Barefoot magazine 2015 by Steve Timmer

Some days are just better than others. Up here, one follows another.

Welcome to our lucky seventh issue of Barefoot Magazine. I say lucky, in part, because that’s what we consider those of us who’ve been able to live, work or visit the Grand Traverse region. Engrained in the fabric of the culture is the way we try to seamlessly integrate play, work and an active lifestyle, something anyone who has come for a meeting or conference knows well. Our story “Home Grown” introduces you to successful entrepreneurs who could live anywhere and have chosen to base their businesses here, a place where they can water ski before work, bike a gorgeous wooded trail after, maybe fit in a round of golf at lunch. Throughout the magazine, you’ll find our traditional focus on an active, outdoors-oriented lifestyle, but you’ll also find a few twists. One of those is our story “Traverse City Transformed by Night” and our focus elsewhere on what you can do both while your meeting is in session and once it’s adjourned. The city’s urban side increasingly awakens at night with a growing culinary, wine and microbrewery scene now recognized nationally joining a new slate of festivals and family-friendly fun. What we hear so often from guests is the simple statement, “I had no idea.” Many have no idea of the beauty of our our beaches, the clarity of our water, the vibrancy of our downtown, and the friendliness of those who live here. In the end our job at Barefoot Magazine is to give you an idea and perhaps intrigue you to start snooping around on your own, maybe even to kick off your shoes for a little stroll, barefoot, in the sand, day—or night. Sincerely,

Steve Timmer, Director of Marketing

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contents volume 7, 2015

columns

6 REGION 16 FAMILY & LIFESTYLE 22 SPA & WELLNESS 26 RACE 46 DINING 50 WEDDINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

54 MEETINGS &

CONVENTIONS

58 RETAIL

16 6

features

28 HOME GROWN

You’ve tasted their creations, now meet some of the North’s most creative entrepreneurs.

34 GREEN WEAVER

Meet the keepers of the greens, at sunrise on The Bear.

40 TRAVERSE CITY

TRANSFORMED BY NIGHT The sun has set. It’s date night in Traverse City.

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ON THE COVER/ PAGE 1 Photography by Tony Demin at the Beach Club at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

PUBLISHER Gemini Publications Barefoot is the official lifestyle magazine of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and is published once per year. Distribution is throughout the Resort’s property and by free subscription. To inquire about advertising rates and deadlines, subscription information or to submit story ideas, email info@gtresort.com. No part of this publication may be used without written permission of the publisher. © 2015 All Rights Reserved.

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Randy D. Prichard rprichard@geminipub.com EDITOR Kim Schneider EDITORIAL COORDINATOR J. Michael DeAgostino WRITERS Eric DeBoer, Sharon Flesher, Lorri Hathaway, Cynthia Boal Janssens, Rachel Lane, Randy Prichard, Kim Schneider, Jodee Taylor

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Christopher H. Pastotnik, Robin Vargo PHOTO COORDINATOR Layla Peoples Field PHOTOGRAPHERS Tony Demin, Michael Poehlman, Coreene Smith, Beryl Striewski, Andy Wakeman, Brian Walters

CONTACT US Barefoot Magazine Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Marketing Department 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd Acme, MI 49610 Phone: 800-748-0303 Email: info@gtresort.com Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our apologies and notify us via email or phone so we may make the appropriate corrections. Thank you.

grandtraverseresort.com

10% PCW

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Where Cherries Reign Cherries contain potassium, Vitamin A, melatonin and fiber; new research suggests that tart cherries in any form are a great tool for “precovery.” Athletes preparing for an endurance event can drink cherry juice the week before, day of and day after an event to decrease soreness, says Wendy Bazilian, a registered dietitian with the Cherry Marketing Institute. The Traverse City region’s love affair with cherries goes back to 1852, when Peter Dougherty, a Presbyterian missionary, planted the first trees on the Old Mission Peninsula. Local Native Americans warned him that fruit wasn’t a good idea,

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but cherries, it turned out, loved the sandy soil, the rolling hills and the calming influence of the water on winter winds and summer heat. An informal “blessing of the blossoms” was held around 1910. The first Blessing of the Blossoms Festival, a precursor to today’s National Cherry Festival, was held in 1925. The 2015 National Cherry Festival, now a weeklong event, is scheduled to begin Saturday, July 4, and a local pastor still blesses the harvest—and those harvesting—in a Sunday service following an annual Blossom Day celebration of wine, blossoms and beauty in May. There are still about 10 acres of tart cherries growing in

northwest Lower Michigan for every acre of grapes, according to the Michigan Fruit Inventory for 2011, the most recent year available. But Gene Veliquette, who farms some 3,000 acres of the cherry orchards that border Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and other farmers, are diversifying a bit. He dries his tart cherries or turns them into cherry juice concentrate through his Cherry Ke fruit processing business, a diversification move he says has saved the family farm. But he still eats them daily—dried, mixed with almonds, and atop his oatmeal. The Resort is built atop a one-time cherry orchards; remnants remain on the second hole green and 15th hole of The Bear; 14th green and 15th tee of Spruce Run and there is a full orchard behind The Wolverine’s 13th, 14th and 15th holes. — Jodee Taylor

Perfect Pie “Where can we find the best cherry pie?” The question oft posed at the Resort’s Concierge desk is not easily answered. Frequent sampling of your own is highly recommended. But here are a few places to start the search. GRAND TRAVERSE PIE CO. The Cherry Crumb, a Grand Traverse Pie Co. favorite, is made of local Montmorency cherries and fittingly topped with a heart. Owners donate a portion of profits to local charities including their new fund to help cover educational expenses for foster children. BARGY’S FARM MARKET The secret to Ann Bargy’s recipe, voted “Best Cherry Pie” by viewers of TV 7&4, the local NBC affiliate, is using her mom’s recipe, she says, putting a spritz of vinegar in the crust, and sprinkling each creation sold at Bargy’s Farm Market on U.S. 31 North of Elk Rapids, with a touch of sugar. EVERGREEN MARKET The crumb topping in the center, ring of blue (blueberries) and outer brush of red (cherries) renders the specialty red, white and blue pie a work of art. Inside the market on U.S.

31 just two miles north of the Resort, you’ll also find other Michigan products crafted by 50 farmers and producers. POTTER’S FINE PASTRIES Baked to order pies at this bakery at Eighth and Rose Streets are crafted the same way they’ve been for 85 years, the way founder Julie Potter made them. Tired of pie? The bakery uses cherries in at least 15 other ways. RESORT’S CHERRY PIE TWIST Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Cherry Toffee Pudding features Michigan dried cherries taken to a new level of gourmet. Lisa Gross, a Resort baker, says the dessert consists of a housemade cherry pudding cake (made with dried cherries) topped with caramel toffee sauce. Top that with dried and candied cherries, candied almonds and homemade almond ice cream. Making the

dessert is “quite the process,” Gross says, but well worth it. She rehydrates the dried cherries, makes the “very moist, dense” cupcake-type base, then makes the caramel toffee sauce, which is poured over the cake so it soaks it in. It’s served warm, in a warmed dish. Each batch takes about two hours to make, so savor.

Fun facts Michigan produces more cherries than any other state — about 75 percent of the nation’s tart cherries — and the Grand Traverse region grows more than

BRIAN WALTERS

half of that, about 200 million pounds each year. There are enough tart cherries on one tree (about 7,000) to make 28 pies.

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Local Libations 10 (new) ways to taste Fun Facts Travel + Leisure (April 2014) listed the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail as one of America’s Most Scenic Waterside Drives. Craftbeer.com (July 2014) named Traverse City one of America’s Five Beeriest Beach Towns. In 2014, five out of six of the Best of Class honors at the Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition were awarded to the region’s wineries.

The tasting scene in Northern Michigan is exploding, garnering national attention for its wines, microbrews and spirits. Whatever your libation of choice, you’re sure to surprise your senses with fun tasting experiences all over the region, including several new ways to taste the terroir.

where you can head out for fall “Tailgate Saturdays” and enjoy great wines and complimentary grilled fare with football on TV—of course.

1. TAKE THE ALE TRAIL Trek along the popular TC Ale Trail to explore local suds including Rare Bird, one of the region’s newest breweries to hit the scene. Traverse City is dubbed one of three emerging beer towns to watch by Draft magazine and hit the Travel Channel’s list of Top 7 Beer Destinations.

8. SAMPLE SPIRITS – STRAIGHT OR MIXED Specialty vodkas, like one made with locally grown horseradish, can be sampled alone or as a mini Bloody Mary. After picking your tasting favorites, make your way to the cocktail bar at Northern Latitudes Distillery in Lake Leelanau.

2. HOP ON A “CYCLE PUB” Hop on the unique 14-passenger mobile bike bar, run by TC Cycle Pub, and pedal your way around town discovering great brews along the way. Smaller groups love the six-passenger circle cycle. 3. TASTE FROM WAY ABOVE THE VINES Old Mission’s Brys Estate added a cozy patio and balcony along the vineyard with panoramic views of East Grand Traverse Bay and its own tasting bar. (below) 4. TOAST BY THE FIRE Sample wine and cheese,

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by a real wood-burning fireplace, often to live music, on the secluded patio at new Hawthorne Vineyards. Bask in the dual views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays. 5. SIP BUBBLY AT A TENT BAR Leelanau Peninsula’s L. Mawby Vineyard, which makes sparkling wine only, has added a Tent Bar that features wine by the glass and small plates of fresh, local fare. 6. COZY UP OUTDOORS Catch a performance through the Music on the Patio series at Shady Lane Cellars, or just settle into a cozy seating nook near the brick fireplace and new tasting 32-foot long outdoor bar—a covered, open-air beauty crafted from Douglas Fir and Brazilian granite. 7. TAILGATE ON SATURDAYS, WINE-STYLE New co-owner, former NFL player Kyle Cook, is making his mark at Chateau de Leelanau,

9. SNOWSHOE FROM CIDER TO WINE Bring your own snowshoes, then hop on the free Brew Bus at 11 a.m. daily from Old Mission’s Jolly Pumpkin to Brys Estate winery. Snowshoe across the peninsula, taking a tasting break with water view at Bowers Harbor Vineyards. 10. SKI A LEELANAU WINE TRAIL Groomed trails make exploring easy as you ski or snowshoe through orchards and vineyards for tastings at Blustone Vineyards, Forty-Five North and Tandem Ciders. — Lorri Hathaway

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Miles of golden sand gleams in the sunlight as it stretches down to kiss the sparkling blue expanse of Lake Michigan. From certain overlooks, the water fades from a deep turquoise to darker and darker hues of blue, and whitecaps emerge and fade as waves come and go, making it hard to look

away. Look another direction, and polka dots of dune grass assign even more color to this natural masterpiece. Welcome to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, named after a sad Ojibwe legend about two lost bears and a waiting mother and also named (in 2011)

In the past year this landmark has been named one of: • America’s Top Ten Spots to Hang Ten by Outside.com. • 10 Secret Beaches Worth Discovering by CNNTravel.com. • The Top Ten Best Beaches in the United States by USA Today. • The Top Ten National Parks for Families by Family Fun Magazine.

Most Beautiful Place in America by viewers of the show Good Morning America. It’s still just as lovely, and as popular as ever for a scenic drive, a dune-side picnic, a beach stroll or a climb up/roll down the classic Dune Climb. (nps.gov/slbe)

Regenerating Athletes Coast to Coast *Physican Formulas *All Flex Pro *She Drive *TUM Ease

www.GolfStarRx.com @GolfStarRx

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Traverse City From Above It’s hard to describe what it feels like when the crew holding the tethers of your hot air balloon let go and the ground suddenly—and oddly, unexpectedly—falls away. You feel light as, well, a balloon, as you head straight up, silently, and the crew and landscape gets quickly smaller. Like the “Wizard of Oz” scene in which the wizard goes up, up, up and away back toward Kansas, there seems no turning back. Not that you’d want there to be. Seeing Traverse City above with balloon wizard Jeff Geiger of Grand Traverse Balloons is nothing short of magic. Even after 3,000 or so flights, he’s kept the twinkle in his eye and makes enough jokes amid serious piloting that one rider described the trip as part bal-

loon ride, part comedy show. But what’s most magical is the scene below. Rivers wind through fields, and orchards ripe with deep red cherries resemble an impressionistic painting in the dawn light. When the wizard utters the propane blast that almost sends riders ducking on the balloon floor, there’s a reaction on the ground below as well; watch for deer sprinting toward the cover of nearby trees. Where you travel is similarly an adventure, one based on wind speed and direction. Some trips launch right along Grand Traverse Bay, others south of town for the protective advantage of the Manistee River Valley. Just keep your eyes set on the east because trips are timed for around the

sunrise, which starts as a tiny spot of red and evolves into a golden glow that seems soon to color all the earth. Trips end with a Mimosa toast to the balloonists poem as pilot Geiger wishes passengers blue skies and happy landings in everything they do and then shares stories like the colorful history of toasts and balloon flight, dating back to a nobleman who landed in an angry farmer’s field and got around the pitchfork with the gift of champagne. Luckily, he’s made friends first. (grandtraverseba lloons.com). MORE WAYS TO GET SKYWARD Traverse City Helicopters offers a variety of flying adventure tours, starting at accessible eight-mile trips that allow great views and aerial photos of lakes and landscapes and extending into 60-mile trips and aerial thrill rides. (tcflyingadventures. com). Northwestern Michigan College’s Aviation Department offers an introductory flight lesson with a certified instructor pilot for $85. The stunning view is made even sweeter by the thrill of being in the front seat, with hands on the controls. (nmc.edu/aviation) Traverse Bay Parasail helps you get that assured waterfrom-above view since it lifts you off behind a boat based at the Sugar Beach Resort on East Grand Traverse Bay. To hold jitters at bay, know that their licensed captains have taken more than 25,000 parasailers skyward. (tbparasail.com).

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— Kim Schneider

Small town charm, big time fun...

Elk Rapids

One of the 10 Reasons to Visit the Lower Peninsula.

the

- Forbes.com

Music House

museum

TOP: BERYL STRIEWSKI

The Sounds and History of Music

(231)938.9300

MusicHouse.org

Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 305 US 31 North | Elk Rapids, Michigan 231-264-8202 | www.elkrapidschamber.org

ERCC_GTRBarefootAd_FNL.indd 1

I/2 Mile North of the Resort on US 31 N

11/11/14 10:06 AM

Barefoot Magazine 2015

Blog Highlights

Barefoot blogger Eric DeBoer is our resident tourist; he checks out the region’s highlights firsthand to craft an ever-evolving guide of fun things to do in Traverse City and surrounding region—and with his own unique style. Here are a few excerpts from his ongoing adventures at blog.grandtraverseresort.com. SALMON FISHING Luke quickly handed me the pole and instructed me to start reeling. Now, while this wasn’t exactly Hemingway’s fabled 18-foot Marlin, it was the largest fish I’d ever been charged with bringing in. It’s important to note that it certainly wasn’t my lack of aggression but rather an awkward and disjointed form that led to a lengthy

reeling process. As I finally got the fish close, Luke snagged it out of the water with a net and flopped it into the boat onto the fiberglass boat floor. Beaming with pride, I grabbed the fish and posed for a picture for which there can only be one caption: “Exuding Rugged Manliness.” That masculine feeling of catching my first salmon ended up being short-lived as Barefoot TV’s Jordan Carson went out and completely oneupped me with an enormous king salmon a few days later. BIKING THE VASA One of the best things about living in Northern Michigan is the active lifestyle ingrained within so many people that live here. Even visitors sense it upon arrival. This region’s network of trails found along forests, coastal dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline lend themselves to outdoor adventure in the form of skiing, hiking, kayaking, cycling and more. Located in the Pere Marquette State Forest, the unpaved Vasa Pathway features a series of loops from easy to difficult, and is often used by cross-country skiers, runners and mountain bikers. The Vasa Pathway is also home to the North American Vasa, a premier Nordic ski race, and hosts part of the Bell’s Beer Iceman Cometh Challenge, a point-to-point mountain bike race that draws riders from throughout the world. It had been a while

since I was on this trail, and although I remembered it being scenic, I forgot just how breathtaking some of the stretches are. There are a ton of cool sights to take in. Vintage Leelanau County train cars to lush vineyards and century-old farmhouses. We made it to the quaint little beach town of Suttons Bay, took a minute for a drink of water, and then hopped back on our bikes for the return trip. MICROBREWS AND MUSIC Originally built in 1885 as the Northern Michigan Asylum, the setting gives off an almost intimidating yet cool vibe that leaves you curious as to what all took place here throughout the years. Today, the historic and renovated Village is home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, condominiums, bakery, a winery and much more—in other words, an absolute must-see Traverse City destination. Last Friday, Michael Franti took over the Grand Traverse Commons and turned a relatively laid-back festival atmosphere into a community-wide party. A born entertainer, Franti’s charming likability seemed to come naturally and hit me as soon as his reggae, funk and hip-hop inspired-self took the stage. With more than fifty breweries from Michigan and across the country represented, there was no shortage of fermented concoctions for craft brew enthusiasts to sample.

Staff Favorites There’s no better way to find an area’s hidden gems than to ask a local, and no one knows better than our adventurous staff. Where do they go on their time off?

In Winter, our favorite family outing is Mt. Holiday. The price is so reasonable that we can go often. I am not very good at skiing so it is perfect for me—short easy runs, close to the bar. We have so much fun tubing, and they even have family-friendly live music in their lounge. (With kids) The State Theater is beautiful and has been offering 25 cent kids/ family movies Saturday morning. (Shopping) My husband loves Boyne Country Sports. I like the little boutiques like What to Wear, Ellas, and Daisy Jane. My son loves the huge bookstore-Horizon Books. (Date night) Our favorite date night restaurant is Red Ginger; we like the window seats with a martini and a sushi roll and people watching. We also enjoy live music; either Union Street station or Kilkenny’s will have a band to check out. And we love Right Brain Brewery. The beers are always creative and different every time we go.

One of my favorite spring-summer-fall activities is kayaking in East Bay because it usually has calm water, gorgeous sunsets and is very relaxing. Launch your own kayak at Dock Road or 4 Mile Road, or rent them from (the Beach Club’s) Blue Sky Rentals.

I love to take my family downtown to experience all of the food and beverage options, especially the different food trucks parked at The Little Fleet. Our son especially loves the splash pad at Clinch Park. If it is ever too busy in Traverse City, we will head up to Elk Rapids to enjoy their beautiful beach! In the fall we enjoy our drives up either Peninsula, or a visit to Suttons Bay. During the winter months we enjoy going to the Great Lakes Children’s Museum. -Kyle Oberstadt, Club Membership Manager

- Norman Bowbeer, Human Resources Trainer

-Joann Hanafi, Assistant Reservations Manager

In summer and fall, one place that I try to get out to at least once a month is Pyramid Point to watch the sun sink behind Lake Michigan. It gives awesome views of the surrounding area as you hike up to the location, and the view of Lake Michigan is just breathtaking. And the The Microbrew & Music Festival in February was one of my favorite things I participated in over the winter season.

I like to visit the Christmas Cove Farm in Northport, and then in the evening have dinner up in Aerie Restaurant at the top of the Resort for the most breathtaking view of a fall sunset. If it is a rainy day, a favorite place to tour is the Music House Museum, one of the area’s hidden gems. In winter I would take a sleigh ride at Antler Ridge Farm in Williamsburg then treat myself the a Resort Spa service, later head downtown Traverse City to eat great French cuisine while sitting next to the fireplace at Amical. Afterward I’d see a movie at the State Theater for the most comfortable and cozy movie-going experience.

-Alex Schauer, Event Design Manager

-Cheryl Beyer, Concierge

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TONY DEMIN

family & lifestyle

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Something for everyone, in every season Joe, wife Kellie and their four children—two teens, two younger kids—blend activities they enjoy as a family with their individual pursuits. Joe and his older son may golf while the youngest daughter takes tennis lessons and the rest of the family swims. Then, weather permitting, they all head to the Resort-owned section of East Grand Traverse Bay shoreline for more swimming, a bonfire and live music. “We love that we can do things individually and then meet up later in the day,” says Van Antwerp. “We can have dinner together at the Resort. We take advantage of the Club discounts at the restaurants and gallery shops.”

SPRING In any season, the 100,000 square-foot Health Club welcomes guests and members for indoor fitness activities. Families love the Indoor Water Playground with two pools, a 70-foot spiraling waterslide, floating waterwalk, and in-pool basketball. Parents can splash with their kids or relax in a hot tub or at the fireside cafe. “We’ll use the indoor pool and get into the Health Club for cardio and weight training,” says Van Antwerp. When area schools have holidays or spring break, Club Members bring their kids to the club for arts and crafts, games

COREENE SMITH

Dad wants to golf. Mom wants a pedicure. Older sister wants to practice her tennis serve, but little brother wants to splash in a pool. Keeping everyone in the family happy on vacation is not a challenge at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, where the main thing missing is the potential for boredom. Just ask some of the Resort’s Club Members who find the four-season playground a great place for family leisure activities all year. ‘We didn’t realize how much was available until we became club members,” says Traverse City business owner Joe Van Antwerp. “We’re there just about every week, whether it’s for golfing, the beach club, or swimming with the kids.”

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•Events and highlights include: Spring Break camp for kids in

the Cub House, Easter Weekend Activities and Buffet in Aerie, Mother’s Day Brunch in Aerie. SUMMER The Resort’s private Beach Club, 600 feet of shoreline along East Grand Traverse Bay complete with a beachfront grille, boat and paddleboard rentals, a pool and wide swaths of sand for castle building, beach volleyball or lounging, is the centerpiece of summer fun. “The kids like to swim, or play volleyball, or try some of the crafts like making a beach bag,” Van Antwerp says. Golf is another big draw for Joe and his older son. In addition to the championship courses, the Golf Academy offers group and private instruction, and children as young as five can enroll in the seven-week Junior Golf Program. There’s tennis, too, in a program regarded among the best in Michigan. Instruction is offered year-round, mostly through an array of multi-week classes. There’s off-site sports fun, too, like the Beach Bums Night at Traverse City’s minor league baseball park, a favorite annual outing for the Peck family. A few times a summer, the Resort rents the park’s large patio so Club Members and families can together cheer on the local team. • Events and highlights include: S’mores Fest, Father’s Day Activities and Parent and Child Big Hole Golf Event, Beach Week featuring the Beach Olympics, various golf tournaments and championships. • The Cub House provides care for children up to age 13 year-round, and in the summer, children ages 6 to 12 can enroll in Camp Traverse for half days, full days or a week. FALL As children return to school, fall can be an ideal time for parents to recharge at the Spa after a hectic summer, Van Antwerp says. Come weekends, there are hay rides and Halloween

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parties and Dylan’s Candy Bar for gourmet treats. Dylan’s also arranges birthday parties and events, and often holds classes in making your own cotton candy or a licorice necklace. Resort guests look forward to special rates and family discount packages in the fall, which can be the loveliest time in the Grand Traverse region. Summer crowds have dwindled yet the weather is still mild and usually sunny, and the Resort is a convenient base for color tours or browsing the area’s farm markets and orchard stands. The windows of Aerie Restaurant also offer one of the best color tour views around. • Events and highlights include: Big Hole Golf Tournament, Spa Week, “Global.Art.Fashion. Hair.Show,” Kids and Adults Halloween Tennis Mixer, Thanksgiving Buffet in Aerie Restaurant & Lounge. WINTER Resort guests can ice skate on the outdoor rink, ski groomed cross-country trails, or snowshoe throughout the property. Gear rentals are available onsite. “The ice rink is nice for skating or hockey, and my wife loves to snowshoe,” says Van Antwerp. Inside, the Winter Golf Academy and indoor tennis courts help players keep their swings in good shape. The Indoor Water Playground is open daily for family fun, and outside, come holiday time, hallways and trees are decked with lights that lend a festive feel. “The Resort offers so much for a family,” Van Antwerp says. “It’s just a great place to be, and the atmosphere is great. My kids have often said when we’re driving home, ‘it’s like we’re on vacation but we’re at home!’” • Events and highlights include: Christmas Day Buffet at Aerie; Biggest Little Holiday Party; New Year’s Eve Party. — Sharon Flesher

COREENE SMITH

or movie night. Some use the Cub House for child care on school holidays. Resort guests and Club Members can register children aged 6 to 12 for “Kids Night Out,” year-round on Saturdays 6-11 p.m. Activities include tennis, swimming, arts and crafts, board and video games, and a pizza party. “We love all the family friendly activities the Resort plans throughout the year,” says Club Member Kara Peck, who joined with her husband Eric and two kids. “And we often call up some friends and invite them to the Resort pool for a pizza party. Kids are happy, adults are happy.”

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TOP: ANDY WAKEMAN; BOTTOM: MICHAEL POEHLMAN

2015

Calendar of Events

To learn more about regional activities listed and other year-round happenings, visit traversecity.com. Events followed by an asterisk take place at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. (grandtraverseresort.com) JANUARY

Global•Art•Fashion•Hair•Show* Traverse City Zombie Run

Downtown Traverse City Chili Cook-Off Kalkaska Winterfest

NOVEMBER Traverse City Beer Week, featuring “The Great Beerd Run” 5K* Bell’s Beer Iceman Cometh Challenge Mountain Bike Race Traverse City Turkey Trot Gallery Shops Annual Holiday Sale* Thanksgiving Celebrations*

FEBRUARY VASA Cross Country Ski Race Traverse City Winter Microbrew & Music Festival Traverse City Winter Comedy Arts Festival Traverse City Restaurant Week* Valentine’s Day Weekend Celebrations*

MARCH

Golf Your Daylights Out – $99 Unlimited Golf Promotion* Beach Week, featuring The Beach Olympics* Traverse City Wine & Art Festival M-22 Challenge S’mores Fest*

Suds ‘n Snow Spring Break Celebrations* Easter Celebrations*

COREENE SMITH

JULY

APRIL Spring Break Celebrations* National Trout Festival Golf Courses Open for the Season*

MAY Bayshore Marathon Mud, Sweat & Beers Asparagus Festival Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations* Outdoor Pools and Beach Club Open for the Season*

JUNE Leland Wine & Food Festival

National Cherry Festival Stars, Strips and Splatter Color Run* Traverse City Film Festival Horse Shows by the Bay City of Riesling Friday Night Live in Traverse City

AUGUST Elk Rapids Harbor Days “Short’s Fest” - Presented by Short’s Brewing Company Peshawbestown Traditional Pow Wow Horse Shows by the Bay Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival Friday Night Live in Traverse City

SEPTEMBER Labor Day Weekend Celebrations* NHL Prospect Tournament Detroit Red Wings Training Camp & Golf Classic*

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Big Hole Golf Tournament* Acme Fall Festival King of the Mountain Race

OCTOBER Bell’s Beer Weekend “Tuff Enuff?” Golf Tournament* Sleeping Bear Marathon & Half-Marathon

DECEMBER Biggest Little Holiday Party* Gallery Shops Annual Holiday Sale* Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting in Traverse City New Year’s Eve Celebrations* CherryT Ball Drop

ANNUAL WINERY EVENTS WINTER WARM UP Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (Jan)

HARVEST STOMPEDE Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (Sep)

ROMANCING THE RIESLING Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (Feb)

THE HUNT FOR THE REDS OF OCTOBER Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (Oct)

TASTE THE PASSION Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (Feb) CELLAR SALE Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (Mar) SPRING SIP & SAVOR Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (May) BLOSSOM DAYS Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (May)

GREAT MACARONI & CHEESE BAKEOFF Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (Nov) TOAST THE SEASON Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (Nov) DAY OF GIVING Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (Dec)

CELLAR SALE Leelanau DIVAS UNCORKED Peninsula Vintners Association Wineries of Old Mission (Dec) Peninsula (Jun) For more information, visit: lpwines.com or wineriesofoldmission.com

spa & wellness

Two favorite Northern Michigan activities converge in Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s VIP Wine & Spa package.

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During the spring, one can approach Traverse City from almost any direction and see cherry orchards covering the gently rolling hills. The trees are covered in swaths of pink and white blossoms. Come midsummer, those trees are covered in fruit—bright red, deep purple, creamy pink. About the same time, the area’s wine vines are coming to life, turning bright chartreuse, soon to produce clumps of luscious wine grapes. Surrounded by so much natural beauty, it’s only logical that Grand Traverse Resort and Spa would incorporate local nature into its spa programs. Last year, the Resort decided to craft the ultimate combination with a VIP Wine & Spa package, a delightful combination of relaxation and adventure. “Wine and spa go well together,” said Spa Manager Dawn Olsen. “What I am noticing is that many of our guests go on wine tours so we decided to incorporate spa and wine, and it has been very successful for us.” Arrive on a Friday afternoon—a bit early perhaps—so as to take full advantage of the treatments that will be prebooked for you. Choose from a list of tempting treatments, say the Cherry Infused Massage, the Ultimate Mani & Pedi Combo/Cherry Honey Glow or the Restore Men’s Facial. Treatments increasingly incorporate local products; there is a hops and honey body scrub, a grape wine peel and

COREENE SMITH

Wine and Spa: a perfect pairing

Fun fact The Spa sells its own line of cherry-infused lotions, soaps and scrubs made by a Traverse City company, Great Lakes Bath & Body, from formulas developed in the Spa itself. The fresh-from-the-orchard scent comes from a cherry concentrate they obtain from Cherry Growers, Inc., a grower-owned cooperative

COREENE SMITH

in Northern Michigan.

“The Spa Grand Traverse Body Renewal” which incorporates the calming effects of local wild birch and wintergreen in the linen wrap that goes with a luxurious Vichy shower, scalp massage and hot stone body treatment. To hold onto that post-treatment glow, relax by the fireplace with something from the Spa’s beverage menu— perhaps a glass of “Brix” pink bubbly or a mug of Short’s Brewing Company craft beer. The next day, those on the VIP Spa & Wine package take a leisurely 45-minute ride onto the Old Mission Peninsula to Bowers Harbor Vineyards, past rolling acres of grape vines intermixed with fields of wildflowers and Northern Michigan woodlands. In the rustic tasting room or on the patio overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, guests sample sparkling, red and white varietals and learn the history of this family-owned venture. They might munch on fresh strawberries, a local sharp cheese, venison sausage and Marcona almonds. If weather permits, the tour moves outside amongst the

vines to learn about the local climate and soil, the layout and naming of the various fields of grapes while sampling cherry port wine and sinful chocolate truffles. During inclement weather, sampling is done in the cozy wine cellar, says Kristy McClellan, Bowers Harbor Vineyard’s Director of Operations. You just might end up purchasing a bottle or two of

the Unwooded Chardonnay for savoring later. These popular packages are designed for persons 21 year of age and older. They include include two nights accommodations for two, two breakfasts for two, two vineyard tasting/ tours and one spa treatment per person during the weekend. See grandtraverseresort.com/spa for 2015 package dates. read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

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Resort guests.) Pick up a schedule in the Health Club or view it on the Resort website. There are also many yoga options—Gentle, Power, Rising Sun, Yin. “We offer all different types, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or expert. It is nice that our guests can experience the whole genre of yoga,” LaMott says. The Resort’s acclaimed tennis program also continues to grow in popularity. Anyone looking for a tennis game while on vacation or a conference can take advantage of the five indoor courts, four outdoor courts and Club list that matches up partners. You might even see some Detroit Red Wings hockey players on the courts, LaMott says. “During training camp our courts are really busy. Those big guys really love to play tennis.” — Cynthia Boal Janssens

MICHAEL POEHLMAN

GETTING FIT CAN BE FUN The Resort’s fitness programs may not incorporate wine, cherries or microbrews, but they do increasingly incorporate the outdoors. Guests and Resort Club Members can keep on track with a personalized workout program, complete with personal trainer, yoga therapist or meditation coach. They can also check out the new bright green, orange or red ElliptiGO® bikes, which are ridden outside. Easier to use and more comfortable than a bike, an ElliptiGO® burns 33 percent more calories than riding a regular bike and delivers a cardiovascular work-

out comparable to running. “It’s a great low-impact workout. All shapes and body sizes can try it out,” says Ryan LaMott, Health Club Manager. “We are averaging four to six rentals a day and have had tremendously positive feedback.” The ElliptiGO® bikes rent for $15/hour for resort guests (must be 18), including instruction and helmet. Those just looking for a personal workout can head to the free-weight studio or the cardio room with its full array of Cybex® equipment, LaMott said. There are also two indoor pools, two outdoor pools, a children’s water play area, two hot tubs inside and two outside. For those who enjoy fitness in numbers, a full array of classes are offered that combine cardio and strength training including Aqua Aerobics, Spinning, Pilates, Zumba® and more. (Most classes cost $10 for

™ . E R I F Y K C U T N E K ® M A E B M I J INTRODUCING Y BOURBON WITH REAL KENTUCK RY CINNAMON. E I F F O T S A L B A

race

Get active with

Team Barefoot

There are many ways to enjoy the naturally beautiful terrain of the Grand Traverse region and for some people enjoyment means taking in the vistas at a sprint. But in a land of lakes, rivers, forests, farms and beaches that sprint may be on foot, bike, board or kayak, which is why Grand Traverse Resort and Spa created Team Barefoot in 2011. Team Barefoot is the Resort’s outdoor active lifestyle team. Team members are passionate about getting outside to move, explore and compete. Unlike with other teams, membership in Team Barefoot is not specific to any one sport or physical activity. Members come from a multitude of disciplines and simply share a common mindset: Live an active outdoor lifestyle. Team Barefoot members enjoy exclusive offers, events and discounts. In return, they are asked to proudly promote Team Barefoot by using their official team gear while training or competing in races. And in Northern Michigan, there are plenty of races—regardless of your preferred distance or discipline. In fact, with so many races to choose from, it can be difficult to decide if you should dash dunes, ski the VASA or go off road on fat tires. Resort employees and Team Barefoot members Kelly Yauk and Kyle Oberstadt are both avid runners. Below, they share some of their favorite Northern Michigan races.

KELLY’S FAVORITE RACES Having run a number of races in big cities like Detroit, Chicago, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, I am consistently awed by the beauty and variety of scenery in the Grand Traverse area. Bayshore Marathon (May 23, 2015) bayshoremarathon.org. The Bayshore Marathon is the perfect race to kick off your running season. Held on Memorial Day weekend, the timing of Bayshore is ideal to get you motivated for a summer of racing. The full marathon is a flat outand-back course run along East Grand Traverse Bay. The half marathon starts at the half way point and all racers finish on the

track at Traverse City Central High School to the sound of stands full of fans. Also there is Moomers ice cream! M22 Challenge (June 13, 2015) m22challenge.com The M22 Challenge is a run, bike, paddle triathlon surrounded by the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes. The bike portion loops around Big Glen Lake and Little Glen Lake, where the paddle portion is held. It is beautiful, difficult and altogether worth it. Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon (June) enduranceevolu tion.com/glen-arbor-solsticehalf-marathon-5k

Barefoot Races

Kelly Yauk and Kyle Oberstadt

Stars, Stripes and Splatter 5K Color Run Saturday, July 4 – 10:00am Add a splash of color to your Fourth of July holiday weekend. Runners get doused with red, white and blue at on-course color stations and celebrate at the end with a Patriotic after-party. Register: grandtraversere sort.com/StarsStripesand Splatter

The Great Beerd Run 5K Fun Run Saturday, Novem-

This year was my first running this race, and I definitely will be back. This course has some hills, including the massive and euphemistically named Inspiration Point, but I loved the combination of wooded areas and water views. Cherry Festival Half Marathon (July) cherryfestival.org/ festival-of-races 2014 was the first year that a Half Marathon was added to the mix of running events at the National Cherry Festival, and it is going on my “must race” list. With a start in a cherry orchard and a finish on the Cherry Festival parade route, this race is the epitome of Traverse City.

Lighthouse Half Marathon (October) lighthousehalf.com This race starts at the base of the Old Mission Lighthouse and works its way to Bowers Harbor Park. The hilly course includes portions on paved and dirt roads as well as trails. Other races run on Old Mission Peninsula stick to the perimeter roads, but this race run right into the heart of the Peninsula. Traverse City Turkey Trot (November) tcturkeytrot.com This is the only race on my list that is less about the course and more about the company. We bring the whole family and walk or run in the fresh air while building up an appetite.

KYLE’S FAVORITE RACES Leapin’ Leprechaun Run (March) cherryfestival.org This is a fun 5k race, sometimes a little chilly, where you better have your green running gear on! The race is followed by a social to help you kick off your St. Patrick’s Day festivities! Cherry Festival of Races - TC 5k (July) cherryfestival.org/ festival-of-races These races are a highlight on the local running scene. Racers from all over the state come to participate while enjoying the annual Cherry Festival. King of the Mountain - Mt. Holiday (September) imking ofthemountain.com

Are you interested in joining Team Barefoot?

MICHAEL POEHLMAN

BENEFITS

Team members enjoy several exclusive perks, including: Team Barefoot performance shortsleeved shirt, water bottle, swim cap, Under Armour athletic bag, $25 OFF accommodations at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (certain restrictions apply), discounts on Team Barefoot cycling jerseys made by Louis Garneau and access to exclusive Team Barefoot events and special offers. All that we ask in return as a team member is that you proudly promote Team Barefoot by using

your official team gear while training or competing in races. We’d also love to see you share photos and videos of you adventures with others on the team!

HOW TO APPLY

ber 14 – 10:00am Celebrate all things beer and beards! Three on-course microbrew stations will keep you motivated during the run with a beard-themed afterparty to keep you happy. Register: grandtraversere sort.com/BeerdRun

This is not your average 5k. Running as a “Lone Warrior” or with a team through a unique obstacle course designed by former and active duty military specialists is challenging, but not impossible. TC Track Club Fun Runs (multiple events) tctrackclub.com This group always provides the opportunity to meet some new people and enjoy a scenic run every week followed by an optional social. A summer series of races varies in distances and handicaps to provide a little extra fun and training. Girls on the Run of Northern Michigan (multiple events) nwmigirlsontherun.com I get to share my love of running with my niece and promote a healthy lifestyle to another generation. All of the Northern Michigan organizations meet for a 5k annually following the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City.

Visit: grandtraverseresort.com/TeamBarefoot and fill out the online application. Follow Team Barefoot on Facebook at: facebook.com/Team Barefoot and Twitter at: twitter. com/TeamBarefoot

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Home Grown

NORTHERN MICHIGAN — its woods, its water and a strong sense of community — is infused in the process and products of many of the region’s most successful entrepreneurs. We’ve reached out to three with roots that run deep, who all say that if you can’t literally taste the fruits of the region in their products, you’ll sense its spirit. BY K I M SCH N E I DE R P H OTO G R AP HY BY TONY DE M I N

TH E B E E R ARTIST: JOE S HORT DON’T BOTHER BEGGING. No matter how many times you ask, Joe Short isn’t going to distribute his microbrews outside of Michigan. “We call it the Short’s Brewery Michigan Stimulus Plan,” the 35-year-old brewer/entrepreneur says of the decision. “We get emails all the time from people from Ohio, Indiana, Texas, asking ‘Do you ship out here?’ We say, ‘No, but Michigan is a beautiful place to come and visit.’ And sometimes they do. People fly into Bellaire, go to the pub and leave the next day. It’s way easier to get people to come to Michigan to experience what we do than trying to send them the Northern Michigan experience.” The area — the streams and fields in which he played as a youth — is evident in Short’s Brewery products in ways you can literally taste. Fresh chocolate mint from the river shoreline by his house is a key ingredient in his Grasshoppah IPA; local Blue Spruce trees were a source for the Spruce Pilsner; and the key ingredient in the Black Cherry Porter came from a processor of Michigan cherries just down the road from the brewery. But more subtly is the way that growing up within a bike ride of Torch Lake, Rapid River, Torch River, the woods built something into his genes, “requiring” he stay near water, where he and his wife now raise two young boys. He set off for college intending to be a high school wood shop teacher, but an entrepreneurial spirit took over, one honed as a young boy who’d fix up old bikes and re-sell them, peddle Halloween candy 28 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

on the school bus when others’ stashes were long empty. Helping too was a hospitality sense developed as a teen busboy at the Dockside along Torch Lake. And then there was beer — something he started making before legally old enough to taste it. But it was Joe’s innate creativity that has earned Short’s a cult following and is perhaps partly responsible for the need for a recent $5 million expansion of his Elk Rapids production brewery, $1.2 million expansion of his Bellaire brew pub and growing beer pairing dinner partnerships like one he has with Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. It’s also what makes the work fun. “For me, brewing is like this culinary microbiological art form with limitless potential,” he said. “Essentially, if you could dream it, you could try to create it ... You think like, ‘I like Bloody Marys and black licorice, and I like pecan pie, and I like beer. Is there any way to put this all together somehow? So we

made Bloody Beer with tomato and horseradish and celery seed and black pepper. And a Black Licorice Lager with anice. The Imperial Woodmaster was made with maple syrup and pecans.” He says the best moments come, like on a recent evening, when an elderly visitor told him how much she loves bringing her family and also what his business has done for the town of Bellaire. “It’s a huge compliment that something I really enjoy doing and have a passion for is doing good things not only for people in our organization but people in our community.” Joe says he remembers being asked back in second grade what it means to be successful and he replied having enough money to live and a profession you enjoy. “The third piece of the puzzle,” he said, “is to live where you want to live. I love the Northern Michigan region — the most beautiful place on Planet Earth.”

Taste the place Multiple brews are on tap at the Short’s Brewing Company’s pub, 121 N. Bridge St., Bellaire, along with food and live music. Shortsbrewing.com FIND IT HERE Short’s beers are on tap at Aerie Restaurant, Resort bars and special microbrew dinner pairings.

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“I read somewhere that ICE CREAM is a proven COMFORT FOOD. It produces seratonin in the brain and BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES and MAKES MEMORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.”

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TH E B EST ICE CR EAM MAKE R I N TH E WOR LD? NANCY PLU M M E R

Taste the place See where it all began at 7263 N. Long Lake Rd., where you can also schedule a farm tour. Moomers.com FIND IT HERE Several Moomers flavors are served up at Dylan’s Candy Bar in the Resort’s Gallery of Shops.

WHEN NANCY PLUMMER decided she’d like to quit her 27-year elementary teaching job and open an ice cream store — perhaps attached to the family’s dairy farm — she took the idea to a group of business people who gave advice on such matters. They told her to give up on the idea. It would never work, they said, because she had no business experience, no food experience, was on the wrong side of the road and didn’t have a business plan. “When you tell me I can’t do something I’m passionate about,” Plummer says, “I’m going to prove you wrong.” And so she has with Moomers, the ice cream store that Good Morning America in 2008 honored as having the nation’s best “scoop.” More accolades followed in such tony publications as Condé Nast Traveler, Men’s Journal, Redbook and USA Today. And the publicity has drawn more customers from around the world to the dairy farm location and regional outlets like Dylan’s Candy Bar at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. “We have a Michigan map, a United States map and a world map,” she said. “There’s no room for pins in most of the major populated areas of the world. We take the pins out at the end of every year and start new in March when we open, and it’s fun to watch it fill up.” Plummer’s husband Bob was a dairy farmer when Nancy came up with the idea to diversify, using the milk in her premium ice creams. That has evolved, and milk from the farm is used in the vanilla, chocolate, peppermint stick and cinnamon. Flavors are unlimited, she notes, but the supply from the 24 cows milked on the farm isn’t. The dairy connection has proven serendipitous in other ways, though. Customers, she says, like the novelty of glancing at cows while they eat. The area’s steady increase in tourism, and particularly its growing reputation as a foodie city, has helped too, as has the

fact that most everyone loves ice cream. Though customers sometimes struggle to pick a flavor from the 120 rotating options (generally 20 are offered at any given time), she says, they’re for the most part awfully happy. “I read somewhere that ice cream is a proven comfort food,” she said. “It produces seratonin in the brain and brings back a lot of memories and makes memories for young people.” Some flavors incorporate the local bounty; chocolate Cabernet even uses Northern Michigan wine. A customer created Cherries Moobilee, the black cherry ice cream with chunks of black sweet cherries, chocolate fudge swirl and brownies featured on Good Morning America. It’s now the shop’s best seller. This year’s newcomers include maple bacon and the customer-created Cabin Fever — vanilla ice cream for snow, blueberry swirls for blue sky and lemon swirls for sunshine. Only the attempt at a “macaroni and cheese” ice cream was a total bomb. “When the pasta is frozen in ice cream, it doesn’t break down,” Plummer says. “When you chew it, it’s like a wad of bubble gum in your mouth.” Plummer’s son Jon and daughter Becky now have key roles in the organization, fulfulling her plan to employ her kids, and Plummer herself says she has been able to keep teaching, only now about ice cream and agriculture, to some 3,000 field trip goers each year. And those businessmen who said she’d never make a go of it? They’re among her most frequent customers, and they couldn’t be happier about being wrong.

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TH E LI FESTYLE E NTR E PR E N E U R: J I M M I LLIGAN

Letting customers EXPERIENCE the JOY of CREATIVITY is a hallmark of the FUSTINI’S EXPERIENCE, and a visit is a true experience.

THE CREATOR OF THE FUSTINI’S BRAND of flavor-infused oils and vinegars was just looking for a way to make a living where he wanted to live — Traverse City — when he decided to create a tasting room-style food experience similar to those he’d seen modeled across Europe. Jim Milligan liked olive oil and knew there was a strong potential market in the U.S., he said. But what he didn’t know much about was producing it when he launched the company that now has outlets in Traverse City, Petoskey, Holland, Mackinaw City, Ann Arbor and most recently, Maui. What the long-time 3M executive did know something about was marketing and opportunity. His favorite vacation region, Traverse City, a spot where he had family and spent multiple vacations each year, was in the midst of a culinary explosion. High quality oils and vinegars seamlessly fit into the growing culinary scene, and his company would eventually help to perpetuate that growth. “We’re helping to change the way people look at flavoring food,” he says. But that didn’t happen without a lot of listening to his customers. “I used to stand outside the store when we first opened,” he said. “I took my apron off and I’d listen to what people had to say as they were leaving and I’d hear comments like

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‘That is a really neat store. I hope they make it because it’s just olive oil and vinegar.’ “The other thing we were told quite a bit is: ‘You ought to write recipes and do a cookbook.’ People immediately were looking for more applications. And we needed to show them more to get the kind of consumption required to make this an ongoing business. We started to show people how to make marinades, salad dressings and sauces. That got customer creativity going in the store.” Letting customers experience the joy of creativity is a hallmark of the Fustini’s experience, and a visit is a true experience. On average, Milligan notes, staff members spend 20 minutes with a single customer, facilitating what amounts to a private tasting. Customers move freely back and forth across the open tasting room, mixing and matching flavor combinations from stainless steel vats called fustini in Italian. One might combine chipotle oil with an espresso-flavored balsamic for a popular meat marinade or a lemon vinegar with an Herbs de Provence oil for a simple dressing for atop arugula or other spicy greens. Others go for the single varietal extra virgin olive oils, fresh from the Southern hemisphere this past summer. Several cookbooks later, he’s givng them extra help in finding ways to use the products, adding demonstration kitchens to the stores. This year, cooking demonstrations will encourage them to stick around and learn more ways to use products; shoppers can also sign up for cooking classes in new in-store kitchens, mostly taught by the newly hired corporate chef. And it’s all given him the chance to work where he wanted to live — something he calls lifestyle entrepreneuring. He lives in a condo along Grand Traverse Resort’s Spruce Run golf course, a quick walk from Aerie Restaurant & Lounge — one of his company’s strongest restaurant partners. A regular day might involve a round of golf, game of tennis or cookout with friends; a Fustini’s product or two is sure to be on the menu. “There’s this whole food and wine culture that’s developed in the area over the six and a half years we’ve been here. It’s been great to be part of that. I think the timing for what we’ve done, looking back on it, was perfect.”

Taste the place Create your own blends, watch a cooking demo or take a class at the Traverse City headquarters, 141 E. Front St., fustinis.com. FIND IT HERE Say “pass the bread” at Aerie Restaurant and Lounge, where a combination Fustini’s oils and vinegars are matched to the house-made bread of the day.

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THE SPLENDOR OF GRASS BY RAN DY PR I CHAR D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y B R I A N W A LT E R S

S PAUL GALLIGAN RECALLS, he returned home from his freshman year at Central Michigan University needing a job. His mother gave him $50 and said, “Go buy yourself a pair of boots and see Ron Green.” Green was superintendent at the nearby Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. That was long before the Grand Traverse region’s premier vacation destination had evolved into the golfplex it is today; the Resort was just starting to incorporate nine new holes to the nine-hole course it purchased from the township of Acme. “I had no idea golf course maintenance was even a profession,” Galligan says. “I just knew I wasn’t going to be doing this the rest of my life.” He was hired on the spot. Thirty-five years later, Galligan — a once want-to-be teacher — presides over a class of three superintendents and 46 full-time and seasonal personnel as Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Director of Golf and Grounds. “There’s something to be said about showing a little interest and having a strong work ethic,” he professes. Golf is green at the Resort. The three 18-hole championship courses of The Bear, The Wolverine and Spruce Run host nearly 50,000 rounds of golf from early May through late October. And it’s the green that makes the Resort shine.

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TOP GOLF The 54 holes of golf at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa comprise over one third of the acreage of the 900-acre retreat and residential community. Through the years, the Resort has been honored with numerous golf awards recognizing it as one of the Midwest’s finest golf experiences. PGA.com rates the Resort as one of the Nine Best Golf Resorts for Couples. Links Magazine rates the Resort a Top 10 Summer Golf Resort. Golf Digest places the Resort among its Top 10 Best Buddy Getaways. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa received the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Environmental Steward Award in 1998, and certification by the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program in 2006.

The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa earned “Michigan Golf Course of the Year” honors in 2012, as recognized by the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Michigan’s most heralded golfer of the past 15 years, Scott Hebert, is the head golf professional at the Resort. Hebert claimed his seventh Michigan PGA Championship in 2014. The 2008 PGA Professional National Champion is also a six-time Michigan Open Champion and a Tournament of Champions winner.

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“Not every guest sees the courses or the hotel or the restaurants, but every guest sees the grounds. It takes the entire team to create an exceptional experience and provide quality recreation.” PAUL GALLIGAN

Trevor Stevens cutting the cup on the 18th green of The Bear. read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

Galligan’s green team arrives every morning before sunrise, assembling at the equipment and maintenance facility to get the day’s assignments. As the sun begins to glint on the Resort’s Tower, mowers, tractors and carts parade from the yard, heading to nearby fairways, greens and tee boxes, affording every player the finest conditions enjoyed in golf-rich Michigan. The Bear — a Jack Nicklaus signature course and arguably the toughest test of golf in the Great Lakes State — is the envy of its brethren. Its tee boxes are first to be cut. Each green is manicured daily with a walk mower and rolled every other day. Fresh pins are cut every day to manage foot traffic on the green. Greenside bunkers are hand-raked and groomed. But The Wolverine and Spruce Run aren’t neglected by any stretch. Many a golf course would beg the attention Galligan’s earnest team led by Superintendent Gene Davis lavishes on these 36 holes. It’s a meticulous orchestration of man and 38 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

machine and it’s replicated day after day after day, all for the sake of grass, for it’s an organism that grows ever more so when nourished with water and nutrients. “I don’t think there’s a person on my staff who doesn’t enjoy what they do,” shares the dedicated director. Tom Burke, now 87, moved to Traverse City to retire. He responded to an ad thinking he’d take on a little part-time work. That was 23 years ago. “I think this is my last year,” confides the tractor jockey, smiling. Galligan’s heard that before. Having earned his degree in Turfgrass Management at Michigan State University, Seth Britton — on board since 1998 — is now Superintendent of The Bear. Britton’s love of grass is inherent; his father held a similar job for 20 years. “I’m a huge nature guy,” he says. “The course is not just a place to play golf. It’s a park. Look around! It’s fascinating.” “Not every guest sees the courses or the hotel or the restaurants,” Galligan knows,

“but every guest sees the grounds. It takes the entire team to create an exceptional experience and provide quality recreation.” It takes a considerable amount of equipment to maintain the hundreds of acres of green that accentuate 900-acre Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. And each apparatus has a specific purpose: separate mowers for the greens and collars, some that are walked and others that are ridden; individual mowers for the fairways, rough and intermediate rough; triplex mowers for tee boxes and mechanical rakes for bunkers, to say nothing of carts and sprayers and sweepers and blowers; and mechanics — a multi-person, full-time job in itself; and lest we not forget, the irrigation system. “Look at that sun,” beams Galligan. “You have to be here every morning to appreciate it.”

Far left: Trevor Stevens cutting the cup on the 18th green of The Bear. Above: Billie Drake fairway mowing on the 14th hole of The Bear. Left: Chesten VanPelt mowing the greens on The Bear’s 17th hole.

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BY E R I C D E B OE R • P H OTO G R AP HY BY M I CHAE L P OE H LMAN

Traverse City

TR AN S FO R M E D BY N I G HT

HEN DUSK OVERTAKES the northern Michigan sky, a fresh and hip Traverse City comes to life. Flip flops and shopping bags are replaced with swanky shoes and clutch purses. A feeling that it’s ‘date night’ emanates from the city lights 40 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

as couples venture out to have fun and create memories. What was once primarily a quaint little beach town along Lake Michigan has transformed into a thriving city overflowing with culture and energy. Meet Traverse City. After Dark.

H A N D C R A F T E D C O C K TA I L S

“Q

UALITY DRINKS TAKE TIME, Good Things Come To Those Who Wait.” The first house rule posted on the menu at Low Bar sets the mood and expectations for patrons, one that says quality and character matter. The fun starts in the nondescript lobby, where the doorman keeps count to make sure things stay comfortable and intimate downstairs. After a subtle head nod and smile, the elevator opens up and you’re transported to the dimly-lit Traverse City basement speakeasy. It takes a few minutes to get used to the lighting, but once eyes adjust, you understand why Low Bar has developed such a reputation for cool. The underground cocktail lounge on Union Street feels like the type of place where business deals were done by handshakes, not contracts. It harkens back to a time when elbow length gloves completed a woman’s outfit and men wouldn’t be caught in public without a drape-cut suit and fedora, and it’s an ideal place to sip a ’30s era cocktail and have great conversations (lowbartc.com). Hand-crafted “cocktails and culture” can also be found at The Parlor (theparlortc.com) in downtown Traverse City. If you’re a fan of bourbon and Michigan maple syrup, “The Smoke Stack” is a must-try.

TO T H E C I N E M A

HE BRIGHT MARQUEE of the State Theatre (statetheatretc.org) draws you over as you walk hand in hand down Front Street. Boarded up for years, the vintage theater was completely renovated in 2007 and today, the non-profit, volunteer-run cinema shows new movies, independent films and hosts the enormously popular Traverse City Film Festival each August. It’s earned popularity in its own right, though; the Motion Picture Association of America recently named it one of the “Ten Best Movie Theaters in the World.” (thecredits. org) Why? Attention to details. Whether it’s the starry ceiling that’s an exact replica of a Traverse City night sky, the most comfortable reclining seats you’ve ever sat in or the inexpensive ticket and concession prices, every single aspect of the movie-going experience has been well-thought-out and executed. read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

N EVE R TH I R STY

T’S NO SECRET THAT craft beer has seen a major uptick in popularity in recent years. The godfather of Northern Michigan beer is Short’s Brewing Company (shorts brewing.com) in nearby Bellaire; a focus on creativity and high-quality ingredients has propelled the company to massive success. Following in Short’s footsteps is a new flock of craft beer-centric pubs and microbreweries starting with an eclectic chic. Reclaimed pallet wood booths, German bier hall-style seating and a surprisingly spacious interior greet visitors upon entering the Rare Bird Brew Pub (rarebirdbrewpub.com). Welcoming smiles from the staff and patrons immediately set the friendly pub vibe in downtown Traverse City’s Central neighborhood. A result of two beer and bird enthusiasts meeting on a chance encounter, the brew 42 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

pub opened its doors in June 2014 and has drawn rave reviews for their own beer as well as their selection of rare third-party microbrews. And then there’s the potstickers, truffle frites, and Mahi Mahi tacos. If live music is your thing, it’s tough to beat The Filling Station Microbrewery (thefillingstationmicrobrewery.com), where many of the area’s talented musicians play on a patio alongside historic railroad tracks and inside, a substantial wood-fired oven crackles as thin, flatbread pizzas are created from scratch. Walking into the stylishly-rustic 7 Monks Taproom (7monkstap.com) hardly feels like entering a monastery, but saddle up to the 46-tap bar, and the ascetic-themed name starts to make sense. Trappist beer is made exclusively by or under the supervision of Trappist monks, and this Union Street gastro pub specializes in serving many of these rare, celebrated brews. With beer in hand, try to snag one of their cozy booths or tables and their attentive servers will keep your pint glasses full. Every day feels like a mini-carnival or street sale (in a good way) at The Little Fleet (thelittlefleet.com), a former party store turned open air, full-service bar complete with gourmet food trucks and good vibes. With globe lights strung overhead, outdoor fire pits and eccentric cocktails this trend-setting watering hole is one-of-akind. Live music on weekends is a regular occurrence, and if you find yourself there on a Thursday night, a DJ will be spinning soulful vinyl records. In the same building as the storied City Opera House (cityoperahouse.org) sits Brew (brewtc.com), a coffeehouse with more versatility than your average java joint. By day, the industrial brick wall and hardwood

floor café is filled with people on lap-tops drinking gourmet coffee and tea. When day turns to night, beer, wine and music performances are a staple of Brew’s hip atmosphere. The fast cup, serve-yourself coffee bar is a perfect choice for a quick late night caffeine pick-me-up.

W H E R E YO U ’ R E I N L U C K

HE BRIGHT LIGHTS and flashy, modern architecture give off an aura of excitement when you step into the 56,000 square-foot Turtle Creek Casino (turtle creekcasino.com) floor. Since it’s just four miles from the Resort, you don’t have to travel far to find Vegas-style gaming and entertainment. The full-service gaming operation is complete with state-of-the-art slot machines and table games including black jack, craps, poker and much more. Nightly No-Limit Hold’em tournaments in a dedicated poker room and Saturday team trivia in Level 3 Lounge highlight the many fun night-life options.

Fun fact Travel + Leisure Magazine (February 2014) listed Traverse City one of America’s 20 Most Romantic Towns. Draft Magazine named 7 Monks Taproom to its 2014 list of America’s 100 Best Beer Bars.

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THE

Grand Lifestyle

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Just Dream Itâ&#x20AC;Ś

Own It. Keller Williams

Greater Grand Traverse Exclusive real estate agency for Grand Traverse Resort & Spa properties

(231) 938-1200 www.KWgrandtraverse.com

(231) 929-1235

Arrowhead Estates At the Grand Traverse Resort

The Shores Condominiums At the Grand Traverse Resort Studio Units Priced From $69,900

Building Sites Priced From $35,000

1 Bedroom Units Priced From $75,000

Single Family Homes Priced From $279,900

2 Bedroom Units Priced From $119,900

Individual home sites offering easy access to Grand Traverse Resort amenities and downtown Traverse City. Situated along the picturesque Bear Golf Course, with panoramic views of the gently rolling terrain.

The Shores is a vacation retreat featuring a flowing stream, mature trees and beautifully landscaped grounds. This waterfront condominium community, located on East Grand Traverse Bay includes 600 feet of shared sandy beach. Ideal vacation get-away spot or take advantage of GTR’s rental management program.

Singletree I Condominiums At the Grand Traverse Resort

Cottage Glens Condominiums At the Grand Traverse Resort

2 Bedroom Units Priced From $184,900

3 Bedroom Cottages Priced From $194,900 4 Bedroom Cottages Priced From $279,900

Located on the 15th fairway of the Bear Golf Course, Singletree I offers natural fireplaces, open kitchens, large decks, central air, separate laundry rooms and detached garages. Ideal vacation get-away spot or take advantage of income opportunities through GTR’s rental management program.

Nestled on the links of The Bear and Spruce Run Golf Courses, Cottage Glens offers a resort lifestyle, with low maintenance single family cottages . Within walking distance to Grand Traverse Resort amenities and just minutes from downtown Traverse City and Cherry Capital Airport.

Golfview Condominiums At the Grand Traverse Resort

Valleyview Terrace Condominiums At the Grand Traverse Resort

1 & 2 Bedroom Units From $84,900

2 Bedroom Units Priced From $155,000 3 Bedroom Units Priced From $224,000

Overlooking the Spruce Run Golf Course, Golfview Condominiums offer full kitchens, cozy fireplaces, central air conditioning, private balconies and carports. Easy access to Grand Traverse Resort Amenities and just minutes from downtown Traverse City. Ideal vacation get-away spot or take advantage of GTR’s rental management program.

JOHN AMMAR

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(231) 649-4441 TEAMSCHERRER@KW.COM

Terrace condominiums, located within walking distance to the main resort complex feature large balconies, a peek of the Bay and border the Spruce Run Golf Course. Condos feature open living areas, fireplaces, complete kitchens and washer/dryer connections. Ideal vacation get-away spot or take advantage of GTR’s rental management program.

Keller Williams

Greater Grand Traverse

(231) 938-1200 | KWgrandtraverse.com

dining

Aerie: Elegance, Day and Night 46 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

“People traditionally came here just for the view, but now they come for the entire experience.” - Aerie Manager, Jillian Thaxton

A dining experience at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge, at the top of Grand Traverse Resort’s Tower, starts on the ride up the glass-sided elevator. And it just gets better as floor-to-ceiling glass windows open from the 16th floor onto Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding countryside. But the experience doesn’t stop with the feast for the eyes; the culinary team has worked hard to match the food quality to the view in a town with a flourishing reputation as a small town with a big food scene. “With all the fabulous restaurants popping up all over town, that sets the bar even higher for us,” says Aerie Manager Jil lian Thaxton. “People traditionally came here just for the view, but now they come for the entire experience.”

NIGHT Evenings in Aerie Restaurant & Lounge’s elegant dining room enchant guests with spectacular sunsets over Grand Traverse Bay and the twinkling lights of nearby Traverse City. But the most memorable stars may be on the table. “When people come to Northern Michigan, they come to indulge a little bit,” says Culinary Director Bill Matthews. “Often, they want their favorites, like a filet mignon, scallops or a New York strip. We want to give them the best versions of those things they’ve ever had.” The chefs use the daily feature, or special, to appeal to more exotic tastes or try out new dishes. For more adventurous dining, a few times a year, Aerie chefs team with local wineries, craft brewers or distilleries to create dinners pairing food and drink. Guests at these events may enjoy a five-course menu created to feature the wines of Bowers Harbor, or a chocolate extravaganza once held during Traverse City’s fall Beer Week that featured chocolate desserts paired with Short’s Brewing Company beers. “The local microbrew, wine and liquor industry is exploding,” Matthews says. “This gives us lots of opportunity to taste different beers, wine and liquors and wrap food around it and see what we can come up with.” Aerie boasts a professional wait staff trained to assist guests in recommending the best wines or beers to complement the food. Managers regularly invite wine distributors to conduct tastings with the staff, servers cross-train as bartenders, and most staff members enjoy researching food and wine. read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

48 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

far. Michigan Rieslings are the most popular choices, and many guests gravitate to the selections from the Grand Traverse region’s acclaimed wineries and craft breweries. Michigan microbrews are featured and Happy Hour specials are from 5 to 7 p.m. every evening. DAY Aerie’s Sunday Brunch celebrates the Grand Traverse region’s natural beauty and agricultural bounty. The daytime views stun in any season, whether the setting is the deep bay blue and field green of spring and summer, the brilliant red and gold of fall or crisp white of winter. Whichever adds to the scene, it provides a backdrop to equal the lavish buffet. With no set menu, chefs say they have the flexibility to incorporate more seasonal offerings from local farms. A bread pudding may often include berries in the summer, apples in the fall. Slivers of zucchini and green beans are likely to accompany pork medallions in August, with roasted root vegetables taking their place in the colder months. Some elements of the buffet, such as the chef-manned omelette station, are consistent, but the specific contents of the other stations vary. The brunch is popular with guests and local residents both, and the culinary

team ensures frequent guests do not get bored. “We try to make sure we’re putting something new out there every single week,” says Culinary Director Matthews. The two breakfast-themed and two dinner-themed entrees on the buffet always vary. “You could come here every week for a year and never see the same entree twice,” says Thaxton. The bread table includes a mix of sweet pastries, such as chocolate croissants and cinnamon rolls, as well as slices of whole grain breads and buttery dinner rolls. Bowls of beautiful mixed greens and cut vegetables tempt diners to toss their own salads; prepared salads of pasta or potatoes also change weekly. Yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit and granola are popular year-round. Desserts, prepared by the Resort’s Pastry Chef, are a must. Most—whether it’s a chocolate pecan tart, blueberry crumb pie or lemon mousse—come in miniature portions to encourage the tasting of more than one. Brunch also includes a choice of beverage, which could be sparkling wine or a Mimosa for adults, either perfect for toasting to both the view, and the food. — Sharon Flesher

BRIAN WALTERS

“The servers know the menu as well as the chef does,” says restaurant manager Thaxton. The culinary team uses local ingredients whenever possible, and both the food and drinks reflect each season’s bounty and mood. A summer cocktail could be a jalapeno margarita or cherry vodka lemonade; in the winter, a hot toddy or minted drink hit the spot. The extensive wine list includes varietals from near and

Bowers Harbor Vineyards Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan

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weddings & special events

Farm Chic

New wedding venue lends rustic elegance

50 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

sional cluck. It’s an ideal setting as the trend toward casual weddings just keeps increasing, says Liz Brooks, the Resort’s Special Events Manager. “Couples are interested in getting away from the standard venue of a ballroom, and the barn has a nice rustic feel.” The Resort staff works around the rustic nature of the venue to add whatever’s needed, turning to windows with screens for a cooling breeze, or renting a high-end “Princess Potty” that includes running water and mirrors. There is electricity, accessibility and room inside the 40-by-60 foot barn for a

120-person reception. Ceremonies themselves can be held in the barn; other brides opt to say their vows in the valley or on the more intimate 14-by-40-foot porch. Brooks and her team also arrange everything from food and drink to tables, settings and tablecloths. The Resort’s chefs,

TOM HAXBY

The newest—and hottest—Grand Traverse Resort and Spa venue for weddings has no actual heat, or air conditioning. There’s no fancy ballroom, let alone indoor plumbing. But there is charm— and plenty of it. The circa 1800s Garvey Family Wedding Barn, a half mile drive from the Resort grounds and available for the first time for 2015 weddings, is set atop a pastoral hill and surrounded by lavender fields. Inside, posts are wrapped with tiny star-like lights, and cafe lights add a dramatic and elegant touch to the high-beamed ceilings. Horses graze nearby, and resident chickens may utter an occa-

servers and bartenders cater to all tastes and offer selections for all types of dietary considerations. But most weddings at the Garvey Family Wedding Barn will feature buffets instead of sit-down meals and generally be laid back. And the venue was popular from the first bride who learned of the option, something that doesn’t surprise Jamie Miles, Editor of the national wedding magazine The Knot. Her magazine wrote a story about barn weddings in October 2013, calling it out as a trend, even though she says they’ve “always been a thing.” The difference now is availability, Miles said.

The trend actually started with farmers, who were trying to find new ways to make money during the recession and looked toward a new use for old barns. According to a 2013 survey of 13,000 couples, 5 percent of couples hold their weddings in a barn and 6 percent hold receptions there. The survey commissioned by The Knot also found that 17 percent of couples are moving towards more casual weddings, up 4 percent from four years ago. “Brides are replacing traditional black-tie weddings and looking for alternate venues,” Miles said. “And barns are like a blank canvas when it comes to

decorations and themes.” You also can’t discount the celebrity influence, she noted. Kate Bosworth and Anne Hathaway were both married in barn-like settings. And outside of Hollywood, barns also appeal to couples who have an affinity for nature, are more homespun and down-to-earth. But in the end, it’s all about the couple and their own style, and multiple venues can be decorated to appeal to most any style, say both Miles and Brooks. For an accompaniment to a barn wedding, Miles likes the idea of a farm-to-table menu, including bringing the farm’s bounty to the decorations, like

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tying sprigs of rosemary together to accent the food tables or using local cheeses in appetizers. She also thinks replacing small round tables with long farm tables would be fun, possibly decorated with wildflowers in Mason jars or pitchers. Tea

lights in jars, or hanging lights, would be elegant, she says. Alex Schauer, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s Event Design Manager, says any type of burlap cover looks fantastic atop a mahogany chiavari chair. You can also add globe or twinkle lights as focal

points, adding a star effect atop a dance floor. Pinterest is a great source of ideas and is both a planner’s best friend and worst enemy, she says, in the way it raises expectations. But even Bob Garvey, who owns the barn and moved it from its original location in 2010, checks the site for great ideas to share. He moved the barn in parts, reassembled it on the site, and added new siding, flooring and other improvements. He started hosting fundraisers and family reunions and then “brides started coming out of the woodwork,” he said. More improvements were made to make it as wedding-friendly as possible. Local zoning rules allow the Garvey family to host 12 commercial events a year and the Resort has been allotted six of those slots. Other wedding venues on Resort grounds can be similarly customized. Ballrooms, Governors’ Hall and the 17th floor of the Tower are popular wedding options, as are the private beach, a tented pavilion and the scenic golf course. Among the services Brooks and Schauer provide are a site visit to tour all the venues, help with the menus, a guide to local vendors and discounted lodging. Schauer will help design a reception from top (lighting) to bottom (dance floor), including specialty linens and table napkins, chiavari chairs and chair covers. Draping, ceremony arbors and transportation are under her purview; she can even arrange off-site excursions including winery tours and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Spa trips and golf outings are also popular. There are three golf courses to choose from and four spa packages specifically designed for brides and their attendants. — Jodee Taylor

52 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

meetings & conventions

Meetings Your Way Work in Session

54 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

MICHAEL POEHLMAN

If Ryan Buck has anything to say about it, it really is “all about you” when you come to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa to scout for a potential conference to hold a meeting or gather executives for a planning or brainstorming session. The newest trends in the Resort’s meeting philosophy can be described as extreme personalization, says Buck, the Resort’s Director of Sales. He and his conference staff have even developed a questionnaire for meeting planners, VIPs and longtime guests, something he expects will expand as time goes on and become woven into the service fabric throughout the Resort. The survey asks basic questions like “Where is your hometown?” or “What’s your favorite magazine, vacation spot, movie?” But those like: “What makes you smile?” and “What’s your greatest wish?” are most enlightening. One guest who wished for a cure for multiple sclerosis got for her amenity a card acknowledging the Resort’s donation in her name to an organization doing MS research. The Resort similarly donated to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on behalf of the top 25 executives at Sony, long supporters of the cause. And some amenities remain simply fun, like for the guest for whom Coors Light appeared as her answer to favorite wish, hobby and thing that makes her smile. She read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

56 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

One long-time conference group, the Center for Automotive Research, this year said they wanted to mix things up. Dinners became opportunities for both fun and choice—another growing trend. A NASCARthemed reception featured concessions you might find at a race track, like a make-yourown nacho station and hot dogs with choices of chili toppings. One with a ‘60s theme featured cotton candy, french fries and sliders, even “Shake’n Bake” chicken wings with the actual boxes used as buffet decor. A group from Ford made use of the Resort’s Beach Club venue, throwing an actual clambake to go with the Beach Boys cover band. “The whole idea is we can customize anything,” Savage says. “Give us an idea, and we can run with it—and create memories.” One example is a meeting being planned for next year

that dovetails with the company’s theme: Building a better company. “Everything we’re doing for their menus will be build your own,” Savage says – build your own taco bar, build your own coney dog station.” There’ll even be a build your own sand castle area. Those who want help with ideas will like the new pre-packaged “experiences.” Among those are a “Beer Me” event at which guests can learn how to make their own craft beer on site, even design a signature label. And there are endless options for those who want to craft their own experiences, on and off site, Buck notes. “There is an incredibly hip, urban vibe here. We have rural—900 acres and golf—but we’re also able to offer an urban scene. We’re serene and peaceful, but we’re not down on the farm. We’ve got the best parts of both.”

TOP: MICHAEL POELMAN; BOTTOM: COREENE SMITH

found in her room a toy wooden truck loaded with several bottles, while another guest who wished for a mojito was greeted with a muddler, glasses, a recipe and fresh mint—handpicked by a Resort chef from a hidden stash along the golf course. But creative customization is carrying through to the meetings and conferences themselves, say Buck and Becky Savage, the Resort’s most senior Conference Services Manager. It’s just goodwill and good business, he says. And it’s energizing for the staff. When a group of Frito-Lay executives came for a conference, for example, no one had more fun than Resort chefs in creating a surprise, multi-course meal featuring Frito-Lay products. But imagine the response, Buck notes, when the executives were presented with their Frito Crab Cakes with a special sauce reduction and each course paired with a local microbrew.

COREENE SMITH

MEETING ADJOURNED The simple existence of a staff member whose job is devoted to arranging on and off-site fun sets the Resort apart from other area meeting venues. The bonding fun doesn’t start when the official meeting is adjourned, nor do meeting planners have to take on the job of arranging outings themselves. Alex Schauer, Event Design Manager, says her informal title is “The Fun Lady.” A main part of her job is setting up off-site excursions that give people a taste of what the region offers. That might be horseback riding, canoeing or kayaking, a Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore dunes tour, a distillery tour, a brewery tour, or maybe skeet shooting. She might just provide the shuttle bus, or she might work with contacts at wineries so they’ll stay open beyond regular hours to accommodate a

late afternoon meeting. For groups that want to get on the water, she may set up transportation to an evening sunset cruise on the tall ship Manitou. Those with an interest in beer can be transported to Short’s Brewery; some groups opt to instead tour the Elk Rapids-based plant where the beer is made, and to follow that up with food made at the Resort, using and then paired with Short’s beers. Groups don’t have to go far for popular gatherings around a bonfire, with s’mores. Portable bonfire pits can be placed at the beach or elsewhere on the grounds, and groups often go for a whole s’mores buffet— white chocolate bars, bananas, peanut butter cups and even bacon adding to the traditional graham cracker and marshmallow treats. Farmer’s Markets are popu-

lar, and Savage has been known to bring a Farmer’s Market to a group if needed. “One time, a farmer brought in jams and jellies and pies and apples, and people were able to shop in our parking lot.” And if a group can’t fit golf in during the day, how about glow-golf on a hole or two, accompanied by cocktails? — Kim Schneider

retail

Shop our Gallery of Style

BRIAN WALTERS

Lole jacket Pistil scarf Lole leggings (Adventure North)

You’ll find everything you need to look stylish on the beach, the golf course, a special evening out and more within the Resort’s 20,000-square-foot, lobbylevel Gallery of Shops. This unique mall-within-a-resort features an eclectic assortment of attractive upscale shops offering a choice of exceptional gifts, arts and crafts, men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel, sundries, plus take-out foods and snacks. Adventure North Outfitters is a popular stop for active and trendy outdoor apparel; explore the large collection of North Face items, as well as brands like SmartWool, Oakley sunglasses, Natural Life and Haiku. Ashleigh’s, which features Brighton bags, jewelry and accessories, is an easy stop for a beach garb or evening wear. The Bear Logo shop offers good-looking, comfortable clothing for any event, Mud Pie clothing brands children (and parents) love, and the Resort will open a new store in the Gallery of Shops in 2015 – Natural Life. Great items are found beyond our Gallery of Shops, too, like the Retail Boutique within Spa Grand Traverse and the Clubhouse Pro Shop with its special area for Under Armor apparel. The fashion trends highlighted on the following pages is just a sampler of what you’ll find featured throughout.

58 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

BRIAN WALTERS

Cartise long-sleeve Houndstooth straight leg Brighton accessories (Ashleighâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)

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BRIAN WALTERS

Under Armour polo and golf skort Adidas golf shoes (Pro Shop)

60 read more at GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

BRIAN WALTERS

The North Face long-sleeve plaid shirt (Adventure North)

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native culture

Native Culture Learning to thrive in two worlds My native name is “She Who Brings the New Day.” I am a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. I am very proud of my three sons (ages, 14, 20, 28) who are all succeeding at their educational levels. My eldest has his MBA, my middle son is in college and my youngest in high school. I look forward to their successful futures and maybe some day of being a grandmother. I myself grew up in a different era than they, when academic education was just becoming important and when grandmothers and grandfathers educated their families to the indigenous ways. One of my many missions in life is to make sure that my era’s rich traditions and way of life are passed onto my sons (even though they may gain academic credentials) and to others and that these values never

62 read more at BAREFOOTGRANDTRAVERSE .COM

vanish, and perhaps even grow stronger. My legal name is JoAnne Cook. I’m a lawyer, a teacher, a jingle dress dancer, and Vice Chair of the Tribal Council of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa JoAnne Cook (left) with Shanna Indians. The Grand Traverse Wemigwase also of the Grand Band is the owner and parent Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. company of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Ours is one band of Ottawa (Odawa) Indians that settled in the environment. We recognize and Northwest region of Northern acknowledge her as the nurturer Lower Michigan. We have of all things because she has a modern and independent provided for and sustained life government, with legislative, to all things, including plants, executive and judicial branches. animals, and human beings. It provides government services This is one of the many reasons to 4,600 tribal members within we have such a strong bond to their six-county service area. this beautiful Grand Traverse We additionally provide many region. cultural and language initiaWe know from our Creation tives for people of all ages. We Story that we migrated to the are one of the area’s largest Great Lakes area from the employers. But we are not a eastern side of the continent new government, nor a people hundreds of thousands of years new to this region. ago. That story also tells us of The Odawa people of our philosophy as native people, this region are known as the our way of life, the source of Anishinabek—the original our teachings and how we, the people. The Anishnabek Anishinabek, were to live on include a confederacy Mother Earth. Contemporary called People of the Three science has proven that we have Fires, the Ottawa (Odawa), lived here in the Great Lakes Potowatami (Bodawatomi), long before any other civilizaand Chippewa (Ojibwe). We tion, at least 13,000 years ago. are considered brothers to As a child of the ’60s and each other, and each tribe ’70s, our family way of life was carries a special responsisimple; some would say we were bility for the sustainability poor. We didn’t think so. We of the confederacy and the were rich with the language and planet. The Anishinabek culture and traditions of our in general were given people. When we were sick, we the task of caring for our used native medicines develMother, the Earth, and all oped over thousands of years the inhabitants and the by our people. Our community

was strong and close knit. I grew up in Peshawbestown, Michigan, where my mother grew up and my grandparents lived until they passed away. I feel so grateful for what I was able to receive from my grandparents. We learned to live and walk in both the contemporary and indigenous worlds, both in the native and non-native worlds. For example, a native community traditionally lives together as a family and takes care of one another, whereas the greater society seems to put more emphasis on the individual and immediate family. In the non-native community, financial security and job status seem to have more importance than in the native community. We place less importance on material things, more on family and living a good life based on our spiritual teachings. We

follow individual paths, but are taught to do things on behalf of our community, family, and others. When I was young, my mother encouraged us to get an education. I think she understood that we would have to live in two different worlds and it was important to face the fact that contemporary education would help. Many native people who attend college, like me, do so with the hope of returning home to work for their community. We feel the tribal connections and know that we need to do our part in our tribe. Formal education is one way we help our community but we know others have natural abilities that are just as important. We learned that everyone has a role, and each person is valid

and important, whether they are a cook, leader, spiritual advisor, healer, speaker, seamstress, artist, singer, counselor or lawyer. Everyone has something to contribute to our community and way of life. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JoAnne Cook

LOCATED IN THE GALLERY OF SHOPS

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Lake Michigan

NORTH MANITOU North Manitou Island

Fe r

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

GILL PIER

Ro ut

South Manitou Island

North Lake Leelanau

Ferry Route

LELAND

SU LAKE LEELANAU Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

PORT ONEIDA

Good Harbor Bay

Sleeping Bear Bay

GLEN HAVEN

Lime Lake

GLEN ARBOR

South Lake Leelanau

Glen Lake

MAPLE CITY

Lake Michigan

CEDAR

EMPIRE

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Platte Bay

LAKE ANN

Long Lake Silver Lake

Platte Lake Crystal Lake

HONOR INTERLOCHEN

FRANKFORT BENZONIA

Cat Head Bay

Beer, Wine and Spirit Trail Map Sponsored By

ATWOOD

BOWERS HARBOR VINEYARDS bowersharbor.com (231) 223-7615 FILLING STATION thefillingstationmicrobrewery.com (231) 946-8168

Northport Bay

Grand Traverse Bay

NORTHPORT

GRAND TRAVERSE DISTILLERY grandtraversedistillery.com (231) 947-8635

EASTPORT

GRAND TRAVERSE DISTILLERY LELAND grandtraversedistillery.com (231) 256-0128

LS R

GRAND TRAVERSE DISTILLERY DOWNTOWN grandtraversedistillery.com (231) 946-1259

OMENA

SHORT’S BREWING COMPANY shortsbrewing.com (231) 498-2300

PESHAWBESTOWN

UTTONS BAY Suttons Bay

BELLAIRE Torch Lake

OLD MISSION

KEWADIN

ELK RAPIDS

Bowers Harbor Bay POWER ISLAND

MAPLETON

ALDEN Elk Lake

West Grand Traverse Bay

East Grand Traverse Bay

RAPID CITY Skegemog Lake

WILLIAMSBURG previous page area map

ACME

TRAVERSE CITY

KALKASKA Vasa Pathway

Brown Bridge Quiet Area

KINGSLEY

Sand Lakes Quiet Area

Traverse City and the surrounding region To Suttons Bay

W e s t G r a n d Tr a v e r s e B a y

To Old Mission

West Grand Traverse Bay

East Grand Traverse Bay

72 To Acme

To Grand Rapids

W PA RK

Bay Area Transit Center

3rd

GAR

LAN

Pedestrian Underpass

Visitors Center

D Warehouse District

River ardman

Clinch Par

TC Chamber

Market

Pedestrian Bridge

State Theater

W. F R O N T

Farmers

UNION

OAK

MAPLE

4th To Munson Hospital

WAY

k Beach

G R A N D V I E W PA R K WAY

PA R K

DVIE

CASS

GRAN

2nd

map area shown in detail below

Boardman River

E. FRONT

Pedestrian Underpass

E. FRONT

City Opera House

To NMC College

6th

History Center of Traverse City

WA S

6th

10-Hour Metered Parking

HIN

GTO

CASS UNION

LOCUST

PINE

R i v e r Wa l k & P e d e s t r i a n Wa l k w a y s

Lars Hockstad Auditorium

Public Restrooms (hours var y)

W. 8 t h

Information

W. 8 t h

Old Town District

Riv

er Governmental Center

Old Town Parking Deck

E D AV

7th

rdm

ROA

Parks

7th TA R T ( Tr a v e r s e A r e a R e c r e a t i o n a l Tr a i l )

Boa

RAIL

WA S H I N G T O N

2-Hour Metered Parking

FRANKLIN

Parking Decks

S TAT E

WELLINGTON

O n e - w a y Tr a f fi c

BOARDMAN

5th

WA D S W O R T H

Parking Deck

WEBSTER

E. 8th

Old Town Playhouse

DIVISION

AT M

Boardman Lake

downtowntc.com

Cross-Country Skiing

Mountain Biking

Golf Course

Swimming Beach

Hiking

Winery

Lighthouse

Casino

Ski Area

Traverse Area District Library

WOODMERE

DIVISION

31 72

To Empire

Duncan L. Clinch Marina

Open Space

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