There's a reason to come up north every season – not to mention the seasons themselves. Traverse City has become nationally renowned for its festivals and beaches but there are so many events that highlight everything that is special about the Grand Traverse region - from wine tasting to racing the crystal clear waters - there is an event that is sure to excite you. Check out our calendar of events and find the event that fits you.
Festivals
The northern Michigan region is host to a number of festivals throughout the year.
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Race Events
The region's scenic varied landscape inspires residents and visitors alike to hike, paddle, run and swim for exercise and competition throughout the year...
Learn More
Beer & Wine Events
With an ideal climate for growing hops and grapes, the greater Traverse City region is host to a number of beer and wine festivals.
Learn More
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October 2017
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November 2017
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December 2017
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January 2018
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February 2018
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March 2018
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April 2018
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May 2018
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Downtown Traverse City Halloween Walk[{"StartDate":"10/28/2017","EndDate":"10/28/2017"}]FalseOctober closes with a parade of little ghosts and goblins as Downtown Traverse City hosts costume clad children and their parents to trick or treat at participating stores throughout the Downtown area.
This free event runs from 10:00-11:30am.
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2017 Traverse City Shop & Sip[{"StartDate":"11/18/2017","EndDate":"11/18/2017"}]TrueThe Traverse City Shop & Sip is Northern Michigan's favorite handmade holiday craft market!
For their 7th year, they will be taking over the Michigan Ballroom at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. 2017 will offer 70+ vendors, a ticketed VIP preview, 2 full bars, special hotel rates for shop & sippers, as well as free (valet is also available) parking and admission! Whether you're a shopper or a vendor, join them in 2017 for the 7th annual Traverse City Shop & Sip!
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28th Bell's Beer Iceman Cometh Challenge[{"StartDate":"11/4/2017","EndDate":"11/4/2017"}]FalseThe Bell's Beer Iceman Cometh Challenge is a 29 mile point-to-point mountain bike race from Kalkaska to Traverse City, Michigan.
Held traditionally on the first Saturday of November. More than $52,000 in cash prizes and $10,000 in merchandise prizes will be awarded.
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Biggest Little Holiday Party[{"StartDate":"12/2/2017","EndDate":"12/2/2017"}]TruePut your holiday party planning into our hands and come celebrate in "Grand" style.
Whether you're a small business, non-profit, group of friends or couple looking to enjoy a holiday party, come join our annual Biggest Little Holiday Party. Our Biggest Little Party takes all of the planning, organizing and budgeting out of your hands but still delivers that memorable holiday extravaganza for employees, friends and family.
The Biggest Little pre-party reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, snacks & cash bar. The dinner buffet will follow at 7:00 p.m. with entertainment provided by Sounds Productions and comedians Ben Wilke and Mike Armstrong.
PRICE - $32 PER PERSON
Room Rate special available.FOR PARTY RESERVATIONS, CALL 231-534-6150.
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Breakfast with Santa[{"StartDate":"12/2/2017","EndDate":"12/2/2017"},{"StartDate":"12/16/2017","EndDate":"12/16/2017"}]TrueSanta Claus is coming- to breakfast!
Join us Saturday, December 2 or 16 for Breakfast with Santa in Michigan Ballroom. Seatings are available at 8 and 10 am. We are serving a family friendly buffet and Jolly Ol' Saint Nick will be on hand for photos and to visit with children.In addition to a family friendly buffet this one-of-a-kind event will include tableside performances by face painting, balloon artists, DJ music, a build your own doughnut station, and more Christmas magic than you can shake a candy cane at.
Adults - $25.50
Guests 10-14 - 19.00
Guests 6-10 - 12.75
Guests 5 and under - Complimentary
Call 231-534-NOEL with questions. -
Christmas Day Buffet[{"StartDate":"12/25/2017","EndDate":"12/25/2017"}]TrueThis year spend Christmas relaxing and enjoying your time with family and friends while Aerie Restaurant & Lounge takes care of the cooking.
Join us Sunday, December 25 for a Christmas Day Dinner complete with all of your holiday favorites like mashed potatoes, ham, prime rib, and green beans.
Adults - $31.95
Younger Guests 11-14 - $14.95
Younger Guests 5 -10 - $10.95
Younger Guests To 5 - Complimentary
Call 231-534-6800 for reservations. -
Complimentary Tennis Clinic[{"StartDate":"1/6/2018","EndDate":"1/6/2018"},{"StartDate":"11/4/2017","EndDate":"11/4/2017"},{"StartDate":"12/2/2017","EndDate":"12/2/2017"},{"StartDate":"2/3/2018","EndDate":"2/3/2018"}]TrueJoin us on the first Saturday of the month as we host our complimentary tennis clinic.
Each month from 12:00-1:00pm we teach tennis fundamentals in a session that is free for both adults and children.
This event is open to the public and pre-registration is required. Call 231-534-6770 to register. -
Girls Night Out- Midweek Getaway[{"StartDate":"11/5/2017","EndDate":"12/26/2017"}]TrueJoin us this winter for a Girls Night Out Getaway.
In addition to a great nights stay this relaxing package includes a Spa Grand Traverse treatment, Spa cocktail, and breakfast buffet.Midweek rates are available November 5 - December 26, Sunday thru Thursday.
STARTING AT $256 PER PERSON IN THE HOTEL
STARTING AT $289 PER PERSON IN THE TOWER
Package features:
1 Night Accommodations
1 Breakfast Buffets at Sweetwater American Bistro per person ($10 upcharge for Sunday brunch per person)
1 Spa Cocktail per adult
1 of the spa treatments below per person:
50 min Relaxation Massage
Woodland Wellness Body Buff
50 min Just the Two of Us Massage
50 min Mother to Be Massage
Northern Nature Body Glow
Organic Coconut Apricot Sugar Scrub
Aromatherapy Infused Stress Relief Wrap
Bio-Dynamic Facial
Repair & Restore Men’s Facial
Teen Clean Facial
Northern Serenity Mani & Pedi Combo
For reservations, call 800-236-1577.
The above rates are per person, based on double occupancy. The above pricing includes 11% tax and $15.95 nightly resort fee. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not available to groups. Not valid with holiday brunches. May not be combined with other offers. Certain other restrictions may apply. Must be at least 21 years of age. Blackout dates apply and are subject to change. Blackout dates are December 6, 7, 12 , 13. -
Northern Michigan Elite Wedding Expo[{"StartDate":"10/22/2017","EndDate":"10/22/2017"}]TrueAre wedding bells ringing in your future? Michigan Wedding Guide's Bridal Expos are the premier Bridal events in Traverse City.
The Fall Expo will be help on Sunday, October, 22th, from Noon - 4pm at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Whether you are recently engaged or just completing the final touches for your big day, they invite you to meet with our area’s top wedding professionals. Vendors include photographers, cake designers, wineries, florists, entertainment and so much more. Prizes will be awarded throughout the show.
Get more details at http://miwedding.com
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Sips & Soups[{"StartDate":"1/20/2018","EndDate":"1/20/2018"}]FalseWarm up your weekend with scrumptious soup and wine pairings at 18 wineries along the trail on Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 12 to 5 pm.
Warm up your weekend with scrumptious soup and wine pairings at 18 wineries along the trail on Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 12 to 5 pm. Experience the magic of our wineries covered in a glistening blanket of snow, while sipping savory soups, hearty chilis, and delicious Pinot Noirs, Rieslings, Chardonnays and more. Tickets to this SOUPer event are $20 and include a souvenir wine glass. In addition, $5 for each ticket sold is being donated to local food banks coordinated by Leelanau Christian Neighbors. Sips & Soups sold out in 2016 and 2017, so get your tickets right away!
Tickets are purchased by selecting a Starting Winery where you will check-in to the event and pick up your supplies before charting your own course to participating wineries in any order you choose. After your featured food and wine pairing, most wineries offer an additional complimentary 2 to 3 tastes. -
Sips 'n Giggles[{"StartDate":"10/21/2017","EndDate":"10/21/2017"}]FalseEnjoy a laid back and hilariously fun evening of wine and comedy on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Leelanau Studios off M22 in Traverse City.
Start with a pre-show pour (or two) from 6 to 8, featuring delicious local wine from 45 North and Chateau Fontaine, Chateau de Leelanau Tractor Pull Hard Ciders, brews from Right Brain Brewery and snacks available for purchase. Starting at 8pm, grab your glass of #leelanauwine and prepare for an evening of uproarious entertainment. The Sips N’ Giggles Comedy Show, presented by Uncorrect Comedy, will have you in side-splitting stitches as Midwest funnyman Geoff Tate entertains you with his hilarious brand of humor, along with special guests Kaytlin Bailey (an NYC-based comedian who’s appeared on Sirius XM and MTV) and Jeff Horste (Comedy Central and Fox TV’s Laughs). Sit back, relax and enjoy the show for a local wine evening you’ll never forget. Please note that this event is for 21 years and up only.
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Sips, Chips & Dips[{"StartDate":"3/24/2018","EndDate":"3/24/2018"}]FalseJoin the casual fun on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 12 pm to 5 pm as participating wineries pair everyday snacks with Leelanau wine.
This is a fantastic way to try lots of your favorite munchies and see how great they taste when complemented by wine. Tickets are $10 per person and include a souvenir wine glass a snack-and-wine pairing at each participating winery.
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Small Plates Wine Tasting Event- Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail[{"StartDate":"5/31/2018","EndDate":"5/31/2018"}]FalseThe next wildly popular Small Plates—an intimate progressive dinner along the trail—is Thursday, May 31, 2018 from 6 to 9 pm.
Enjoy a glass of wine paired with a gourmet tapas dish in the tasting rooms of up to three wineries during this unique dinner event that happens just twice per year! Many wineries partner with local chefs to prepare and serve each delicious pairing. Culinary aficionados will enjoy this upscale, gourmet dining experience!
Tickets are $15 per seating*, and you may get tickets for one, two or three seatings, each at the winery of your choice. Seating times are roughly 6 pm, 7 pm and 8 pm. Tickets must be ordered in advance for this event and always sell out quickly, so be sure to get yours today. -
Spa Week[{"StartDate":"10/16/2017","EndDate":"10/31/2017"}]TrueAdd an extra spring to your step with Spa Week Special Offers featuring 50 minutes of complete spa goodness for only $50! Reservations are now being accepted for the following $50 spa treatments:
WARM AMBER RELAXATION MASSAGE
50 Minutes | $50Classic Swedish massage techniques come together with warm oil to create the ultimate experience of relaxation. This combination of gentle flowing strokes and tissue release help you achieve a mind/body balance, leaving you refreshed and relaxed. Light to medium pressure.
AUTUMN SUNRISE FACIAL
50 Minutes | $50A brief skin analysis allows us to address your skin concerns from dryness, sensitivity and oiliness. This facial will include customized product to quench your skin’s thirst and give you a radiant glow. Enjoy a light neck, shoulder and scalp massage.
FALL HARVEST EXPRESS MANICURE + PEDICURE COMBO
50 Minutes | $50Enjoy a pumpkin infused aromatic soak followed by a quick clean-up of the nail and polish.
To make a spa reservation, call Spa Grand Traverse: 231-534-6750.
Valid October 16-31 2017. Not valid with other offers. Based on availability. Certain other restrictions may apply. 20% gratuity is based off of original price of services. Call for details.
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Sunday Brunch at Aerie Restaurant[{"StartDate":"12/17/2017","EndDate":"12/17/2017"},{"StartDate":"12/24/2017","EndDate":"12/24/2017"},{"StartDate":"12/31/2017","EndDate":"12/31/2017"},{"StartDate":"2/4/2018","EndDate":"2/4/2018"},{"StartDate":"11/5/2017","EndDate":"11/5/2017"},{"StartDate":"11/12/2017","EndDate":"11/12/2017"},{"StartDate":"11/19/2017","EndDate":"11/19/2017"},{"StartDate":"11/26/2017","EndDate":"11/26/2017"},{"StartDate":"12/3/2017","EndDate":"12/3/2017"},{"StartDate":"12/10/2017","EndDate":"12/10/2017"},{"StartDate":"10/22/2017","EndDate":"10/22/2017"},{"StartDate":"10/29/2017","EndDate":"10/29/2017"}]TrueEvery Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Resort guests and locals can also visit Aerie for an incredible Sunday Brunch experience.
Enjoy a variety of traditional and assorted buffet items such as an omelet station, variety of fresh salads, pastries, desserts, and more. Aerie Sunday Brunch includes a glass of champagne per adult.
Adults: $22.95
Ages 5-12: $7.95
Under 5: No ChargeCall 231-534-6800 for Aerie Restaurant reservations.
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Taste the Passion[{"StartDate":"2/10/2018","EndDate":"2/11/2018"}]FalseWinter Wonderland is here, and there’s “snow” much fun to be had along the trail! Gather your friends and embark on an adventure of snow-covered vineyards and sweet & savory bites paired with amazing wine.
This fun-filled winter celebration along the trail takes place Saturday from 11 – 5 and Sunday from 12 – 5. Tickets are $40 per person for both days and include a souvenir wine glass, delish Leelanau wine and food pairings and the Snow Fun Photo Contest with super cool prizes. Whether you’re hand-in-hand with your valentine or traversing the trail with your gal pals, it’s sure to be an unforgettable blast!
Tickets are $40 and include a souvenir wine glass and a featured wine and food pairing at each winery. After your featured pairing, most wineries offer an additional complimentary 2 to 3 tastes. Tickets are purchased by selecting a Starting Winery where you will check-in to the event and pick up your supplies before charting your own course to participating wineries in any order you choose. Tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday. -
Thanksgiving Day Buffet[{"StartDate":"11/23/2017","EndDate":"11/23/2017"}]TrueIf you're looking for someone else to prepare Thanksgiving dinner and entertain the family this year, join us in Aerie Restaurant & Lounge for our popular Thanksgiving buffet.
TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PRICING:Adults - 31.95
Younger Guests 11-14 - 15.95
Younger Guests 5 -10 - 11.95
Younger Guests To 5 - Complimentary
FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 231-534-6800 -
The Great Beerd Run[{"StartDate":"11/11/2017","EndDate":"11/11/2017"}]TrueJoin us at the Pavilion Tent for our third Beerd Run- a 5k fun run designed to celebrate all things Beer and Beard. This is an untimed run with on course beer tastings featuring Beards Brewery, Short's Brewery and Right Brain Brewery.
There will also be a post-race Beer Tent featuring a Best Beard Contest, race grub, music, and beer.
Categories & Prices :$40 September- November 11, 2017
Registration Fee includes race entrance, knitted beard beanie, bottle opener/race medal, 3 beer samples, one glass of beer during the post-race party and entrance into post-race party featuring live music.
NEW IN 2017 We are offering a $30 registration fee with all of the great race perks- minus the beard beanie.
Prizes will be awarded for the First Place Male and Female as well as for Best Natural Beard and Best Assisted Beard.
The race is open to participants 21 or over. Must provide photo ID. -
The Great Macaroni & Cheese Bake-off[{"StartDate":"11/25/2017","EndDate":"11/25/2017"}]FalseTIME: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Simply put, the Mac & Cheese Bake-Off is a comfort food extravaganza!
Area restaurants partner with one WOMP winery each to create a perfect mac & cheese and wine pairing, and participants get to vote for the best pairing, cheesiest, and people's choice. This annual event that boasts friendly rivalries has created its own following, including large groups and families in town for the Thanksgiving holiday, so tickets sell out quickly.
Tickets are on sale online through MyNorth Tickets for $40 each (with $3 processing fee). Cost includes commemorative tasting glass, (8) total 3oz. samples of mac & cheese (one at each winery), and one wine pairing at each winery.
CLICK FOR DETAILS or call 231-933-9787.
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The Hunt for the Reds of October[{"StartDate":"10/16/2017","EndDate":"10/20/2017"},{"StartDate":"10/23/2017","EndDate":"10/27/2017"},{"StartDate":"10/30/2017","EndDate":"10/31/2017"}]FalseLeelanau Peninsula has become well-known for its Riesling and other cool-climate white varietals and blends. What is often overlooked, however, are the high-quality red wines being grown in the region.
To help get beneath the surface, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail hosts a fun event to explore and discover great red wines of Leelanau Peninsula.
The Hunt for the Reds of October takes place weekdays during the month of October. For the entire month of October, your $10 ticket gets you a complimentary pour at each of 20+ participating wineries offering diverse red wines: big and bold Cabernet Francs and Merlots, aromatic and spicy Pinot Noirs and many more.
In addition, the event benefits the American Red Cross of Northern Michigan with $5 for every ticket being donated the cause. Great wine for a great cause? It doesn’t get better than that!
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Toast the Season[{"StartDate":"11/4/2017","EndDate":"11/5/2017"},{"StartDate":"11/11/2017","EndDate":"11/12/2017"}]FalseToast the Season is a Northern Michigan holiday tradition. Each year in November, enjoy tasting and touring during one of two consecutive weekends – November 4 and 5 or November 11 and 12, 2017.
Each year in November, enjoy tasting and touring during one of two consecutive weekends – November 4 and 5 or November 11 and 12, 2017.
Tickets are $75 for couples or $50 for singles and include a featured wine and food pairing at 23 wineries, a souvenir wine glass and the wildly popular holiday gift. After your featured pairing, most wineries offer an additional complimentary 2 to 3 tastes. Tickets are purchased by selecting a Starting Winery where you will check-in to the event and pick up your supplies before charting your own course to participating wineries in any order you choose. Tickets are good for both Saturday and Sunday.
Bringing your own driver or have a friend not interested in drinking? Add a Designated Driver ticket for $25 so your non-drinking friend may still enjoy food along the trail as well as the holiday giftSave
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Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo[{"StartDate":"11/14/2017","EndDate":"11/14/2017"}]True9am – 4pm
140+ exhibitors and more than 1,300 attendees take part in this annual event that showcases community businesses, allows large-scale networking, and introduces new products and services to the region each November.
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Traverse City Beer Week[{"StartDate":"11/10/2017","EndDate":"11/17/2017"}]FalseTraverse City is best known as a four-season outdoor adventure destination with a lively culinary and wine scene, but in the last couple of years it has also emerged as a major center of craft brewing.
(Draft magazine named it one of Americas’ "Three Emerging Beer Towns" and The Travel Channel listed it among the "Top Seven Beer Destinations in North America!")
Traverse City Beer Week showcases a series of events highlighting this fabulous craft beer scene. From November 10th to the 17th, there are seven days of craft beer tastings, dinners and workshops. Get a pint or a sample, meet with brewers and brewery representatives and learn more about our incredible beer state of Michigan.
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Traverse City Cider Week[{"StartDate":"10/14/2017","EndDate":"10/21/2017"}]FalseTraverse City Cider Week will take place from October 14 - 21st and features a variety of different cider related events.
Cider Week Events include:
Pop - Up Cider Mill
The Shed Beer Garden Thursday Oct. 19th
Time 4 - 7 PM
The Shed Beer Garden will be celebrating Traverse City Cider Week with a Pop-Up Cider Mill featuring local hard ciders from Nomad Cidery, Townline Ciderworks, Starcut Ciders, and Bee Well Mead & Cider.
The Pop-Up Cider Mill will be complete with pumpkin carving (BYOP - bring your own pumpkin), Caramel Apples from Kilwins Chocolates, Traverse City, Pumpkin donuts from Peace, Love and Little Donuts and hot cider for kids.
This is a free event for the whole family. We will be collecting warm clothing items for the Father Fred Foundation. Get entered into a raffle for every piece of clothing donated, for a chance to win gift certificates from our guest cideries.Facebook Link The Shed Beer Garden
Cider and Spirit Remix Cocktail Competition
Taproot Cider House Friday Oct. 20th
Time 6 - 8 pm
Local Cider companies team up with Distills to create a cider inspired cocktail. Customers decide on the winning cocktail. The winning cocktail receives a spot on the Taproot Cider House Cocktail Menu.
A portion of the Proceeds from this event will be donated to Oil and Water Don't Mix.
Participating Teams
Nomad Ciders- Iron Fish Distillery
Beewell Ciders - Grand Traverse Distillery
Starcut Ciders - Mammoth Distillery
Tandem Ciders - New Holland Artisan Spirits
Taproot Ciders - Traverse City Whiskey Company
Perry Appleseed Cider Flow
Location - Union Street
Time - October 16 - 21
Participating Locations - Blue Tractor, 7 Monks, Harvest, Perry Hannah Statue
Descriptions: Stroll down Union Street and discover rare cider at The Blue Tractor, 7 Monks and Harvest. Stop at the Perry Appleseed statue at the corner of Union and Sixth take a fun photo and tag your favorite participating cider company and bar for a chance to when a prize.
Location: Downtown Traverse City
Time: October 16 - 21
Description: Starcut Ciders has released 6 Erraticus kegs throughout Traverse City! Find a map and have an adventure during TC Cider Week discovering all the Erraticus Ciders that have been set free.
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Traverse City Turkey Trot[{"StartDate":"11/23/2017","EndDate":"11/23/2017"}]FalseThe 10th Annual Up North Media Turkey Trot presented by 4Front Credit Union is a great way to spend time with friends and family before your Thanksgiving celebration.
This year will mark the 10th Anniversary for the “U.S. Postal Service” of family fun runs. In the history of Traverse City’s Turkey Trot they’ve seen nearly 200,000 people cross the finish line and can’t wait to welcome another group of old and new friends to join them once more on Thanksgiving morning for this zany 5k and 5 mile run.
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Zombie Run[{"StartDate":"10/28/2017","EndDate":"10/28/2017"}]FalseThe Zombie Run has become a Traverse City Halloween tradition.
What's not to like? Zombies and beer have always been a winning combination.
Stick around after the race for the medal ceremony and best costumes prizes. That may have a few other surprises as well. Plus the beer will be flowing, who says you can't drink before noon? Besides, you’re already dead anyway! Proceeds benefit the TART Trails.
Upcoming Events
Barefoot Magazine
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Putting Practical in Practice
For golfers who can hit pure shots like Tiger Woods on the practice tee, but become hackers when they tee the ball up on a golf course, Mark Hill might have just the cure for your game.
Norman Sinclair Photography by Nile Young and Brian Walters (inset)Instead of spending hours with players pounding balls on a practice range trying to find that elusive stroke, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s veteran PGA head professional and lead instructor, along with his staff, PGA professionals Randy Ernst and Shane Hollandsworth, offer on-course lessons to work with students under real playing conditions.
“When you are on the range and you have a one-on-one and someone’s staring at you hitting golf balls, it’s real easy to get frustrated and tighten up,” Hill says. “Out on the course, they seem to be more relaxed and enjoy it more instead of hitting ball after ball on the range.”
Drawing on his more than 30 years as a golf instructor, mostly in northern Michigan, Hill says golf lessons taught on the practice range don’t necessarily transfer to the course.
“We can create so many shots out on the golf course,” he says. “Try to hit a knockdown shot beneath a tree, hitting shots out of a bunker, or hitting side-hill lies. On the range, you can’t do that.”
Taking it to the Course
Hill had been a Resort golf instructor for four years when he was promoted to the top job in 2015 after his predecessor, Scott Hebert, left. That’s when Hill instituted the on-course lesson option.
Longtime Resort golf member Dale Dorgan, who lives in nearby Elk Rapids, has been taking golf lessons for years. Dorgan was Hill’s first on-course student.
“I frankly think that is the only way to go,” Dorgan says. “You can hit shots on a flat surface and do pretty well, but you get more out of it when you go out there and hit a shot from side-hill lie.”
Brian Walsh, a Michigan transplant to Texas, says on-course instruction has been invaluable for his game and that of his teen son.
“When you are on the course, you see real-life playing situations,” Walsh says.
Besides The Bear, the Resort’s other two courses — The Wolverine and Spruce Run — help ensure that there is always room for Hill and his instructors to find a hole or two for practice sessions.
Keeping it Simple
Hill keeps instruction simple on the course. “I like to key in one swing thought with my students and we work on that,” he says. “When we get that accomplished, we move on.”
On-course lessons range from an hour to playing nine holes with an instructor.
“There is definitely a time for hitting balls on the range and working on a few things,” Hill says. “But we’ve had such positive feedback from everybody we’ve taken out on the golf course about how much more they got out of it.”
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Racecation
Turn competing in a race or triathlon into a vacation by staying at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and enjoying all the amenities and attractions the Resort and the area have to offer.
By Cortney Casey Photography by Nile YoungJumping out of bed before dawn, gearing up, and heading out to run 3.1-26.2 miles probably doesn’t sound much like a vacation.But for diehard runners and other sports competitors, “racecations” are a top choice for an exhilarating trip.
The effort that goes into prepping for a racecation makes the reward that much sweeter for Bethany Marks-Cieslak.
“When I can go on vacation and run a race, it gives me something to train for and prepare for,” says the Lake Orion, Mich., resident. “I also know I will not spend my vacation doing nothing. I feel a sense of accomplishment after the run, but then get to enjoy time with my friends and family post-race.”
Paul Kozlowski of Huntington Woods feels far more motivated during racecations than at home.
“Racing closer to home can be so tedious, since you often have to roll out of your own bed at 4-4:30 a.m. and get on the road,” he says. “For me, it is so much more difficult to get out of my own bed than a hotel bed.
”Krystal Tosch, a runner from Waterford, Mich., also appreciates new scenery on her runs.
“Running races close to home sometimes is monotonous, especially if you run the area frequently,” she says. “I love running in new areas, and it’s a great opportunity to take a weekend and travel with family or friends.”
Kathy Scherrer of Macomb Township, Mich., appreciates seeing new courses, people, and scenery. “I like the balance between being active and still relaxing,” she adds.
The Traverse City area has solid racecation potential, with options ranging from the Bayshore Marathon and Half-Marathon on the Old Mission Peninsula to winery-themed fare like the Harvest Stompede and Vineyard to Bay 25K on the Leelanau Peninsula.
For athletes who prefer wheels, there are plenty of bike races, including the 45 North Barrel Roll at 45 North Vineyard & Winery, The Iceman Cometh, The Short’s Fatbike Series, and Mud, Sweat & Beers.
Various triathlons bring swimming into the mix. The M22 Challenge adds paddling to the running/biking equation. Winter brings perennially favorite ski races including the North American VASA and White Pine Stampede.
Kozlowski has participated in myriad northern Michigan races, including the Bayshore Marathon, Charlevoix Marathon, Traverse City Triathlon, Sleeping Bear Dunes Half Marathon, and Michigan Mountain Mayhem.
“You simply cannot beat the scenery of the Traverse City Triathlon, taking place entirely on Old Mission (Peninsula),” he says. “Michigan Mountain Mayhem is always a blast, since there are 20-30 members of my triathlon club, Infinite Multisport, participating every year.”
Marks-Cieslak is a fan of the Bayshore Half-Marathon, recalling the crisp May morning air at the start, crowd support, and the beautiful views all along the way.
“No one takes it for granted,” she says, “and (everyone) is just so happy to be there.”
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Spa Grand Traverse- Always in Season
Special packages offer the best of summer and winter.
By Cymbre FosterYou can have the most amazing spa with the best amenities in the world, but it takes the right staff to create a truly memorable experience.
For a decade, Spa Grand Traverse Director Dawn Olsen has been overseeing the facility’s myriad services and “outstanding staff.” The collective mission is for guests to feel welcome and taken care of — like family.
“For us, the biggest factor is guest satisfaction,” Olsen says. “To that end, we have the most down-to-earth and nicest staff you would ever want to meet”
Hot Stuff
Light and refreshing scents are incorporated in summer packages to guarantee that guests leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and renewed.
Last summer, that meant bergamot. The refreshing, almost citrusy, scent was incorporated into a variety of treatments, from facials to massages.
One of Olsen’s favorite packages is Summer Beauty, four-and-a-half hours of pure pampering that in-cludes a full set of NovaLash eye-lash extensions, shampoo/blow dry, makeup, and an express manicure — at a savings of $50.
Many packages include a sea-sonal cocktail, too — at any time of the year.
Cold Comfort
“Winter means a lot of body wraps, hot stones — anything that is more warming,” Olsen says. “We’ve used a lot of peppermint as well as tea tree and lavender oils.”
A manicure or pedicure will include a hot neck wrap infused with lavender oil. Shea, cocoa, and mango butters soften and soothe dry skin.
The Indulgent Escape Sweet Serenity package is four hours of pure indulgence including a Winter Warm-up Wrap, a cinnamon-infused wrap followed by a soothing cinnamon massage with antioxidant-rich olive, fruit, and grapeseed oils; Milk and Honey Warming Facial; and a Chocolate Meltdown Manicure/Pedicure Combo.
Regular spa-goer Dana Matson can attest to that.
“There’s like a sisterhood there,” says Matson, who makes monthly Spa visits to receive services that might include massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. “They not only care about each other, but their clients as well.”
She and a girlfriend recently spent a day at the spa together and left feeling pampered and relaxed. Matson also purchased services for her parents as a Christmas gift.
“My dad loved his pedicure, and they both raved about the service,” she says. The spa uses natural products that focus on de-stressing, detoxifying, and rebalancing body, mind, and spirit.
Many guests like services to be bundled into cost-saving packages that pamper them from head to toe. In addition to standard options, Olsen has created offerings that change with the seasons.
