A few years ago, a newspaper here in Michigan posed the question,”when do you feel like you are up north?” To us Michiganians or Michiganders (which is another post entirely) down here in the southern part of the lower peninsula this had many varied answers. For me, once I am off I75 and headed towards Traverse City then I feel like I am truly “up north.”
Accommodations, meals, and spa services provided.
That’s why I was excited to stay at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. This is a resort with a true up north feeling that offers a spa, golf courses, and outstanding cuisine.
Even though the trees had not yet turned, the view from our room of the golf course was enticing us to play just a round. So over the next couple of days we hit a few balls, including some in the many ponds and into the trees that surround Spruce Run. In 18 holes it has 2 par 5’s, 12 par 4’s, and 4 par 3’s. Challenging, yet very enjoyable. Besides for a camera buff like Randy it gave him an opportunity to get some great pictures. There really is nothing like golf courses for amazing scenery.
We took a ride around the Wolverine. It is a more user friendly course, with wider greens, but a very creative design. On the 4th hole you drive over an area of wild flowers and brush. It appeared to be a very popular course while Spruce Run was less busy.
After all that golf, a visit to the Spa was called for. It is truly a place of relaxation with the fireplace in the waiting room and and soothing music being played throughout.
The Cherry Infused Massage is their classic relaxation massage using signature blends of cherry oil. Other types of massages that intrigued us were the Bamboo Massage in which bamboo sticks are used to provide a luxurious experience, a Table Thai Body Therapy which is based after the Eastern tradition of Thai, and a Rain Shower Ritual which begins with a signature sea salt scrub followed by a rhythmic Vichy shower.
They also provide facials, nail care, hair artistry, waxing, and makeup specialty services.
One night for dinner we made reservation at the Resort’s signature restaurant Aerie for 7:00 pm, hoping to catch the sun setting. We were very fortunate, it put on quite a show for us.
The food and service were what we hoped for. We started with an appetizer of Kobe Meatballs with toasted pistachios, Israeli couscous and Moroccan tomato sauce. The meatball was extremely tender and flavorful.
Since I am always on the lookout for great tomato soup I ordered the Tomato Bacon Fennel Bisque. It was thick just the way I like it and the fennel added a nice touch to the taste.
Randy had the Spinach Salad with Dried Cherries, Candid Pistachios and Bourbon Braised Peaches.
For our entrees Randy had the the Pan Seared Scallops with Sweet Corn Risotto, Jalapeno Beurre Blanc and Chipotle Chorizo oil.
While I had a Lemon Peppered and Dill Crusted Salmon on a Bed of Purple Potatoes and Broccolini.
While this was all wonderful the highlight of the meal was the Chocolate Bananas Foster.
It was actually four desserts in one. Frist was the bruleed banana with a banana foster caramel, then a banana cheesecake with chocolate sauce, a dark chocolate pot de creme, and finally a cinnamon ice cream over dehydrated chocolate mousse crisps. Can anyone say “yum, yum, yum!?” I wanted so desperately to go back the following night just for this dessert.
Grand Traverse Resort puts a lot of thought into the activities they bring to the resort. While we were there they had a classic car show.
It was a great opportunity to see some of these old beauties and I even got to sit in one while the owner tried to figure out what was wrong with it.
Another car I had not seen before was a 1931 Peerless. It is the only known one to exist that still has most of original parts including the paint.
From their Spa, Golf Courses, swimming pools (both inside and out), tennis courts (both inside and out), shops, work out rooms, daycare, and restaurants there is never any need to get in your car and leave the property. It is a place you can truly feel “up north.”
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa has all the amenities you need for a relaxing few days away either for family or business.
looks like a great time.thanks for sharing