Barefoot

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. No matter the season, the Resort has the perfect backdrop for your big day. Pristine beaches and opportunities for outdoor adventures make your summer wedding a memorable getaway for every guest, and winter weddings have a special allure with our crackling fireplaces, snow-covered views, and elegant atmosphere. Spring is the perfect time to catch blooming flowers and budding trees on our 900-acre property, and fall celebrations are made stunning with the beauty of bright autumn foliage.

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. 

We are more than nine months in to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a property that offers food service, hosts large meetings and events, has a health club and full service spa, COVID-19 has shut us down, led us to pivot operations and pilot new programs. Learn more on how Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, northern Michigan's premier resort destination and largest convention center, has gotten creative during the COVID-19 pandemic, kept thousands of guests and employees safe, and continued to offer top of the line customer service. This episode features the Resort's general manager and director of food and beverage.