It’s a rare occasion when Mom and Dad get the chance to sneak away alone to enjoy each other’s company, without the children in tow. If you’re anything like us, those moments don’t happen often (or, ever?) and that’s why we’re here today to bring you an amazing destination for a romantic couple’s getaway, that is quaintly charming, yet stunning and relaxing: Traverse City, Michigan.
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A Sweet Destination
Traverse City, Michigan, is located on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay. Traverse City is known across the country for their tart cherries, and is referred to as “The Cherry Capital of the World.” The area is responsible for producing and distributing 40% of the nation’s cherry crop. As a result, the area is a quaint gem nestled in the upper western part of the state, and Michiganders know Traverse City for their amazing wineries that line the peninsula, most of them specializing in cherry wines. Visiting Traverse City is like taking a trip to a sweeter, more laid-back version of Napa Valley.
Traverse City hosts their annual National Cherry Festival, and is also home to many amazing local restaurants and niche shops. If you’re in the mood for an outdoor adventure, the peninsula has an adorable lighthouse, as well as hiking trails and coastlines with views that cannot be beat. While visiting Traverse City, we highly recommend visiting the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, to really turn your trip into a romantic weekend rendezvous.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
If you are going through all the effort of sending the kids to stay with their grandparents, please make every second of your special weekend worth it. You don’t want an ounce of stress during your trip, so don’t pick a crummy motel far away from the wineries and restaurants that you plan on visiting. For a couple’s trip to Traverse City, there is no better home away from home than the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. From the moment you arrive, you feel the stresses of real life release. The natural beauty of this place overtakes you. The kids are just fine, and you deserve this! Breathe in the fresh air under blue skies and check in for your romantic weekend get-away.
The Rooms
Pick up your key and check in to your Grand Traverse Resort and Spa room or suite. The resort is large and actually offers accommodations in three different areas: The Tower, The Hotel, and The Resort Condominiums.
The Tower was recently renovated, and a room here offers incredible views. Depending on which room you choose, you will have views of the hills, the forests, wineries, or the shores of Lake Michigan. These rooms are modern and luxurious. Couples will love staying in one of the Tower Rooms. Choose from a Queen or King room in the Tower. If you are traveling with a large group, the Tower also has suites to meet your needs.
The hotel features 240 guest rooms in their own six story building attached to the tower. You are just steps away from the spa, restaurants, and other amenities at Grand Traverse. Rooms here are affordable, but still first class. Choose from a room with a king size bed for a couple, or a room with two double beds if you do decide to come here with your kids for a family weekend.
Condominiums on the property are also available for rent. Some are shore-side for a beach style vacation. There are also condos with views of the resort’s fairways and private resort homes on the golf course perfect for families or large groups. The condominiums are privately owned but can be rented.
A Stroll Around the Resort
The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is modern and clean. You will enjoy just walking around and exploring the property. You and your partner can stroll around holding hands like you did back in the day before your kids took over. Have a drink in the lobby bar. Do what you want, it’s your weekend!
Shopping
If you enjoy shopping, you can do that here too. The Tower Gallery of Shops includes:
- Dylan’s Candy Bar – Pick up something sweet for you and take something home to the kids.
- Mud Pie – This brand sells cute gifts for the home and clothing for babies and kids.
- Bear Logo Shop – Offers gifts exclusive to Grand Traverse Resort including athletic apparel
- Adventure North Outfitters – This shop is known for offering popular brands of clothing and accessories.
- Tumbleweeds – This is a classic toy store with unique brands for sale.
- Ashleigh’s – For high fashion, visit Ashleigh’s. They carry brands like Brighton and Cartise.
- Natural Life – Live happy with items for women and girls that carry a positive message.
Staying Active
Yes, we take trips to relax, but that does not mean laying around your hotel room the whole time. At the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa you need to get out of your room and play. There are some awesome options for activities depending on what kind of action you are craving.
The indoor water playground and pools are rad! No matter what time of year you visit, you can enjoy this. In fact, we think the water playground and pools are a draw for a winter trip. Check in with your swimsuit in the worst of winter and pretend you are at a tropical paradise swimming and splashing here all day long. In the summer you can enjoy some “beach” time at the private beach club on Lake Michigan.
There are world class tennis courts and a gym indoors also. You can come here when the world is covered in snow and play like it’s the middle of summer. The Health Club is over 100,000 square feet, so there’s no reason to skip your usual workout when staying here. There are studios for cardio classes and yoga. Check the schedule for a variety of fitness classes here. The weight room has top of the line equipment.
For the Golfers
If you or your partner like to golf, you could visit Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for a golfer’s getaway. This is a premier destination for golfers. Every course was carefully designed. There are actually three courses here: The Bear, The Wolverine, and Spruce Run. Each course is unique, and all different levels of players will find what they are looking for when it comes to a great golfing experience. The courses are award winning. The Clubhouse is stunning. You can rent one of the 225 golf carts here. Dine or have a drink at The Grille. You can sit out on the patio after your 18 holes and just chill. Grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee on the way out from Putters near the Clubhouse.
Take your game up a notch by playing with one of the Pros. You will receive expert instruction that will improve your game no matter how experienced you happen to be. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa also has a Golf Academy that you can play in year round. This indoor facility features three heated, indoor-outdoor hitting bays equipped with mirrors, motion-capture technology for swing analysis, and Callaway Club fitting. You can take lessons and clinics here anytime of the year.
The Spa
You cannot stay at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and skip The Spa. Did you come here to relax or what? Every mom needs some pampering, and this is the place to be pampered. This award winning spa offers an authentic Michigan experience with spa treatments inspired by the nature of North Michigan. No matter what treatments or experiences you choose, you will leave here feeling refreshed and renewed.
The Spa Menu here is extensive. You can spend an entire day here if you want. Choose from massages, aromatherapy, facials, manicures, pedicures, haircare, make up services, and more. The Northern Nature treatments incorporate locally harvested ingredients like wild organic sage. These “local” treatments are unique and should be on your to-do list. The staff is top notch and professionally trained for every single service. You can take a little piece of this paradise home with you thanks to their signature line of facial and body care products. If you need a bite to eat, simply order from the spa menu. We love the idea of ending a spa day by getting your hair and makeup done for a romantic dinner at the resort. You will leave the spa feeling balanced and calm, looking amazing for a night you won’t soon forget.
Dining
Grand Traverse Resort has some of the best restaurants in Northern Michigan. We highly recommend that you dine at Aerie Restaurant and Lounge and Sweetwater American Bistro during your couple’s weekend get-away. Enjoy a meal in peace with no one asking you for anything and no one complaining about the meal. Order some cocktails and have an amazing time together.
Aerie Restaurant and Lounge is amazing. Just stepping foot into the restaurant is an experience. The panoramic views up on the 16th floor of the Tower are breathtaking. Make reservations to dine here at sunset for the most romantic meal you can imagine. We love how the chefs at Aerie incorporate local produce into their creations. The menu is full of bold flavors and unique combinations. The filet is excellent. Don’t forget to order dessert. The pastry chef creates a selection that pairs with the delicious entrees. The wine selection is wonderful; you are in Michigan’s wine country after all. Please eat dinner here and, if you have time, Sunday brunch should also be on your itinerary.
For a more casual meal, dine at Sweetwater American Bistro. This classic family style restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast buffet is a great choice in the morning. You can also order off the menu. If you stop in for lunch or dinner, the menu includes choices like roasted chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and gourmet hot dogs. The wine selection and cocktails here are wonderful.
Get Away, Any Day
If you can’t remember the last time you and your partner had some alone time, now is the time to plan a weekend away. Northern Michigan is calling you. Book a room for the weekend at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Make some dining reservations. Plan for some fun and some quiet time to unwind. Traverse City is a gorgeous place to visit, and the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is the ideal place to stay. Come for one of the local festivals or visit in the middle of winter to take advantage of all the indoor activities. Whenever you have a free weekend, you will not regret spending time here. Start a new tradition as a couple and make it an annual trip! We all need a weekend every now and then to reconnect as a couple, and this is the place to do that.
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Photo Credits: Memoirs Photography | Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
