Pack Your Bags: Traverse City Week: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: Outdoor Fun

Over the weekend of the 4th we headed a bit north to the sunshine, Cherry Festival and the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Let me just say, we LOVED everything about it. It was one of our favorite family vacations...practically perfect in every way. This week I will be highlighting all we loved about Traverse City.

First off, the hotel that made the vacation extra special:  The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Today, a little insider info about what makes the outside of this property so amazing.

The scenery. The property is so beautiful, full of lush green forests, an impressive golf course, and a sweet beach area.

Image via Grand Traverse Resort

Beach week. The resort was packed over the 4th of July, but we were so pleased we stayed during this time because the hotel was offering Beach Week which was positively fantastic. With great events for the whole family from morning until evening, we were going, going, going. In fact, there was so much happening, we hardly wanted to leave the resort. We especially loved the Beach Olympics and Rubber Duck decorating and Races. I know our family would have also enjoyed the putting contests, volleyball tournaments, movies and limbo, but we couldn't fit everything in. When the kids are happy, everyone is happy! For the schedule of events, click here.

My boys and lots of other resort guests were obsessed with the Beach Olympics, a super fun and challenging obstacle course that ends with a medal ceremony. They did the course over and over again.

The best night we had in Traverse City was when we went to the evening beach concert, bonfire and s'mores roast at the resort. It was a pretty magical night with great music, lots of new friends and sunset on the water...all for free. Do not miss it!

The beach. We spent an afternoon at the beach and enjoyed the soft sand, pier, beach side pool and restaurant. The resort is equipped with plenty of lounge chairs, beach games, volleyball, boat and jet ski rentals, canoe and kayak options and everything a family might need to complete their beach vacation. It is the perfect place to spend the day. The water was cool but refreshing and the kids went back and forth between the beach and pool all day long. If you have sand toys for the little ones, you will want to bring those to add to the fun. It was great to have everything you needed at your finger tips including food, activities, and towels!

The pools. If you don't feel like messing with sand, there are 2 great outdoor pool options. The pool by the beach is fun and festive but pretty crowded, at least during the week of the 4th. If you want something more low key, try the outdoor hotel pool. You are welcome to bring your own pool toys and goggles which I would suggest. Both outdoor pools have hot tubs and towels which is great and a welcome warm up from the chilly water.

The shuttle. My two year old was beyond thrilled that we were able to ride "the bus," while on the property. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is spacious, so to get to different areas (golf, beach, lobby, restaurants), you hop on a shuttle. We rarely had to wait more than a couple of minutes, and our drivers were always enthusiastic and full of information, but be aware as the night gets later, you will want to give it a little extra time or call for it a little early, especially if you have tired kids.

We loved spending a summer weekend at Grand Traverse!