VOL. V
Wish you were here.
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL
50 YEARS OF SCHUSS
OUR FAVORITE GOLF HOLES
THE SHANTY CREEK ADVANTAGE
Enjoy outdoor seating.
Open April - November, 11:00 a.m. Share a sunset with us.
Open April - November lunch & dinner 11:00 a.m. - midnight
Over 100 years on Torch Lake.
6340 Old Torch Lake Drive Bellaire, MI 49615
231-377-7777
www.docksidetorchlake
27’ Executive tri-toon & 25’ Luxury tri-toon featuring 250 hp Mercury motors
Tri-toon A “third” middle pontoon with a flat surface is added to provide a more stable & smoother ride.
Enjoy your time on the water in comfort and luxury. We feature new “2017-2018” tri-toons. The nicest boats anywhere ! Equipped with 150/250 hp Mercury motors. Various sized boats for rent. Reserve multiple boats for your corporate or large group event. Photo by Lisa Lirones
231-377-7777 or docksidetorchlake.com/rentals
traditions
On The Slopes Page 10
Eats and Drinks Page 16
2 WELCOME 4
50 YEARS OF SCHUSS
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SCR BY THE NUMBERS
10 ON THE SLOPES 14 APRÈS-SKI
CONTENTS
Around Town Page 24
16 EATS AND DRINKS 22 LIKE A LOCAL 24 AROUND TOWN 26 THE SHANTY CREEK ADVANTAGE 28 DAY TRIPS 30 FAVORITE GOLF HOLES 34 WORLD CLASS 36 HIKING & BIKING 40 FALL COLOR
World Class Page 34
45 AREA DINING 46 EVENTS CALENDAR
COVERS: BRIAN WALTERS
48 ON THE WATER
Produced by MyNorth Media. 125 Park St., Suite 155, Traverse City, MI 49684. 231.941.8174. mynorth.com
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A fall sunrise over Schuss Mountain.
WELCOME 2
Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
traditions
Welcome back. This, our 5th volume of Traditions, aims to once again tell the stories that have made Shanty Creek Resorts one big, happy family. While working on this issue, we are also planning the 50th anniversary season at Schuss Mountain, and while there are still boaters on the water and golfers on the greens, soon snow will inspire winter fun. Anyone remember December of 1967? The pursuit of happiness was alive in America, as the counterculture had begun to influence pop culture—the arts, music, and entertainment. In leisure travel, snow skiing and golf were hip. And in Michigan, Schuss Mountain was ready to party. Some of our most faithful fans still remember King Daniel and his Royal Family, while plenty of Gen Xers and millennials have only seen footage of the late ’60s on YouTube. Regardless, it’s been a long, strange trip, and man, we’ve come a long way. (Hello, craft beer and complimentary Wi-Fi, am I right?) Join me in celebrating 50 years on the snow at Schuss Mountain.
JESS WHIPPLE
Chris Hale Vice President, Sales & Marketing
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50 YEARS OF SCHUSS
ONCE UPON A TIME… Like all fairy tales, “once upon a time...” during the transitional ’60s, an entrepreneur named Daniel Iannotti chose to leave Chicago, where as a stockbroker he enjoyed financial success, yet yearned for something different. Proudly eccentric, he envisioned a fairy tale set in an alpine village. After an exhaustive search, Iannotti left the city to build a quaint, Bavarian ski hamlet. The glacier-carved topography of Antrim County would be his domain.
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
traditions
By the fall of 1967, you couldn’t miss the billboard along M-72 that proclaimed “Escape from Reality. Ski the Kingdom of Schuss Mountain.” Introducing the Midwest’s newest ski resort, was a cartooned caricature of “King” Daniel. Then on December 22, The Kingdom of Schuss Mountain opened to the public—ruled by King Daniel, Queen Dorothy, and their rightful heirs, Prince Daniel and Princess Madelyn. Guests “crossing the border” of the Village Square entered a charming hamlet with Schuss Mountain looming behind the Main Lodge. A friendly “Guten Tag” welcomed visitors. This is where our fairy tale begins.
The early days of Schuss Mountain.
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PRONOUNCED KLIM-BIM-DINGLE-DANGLE
If a kingdom is to be truly sovereign, it requires its own standards of weights and measures. As decreed, all would be based on the “Klimbimdingledangle.” The official language was Schwiss, and its currency was The Squaller, backed by “Gold Bullion” (coincidentally resembling Wyler’s Chicken Bouillon). Guests could even purchase bottles of the Kingdom’s “fresh air.” Today the village clock still runs on “Central Fun Time.”
School Director Freddi Bissig.
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
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King Daniel and his royal court greet visitors.
French men were hired as ski instructors to add authenticity. The slopes were named with a royal pomp and circumstance: Kingdom Come, Belle’s Bottom, Queen’s Corner. The chairlifts would be bright shades of blue, yellow and pink. Guests dined in The Ivanhof and drank in The Royal Pub. Upstairs, Ivan’s Attic was home to the SchussyCats—a college theater troupe that sang while serving guests. Throughout the Kingdom, chalets emerged. Charming cottages were built on the streets of Grindle Strause, Obervalden, and Heideldorf. King Daniel’s imagination extended into his marketing. He famously sent a press release declaring “The Kingdom of Schuss” as a sovereign nation, free from the laws of the United States. Another famous (and perhaps maddening) press release said women had been outlawed from driving snowmobiles throughout the Kingdom, a stunt that managed to garner front page exposure on the Wall Street Journal! Years later, the King and Queen would relinquish their Kingdom to Club Corp of America in a merger/acquisition with the original Shanty Creek. As a combined powerhouse resort, management would later expand Schuss Mountain’s skiable acreage. Opening the North Face added the trails along the new Purple and Red Lifts, and would create a third resort village, known as Cedar River.
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53 S KI RUNS
S HANTY CREEK RESO RTS
72 G O LF H O LES
IS BIG. Sure, it’s practically a town unto itself. Just how big is it?
Lyndon Johnson was President of the United States.
We’re celebrating 50 Years of Schuss Mountain. Here’s what was happening in December 1967.
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
The Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” album was released.
“The Graduate,” starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, was released.
“The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” starring Clint Eastwood, was released.
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3 VI LLAG ES
N E A R LY
8 S Q UAR E M I LES 36.5 KM N O R D I C TRAI LS Muriel Siebert was the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange.
The first NBA game at Great Western Forum was played as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 147-118.
In -13°F the Green Bay Packers beat the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 for the NFL Championship in a game known as “The Ice Bowl.”
“Daydream Believer,” by The Monkees, was topping the US charts.
“The Carol Burnett Show” was among the most popular TV shows in America.
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BETH PRICE
A DAY ON THE SLOPES
There’s an almost angelic feeling associated with skiing. The effortless glide, the crispness in the air, the aweinspiring beauty of snow-covered branches. And then, there’s skiing with kids. A day on the slopes encapsulates everything families crave for quality time and future memories. We watch as families arrive in droves. Moms and dads, brothers and sisters, Schuss Mountain ensures the right terrain for everyone. SCR’s glacial-carved topography provides some of the Midwest’s best slopes: the steepness of
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
the Face, the gentle simplicity of Chicken’s Choice, the serenity of River Run, and the always easy Elf Shelf, in the beginner area. In Summit Village, Schuss’s little sister, Summit Mountain,overlooks frozen Lake Bellaire. The Summit’s quaint, classic skiing of yesteryear provides a smaller, simpler environment. With the Lakeview Hotel atop the ridge, the original Shanty Creek ski area still oozes family memories year after year. #Gnar #SchussMountain #Love
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Mike King has been a long-time ski and snowboard instructor at Schuss Mountain. On Saturday late afternoons, his “Pets That Pull” offer kids something extra—dogsled rides across the meadows of the snowcovered Schuss Mountain golf course. These majestic Siberian huskies are as friendly as they are beautiful. Kids and parents alike find their enthusiasm on the snow to be infectious, and a dash over the river and through the woods has children filled with glee.
OU KNOW DY DI Schuss Mountain Ski Patrol has twice been named Outstanding Patrol of the Year.
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#PetsThatPull
JESS WHIPPLE
BETH PRICE
DOGSLEDDING
ALPINE TUBING
Remember sledding on the big hill in the neighborhood? Oh, the rush! But then came the long walk back up, dragging your sled and sometimes your little brother too. At Summit Mountain, Shanty Creek’s Alpine Tubing Park will let you relive the downhill rush but with a bonus: the magic carpet carries you back to the top. Oh, and that view! #MagicCarpetIsBetterThanWalking #AlpineTubing
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TERRAIN PARKS: IT’S A MONSTER
When Jake Burton modified what folks referred to as a Snurfer in the late 70s, he created modern-day snowboarding. Soon a seismic shift and new vibe developed on the slopes around the world. Fast forward 20 years. Wanting to perform airborne tricks like those seen at skateboard parks, slopestyle skiers and riders pushed ski areas to develop terrain parks, which included jumps and features like rails, boxes, and tables.
SCR’s two mountains have four terrain parks—three at Schuss and one at Summit. The granddaddy is The Monster Park at Schuss, where some of today’s top Midwest boarders and twin-tip skiers gather. The allnatural “natty park” through the glades is inventive and unique, while the Low Rider is where newbs can tackle something closer to the ground, and fail without scorn. When you’re done throwing switch rodeos, hit Ivan’s for some après ski. #ShredGnar #MonsterPark #SickBruh
JESS WHIPPLE
Stomped slope performances that include spins, grabs, grinds, and flips receive rave applause. But beware, fail and the applause and sneers can be even louder.
SKI SCHOOL: TURNING TURNS INTO SMILES
For first-time skiers, expectations and reality often diverge on the slopes. The vision of gracefully swishing down the mountain is dashed after the first day ends with more falls than turns. Unfortunately after that, many give up. To remedy this, Rick VanTongeren (RVT), Director of Ski School for Shanty Creek Resorts, redesigned Schuss Mountain’s Learning Center and Ski School programs to make the learning process less frustrating. The key to success is to instill confidence by giving kids small hills to overcome. Literally. So in lieu of traditional bunny slopes, you’ll find gentle rolling hills with small banked turns to let beginners really ski, even if they haven’t mastered turning or stopping. It’s called terrain-based teaching, and it is the foundation for SCR’s ski school. As RVT explains, “You can make turns without a lot of skill, so it’s fun. And fun is what this sport is all about.” He adds, “The perfect first day is someone has fun and learns something. And that makes the second day better.” As beginners learn a few simple techniques, the fun turns into a lifetime on the slopes. To review available group and private lessons, or to register for ski school, visit shantycreek.com/ski-school.
BETH PRICE
#SkiSchool #WhenDoWeGetHotCocoa
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traditions
JESS WHIPPLE
A day on the slopes.
CHRIS HALE
GANDY GOOSE
He’s tall, dark and handsome. And he’s purple. He’s Gandy Goose. The lovable mascot of Shanty Creek Resorts can often be found at the beginner ski area where he loves to entertain and pose for photos with friends of all ages. #GandyGoose #ILoveSchuss
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APRÈS-SKI: LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
While some rush for the first chair, others prefer the last run of the day because it dovetails nicely into an evening of aprèsski drinks and live entertainment at Ivan’s, SCR’s Austrian-inspired tavern that serves a warm bite, cold drinks and good times. And Ivan’s continues to be the home of Neon Snowsuit (formerly known as Black Diamond), a custom-brewed craft beer from Short’s that is dark in color but clean and refreshing with hints of malt and chocolate. Friday Night Trivia and Saturday’s early evening family-friendly entertainment from Lee Malone and Friends set the atmosphere for a good time. Later on Fridays and Saturdays bands from all genres take the stage at 9pm. That’s when the dance floor comes alive. But Ivan’s isn’t the only après-ski environment at SCR. At The Lakeview, singer/ songwriters play solo for guests in the Great Room, while guests at The River Bistro enjoy football and Red Wings games on multiple TVs. Meanwhile the game room’s pool tables, air hockey, darts and more invite folks to play.
JESS WHIPPLE
#ApresSki #IvansRocksTheMountain
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
traditions
IVAN’S MOUNTAINSIDE CAFÉ
OU KNOW DY DI
?
CHRIS HALE
Among SCR’s “Big Changes”campaign of 2014/15 winter season, Ivan’s shifted its dining options to an expanded skier’s cafeteria featuring an array of fresh soups and chili, salads, and turkey wraps, along with kids’ favorites like chicken fingers, pizza and french fries. Longtime guests know Ivan’s still features live après-ski entertainment, games on “the biggest screen in Antrim County,” and table-side cocktail service. # ShotSki #ApresSki
JESS WHIPPLE
Shanty Creek Resorts has tennis, sand volleyball, and giant Jenga.
Red Hot
Best of Northern Michigan
Winner
SCHUSS AND SHORT’S: VOTED BEST APRÈS-SKI BY READERS OF TRAVERSE MAGAZINE, “RED HOT BEST” OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN Peanut butter and jelly. Peas and carrots. Forrest and Jenny. Guests of SCR know few things go together quite like Shanty and Short’s. And so it came as no surprise when Traverse Magazine shared that Schuss Mountain and Short’s were voted Best Après-Ski duo this past spring. The combination of Shanty’s complimentary shuttle
service in/out of downtown Bellaire, 20 draft handles of Short’s finest craft offerings, and live entertainment, extends a much broader Shanty Creek experience that, frankly, we are proud of. #GoodNeighbors #ShantyCreekAdvantage
MyNorth is the home of Traverse Magazine
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THE RIVER BISTRO
Steps from the check-in desk at the allsuites Lodge at Cedar River, The River Bistro features smoked salmon and short ribs, chic sandwich combinations, homemade Parmesan chips, flatbread pizzas, fresh-squeezed fruit cocktails, and over 40 regional and international beers. Designed to be equal parts classic pub and modern sports bar, the oversized bar, along with pool tables, foosball, darts and more, provide guests more fun after a round of golf or an afternoon on the slopes.
BRIAN WALTERS
#OnSlopeDining
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
traditions
THE LAKEVIEW RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
Inside the “great room” at Summit Village’s Lakeview Hotel and Conference Center, The Lakeview serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Choose from plated appetizers, small plates, entrée portions and award-winning, homemade desserts. The well-rounded wine list and breathtaking view in any season will complement any family meal or romantic evening.
BETH PRICE
BRIAN WALTERS
#DinnerWithAView
THE SHANTY
In the long shadows of The Lakeview Hotel you’ll find Summit Village’s Timberline Shops. Over the years small businesses have come and gone, but today you’ll find a vibrant community. The current lineup includes the Timberline Wine & Beer Shop—an eclectic mix of getaway trinkets and long weekend essentials— Sarducci’s Italian restaurant, and The Shanty, a hip, western-ski resort-inspired tavern that overlooks the Black Lift on Summit Mountain’s slopes.
CHRIS HALE
Since establishing ownership of all three businesses, Phil Glebe and Debbie Moroni have really made a name for themselves in Antrim County. Not only are they providing guests of SCR with added convenience, The Shanty has become the place to be for guests, locals, and even SCR staff when they want to unwind after work. “We think what we’ve created here really complements the Shanty Creek experience,” says Phil. “The Shanty is casual and cool, while Sarducci’s provides one more flavor for guests visiting Antrim County.” #TheShanty #Sarduccis
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BEE WELL MEAD & CIDER
What began as a passion for fermentation, and the fortuitous nature of a handme-down beekeeping suit, is now what brothers Chris and Jeremy VanSice call Bee Well Mead & Cider. After years experimenting as a hobby to produce mead, beer, and even soda pop, in 2014 the brothers from Bellaire took to their creativity and variety of honey wines to market by announcing their first sale at the Bellaire Smokehouse. Relying on Antrim County’s orchards and wild heirloom fruit trees, Bee Well has already produced a line up of awardwinning meads and ciders, giving a nod to regional agriculture, family farming, and their own communal roots. The family affair expanded in 2015 when sister Paige VanSice joined to spearhead sales, marketing and event management to take Bee Well beyond Antrim County. Following a path forged by local beverage giants Short’s Brewing, Bee Well chose to partner with distributor Imperial Beverage in 2016, which rapidly expanded their availability in the marketplace. Today, Bee Well can be found bottled and on draught at over 300 locations, while also pouring year-round at tastings, craft beverage festivals, and fundraising events statewide. Guests of Shanty Creek Resorts can also sample and purchase these tasty treats at their tasting room in Bellaire. While Short’s Brewing had put Bellaire on the map for something special on the palate, the efforts of Bee Well, and in addition Central Lake’s Mammoth Distillery and Torch Lake Cellars, have expanded the reputation of quality while broadening the horizon in Antrim County. “If you’re thirsty in Antrim County, we’ve got all bases covered,” says Paige.
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
DUG DEEP IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN
traditions
Located in downtown Bellaire.
JESS WHIPPLE
JESS WHIPPLE
The flavors of Antrim County include mead, wine, and spirits.
CHRIS HALE
PAIGE VANSICE
Visit the tasting room at Mammoth Distillery in Central Lake.
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R
®
121 N. BRIDGE ST BELLAIRE, MI (231) 498.2300
®
SHORTSBREWING.COM starcutciders.com
If you have a kitchen, get in here! The Home of Pepper Mill Spices
EXPLORE When you’re out there, hitting the slopes, hiking the trails, or navigating the water, you need gear you
Kitchen & Pantry Accessories Decor, Gifts, Gift Baskets
can trust. That’s why we sell tried and true brands
Famous custom blended seasonings of the highest quality pepper and spices.
that will come through – every time. Bill and Paul’s: Find your gear, Find your people.
The House of Good Taste! Downtown Alden• Open • Open 7 days, MayMay thru Dec Downtown Alden days,10am-5pm 10am-5pm, thru Dec (231)331-4711 331-4711 ••(800) (213) (800)226-5481 226-5481 Visit us all year long at www.aldenmillhouse.com Visit us all year long at www.aldenmillhouse.com
BILLANDPAULS.COM | GRAND RAPIDS, MI
SHANTY CREEK RESORTS
41316 Traditions, 2018, Bill & Paul's Ad V00.indd 1
12/1/17 3:49 PM
BERGRAND at SCHUSS VILLAGE 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Furnished, Income Generating Near the base of Schuss Mt. $159,000
CORTINA at SCHUSS VILLAGE 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom Across from pink chair lift Mountain & Golf Course Views. $79,000
SLOPESIDE at CEDAR RIVER 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Ski mountain access $199,000
Debbie Alexander, Associate Broker
Shanty Creek Resort Office 5780 Shanty Creek Rd, Bellaire MI 49615 (In the Lakeview Hotel at Summit Village) Office: 231.533.7077 | Cell: 231.564.0500 alexander@torchlake.com | Visit resort listings at:www.debalexander.com
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TRAVEL
L I K E A L OC A L Everyone knows the path least taken is often more exciting and more rewarding. So we ask area residents to tell us what they love about Northern Michigan so you can find something outside the box and have one more reason to brag about your visit to Shanty Creek Resorts.
SHELLY DAYTON
OWNER, THE FLYING PIG
Just looking around The Flying Pig, it’s obvious you have a gift for spotting amazing antiques for repurposed furniture and décor, so tell our readers: Where are some of your “go-to places” in northern Michigan for finding unique antiques? “I like to buy local as much as I can, so I’m a fan of Nifty Thrifty in Bellaire—I always find something there! I recently found vintage windows at Mrs. B’s (also in Bellaire). To keep our prices affordable, I scour thrift shops and garage sales. When I have time to go out and about, I like to wander through places like Deer Creek Junk in East Jordan, The Bird in Eastport, Honey Hollow Treasures in Mancelona, Elk Rapids Antique Market, and Ginger Snaps in Elk Rapids. And I love wandering through any Habitat for Humanity. Hunting for fun and awesome goodies to refurbish is my favorite part of what we do at The Flying Pig.”
JESS WHIPPLE
#TheFlyingPig
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CHRISTINE MCCOOL GENERAL MANAGER, DEWITT MARINE
“Time on the water away from Dewitt Marine is a rare treat. But when I can seize the opportunity, my husband packs us an evening picnic, picks me up dockside at the marina, and we head off to Grass River to spend a few hours away from life and take in the untouched natural beauty of our area. Quiet and beautiful! When we want to socialize with family and friends, our alternate location is the Torch Lake sandbar to soak up the sun.”
OU KNOW DY DI
?
COURTESY OF DEWITT MARINE
Your family has been here at the intersection of Clam Lake and Torch Lake for years. By now, you’ve probably seen all corners of The Chain of Lakes … so when you want to spend a carefree day on the water, where do you go?
A disc golf course crisscrosses the slopes of Summit Mountain.
#DewittMarine
RUTHIE DEXTER
EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF, RUTHANN’S GOURMET BAKERY
Anyone who’s tried your tasty treats knows you know a thing or two about desserts. So when you want to indulge in a dessert after dinner, what restaurants are on your short list? “We like to sample desserts when we are out to dinner, and we love it when “homemade” options are on the menu! It’s always nice to taste the delicacies other local chefs dream up. Some of my favorite local restaurants include: The Lakeview at Shanty Creek Resorts Chef Iris is on top of her culinary game! Try her Ginger Crème Brûlée for a nice twist on a classic dessert!
GREGG DEXTER
Toonies Fish & Steak House You must try Jennifer’s Death by Chocolate Cake or her Carrot Cake! Both are exceptional, you won’t be disappointed! The Pelican’s Nest Dessert choices change often, but don’t be concerned; Lori makes some of the best homemade desserts around. You can’t go wrong!” #RuthAnnsGourmetBakery
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Hiking with Fido on Summit Mountain.
AROUND TOWN
Guests find the best trips are the result of discovering something new. Here are a few can’t miss options around Bellaire that you may not know about.
MEADOWPOND PET RESORT PET FRIENDLY
Guests of Shanty Creek frequently ask about pet-friendly lodging options at the resort. While there are a few, unfortunately there aren’t many options for Fido and Spot. (Note: This is common in the hospitality industry due to guest allergies, potential noise issues, and “bathroom issues.”) Gina Grote recognized this as an opportunity and seized it. In 2011, Meadowpond Pet Resort opened on M-88 just east Shanty Creek Resorts. She and her staff offer
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
boarding, pet sitting, and grooming services for dogs and cats with spacious, comfortable suites and several large play yards. Under watchful expert eyes, all pets are cared for, and pet owners can come and go with a PASS suite allowing 24-hour access for visitation. So you can bring Duke with you for a snowshoe hike, and then check him in for a good night’s rest at Meadowpond Pet Resort. #MeadowPond #TravelWithFido
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CHRIS HALE
The passion of Bellaire is part of the Shanty Creek Advantage.
BELLAIRE LANES & GAMES BOWLING, ARCADE
CHRIS HALE
In 2016, Bellaire resident Michael Smith, journalist and sports reporter, left behind his pen and pad of paper for the sounds of bowling balls striking pins on the hardwood planks of Bellaire Lanes & Games. A childhood memory he couldn’t shake, Michael’s father was once the manager of Bellaire Lanes. So when the bowling alley closed several years ago and the building lay dormant, Smith started working on a plan to revive the space and those memories. “We wanted Bellaire to have this place— a place for family fun, and to gather with friends on a random Tuesday night,” says Smith. Bowling is the focus, but the family fun expands to include an arcade and laser tag, while midweek bowling leagues and buildyour-own pasta and pizza options round out the Bellaire Lanes & Games experience. The atmosphere is light and airy, and as Michael jokes, “One of the advantages bowling has over golf: You seldom lose your ball.” #Strike #Spare #PerfectGame
LITTLE TREASURES
CHRIS HALE
WHERE FUN IS SERIOUS BUSINESS
At the corner of Bridge Street and Cayuga Street in downtown Bellaire, you’ll find something for your children and your inner child. Little Treasures is a toy store with everything from yesteryear: puzzles, games, toy cars and trucks, rubberband guns, plush toys, pedal cars, seasonal activities, books, collectibles, and more. The classics and classically inspired modern toys fill Little Treasures corner shop from wall to wall. It’s a can’t-miss. No trip to Shanty Creek Resorts is complete without a stop to see all the fun that’s in store at Little Treasures. #LittleTreasures
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THE SHANT Y CREEK ADVANTAGE
MORE THAN A GREAT PLACE TO STAY
Our Shanty Creek Advantage entitles you and your guests to all the benefits and amenities of Shanty Creek’s three villages throughout our beautiful 5,000-acre property. When it comes to booking your stay, we know other lodging options exist. But only Shanty Creek has hundreds of lodging options to choose from, and only Shanty Creek can include discounted lift tickets, rounds of golf, meals, and spa treatments into one value-rich package rate.
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
Plus, only guests of Shanty Creek can splash in our pools, break a sweat at the Fitness Center, or ride our shuttle transportation throughout the resort or round-trip to downtown Bellaire. The Shanty Creek Advantage amenities also include complimentary high-speed WiFi, 24/7 front desk staff and concierge services, daily housekeeping and maintenance staff, plus evening security. We know you have a choice. Thank you for choosing Shanty Creek Resorts.
traditions
Sand volleyball atop Summit Mountain.
JESS WHIPPLE
?
TAYLOR BROWN
OU KNOW DY DI you can use a golf board at Schuss Mountain golf course
BETH PRICE
The pools around SCR complement any summer stay.
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BETH PRICE
BASECAMP SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL
Northern Michigan’s allure doesn’t end at the borders of Shanty Creek’s 5,000-acre property. Rather, Shanty is a perfect home base for easy day trips to several of the Midwest’s iconic and most captivating attractions. Nearly equidistant between the two most popular northern Michigan day trips—Sleeping Bear Dunes and Mackinac Island—SCR provides more than a great place to play golf; there’s a boatload of great destinations to make the most of your Shanty Creek experience.
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traditions
The Chain of Lakes anchor the towns of Elk Rapids, Alden and Bellaire.
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE Voted “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by viewers of Good Morning America in 2011, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore embraces an enchanting 106 square miles of ethereal sand dune, deep forest, two remote islands, 35 miles of mainland sandy shore and dozens of small inland lakes. And of course, those 45-story-high sand bluffs that rise majestically above the vast, shimmering lake. MACKINAC ISLAND The sound of horseshoes clip-clopping on cobblestone. The jingle of bicycle bells. The occasional boom of a cannon from historical re-enactments at Fort Mackinac. This legendary island has drawn resorters since the late 1800s to find cool summer escape and rejuvenation. Nothing else like it. TRAVERSE CITY Rising on the shore of one of the largest and cleanest freshwater bays on the planet, Traverse City serves up a fun and sophisticated small town experience worthy of its esteemed location. Chefs and restaurants here have created a nationally renowned food scene, boutique owners put forth an inventive, high-quality shopping experience, and a steady flow of festivals and national performing acts, both in town and at nearby Interlochen Center for the Arts, keep the cultural verve strong. ELK RAPIDS This marina town perches at the mouth of Elk River, where the waters of the Chain of Lakes spill into Lake Michigan. Victorian era main street retains its prim authenticity, and restaurants like the smart and urbane Siren Hall and the Louisiana-accented Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen are destination eateries. ALDEN A tiny enclave of shops set beside the eastern shore of Torch Lake and rising along a sharp bend in the byway, Alden works its way into the hearts of many. Classic shops like the Alden Mill House spice store, Afterloon Delights cafe and Alden Outfitters are icons of a northern Michigan family experience. CHARLEVOIX One of the Midwest’s most magical small towns, Charlevoix lays claim to a narrow bit of land between grand Lake Michigan to the west and Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix to the east. Come summer, the Round Lake harbor fills with sailboats rocking shoulder to shoulder at dock and imaginative boutiques and inspired restaurants draw visitors to a lively downtown scene. Catch the ferry to Beaver Island here. PETOSKEY A Great Lakes resort destination for more than 100 years, Petoskey has retained the lovely architecture of its harbortown roots while keeping fresh ideas alive behind those Victorian facades. Find hip eateries like Spoon, Palette Bistro or Chandler’s, or wander boutiques in one of Michigan’s most unforgettable downtowns.
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LINDSEY SOUTHWELL
SCR’s PGA Professionals enjoying an afternoon round.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS With 72 golf holes representing a wide variety of layouts, hazard placements, and elevation changes, we asked our three PGA Professionals—Mike Mooney, Jason Kempfer, and Roger Giesick—to name their favorite holes, and share a Pro Tip on how you should play each.
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BRIAN WALTERS
traditions
?
OU KNOW DY DI
FootGolf originated in the Netherlands.
LINDSEY SOUTHWELL
MIKE’S FAVORITES
#15 Schuss Mountain - Par 3 The first of four incredible finishing holes in northern Michigan. PRO TIP: Pick your club carefully for this uphill, sloping par 3. Green is guarded by bunkers on the left and right. Ball placement is critical. A ball left above the hole could leave a chip for the next shot if the putt is missed.
#13 The Legend - Par 5 This long, uphill par 5 is a great example of how The Legend can be both challenging and scenic at the same time. PRO TIP: Hit to the flats and leave yourself an uphill putt. #1 Summit - Par 4 Don’t be fooled by the length of this hole (and the Summit course!). The challenge on this hole is the green. PRO TIP: Keep your second shot below the hole for a straight uphill putt. #18 Cedar River - Par 5 A great risk/reward hole. Be careful how far you play your tee shot; the landing area is very narrow down the hill. PRO TIP: As you approach the green, aim left; everything rolls toward the pond on the right.
BRIAN WALTERS
#3 Schuss Mountain GC - Par 4 A great example of the many dogleg-left holes on Schuss GC. Work the ball right-to-left to leave a shorter second shot. PRO TIP: Don’t try to hug the tree line on the left too closely! If you don’t carry far enough, you may not be able to hit toward the green on your next shot. #7 The Legend - Par 5 A beautiful par 5 where you have to carry a small amount of water twice, and among the flatter layouts on The Legend. PRO TIP: A long drive here is usually not helpful; it is a 3-shot par 5 for most. Plan your 3rd shot into the narrow green from a yardage you can swing from confidently.
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#1 Cedar River - Par 4 The toughest starting hole at Shanty Creek Resorts. Long in length and usually plays into the wind. PRO TIP: Hit a solid tee ball and avoid the bunker on the right. Your second shot usually requires a wood to reach the green. Left of the green is safe. Par is a great score! #3 The Legend - Par 4 A fairly long dogleg to the right. The views from the tee and the green make it beautiful and memorable. PRO TIP: From the tee, play safe to the left of the bunkers and don’t worry about a long approach—it’s downhill. Or take on the bunkers and, if successful, you’re only a short wedge away from the green.
#14 Cedar River - Par 3 The signature hole at Cedar River GC. The actual Cedar River serves as a stunning backdrop to this shorter par 3. Plays a club to a club-and-a-half shorter than the yardage, but the wind swirls in this corner of the property. PRO TIP: Avoid being long or you’re in the river bottom. Bailout is short right off the hill. #16 Summit - Par 3 A great, medium-length par 3 that is guarded by a pond and deep bunker on the right. PRO TIP: Play to the left center of the green. If you miss left this leaves a fairly easy chip. Anywhere else and the difficulty level rises.
#18 Schuss Mountain GC - Par 4 Perhaps the best finishing hole at SCR. A gentle dogleg to the right, with ponds surrounding the fairway on both sides in the landing area. If successful off the tee, take dead aim on the second to possibly finish with a birdie. PRO TIP: Don’t get greedy off the tee: aim for the 150 yard pole and play your second from there. Anything right brings hazards into play.
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
CHRIS HALE
#16 Schuss Mountain GC - Par 4 A long par 4 that requires a long and accurate tee shot in order to have a clear view of the green for your second. Getting on the green in regulation is a great accomplishment. PRO TIP: Avoid being too far left off of the tee. From the back tees, there is more room (on right) than there appears.
BRIAN WALTERS
LINDSEY SOUTHWELL
JASON’S FAVORITES
#13 on The Legend
LINDSEY SOUTHWELL
traditions
ROGER’S FAVORITES #18 on Cedar River
#1 Legend - Par 5 A shorter straightaway downhill par 5 to start your round. PRO TIP: Can be reached with driver down the left side and a well-placed long iron to possibly make eagle or birdie. Or play 3 seven irons to put you on the green nicely for a ho-hum par to start your day!
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OU KNOW DY DI
There are 336 dimples on a golf ball.
#12 Schuss Mountain - Par 4 The 18th handicap and easiest hole at Schuss. PRO TIP: Hit a good solid drive to get the ball on the flat area of the fairway. Short tee shots end up on a downhill lie, making the second shot more difficult to get to an elevated green. #10 Summit - Par 4 Sure, it looks like an innocent straightaway short par 4. Avoid the fairway bunkers left off the tee. Your second shot to the green is critical. PRO TIP: Green layout is sloped from right to left, so always play to the left of the hole to avoid possible 3-putts. #12 Legend - Par 3 Quite possibly the 2nd Signature hole on the Legend, a very attractive view from the elevated tee. Pond left, beautiful stonework on the home behind the green. Newly added tee boxes below and left create a completely different look to the hole. PRO TIP: Can usually select one club less since it plays downhill. Try to play short and left of the hole to have uphill and straighter putts for birdie. #2 Cedar River - Par 4 A welcome relief from having completed the tough first hole on Cedar River. Being a shorter par 4, it offers the opportunity to get a stroke back. PRO TIP: Favor the left side of the fairway off the tee to ensure a good look at the green and hole location. #14 Schuss Mountain - Par 5 Possibly the best risk/reward short dogleg left par 5 at SCR. PRO TIP: The fun starts with your decision-making process on the tee. It can be played safely straight down the fairway to make birdie or par. The other option is to cut the corner with a good tee shot. Flirting with the pond over the corner leaves a shorter 2nd shot to the green to possibly make eagle or a two-putt birdie. Beware: a bad tee shot usually equals BOGEY!
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A N D T H E AWA R D GOES TO... While Antrim County may be a quiet, rural setting with a quaint population of 23,154 scattered throughout 305,000 acres of hardwood-covered forests, rolling meadows, and miles of shoreline along the Chain of Lakes, it is rich with world-class amenities. Legend has it Torch Lake was once ranked #3 on National Geographic’s “Most Beautiful Lakes in the World.” And there’s no doubt Short’s Brewing has earned its reputation among the planet’s most demanding craft beer taste buds. So it should come as no surprise that we are proud to share that Shanty Creek has its share of accolades on the world’s stage too (Traditions is, after all, our magazine!). Utilizing a ranking system that weighed accommodations, dining, things to do, along with golf course designs and conditions, the April 2012 issue of Condé Nast Traveler named Shanty Creek among the “Top Golf Resorts in the World” and the top golf resort in Michigan. While still aglow from Condé Nast, the following summer Rolex Timepieces released its first edition Top 1,000 Golf Courses in the World coffeetable powerhouse. The hardcover book features 13 courses in Michigan, and among them is Cedar River at Shanty Creek Resorts. (Designer Tom Weiskopf’s only other Michigan course was also featured, Forest Dunes in Roscommon.) Pro Tip: The Triple Dog Dare of world class summer days starts with a morning round at Cedar River before heading to Torch Lake’s legendary sandbar and enjoying an ice cold Huma Lupa Licious IPA from Short’s.
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
BRIAN WALTERS
BRIAN WALTERS
#TripleDogDare #WorldClass #PureMichiganGolf
BRIAN WALTERS
traditions
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE WORLD CLASS?
COURTESY OF MPS BIGSHOW
BY MICHAEL PATRICK SHIELS, SYNDICATED MORNING RADIO HOST/AUTHOR/ TRAVEL WRITER The phrase “world class” often prompts people to think outward across vast oceans, dramatic deserts and majestic mountains. But as Russell Conwell suggests in his famed book, “acres of diamonds” sparkle right on our own front lawn: especially the fairways and greens of Shanty Creek’s Cedar River Golf Course. I personally watched PGA great Tom Weiskopf thoughtfully handcraft the course he created over the treasured terrain nature originally carved for him. Remember Michigan’s official motto, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you,” may be too humble because it’s always a beautiful day at Shanty Creek. #ItsABeautifulDay #WishYouWereHere
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HIKING AND BIKING
BETH PRICE
Study a map of Shanty’s home county, Antrim, and you see roads bending to the will of geography. Curves and arcs and turns are dictated by lakeshores, threading rivers, broad wetlands, and ridges and valleys that rise and fall into the distance. But what’s inconvenient for road builders is a marvelous gift to road cyclists, because all that changing terrain spells interest and beautiful scenery on days of two-wheeling. Shanty is an ideal location to launch bike journeys, with Antrim’s pretty byways and lightly trafficked back roads (even during peak tourist season) running in any direction from the resort. Rail-to-trail paths are nearby in Charlevoix and Gaylord for riders wanting a car-free experience on their road bikes.
Road Riding in Antrim County.
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BETH PRICE
Mountain bikers also have plenty of good to choose from in the rolling terrain that gave rise to Shanty Creek’s ski hills. In nearby Bellaire, locals teamed up with trail builders at the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) to build one of the North’s premier mountain bike trail networks at Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area. Riders seeking single-track also head to the Vasa Trail (a half-hour south), where 13 miles of twisting trail trace through the Pere Marquette State Forest. (The trail is doable for a wide range of riders.) To the north, Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area, in downtown Boyne City, serves up thrilling downhills, challenging uphills and a dynamite view of Lake Charlevoix.
traditions
At the Summit Fitness Center, guests can rent an e-bike. What’s that, you say? An e-bike is a traditional bike that has a small electric motor to help riders over those rolling hills. You have to try one to believe it!
CHRIS HALE
E-BIKES ADD POWER
BETH PRICE
Family hike at Grass River.
For mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers and nature seekers, three nearby trail systems offer premium outdoor adventures and are top-quality extensions of the Shanty experience. GLACIAL HILLS PATHWAY AND NATURAL AREA A fresh addition for northern Michigan outdoor enthusiasts, Glacial Hills’ 763 acres of trail-laced forest recently opened after an eight-year effort spearheaded by a local land conservancy. Hilly glacial moraines define this land, making ideal terrain for thrilling mountain bike trails and hikes to inspiring overlooks. Glacial Hills is three miles northwest of SCR.
GRASS RIVER NATURAL AREA Just a few minutes’ drive to the south of Shanty, Grass River Natural Area, with an interpretive center, 1,443 acres and 7 miles of gentle trails, is one of northern Michigan’s premier and most well-respected nature centers. Add to the adventure by paddling or powerboating south down Lake Bellaire and into the Grass River to tie up at the natural area’s dock. JORDAN RIVER PATHWAY When Michigan first established the Wild and Scenic River designation, the Jordan River was the first river in the state to receive that honor. Located just 10 miles northeast of SCR, the river still runs wild and clean, embraced by an 1,800-acre-tract of preserved public land. The Jordan River is renowned for trout fishing, paddling, and an 18-mile hiking trail called the Jordan River Pathway.
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JESS WHIPPLE
Patrick Boyd from Bellaire’s Paddles & Pedals.
TAYLOR BROWN
traditions
Fat Biking at Cedar River.
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OU KNOW DY DI
BETH PRICE
Bellaire means “fresh air”
PADDLES & PEDALS
Patrick Boyd did the classic small town thing. He grew up in the tiny burg of Bellaire and left when he was old enough. And then, in 2012, he returned. What was it that drew him back? “I like the small town,” he says. “And Bellaire is classic American small town. It feels safe. Kids are riding their bikes around. Families are out walking. All the shops are small, mom-and-pop operations.” When Boyd moved back, he was working for a large corporation doing outside sales. But a couple of years ago he decided to open his own business in the hometown that he loves. “Bellaire needed a bike shop,” he says. His original concept was a bike and kayak rental business. But the idea kept evolving and growing. “If I needed parts for my bikes, I might as well have parts for other people’s bikes,” he says. “And if I need bikes for rent, I might as well have bikes to sell.” Today Paddles and Pedals is a full-service bike shop and kayak rental that delivers boats to where the customer wants them. Come winter, guests of SCR can have Fat Bikes delivered for use on Cedar River’s multi-purpose trail.
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COLOR TOURS THAT LEAVE A WAKE
When the day arrives, there, in the third week of September, and the calendar reads “First Day of Autumn,” northern Michigan nature sets off to prove the point. Maple trees radiate red, aspens glow yellow, oaks turn bronze, and the tamaracks and the ash and the beech and the birch … each transforms into their own particular nuanced hue. And that marvelous, multicolored tapestry, spread across thousands of miles of northern Michigan forest reflects in the shimmering surface of hundreds of lakes, that is autumn in northern Michigan. Sure, long drives crisscrossing rural highways is one way to see an explosion of fall color. The path less taken, however, is aboard a vessel on the waters of Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes. Don a fleece (and maybe a pair of light gloves or wool
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cap too) for a spectacular alternative color cruise. By pontoon or kayak, fall colors from the water is a treat. From the popular water skiing and tubing stretches of Intermediate Lake to the fishing hot spots of Lake Bellaire to the iconic Torch Lake and its big water, turquoise hues, and an energized sandbar social scene, boaters of all types have a home—while paddlers may prefer the calmer waterways north of Central Lake, 12-plus miles of still water strung through six narrow lakes. Closest to Shanty, Lake Bellaire sits at the midpoint of the chain, a perfect location for launching days of exploration on the water. #ColorTour #FallInLove #ShantyCreek
RUTH OLDENBURG LINDSEY SOUTHWELL
traditions
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Full Service Marina New and Used Boats ~ Boat Slips & Storage ~ Boat Rentals Boat Parts & Repair ~ Docks & Hoists
www.dewittmarine.com
231.377.6611 • 6509 Crystal Springs Road • Bellaire
Come visit visit us us for for wine wine Come tasting in in the the tasting vibrant town town of of Alden Alden vibrant www.vistaridgevineyards.com | 231.331.5511
GIFTS . CLOTHING . HOME ACCENTS www.uniquelynorth.com
REFLECTING THE MOODS & STYLES OF UP NORTH LIVING DOWNTOWN BELLAIRE . OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK . 231.533.4630
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B U T W A I T, THERE’S MORE. CHRIS HALE
JESS WHIPPLE
Here are some additional dining options around Antrim County.
Tasty treats from Moka.
THE DOCKSIDE Sittin’ on the dock of Torch Lake. Grab a basket of sweet potato fries or fish tacos. PELICAN’S NEST One bite and you’ll agree the Pecan Brie Chicken sandwich is better than dropping that birdie putt on #16 of The Chief. PEARL’S For some Cajun from the bayou, head to Pearl’s in Elk Rapids. An order of alligator bites and a shrimp po’ boy will let the good times roll.
JESS WHIPPLE
MOKA & STARLIGHT LOUNGE Drop in for the town’s gossip. Get a cinnamon mocha latte and pastry up front, or a flatbread pizza and cocktails in the back.
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
SHORT’S BREWING CO. This list would be incomplete without Bellaire’s flagship brewpub. We can’t recommend a pint because Short’s beer list is ever-changing. So order a sampler—you can’t miss. And everything pairs well with their pretzel sticks and sides.
BRIAN WALTERS
traditions
Kid Rock put Torch Lake on the pop charts.
ALL SUMMER LONG BY KID ROCK
It was 1989, my thoughts were short my hair was long
Catching Walleye from the dock
Caught somewhere between a boy and man
Watching the waves roll off the rocks
She was seventeen and she was far from in-between
She’ll forever hold a spot inside my soul
It was summertime in Northern Michigan
We’d blister in the sun We couldn’t wait for night to come
Splashing through the sand bar
To hit that sand and play some rock and roll
Talking by the campfire It’s the simple things in life, like when and where We didn’t have no internet But man I never will forget The way the moonlight shined upon her hair
Now nothing seems as strange as when the leaves began to change Or how we thought those days would never end Sometimes I’ll hear that song and I’ll start to sing along And think man I’d love to see that girl again
And we were trying different things We were smoking funny things Making love out by the lake to our favorite song
From the album Rock and Roll Jesus· Songwriters: Matthew Shafer, Waddy Wachtel, R.J. Ritchie, Leroy Marinell, Warren Zevon, Edward King, Gary Rossington, Ronald Vanzant
Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking ‘bout tomorrow Singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long
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Glacial Hills Bike Race
CHRIS HALE
EVENTS CALENDAR
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
traditions
CHRIS HALE
JESS WHIPPLE
Cardboard Classic
Balloons Over Bellaire
EVENTS CALENDAR
January 6 Michigan Winter Trails Day 13–15 MLK Weekend 19–21 SCR Instructional Weekend 30–Feb 2 Special Olympics Winter Games
July 3 SCR Fireworks Festival 10–14 Alpenfest, Gaylord 14–21 Venetian Festival, Charlevoix 31–Aug 5 TC Film Festival, Traverse City
February 3 White Pine Stampede 4 King of the Hill, Schuss Mountain 17–19 Presidents’ Weekend 26 State Finals, Skiing, MHSAA Div II
August 1–4 9–11 18 19 24–26
March 3 10 16–18
Slush Cup Cardboard Classic Irish Weekend
April 1 7–8 26–30 28
Easter Buffet, The Lakeview Schuss Mountain Snow Challenge National Trout Festival, Kalkaska Short’s Anni Party, Bellaire
May 12 26 26
Shanty-to-Short’s 5k • 10k • Fun Run Petoskey Stone Festival, Eastport Bayshore Marathon, Traverse City
June 1–4 Bass Festival, Mancelona 8–17 Lilac Festival, Mackinac Island 23 Traverse City Wine & Art Festival 30–July 7 National Cherry Festival, Traverse City
Harbor Days, Elk Rapids Antrim County Fair, Bellaire Rubber Ducky Festival, Bellaire Glacial Hills Bike Race Balloons Over Bellaire
September 14–15 Paddle Antrim 29 Harvest Festival, Bellaire 29 Chairlift Rides, Purple Lift Schuss Mountain October 6, 12, 30 Chairlift Rides, Purple Lift Schuss Mountain 12–13 Apple Festival, Charlevoix November 3 Iceman Cometh, Kalkaska 22 Turkeys-To-Go + Thanksgiving, The Lakeview 24 Antrim Ski Academy Ski Swap 24 Short’s Brew-Ski Bash, Bellaire December 1 Light Up the Night, Bellaire 22 Tannenbaum Blitzen, Ivan’s 25 Ski Free with Santa, Schuss Mountain 30 Demo Day, Schuss Mountain
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Cheers to the next 50 years of Schuss Mountain.
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Shanty Creek Resorts | shantycreek.com
SHANTY CREEK’S LOCAL DISTILLERY
Tastings, cocktails, classes and bottle sales 10 minutes to downtown Central Lake
231.544.1515
photo: Carlson Productions
Wish You Were Here