Barefoot Podcast

It is harvest time at Black Star Farms! The vineyard and winery, with locations on Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula, has been in operation since 1998. Their Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay is our top selling local wine in Aerie Restaurant & Lounge. Learn more about the history of Black Star Farms and the production process of getting the grape from the vine to your wine glass in this episode of the Barefoot podcast.

The state of Michigan is home to incredible places -- some well-known while others are hidden treasures. Dave Lorenz with Pure Michigan and Tom Daldin from the PBS show Under the Radar Michigan share what they love about our mitten state and why it's a special place for both visitors and those who call it home.

The Heroes Cup is an annual charity golf tournament hosted by Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos to honor and raise funds for Northern Michigan organizations that support our military veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and other community heroes. This year, a portion of all proceeds generated from the Heroes Cup Invitational will be donated to Veterans in Crisis. Veterans in Crisis is a Traverse City-based nonprofit organization that supports veterans who have been honorably or medically discharged with financial, mental health, and job support programs.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is fortunate to bring on a summer intern class every year. This hands-on, paid experience gives college students a front row seat to what it is like working in the hospitality industry. From the front desk and housekeeping to golf operations, food & beverage, marketing, and engineering, there is an opportunity for everyone. Hear from five of our 2021 interns about what their summer was like working and learning at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. 

It's no secret that northern Michigan is home to some of the top-rated golf courses in the country. America's Summer Golf Capital, a collection of 10 resort properties representing 28 golf courses, and Cherry Capital Airport are working together to share this premier golf experience with the world. 

Located 10 minutes south of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is your gateway to adventure in northern Michigan. Kevin Klein, Airport Director, and Susan Wilcox Olson, Media Relations, discuss the incredible growth TVC has experienced, the current 17 non-stop flights and how they share the stories of Traverse City across the country.

The beauty of northern Michigan is one of the most popular backdrops for special occasions. From the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and beautiful cherry blossoms to the vibrant fall colors and glistening white snow, you can find all of those scenes at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Whether it's a proposal, engagement photo session, or your wedding day, Meg Bowen with Megan Renae Studios and Melissa Lande with Lux Light Photography share their experiences with capturing these special moments in northern Michigan.

Offering memorable on-site amenities and a trove of regional excursions, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a premier northern Michigan wedding destination. As a Knot.com Hall of Fame venue, we are here to bring your dream wedding to life.  From pristine beaches and snow-covered views to blooming flowers and bright autumn foliage, the Resort has the perfect backdrop for your big day. 

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is getting creative with their 86,500 square feet of meeting space and bringing national sports tournaments to the region, starting with the American Cornhole Organization on April 30 and May 1. Plus, the Pit Spitters open their third season on May 31. Learn more about what you can expect at Turtle Creek Stadium this summer. 

Golf is back at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa! After a short 14-week off-season, The Bear and The Wolverine are open for the 2021 season. The Resort's Director of Golf Operations and Director of Golf & Grounds talk about what it takes to get the courses ready, upcoming golf events, and what makes each of our three championship courses so unique. Looking to spend more time outside? Traverse City Tourism shares their message on the different ways you can experience wide open spaces throughout northern Michigan. The great outdoors are always open in Traverse City!

Traverse City is surrounded by award-winning restaurants, local breweries and wineries full of rich history. From Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner Aerie Restaurant & Lounge to Bonobo Winery on Old Mission Peninsula, experience fine dining and locally grown wine with exceptional service and spectacular views of Old Mission Peninsula and Grand Traverse Bay. More of a beer drinker? There are dozens of breweries surrounding Traverse City, but Stone Hound Brewing Company is the newest spot to check out. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how they get your drink from barrel to pint glass as you sip it from the tasting room.

It's been almost a year since COVID-19 shut down businesses and changed our daily lives, but even during this unbelievable year, new and exciting things are still happening in northern Michigan. In this episode of Barefoot, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa's general manager Matthew Bryant talks about the way the industry has changed over the last year and how the Resort has had to pivot and pilot new programs while staying open, safe and profitable. In September,Onyx Sports Book by William Hill opened at Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, bringing the world of sports betting to northern Michigan. Onyx manager Jonathan Idec shares what it was like opening with COVID-19 restrictions and how Onyx stands out among other sports books.