By Jillian Manning, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Summer fun is headed our way, and we’re excited to celebrate all things new at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. From new Resort amenities—like Orvis Fly Fishing School and Tour Prep Golf—to major restaurant news—like the remodel of Jack’s Sports Bar.
Jack’s Sports Bar gets a fresh look and name
Jack’s Sports Bar, a cornerstone of the Resort dining portfolio, has received a remodel and rebrand for 2019. The top-to-bottom renovation includes all-new furniture, décor, flat screen TVs, and a state-of-the-art bar.
The bar reopens this week as Jack’s Taproom, featuring 12 taps with an emphasis on seasonal and local brews. An updated menu includes taste bud teasers like prosciutto fig flatbread, grilled corn and goat cheese fritters, and “wild” sloppy joes with Michigan venison.
Orvis Fly Fishing School kicks off
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa welcomed Orvis Fly Fishing Schools to the property this May. Schools utilize private trout ponds and classrooms, as well as serene stretches of the Boardman River only a few minutes away.
Orvis Michigan is designed to introduce the intricacies of fly fishing to a novice, but even experienced fly anglers will find personal and advanced instruction tailored to their level of experience. From knots to entomology, casting to tackle, the instructors at Orvis Michigan will fully prepare you to step into the stream. Learn more at grandtraverseresort.com/orvis.
Resort named “Best Convention Center” and “Best Golf Venue” in Michigan
The 2019 Michigan Meetings + Events Best Of Awards were held in Grand Rapids on May 22, and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa went home with two major accolades: Best Convention Center (Non-University) and Best Golf Venue.
“We’re honored to have won Best Golf Venue five years in a row,” says Director of Sales Ryan Buck. “But this is the first time we’ve also won Best Convention Center. There is big competition for our clients’ recognition with other venues like DeVos Place in Grand Rapids or the Cobo Center in Detroit. Thanks to the leadership of our sales and conference service team, we were able to make this award possible.”
The Best Convention Center award comes on the heels of major meetings renovations at the Resort, including the complete remodel of the 19,000-square-foot Governors’ Hall.
Polaris Slingshot rentals available at the resort
Blue Sky Rentals, the Resort’s partner for watersport fun, is offering a new land-based rental this summer. The Polaris Slingshot is a three-wheeled, open-air roadster that can be driven on public roads. Not a car, not quite a motorcycle, these 170+ horsepower vehicles are best described as mini Batmobiles, complete with stick shift and an extra seat to take Robin along.
Slingshots are available for Resort guests, locals, and Traverse City visitors who are 21 and up and possess a valid driver’s license. The four roadsters can be rented at the Resort inside the Gallery of Shops near Dylan’s Candy Bar. Multiple rental options are available, ranging four hours to three days.
Adam Schriber Tour Prep Golf: Cherry Bomb Long Drive Championship
New this year at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, the Adam Schriber Tour Prep Golf program is operating out of the Golf Academy. The program focuses on golfer strength and swing speed, and is taught by Traverse City’s own Adam Schriber, a former PGA Tour player who has been listed among Golf Digest’s Top 100 Golf Teachers.
Tour Prep Golf will host the Cherry Bomb Long Drive Championship July 6–7, 2019, at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. More than 40 of the top long drive competitors in the world will be in attendance. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.
Tickets for the Cherry Bomb are available at the Golf Academy or can be obtained by contacting the Tour Prep Golf team. Media interested in attending should contact Jillian Manning at publicrelations@gtresort.com.
The Wolverine and Spruce Run celebrate milestone years
2019 marks two major birthdays for Resort golf courses. The Wolverine—a Gary Player design—turns 20, and Spruce Run—a William Newcomb design—hits 40.
The Wolverine is known as the most flexible of the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa courses, and offers a mix of water, wetlands, rolling hills, and hardwood forests. Spruce Run was the Resort’s original course, and had its beginnings as the Acme Public Golf Course in the 1970s. Former University of Michigan Golf Coach William Newcomb redesigned the course in 1979, and it was given the name Spruce Run to reflect the abundant trees lining the fairways.
All three courses (including The Bear) are open for the season, so get out and enjoy a round of golf.
About Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Nestled among the freshwater beaches and hardwood forests of Traverse City, MI, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is miles away from ordinary. Featuring nearly 600 guest rooms and 86,500 square feet of meeting space, the 900-acre property is one of Michigan’s premier resort destinations. The Resort is also home to three championship golf courses, the renowned Spa Grand Traverse, and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner Aerie Restaurant & Lounge. Visit grandtraverseresort.com or call 800-236-1577 to learn more.
