of jolts it," she says. "I have a pretty demanding schedule and I truly don't have room to not feel like I'm present in my life. And so you come up with ways to figure out how to do that."

That includes everything from drinking plenty of water and prioritizing sleep to packing foam rollers and bands in her carry on. "It looks like a clown bag!" she says. "I always do [those exercises] every morning because even if I don't want to do it, which I always don't want to do it, I feel a lot better after I do it."

Thorne

Admittedly, that's exactly how I feel some days about making breakfast — but a powerhouse like Larson knows how important fueling our bodies is. "Pretty consistently I'm having an egg, like a breakfast sandwich, egg on toast first thing in the morning," she says. "I can't think beyond that for breakfast because I wake up so early. It's like there's no creativity happening in the morning. I'm sorry. No."

And while her mornings are all about wellness, her evenings are all about getting cozy, and she tells me her dream night in includes playing a new video game, wearing Gelato Pique sweatpants, and ordering Thai food. But when she's in the kitchen? "I've been making pasta and sausage quite a bit and I make tacos quite a bit. I mean, I kind of just do like protein and veggies and a little bit of a carb," she says.

Walt Disney Studios / Marvel Studios

Cozy nights in wouldn't be the same without a movie, and there's a very good chance you've seen Larson on your screen recently, whether you're rewatching Captain Marvel, 13 Going on 30, or Lessons in Chemistry. But how does the actress consistently choose such beautiful, inspiring pieces to work on? She equates the feeling to having a crush.

"When I feel like [a story] hits something that lives so truthfully in me that I just want to know if it's true to other people," she says. "I just know that we all have more that's the same than different...Film and television, it lives in a way that is beyond me physically. So I'm here talking to you, but anybody can be watching whatever they want. And so I try my best to think through what the pieces are saying so that they go out in the world and I don't get to be at the end of it and explain it or tell people what to feel or what to take from it. It lives a life outside of me. So I try and make sure that it has a complete message in it that I feel like I'll be able to live with for the rest of my life."

Apple TV+

Just like Carol Danvers and Elizabeth Zott empower so many viewers, Brie Larson says she feels empowered by her own Hollywood heroes. "Earlier in my career, like when I was trying to visualize what kind of career I wanted, it was Toni Colette and she's still a hero of mine, but she was truly the one that I was like, 'I want to disappear into characters the way she does.'"

"There's so many incredible [actors]," she continues. "Some of them are people that are more my age and some are older than me. But that's the fun part of my job is that there's so many good people and so many things that are getting made. And so it just feels like we're constantly kind of maneuvering, and when they take on certain roles and represent certain things, it frees up for other people to do other things. And so we kind of all work as a unit."

One movie on the horizon that I'm excited for is Mattel's new American Girl movie. Like many 80s and 90s kids, Brie Larson loved American Girl dolls — and borrowed her stage name from pioneer Kirsten Larson! And just like the rest of us AG kids, she tells me she can't wait for the movie. "I've also seen that there's going to be adult Halloween costumes, which I'm also very excited about," she says. Will she be grabbing a Kirsten one for herself? "I just might!"

Q+A With Brie Larson

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

What's the first thing you did after you won your Oscar?

I probably drank champagne...I drank champagne and I put sneakers on, and then I went to the airport.

What's the best piece of advice you've received?

"When I think I know, I miss so much." We all get stuck in these things — I think an easy one to think about is like, you're in a fight with your sibling or your partner, and you are just so right in how angry you are. And then maybe the next day you wake up and you're like, "Maybe there was another side to that." And so we miss things when we're in a space where we believe that we know. Having an openness to what something can be or that things can be different than what you think makes things easier.

Thorne

What's on your holiday bucket list?

I love the holidays. Because I'm in California, I really am looking forward to this year having a chilly winter. I love a cold winter, cozy winter. I love Christmas markets, so I'll definitely hit things like that. All the little holiday markets pop up around, yeah, it's just like a rare time when everybody is resting at the same time.

What are you watching, reading and listening to right now?

Okay. I am reading a book called Patricia Wants To Cuddle. I am watching Love is Blind season 7 because I am not silly. And listening to Chappell Roan, obviously.

Read Hilarie Burton Just Spilled Some Serious One Tree Hill Teafor more fun celeb insights!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The '80s were a heyday of pop culture icons, which is why 80s costume ideas are always en vogue. There's something for everyone: a plethora of John Hughes movies, iconic slashers, comic book characters, and even more recent shows like Stranger Things.

And if you've spent every Halloween since 1991 dressed up as Madonna or Michael Jackson from that Pepsi commercial, it's time to change up your throwback outfits a bit. These costumes will help you get in the spooky spirit, regardless of whether you're heading to a party or spending the night handing out candy and watching your favorite Halloween movies. No matter what your plans are, these '80s Halloween costumes will definitely honor this rad decade. Want to try out a different decade too? Check out our '90s costumes and 2000s costumes!

Rock Any Halloween Party With These 80s Costume Ideas

Brit + Co

Stranger Things

Stranger Things may not be from the '80s, but it is set in the decade. This great-for-group costume lets you pick you favorite character and channel them. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

David Bowie and Prince

These two megastars are worth a trip to DIY land. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

'80s Andre Agassi + Tennis Ball

This sporty couple's costume is really cute even sans bump. It's time to ace that virtual costume contest, y'all. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

The Breakfast Club

If you came of age in the '80s, than you're sure to have grown up with this motley crew of high school misfits. (via Brit + Co)

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The Shining Twins

Get creepy with your BFF and reenact this cult classic. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Princess Peach and Toad

Even if you didn't waste countless hours playing Super Mario on your Nintendo, we can all agree this costume duo is cute AF. (via Brit + Co)

Prime Video

Totally Killer

This new murder movie makes for the perfect weekend watch, but it's also a very '80s Halloween costume idea. Bold makeup, shoulder pads, and lots of pearls will turn you into Olivia Holt's Pam, or you can give yourself a blowout and wear her gym uniform instead!

Brit + Co

The Princess Bride

As far as group costumes go, all you need is a giant, someone who looks amazing with a mustache, and a pirate to make up your clique. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Glow

You're destined to have a knockout Halloween when you dress up as this dynamic '80s-inspired cast. We're always in it to win it! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Hall and Oates

Wait, what? Yep. We went there. You really do make our dreams come true. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sexy Marge Simpson

Mama Simpson never looked so fly. (via Brit + Co)

From TV Shows To Music Stars, These '80s Halloween Costumes Got You Covered

Brit + Co

Operation + Surgeon

Bringing this classic board game to life delivers on comfort, a hint of sexy, and a heavy dose of nostalgia. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Treasure Trolls

Using wigs, a ton of hairspray and nude dresses, you can be a Treasure Troll in no time flat. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Saved by The Bell

Who's the Zack to your Kelly? (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Ghostbusters

Grab your friend group, and a few tan jumpsuits, and you have an instantly recognizable, super easy costume. Grab some reflective tape for the uniform detail, but for the Ghostbusters logo, feel free to attach a paper cutout ;). (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Stranger Things

Hype up the teen spirit by dressing as Nancy, Barb, Jonathan, and Steve too! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Fraggle Rock

Throw your cares away! Why? You've found your costume. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Adam and Barbara Maitland from Beetlejuice

Before they met the man himself, they were just two recently deceased humans navigating the afterlife. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Young Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

We still love these iconic twins, but how CUTE were they in their Full House days?! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Jem

You're going to want to collect pink everything starting now. Go solo or jam with the Holograms! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Ariel and Eric from The Little Mermaid

This idea is straight out of 1989 and never gets old. “Under the sea, under the sea! Darling, it's better, down where it's wetter!" (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Jessica Rabbit

Create the silhouette of Jessica's signature dress by layering a sequined tube top with a sweetheart neckline on top of a maxi skirt. Smokin'! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Twins

Let's journey back to 1988 when the world accepted the idea that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito could be… twins? Wait, WHAT? (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Army Toy Soldiers

“Don't worry, boy. I've got your back." (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co/Walt Disney Pictures/Lucasfilm

Princess Leia

Skip the double hair buns for the classic look from Star Wars (via Brit + Co)

The Coolest Part? These Are '80s Themed Outfits You Can DIY

Brit + Co

Ghostbuster and Marshmallow Man

For those of you who have no desire to DIY but still want a legit getup, look no further than these '80s-inspired pre-made costumes. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Waldo and Wenda

You can never go wrong with classic picture book characters like these two. But can you pick them out of the party crowd? (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Top Gun

Shop around for an army green, khaki, or navy jumpsuit or a dress like the one we found. You can order a batch of movie-inspired patches on Amazon. Once you've got those, you can turn basically anything into a Top Gun costume. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

The Little Mermaid's Ursula

This iconic Disney villain makes for a great costume because it's fun, colorful, and easily recognizable. Whether you're going to a more low-key party where you can wear jeans and a tee or you're going all-out with octopus legs, this makeup look is out of this world. Pair with other characters under the sea for the ultimate group costume! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Wonder Woman

Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman might have come out in 2017, but Lynda Carter's TV show of the same name hit our screens in the late 1970s, making this a perfect '80s Halloween costume. (via Brit + Co)

These '80s Costume Ideas Are Totally Rad

Brit + Co

Lisa Frank and a Unicorn

Be sure to hit up online thrift stores now for the makings of this costume. Is it just us, or does this make you want to listen to “Pony" by Ginuwine? (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Labyrinth

ICYMI, David Bowie stars in this fantastical movie from the '80s. It's creepy, strange, and beautiful all at the same time. And a pretty great Halloween costume idea too. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Phases of the Moon

What's more '80s than a galactic two-piece suit?! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Baywatch Babes

Prepare to save the shoreline with your amazing team AND whistleblowing skills. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

E.T. '80s Halloween Costume

This 'fit takes the cake for easiest Halloween costume ever! While it's originally a maternity costume, you can definitely make it your own, no matter what stage of life you're at. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Return of the Jedi Ewoks Ewoks

Early Star Wars gave us the Ewoks, and we are forever thankful. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Strawberry Shortcake

This '80s classic can be played down with a pair of white sneakers or sexified by wearing a pair of T-strap pumps. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Alvin and the Chipmunks

This playful group costume is comfortable and very school-appropriate. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Cowabunga! Throw together green tights, turtleneck leotards, and spray-painted shells with a pair of gladiator sandals. Then celebrate this awesome costume's success with plenty of pizza after a night of trick or treating. (via Brit + Co)

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Axl and Slash

Welcome to the jungle, baby. (via Brit + Co)

Isabella Behravan for Brit + Co

Barbie

Okay, Barbie is not expressly '80s, but that does seem to be her heyday, and the costume above feels very Miami Vice meets a Jane Fonda workout video. (via Brit + Co)

Studio DIY

Ring Pop

Nothing represents an '80s kid like this colorful lollipop jewelry. (via Studio DIY)

What are some of the most unique '80s group costumes you've seen? Share with us on Twitterand check out our email newsletter for more Halloween inspo ahead of spooky season.

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations

With fall in full swing, it's safe to say you may have already taken trips to a local pumpkin patch or made your way to a haunted house (or two) for Halloween. However, if you're looking for a perfect quaint fall getaway, then add Lake Geneva to the top of your list! Located in Wisconsin, Lake Geneva — not to be confused with the similarly named Swiss body of water — is a gorgeous midwest town located right next to the stunning, sprawling Geneva Lake. You'll find numerous hotels, local restaurants, boutique and shops throughout the city, offering up plenty to do.

Not sure where to start? Luckily for you, I took a trip to Lake Geneva last month, and I've rounded up a quick guide for where (and what) you'll want to check out during your visit.

PS: If you can't make it this fall, just imagine the winter wonderland you'll find this winter, or the summer oasis you'll savor all summer!

Where To stay In Lake Geneva

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

There are so many hotels to stay at in Lake Geneva, but there are definitely a few that really standout properties you should consider during your visit!

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is luxurious — yet somehow wonderfully quaint — property located an hour from Chicago that's great for your fall getaway. You'll find standard rooms and suites alongside a plethora of dining options and amenities to utilize during your stay including an indoor and outdoor pool, golf courses, a fitness center, a spa, and an on-site trolley. Plus, the resort has packages for the fall available where you can receive free rounds of golf during your stay on The Brute or The Highlands courses. Might I suggest sending the boys on a golfing spree while you and the girls savor the spa? 😉

Maxwell Mansion

Maxwell Mansion

Book lovers, this one's for you! The Maxwell Mansion is a boutique hotel that's two blocks away from Geneva Lake. The historic mansion has 28 rooms, some of which are inspired by historic figures such Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, General Grant, and Virginia Woolf. You'll also find a hidden speakeasy that's open to resort guests, and it's definitely worth checking out if you have some free time. Otherwise, you can find an indoor bar or grab a drink at the seasonally open tiki bar by the pool!

Warning: This hotel is adults only, so it's best suited for a romantic getaway or a girls' trip!

The Abbey Resort

The Abbey Resort

For a more full-service experience, The Abbey Resort is a great option for families and solo travelers. Aside from spacious rooms, the property has indoor and outdoor pools, live music, an entertainment center, and a 35,000 square-foot spa. The Avani spa is absolutely a highlight at this property, too — you can book a massage, manicure, pedicure, hair and makeup services depending on what you're interested in. Outside of all that, the resort is simply stunning, making it an even better spot to enjoy the fall foliage and take some totally Instagram-worthy photos.

Where To Eat In Lake Geneva

Instagram/@pier_290

While you'll eat lots of cheese curds (and cheese in general, let's be real) in Lake Geneva, you'll probably want to swing by a restaurant for a more hearty meal. Here are some top options to add to your reservations!

Pier 290

You can't visit Lake Geneva without dining alongside Geneva Lake, and Pier 290 is the city's only lakeside restaurant! While the view alone has plenty of allure, the menu loaded with familiar favorites from cheese curds to lobster rolls. Plus, if you stop by on the weekend, you'll be able to enjoy some awesome live music as you eat!

Instagram/@soprabistro

Sopra

If you're craving Italian food, then you'll definitely want to head on over to Sopra. This Italian-American bistro located on main street is home to scrumptious eats including fish, pastas, salads, and more. A majority of the menu items have unique names — I'm looking at you, "donald from delhi" — adding a little extra fun and flair to your dining experience. So grab a "b positive" cocktail (blood orange vodka, club soda, splash of blood orange juice), and enjoy your evening!

The Abbey

240 West

Chow down on locally sourced ingredients at The Abbey Resort's 240 West Restaurant. Chef Noah Gumustekin curated a selection of dishes from pappardelle to a grilled ribeye that'll get your mouth watering at the thought. Plus, if you're staying on the property, you can eat to your heart's content and make your way to a lovely night's sleep in no time!

What To Do In Lake Geneva

Instagram/@cruiselakegeneva

Go On A Mail Cruise

Looking to actually get out on the lake itself? Lake Geneva Cruise Line hosts a US mailboat tour where you can sit on a boat as employees deliver mail to over 75 homes around the lake. During the two hour tour you'll learn all about the different mansions on the lake, plus some fun facts about Lake Geneva in general! This is a must-do for first-time visitors!

Instagram/@yerkesobservatory

Visit Yerkes Observatory

Science lovers will want to take a trip over to Yerkes Observatoryfor all things space. The historic building is home to the world's largest refracting telescope (wow!), alongside plenty of other exhibits which you can browse at your own leisure. If you're looking for a more guided experience, the observatory offers tours to help you understand what the heck you're actually observing.

VisitLakeGeneva.com

Walk Along The Shore Path

You should totally take some time out of your busy itinerary to walk the shore path around Geneva Lake. The entire path is over 20 miles — which would take you almost all day to complete in its entirety — but you can just start and end wherever you'd like to get a gorgeous view of the lake and the larger-than-life mansions. The best part? It's free and open to the public, so you can stroll around at any time.

Lake Geneva Cooking School

Take A Cooking Class

If you're looking to spend time like a local in Lake Geneva, then you'll want to register for a class at Lake Geneva School of Cooking. Join Chef John Bogan and his team as you participate in a hands-on cooking class alongside other locals and vacation go-ers. You can browse the classes offered online and pick one that suits your palate, whether that's a meat-driven dinner or a perfect pasta dish. Classes are priced at $150 per person, so it's a bit on the expensive side, but think of it this way: this experience goes beyond the class! You can cook this menu over and over again at home, remembering the fabulous time you had in Lake Geneva.

Hill Valley Dairy

Try Some Local Cheese

You can't visit Wisconsin without trying some local cheese. Head on over to Hill Valley Dairy to get your hands — and taste buds — on locally produced cheeses. Once you figure out what you like, you can buy them to take home with you, so you can enjoy them even after you leave Lake Geneva! And who doesn't want more cheese in their lives?

Why is Lake Geneva so famous?

VisitLakeGeneva.com

Lake Geneva is famous given all its fine dining, larger-than-life mansions, and absolutely beautiful body of water. Additionally, this quaint town is also in a pristine location located only an hour away from Chicago, making it an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and be a little more in tune with nature.

On top of that, plenty of travelers compare Lake Geneva to more expensive destinations across the globe, from Lake Comoto Newport. This lets you get all the beauty and luxury of those bucket list towns without the high price tags!

How do I spend a day in Lake Geneva?

VisitLakeGeneva.com

When it comes to activities, Lake Geneva has plenty to offer! Whether you're simply walking the shore path, indulging in delicious locally grown dinners, or taking a cruise around the lake, you'll find fun everywhere you turn! And just because this is a lake town, doesn't mean you have to be outdoorsy. You can cater your experience based on your interests, including relaxing in one of the lovely luxury hotels.

Looking for more travel inspo? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

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Brit B

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As hardcore word nerds, puns are a pretty essential part of the everyday here at Brit HQ. We cheer when someone makes what is unfairly referred to as a "dad joke," we battle over who gets to use which eggcellent reference during Easter, and we are always on the hunt for the punniest costume for Halloween. So for those of you like to keep it clever too, here are 30 amazing pun Halloween costumes to inspire this year's inevitable hilarity. They're great for every kind of costume lover, no matter whether you're dressing up with your friends or on your own!

Brit + Co

Hawaiian Punch Costume

How 'bout a nice Hawaiian punch? This punny couples costume is part Hula Girl, part Rocky Balboa.

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Takeout Night Costume

A T-shirt that doubles as a costume? This is every lazy girl’s dream!

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Funny Pumpkin Costume

How cute is she?! We love how our very own Brit made her own creative and *very* punny costume.

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Party Animal Costumes

Go the Breakfast at Tiffany's route with this take on party animals.

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Spice Girls Costumes

Though we're all about bringing back Sporty, Scary, Baby, Posh, and Ginger, go the clever route and simply dress up as your favorite spices.

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Prego Costume

Whip up this winner and let everyone savor your pun-tastic presence on All Hallows' Eve.

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Netflix & Chill Costumes

As far as couples costumes go, this one takes the cake. Or should we say “Netflix subscription package”?

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Anna Wintour Costume

Our very own Brit Morin donned this take on a wintery Anna Wintour at a Brit + Co Halloween party a few years back. Fake snow and an ice-cold attitude are musts.

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A Halloween Hangover Pun Halloween Costume

Beat your actual hangover with this T-shirt/costume. Sunglasses and a large bottle of Gatorade are also musts.

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Bun in the Oven Costume

Maternity costume FTW! Dress your bump up as an actual bun in the oven.

Kelly Bryden

Blue Ivy Costume

Our very own Kelly apologizes for the low-quality iPhone photos, but this hilarious Blue Ivy costume is too good not to include.

Aww Sam

Starry-Eyed Costume

Are you seeing stars? We sure are.

Amazon

Pickle Halloween Costume Shirt

Skip the full-blown costume for this cheeky shirt!

Halloween Costumes

Chick Magnet Costume

Punny and adorable — a dangerous combination. This costume is not only easy, it's a great conversation starter. Even if it’s not totally true.

Studio DIY

Fries (Before Guys!) Costume

No matter the potato product, we're always partial to it. We love this costume because it's just SO TRUE.

Aww Sam

Pretty Please With a Cherry on Top Costume

May all your Halloween wishes come true when you ask — or dress — this nicely.

Studio DIY

Raining Men Costume

Finally, your giant stack of Tiger Beat, tabloid, and Cosmo magazines will come in handy. Remember, everyone owns an umbrella and rain boots.

Etsy

Chip on Your Shoulder Costume

An actual CHIP on your shoulder? So good.

Aww Sam

Party Pooper Costume

You don’t want to take this one too literally, so some poop emojis on your party hat is the perfect way to put together the look.

Aww Sam

Bird-Brained Costume

You'll have an excuse to act silly when you dress up as this feathery bird-brain.

Studio DIY

The Burn Book Costume

You are full of sass and some sick burns. Make sure you’re ready to dish it out and get some in return.

Aww Sam

Tough Cookie Costume

Nothing says “come flirt with me, but watch out because I’ll punch you” like a milk mustache and boxing gloves.

Etsy

Ivy League Costume

Whether or not you're actually a Yale or Harvard alum, we think this costume is a fitting play on words for the smarty pants in your life.

Studio DIY

Chill Pill Costume

Be the good kind of pill this Halloween when you dress up in a DIY that's sure to make everyone laugh and feel relaxed.

The House Lars Built

She Sells Seashells by the Seashore Costume

This tongue-tying costume is guaranteed to have everyone giggling all night. Good luck telling everyone your costume name 10 times fast.

Studio DIY

Queen Bee Costume

Run the contest like the KWEEN you are in this simple Halloween get-up.

A Kailo Chic Life

#Basic Coffee Mug Costume

Next to the PSL Starbucks cups, the pink lid travel mug is as trendy as it comes.

Aww Sam

Head in the Clouds Costume

Whether you find yourself distracted in daily life or not, this cute play on words is just the pun costume for you.

Club Crafted

When Life Gives You Lemons Costume

Just make sure there are enough lemons left for your gin and tonic.

Etsy

Horn Dog Costume

This pun Halloween costume might require some money, but your friends' reactions? Priceless.

Follow us on Pinterest for more Halloween inspiration!

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