In Elkhart Lake, relax - or start Christmas early

Most outsiders think of Elkhart Lake, Wis., as the home of Road America, one of the world's premier auto racetracks. And while Road America is certainly a leading attraction, this quaint village about 55 miles south of Green Bay has a lot to offer all on its own.

Why go now

The hordes of summer tourists and racing fans are gone, so Elkhart is calm and serene -- the perfect place to re-energize before the holiday frenzy begins. Or you can start your holiday shopping there. Between the specialty shops and art galleries, you're sure to find something for a few folks on your list.

Take in some art

Although Elkhart Lake doesn't have a wealth of shopping options, be sure to stop at Two Fish Gallery & Sculpture Garden. Tucked into a stylishly renovated Arts-and-Crafts bungalow, the gallery features an appealing array of fine arts and crafts (jewelry, ceramics, paintings and sculptures) by about 70 regional and national artists. Although the gallery is only open Friday through Sunday, you're welcome to stroll through the lush back-yard sculpture garden anytime. It's definitely worth it (1-920-876-3192, www.twofishgallery.net).

Our little secret

Walk down to the Barefoot Tiki Bar behind Victorian Village Resort, then follow the paved path along the lake. It quickly becomes a scenic dirt path that winds around most of the lake, passing numerous cottages and dipping in and out of the woods.

One of the more popular events in Elkhart Lake is the Old World Christmas Market, held under tents on the grounds of the Osthoff Resort this Dec. 4-13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Based on the famed German Christkindlesmarkt, the market features authentic European gifts such as hand-carved wooden toys and glass-blown ornaments, plus all sorts of holiday foods like roasted almonds, gingerbread and hot mulled wine. About 10,000 people attend annually. Sponsored by the Osthoff, the resort also offers a variety of family-oriented weekend events, including hayrides, breakfast with Santa and children's holiday workshops. Special lodging packages start at $149 per night. Admission to the Christmas Market is $6 for adults, free for ages 14 and under (1-800-876-3399; www.osthoff.com).

Take a hike

Just a few miles south of Elkhart Lake is the northern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, a beautiful 30,000-acre outdoor playland that contains part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. You can do everything from hike and bike to fish and ride horseback here (1-262-626-2116; www.dnr.state.wi.us).

Geography lesson

Elkhart Lake, so named because its shape is said to resemble an elk's heart, covers 286 acres and is 130 feet deep, with roughly 4 miles of shoreline. The spring-fed lake -- ranked seventh in the state for clarity -- is nearly weedless, and sports a solid, sandy bottom.

Century-old Siebkens Resort, long favored by the racing crowd, recently opened the Lakeview Condominium Hotel last year. The Prairie-style building features one, two- and three-bedroom units with fireplaces, full kitchens, dining areas and laundry facilities. They're decorated in soothing colors ($139-$449; 1-920-876-2600; www.siebkens.com). The four-diamond, all-suite Osthoff Resort, adjacent to Siebkens, offers 500 feet of beachfront, two restaurants, the chic Aspira spa and a cooking school, not to mention a kids' camp, water sport rentals and activities ($180 to $715 per night; 1-920-876-5812; www.osthoff.com).

Eating out

Cozy Thyme Savours, tucked into one end of the village's renovated feed mill, is the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee or a chai tea -- along with a giant, double chocolate biscotti or a chewy chocolate chip cookie. Although the restaurant's breakfast and lunch menus aren't extensive, they feature delicious, innovative items such as a smoked turkey wrap topped with a mild berry jalapeño spread and served with gourmet pepper-and-sea-salt chips. Thyme Savours also carries a variety of creative sides, such as arugula potato salad and asparagus with tomato and basil (1-920-876-3655; www.feedmillshops.com). Down the block at Lake Street Café, you can nosh on sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas in the restaurant's jewel-toned casual half, which features an immense old billboard of Milwaukee beer barons (Miller, Schlitz, Pabst and Blatz), or have dinner in the fine-dining side, known for its list of 450 vintage wines (1-920-876-2142; www.lakestreetcafe.com).

Traveler's info

Elkhart Lake Tourism Commission is at 1-877-355-4278 or www.elkhartlake.com.