It wasn’t that long ago that the wind was howling, snow was blowing across the lawn, and night came creeping in at 6:00 pm. If you live in Michigan it was only a few short weeks ago.
Accommodations and meals provided.
It was the winter that would never end. Thankfully time does move on and finally summer is here. That means only one thing for us – summer vacation and road trips.
Randy and I knew we wanted to get away but were not sure where we wanted to travel to. Then came an offer we couldn’t refuse. A stay at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Traverse City, Michigan. This resort had all we were looking for in a vacation, golf, pools, lake, spa, fine dining, shopping, tennis and even a kid’s camp.
We were thrilled with our room in the tower.
It was large enough for Randy and I to spread out without being on top of each other.
I like the fact that two chairs are provided, so often there is only a desk chair or if your lucky one comfortable chair. That means one of us has to lay on the bed. We moved the chairs easily to the front of the window so we could enjoy the amazing view of the golf course and pool area outside our window.
After dinner we watched the sun begin its glorious descent right from our room.
Grand Traverse Resort offers the challenge of three golf courses. Two of them are par 72’s and one a par 70. The Bear, is a Jack Nicklaus signature course designed with Scottish link- style features. The Wolverine is designed to accommodate players of all levels. The Spruce Run is the original course. It overlooks Grand Traverse Bay.
After we strolled around the perimeter of the golf course, we stopped into The Grille at the club house for a bite to eat while looking out over the Golf Academy. Here they offer private lessons, 1, 2 and 3 day golf schools, clinics, and junior camps. The 2008 PGA Professional National Champion, Scott Hebert is the Director of Instruction.
We wandered back into the lobby and explored some of the stores. I was surprised to learn that the online retailer Mud Pie has opened its first brick and mortar store at Grand Traverse Resort. They have apparel, gifts and home accessories. It is too bad that all the grandkids are too big or they might have gotten some really cute outfits from here.
Another store that was pretty amazing was Dylan’s Candy Shop, and sister store Dylan’s Candy Bar-Candy Café. Both were founded by Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan. The stores are like candy themselves, bright and colorful. It’s hard to walk by, in fact as you can see by the pictures we didn’t. Every Thursday through Sunday it’s “Create Your Own Cotton Candy.” How fun is that?
While we roamed around the lobby we came upon a large map of the Traverse City area.
Below it were slips of paper that told about different areas around the city and what there was to do in each of them. It was such a helpful idea and one I had not seen before at any hotel or resort.
Saturday evening was spent at the Grand Traverse Beach Club, watching the sun drop over the bay and listening to music from a guitarist. There were many families there around the campfire roasting marshmallows for s’mores. The beach club has another pool and many types of resources for venturing on to the water such as kayak’s, paddle boats and canoes.
We spent a short time in the casino affiliated with the resort. I am happy to report that Randy doubled his money.
If you are looking for that special get away for just you and that special someone or if you are searching for that perfect location for the family the Grand Traverse Resort can fit that bill. In fact, they have a 2013 Camp Traverse. A summer camp for kids 6-12 that offers games, sports lessons, field trips, swimming and much more. Your kids can spend a little as half a day up to a full week.
Grand Traverse Resort is worth the drive if that is the way you chose to come or there are many direct flights into Traverse City from locations such as Cleveland, Newark, Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Detroit, & Minneapolis.
If your idea of a great vacation is a restful and stress free we would highly recommend the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Stay tuned for our upcoming review and picture tour of the food, indoor pool, and spa.
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looks beautiful! I need a vacation – maybe next year
Wow it all looks so wonderful, relaxing, and fun!! We haven’t planned a vacation in a while and now I’m inspired to plan one soon!
Looks amazing !
The view from your room was AMAZING!!
This sounds like an awesome vacation. I now have it on my “to go” list!
My husband and I visited Michigan for the first time several years ago – one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been! We’re looking at planning a family trip next summer – love recommendations about where to stay! Traverse City is awesome – look forward to going back.
Looks like a nice place to visit
wow that sunset is gorgeous!
I had no idea there was a Dylan’s Candy Bar there. Hubby was just talking about wanting to find one. Wait till I tell him there’s one in TC :)
Golf courses and three! Hubby would love this place!
Looks like a beautiful place to visit. I’d love to go someday.
What a beautiful place!
Looks beautiful. I like that they had 2 comfy chairs in your room.
wooohooo glad he did well at the casino! great pics!
wow so beautiful that pleace is just becautiful !!!!
We’ll be in TC this summer — I may have to check this out. We’ve been trying new places to stay.
What a beautiful vacation spot. It looks like it truly does have something for everyone. I would love to have the opportunity to stay there. It is gorgeous.
so beautiful! all the vacation pictures you share with us are always at amazing places!
The view from your room is beautiful! It sounds like a great resort.
The view from the boardwalk is gorgeous. Makes me want to jump in and do repeated canon balls. Seems like a nice, tranquil place to stay and relax. All the photos are calming
Great job doubling your money! We love this area of Michigan.
Looks so nice and relaxing. I would love to go there