Popular with both golfers and skiers, Shanty Creek Resorts near Lake Bellaire is a four-season destination. The two sports are evenly matched here, which explains the popularity of the elevation changes on the Legend course for starters.
Schuss Mountain Golf Course
Golfers at Shanty Creek Resorts have four great golf courses to challenge them: a Arnold Palmer Signature Course, The Legend, Tom Weiskop’s Cedar River, Schuss Mountain and Summit.
The Legend at Shanty Creek Resorts
If you’ve only played Arnold Palmer courses in Florida, The Legend will be a revelation. After seeing The Legend spelled in flowers and the extreme elevation change on the first hole you know this course is something special.. The cart path travels through woods where you’ll have curious deer watching your approach shots and wild turkeys who could care less.
Riding the GolfBoard at Schuss Mountain
On Shanty Creek’s Schuss Mountain course – a Warner Bowen design, all family members can take advantage of golf boarding (think long board meets Segway) a fun, new way to get around the course in place of the traditional golf cart.
Five minutes away, the small town of Bellaire, named for the popular lake, offers opportunities for swimmers, boaters and fisher people to enjoy more outdoor activities. On Bellaire’s main street you’ll find great craft brews at Shorts Brewing Company along with the best pizza for miles.
Outdoor Pool at Shanty Creek Resorts
On summer evenings everyone heads to the Dockside Restaurant on Torch Lake to hang out on the huge waterfront patio quaffing local beers and chowing down on oversized wraps, salads and burgers while catching the famed northern Michigan sunsets.
With more waterfront acreage than any other state in the nation, Michigan is a natural paradise for water sports. The crystal clear lakes and rivers attract water enthusiasts of all types from swimmers to boaters and fishermen. It’s no wonder families have vacationed in Northern Michigan longer than Detroit has been making cars.
One of the top destinations for visitors to the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan is Traverse City, a vibrant mix of small beach town atmosphere and big city dining. Travel & Leisure named Traverse City as one of America’s Favorite Beach Towns. Livability called it “The Best Small Town in America.” And Zagat included it in a list of “6 Hot U.S. Food Destinations to Visit This Summer.”
Food Truck in Traverse City
Maybe it’s the water or the proximity to The Great Lakes Culinary Institute in Traverse City that gives the local food scene the edge. Traverse City even features that most urban staple, the food truck. The Little Fleet on Front Street is home to nine food trucks with a variety of specialties. Local chefs use a range of fresh produce for the best in farm to table dining.
A newcomer to this dining scene, Olives & Wine features sharing plates of creative Middle Eastern delicacies and a “wall of wine” serve yourself tasting option of local, national and international varietals. Visitors and locals alike can tour wineries and craft beer breweries via bike and canoe or a combination of both.
Cherry Republic in Traverse City
Michigan is the most agriculturally diverse state after California and one of Michigan’s most successful exports are cherries. In fact Northern Michigan is the cherry capital of the United States. Look for Cherry Republic on Front Street, an emporium devoted just to Michigan cherries. Generous samples of dried and chocolate coated varieties of cherries and just about any food staple with the delectable fruit are free to customers. If you’re here in July, check out the The National Cherry Festival. The Cherry Festival has a long history – the first Cherry Queen was crowned in 1925.
State Theater Traverse City, Michigan
If you’re walking down Front Street, don’t miss the art deco historic State Theatre , restored with help from famous native son, film maker Michael Moore. Every summer, the theatre hosts the annual Traverse City film festival founded by Michael Moore .
While there is a small airport in Traverse City appropriately named Cherry Capital, a car is the best way to discover all the Upper Peninsula has to offer. Just a short 30 mile drive from Traverse City you’ll find Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a spectacular national park voted by the public as the “Most Beautiful Place in America” on ABC’s Good Morning America.
The Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear
Our favorites at Sleeping Bear include the 7.4 mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, which has easy access to scenic views of the steep sand dunes that border the clean, clear waters of Lake Michigan, the Dune Climb and nearby Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Great Lakes Boat Museum.
Great Lakes Boat Museum
Along with the mom-and-pop motels, ice cream and fudge joints on the outskirts of Traverse City, a little further outside you’ll find top four season resorts such as the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and Shanty Creek Resorts.
