museums&MORE Fall 2017

Grand Getaway By Zeke Jennings

Traverse City is the quintessential Northern Michigan city. A summer tourist destination for Midwesterners and beyond, the Cherry Capital of the World is known for water sports, golfing, wineries and fantastic shopping.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is everything great about Traverse City intensified and then laid out for the taking in a one-site summer paradise.

Located just east of Traverse City, the resort encompasses 900 acres that features three world-class golf courses — including ones designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player — a 7,000-square-foot spa, a private beach on Grand Traverse Bay, five restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools and, of course, an eclectic gallery of shops.

The gallery features 10 retailers, including a food marketplace, with all being owned and operated by the resort. There is something for everyone, including three shops geared toward golf and outdoor enthusiasts, a toy store, jewelry, accessories, apparel and even a candy shop.

“Each (store) is individually structured to create variety within the Gallery,” said Diane Goodyear, who manages retail for the resort.

Goodyear and her staff handle all buying and product merchandising for the collection of stores. “I attend a few trade shows throughout the year and also have vendors visit me on property,” she added.

Each store ranges from 1,100 to 1,700 square feet in size, with the exception of one.

231 The Store — The smallest store might be the most unique, at least for those looking for a true sampling of the area. The shop, named after the area code for the region, only features products from nearby distributors, including Short’s Brewing, Traverse City Whiskey Co. and Cherry Republic.

Mud Pie — The first shop in the U.S. dedicated solely to Mud Pie products. It opened in 2013.

Bear Logo Shop — Outdoorsy apparel from the likes of Under Armour and Weekend Wear are on display here, along with other logoed gifts and even some basic necessities, like over-the-counter medicine. The name is derived from The Bear golf course, the one designed by Nicklaus.

Adventure North Outfitters — This store features a ton of North Face items, as well as sunglasses and other sportswear.

Natural Life — A gift shop for the ladies featuring items with a “positive message.”

Dylan’s Candy Bar — We’ve saved the sweetest for dessert. In addition to all sorts of chocolates, candy and gifts, Dylan’s features a real cotton candy wagon, ice cream from Moomers — a nearby parlor voted the best in the country by USA Today — and Mackinaw Island Fudge.

Tumbleweeds — This classic toy boutique is one of the most popular stores in the gallery. Educational products, plush, books and games are among its bestsellers.

Ashleigh’s — Billed as Northern Michigan’s largest selection of handbags, Brighton jewelry and accessories. It also includes items by Nic & Zoe and Ribkoff.

Pro Shop — As one would expect, it’s strictly for the golfers.

Zeke Jennings