Ah, Valentine’s Day, the holiday of love! While some women love receiving chocolate and flowers, I love the gift of travel! One of my favorite places is Traverse City, Michigan. In the Traverse City area you can find Shanty Creek Resorts, and you don’t want to miss all they have to offer. You don’t think you love snow? Psh. Then you haven’t done it Shanty Creek style. I’ve got 5 reasons why you’ll love Shanty Creek Resorts in Northern Michigan in the winter!
Shanty Creek Resorts Skiing
They have skiing for everyone! From beginners to thrill seekers, Shanty Creek has you covered. The weekend I visited, they were hosting a skiing invitational. So if you’re an advanced skier, you’ll have plenty to keep you challenged. If you’re a beginner like me, then don’t worry, there are bunny slopes, too, and a magic carpet to take you up a hill until you’re ready for a chair lift. I always liked singing, “A Whole New World” every time I rode up.
Not only do they offer downhill skiing, but you can get in on some cross-country skiing action, too. Admittedly, this proved to be more difficult for me, but it was a lot of fun. Beautiful trails and scenery made the workout that much more enjoyable. And hey, I only fell once! That’s what I call a win.
Shanty Creek Resorts Accommodations
Divided into three villages – Summit Village, Schuss Village, and Cedar River Village – Shanty Creek has accommodations for every family size. They’ve got suites and condos, so whether it’s a couples trip, solo trip, family trip, or an extended family reunion, you’ll find rooms for the whole fam damily.
Since it was just me, myself, and I, I had a spacious King Bed and even a kitchen in my room with a full refrigerator. If you’re on a budget, then you can save money by cooking in your room. If you’re like me, and don’t want to cook on vacation, well no worries, because you don’t have to leave the property for some delicious dining options. With over 450 rooms, Shanty Creek will give you a place to call home after a day full of activity.
Shanty Creek Restaurants
And now to my favorite part – the food! There are some amazing restaurants in Traverse City! I would recommend heading downtown. However if you want to stay close, hang out and eat at Shanty Creek, you’ve got options. Shanty Creek offers three restaurants on property – The Lakeview Restaurant, The River Bistro, and Ivan’s Café.
The breakfast buffet at The Lakeview Restaurant will fill you up, and I opted to eat the buffet twice. With all that skiing, I figured I was working off those calories. I highly recommend having an omelette made. They’re the bomb. Also the sandwiches at Ivan’s Café really hit the spot. Two words. Truffle fries. Come inside, warm up, and leave happy ready to go on another adventure!
Shanty Creek Resorts Transportation
I really enjoy not driving when I’m on vacation. It makes me feel like I’m truly vacationing. At Shanty Creek, they’ll take care of you and get you where you need to go. There’s an internal shuttle that will transport you between the three villages as well as to nearby Bellaire. You may get lucky and get entertained by the shuttle driver. He had me rolling in laughter.
Another cool option is a Shanty Creek taxi. Call them up if you don’t want to wait, and it will only cost you $2 per ride!
If you’re headed to the slopes, to catch a ride across the parking lot to the beginner area of the skiing area, you can hop on the Skibra. Get it? Because it looks like a zebra! Kids love it!
Shanty Creek Tubing
Who knew I could love the snow so much? When I looked out my room window and saw the tubing lanes, I did a happy dance! This is what snow day dreams are made of. Six lanes of racing fun!
Race down the hill by yourself or challenge a friend next to you. Don’t want to go alone? No worries! Grab a friend or 3, grab each other’s tubes, and hold on!
All of these are fantastic reasons to love Shanty Creek, but aside from all these, my favorite is that Shanty Creek Resorts allows you to get out and enjoy life! There are countless activities at Shanty Creek Resorts for you and your family. Disconnect. Make memories with your family. Drink all the hot chocolate. Stay up late. Try new adventures. Laugh for days.
Shanty Creek Resorts also makes for a great Spring Break vacation if you have an early one. One of the best kept secrets and budget tips is to visit Shanty Creek Resorts in March. It’s not crowded and there are discounts to be found!
To book your vacation at Shanty Creek, visit www.shantycreek.com or call 800.678.4111 to customize your package. For more information on other places to visit in Michigan, please visit www.michigan.org!
Thank you to Pure Michigan for hosting a fabulous trip to see the beauty Northern Michigan has to offer.
Myrah Duque
Thursday 16th of February 2017
I haven't been to a winter resort in years! It's time to return and after seeing all your pictures and reading your tips, Michigan would be a consideration! Thanks Tania!
Our Family World
Thursday 16th of February 2017
What a fun and beautiful place to visit with my family. I'm pretty sure that they would love this place.
Tatanisha W
Wednesday 15th of February 2017
Looks like a fun time! I live in Michigan so I'll have to check this place out! Thanks!
tanialamb
Thursday 16th of February 2017
Lucky! I thought Michigan was beautiful!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All
Wednesday 15th of February 2017
I've always wanted to visit Michigan to see places like this. It sounds like a great resort for families and friends. I'd like to check out the tubing.
Jeni Hawkins
Wednesday 15th of February 2017
I have never been to a resort like this but it looks like a blast. We don't typically vacation in the winter but maybe we should!
tanialamb
Wednesday 15th of February 2017
I didn't know I was a winter vacationer either, but it was a blast!