After much consideration, the Glen Arbor Arts Center has decided to cancel the 2022 Dune Climb concert due to COVID-19.
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Founded in 1991 by members of the Glen Arbor Arts Center, Manitou Music takes place in the pastoral splendor of Leelanau County, in the Northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
This “Land of Delight” has long attracted artists, writers, musicians, and vacationers with its dramatic settings of towering dunes, pure inland lakes, lush hardwood, and pine forests, and the majesty of Lake Michigan. Manitou Music presents exciting and diverse concerts featuring national and regional performers of music, performing arts, and more in an idyllic outdoor & family friendly location.
It may seem unthinkable, even sacrilegious, to make any changes to a course designed by the great Arnold Palmer. Originally opened in 1998 as King’s Challenge, the course languished a bit when Sugar Loaf Mountain Ski Resort closed (the course is built alongside the ski hill), so it needed some rejuvenating and updating. The new owners, headed up by Robert Kuras of The Homestead Resort, have done an excellent job.
From the first turn in the drive and glimpse of the renovated clubhouse, the place feels welcoming. Once you’re on the 1st tee, nestled among trees, natural landscaping, and that big looming “mountain,” you know you’re in for a classic “up north” golf adventure.
Palmer said during the course construction that it was one of the most dramatic sites he’s ever worked with, and he made full use of the extreme terrain. After a few fairly flat holes, he takes the track up the side of the mountain, perches a few holes up on the plateau, and then plunges back down to dramatic effect. The redesign has increased playability by enlarging many of the tee boxes, taking some severity out of a few doglegs, and widening some landing areas. The excellent bunkering throughout the course has been cleaned up and re-cut, giving it the crisp look such a monumental design deserves.
One of the most noticeable and dramatic changes is the No. 8 tee box, where some earth was moved to raise the surface and give golfers a better view. Now, a glimpse of Lake Michigan between Pyramid Point and South Manitou Island is visible, the namesake Manitou Passage. Those who know the historical significance of the Passage and its nickname “the Graveyard of the Great Lakes” can treat this as a sign to “batten down the hatches” and not let their round get shipwrecked.
It’s a beautiful view to begin the course’s signature and probably most challenging hole. The downhill par 5 drops like a black-diamond ski slope, and when it finally flattens out, the dogleg reveals a water-guarded green — with your approach shot dead into the prevailing wind coming onshore from the aforementioned Passage. The pond is teeming with plants and wildlife, you can see the “mountain” in the background, and landing your approach shot dry is a major accomplishment and a great finish to one of northern Michigan’s most exciting golf holes. Maybe the most striking thing about this course is the variety — of terrain, of fairway slope, of green shape — there is always a surprise and always an interesting feature. On No. 4, you break out of the woods with a sweeping dogleg right that ends at a huge amphitheater green — not a tree in sight. The next two links-style holes are high and dry, a brief respite before you duck back into the forest.
If you’re looking for a golf adventure in one of the most unique settings in northern Michigan, this is the course for you. Be prepared to cast off, trim your sails, and have a rollicking good time navigating this great Arnold Palmer creation at Manitou Passage.
Manitou Passage Golf Club Photos (Click on photos for slideshow view)
R&B and Soul singer, Will Ready, has performed in North America, Europe, Japan and The Caribbean and has opened for Chaka Khan, The Temptations, The Whispers and Al Jarreau. He attributes his silky, seductive style to his love for “old school” R&B, Soul, Jazz and hit makers like Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Baby Face and Keith Sweat. Will describes his new music as “romantic music with a groove-its food for the soul.” Ready’s live performances invariably turn into dance parties. His infectious energy, joy and deep groove laid down by his excellent band, RMG, make it all but impossible to stay in your seat. When Will Ready plays a club date, his audience quickly becomes part of the act.
Ready lives in Atlanta, Georgia in the winter and Traverse City, Michigan in the summer. Ready’s new music video, “Seduction” was filmed in the restored village sloop on beautiful Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan. Visit Will Ready on his website at www.willready.com. Call 231.334.5000 to order tickets.
Sounds of Sleeping Bear Concert Series
The Homestead announces the new Sounds of Sleeping Bear concert series for summer 2011. The concerts takes place on beautiful Bay Mountain that is located in the Village at The Homestead. Guests will experience dazzling views as well as outstanding musical talent. The concert venue faces west with a view of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands as a backdrop. Prior to the start of the concert, guests can enjoy a beverage on the Bay Mountain patio with a view of Glen Lake to the East and Lake Michigan to the West.
Take a chair lift or golf cart to the top of Bay Mountain at 6 pm to enjoy the view and socialize before the concert. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase. The concert starts promptly at 7 pm. Bring a sweather or jacket in case of cool weather or a breeze. In case of rain the concert will be moved inside to rustic-yet-elegant Mountain Flowers Lodge at the base of Bay Mountain. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the concert. Order by phone at 231.334.5000.
Dunes Golf Club – Hole #18 – A great finishing hole with a dramatic approach shot over the water.
By Jim Barnes
The Dunes Golf Club is one of the hidden gems of northern Michigan golf. Lying just a few miles east of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore visitor center in Empire, the course is carved out of the deep woods and rolling hills that helped earn the Sleeping Bear park its title of “Most Beautiful Place in America.”
Although conveniently located on highway M-72, all but a few holes are isolated in the forest, and once you tee off you’re left with only the sounds of birds and wind in the trees.
The fairway grass is lush, the rough is fair, and the greens roll smoothly and hold approach shots well. It’s a wonderful place to get away from it all and find that relaxing “zen” zone of golf.
“Here at the Dunes we’re all about bringing accessible, reasonably priced golf to the area,” says Chris Wall, the course owner/operator. “We encourage families, kids, and players of all levels to come out and play and have a great time. We’ve always tried to keep it affordable, enjoyable and playable.”
Chris’s father Dean Wall designed and built the course, opening the first nine in 1983 and the back nine in 1991. His mother Joy ran the clubhouse until retiring in 2013. The whole operation has a welcoming, friendly feel that is perfect for a vacation outing or an after-work twilight round.
On a recent holiday weekend visit the course was filled with players of all ages, and when I asked some of the golfers for their impressions, the most prominent comments were “fun” and “beautiful.”
At 5,730 yards, there are some pretty short par 4’s and 5’s that can be real ego-boosters — but only if you keep it “down the middle.” The moderate length combined with tight fairways and dogleg angles make it a balanced and challenging experience.
Bottom line: this is really fun golf course to play.
Hole #8 – Longish par 3 with a receptive green.
Hole #13 – Short par 4. Batman shaped bunker. A classic.
Hole #15 – Final par 5 and it’s the shortest.
Dunes Golf Club Photo Album
For a hole-by-hole tour of the Dunes Golf Club, visit the Dunes Golf Club Photo Album and click on the photos for a slide-show view of each hole.
Lake Michigan’s spectacular vistas make this a resort unlike others. The color of the water–sometimes blue, sometimes turquoise, sometimes golden–is one reason why. Another is relaxing along the water. You and each member of your family or group can do as much or as little as you like.
That’s why this resort is celebrated, both near and far, as The Homestead, America’s Freshwater Resort.
Lake Michigan Resort
Though expansive, the resort is quite simple to picture.
It was designed, built and is managed to help you enjoy the Most Beautiful Place in America.
On its west are miles of sandy beaches on which you can walk for hours. The beaches are soothing by day, spectacular at sunset, remarkably romantic on starry nights. To its east is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the area chosen by the viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as “The Most Beautiful Place in America.”
Within the resort, neighborhoods separated by nature provide a wide range of high-quality accommodations. Some are perfect for couples, some for families, and some for groups. All are beautiful. There are shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities. There are places for weddings, , and meetings. All of them are staffed by caring and attentive professionals.
You could be pampered at the spa or salon, sit by a pool, play a round of golf or hike in the National Lakeshore. Or, you could teach your kids to swim, play tennis or golf, ski or snowboard.
The Homestead Resort Photos (Click on photos for slideshow view)
The Homestead Resort On Facebook
Below are the latest postings from The Homestead Resort Page On Facebook.
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Lilacs are in full bloom today (Wednesday) in Marquette Park on Mackinac Island. Beautiful lilac blossoms combined with the delicious fragrance of lilac in the fresh Lake Huron breeze - we’re calling it “Peak Lilac” season on Mackinac Island. Lilac Festival events and activities continue through this weekend… #mackinac #mackinacisland #lilacfestival...
LILAC UPDATE: The lilacs on Mackinac Island seemed to be perfectly in sync with the Lilac Festival this year. They are starting to blossom nicely now and peak blossom time should happen sometime during the festival. The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival kicks off tomorrow, June 4, 2021 and continues through June 13, 2021... #mackinac #mackinacisland #lilacs #lilacfestival...
It’s Lilac Time on Mackinac Island! The Lilac Festival kicks off tomorrow, June 4th, and the lilacs are ready and starting to bloom here in Marquette Park and across the island....
The Adirondack chairs are out on the great lawn at Mission Point Resort. A wonderful spot for watching the freighters pass by on Lake Huron. #missionpoint #mackinac #mackinacisland...
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one to the Secret Garden…. Always a beautiful spring treat to see at Grand Hotel. #grandhotelmichigan #mackinac #mackinacisland...
We’re getting an early start on the Memorial Day Weekend. It’s a beautiful Wednesday morning on the Straits of Mackinac. Here’s a view of the Mackinac Bridge shining in the morning sun. #mackinac #mackinacisland #mackinacbridge...
Some clouds, some fog, some rain and the Mackinac Bridge in the distance. The boat ride to Mackinac Island is always an adventure. (Some whoop-tee-doos too) #mackinacbridge #mackinac #mackinacisland...
Here are the latest photos of The Homestead via instagram. If you have an instagram photo to share of your visit to The Homestead, choose “The Homestead” as your location and your photos will appear in the photo stream below.
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R&B and Soul singer, Will Ready, has performed in North America, Europe, Japan and The Caribbean and has opened for Chaka Khan, The Temptations, The Whispers and Al Jarreau. He attributes his silky, seductive style to his love for “old school” R&B, Soul, Jazz and hit makers like Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Baby Face and Keith Sweat. Will describes his new music as “romantic music with a groove-its food for the soul.” Ready’s live performances invariably turn into dance parties. His infectious energy, joy and deep groove laid down by his excellent band, RMG, make it all but impossible to stay in your seat. When Will Ready plays a club date, his audience quickly becomes part of the act.
Lake Michigan’s spectacular vistas make this a resort unlike others. The color of the water–sometimes blue, sometimes turquoise, sometimes golden–is one reason why. Another is relaxing along the water. You and each member of your family or group can do as much or as little as you like.
