Saturday, April 12, 2008

Quality Inn & Gino's Restaurant, Gaylord MI (4/12/08)


We are in Gaylord, Michigan for a figure competition. Should be a great weekend even with the 6 inches of snow that fell last night (just not right for April 12th.)


We just needed some basic lodging, as we won't be here other than sleeping. So when we found the Quality Inn for $68 it seemed to fit the bill. For that cost I did not expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised. Check-in was nice with super friendly desk associates. The room is big, but average for a building this old. Our 9 year old daughter is with us so we had the check out the pool. It was great! Big and ranged from 3ft deep to 8ft with a small but functional hot tub. The other hotel features are the normal stuff you would expect with the added benefit of free wireless Internet.


Attached to the hotel is Gino's Restaurant. The grand opening was last night and the place was packed. It is charming inside with a main floor and 2nd floor balcony for casual dining. I did not get a chance to eat from the menu, but everything looked and smelled great. Included with the hotel rate is a free breakfast from the restaurant. I had eggs, bacon, home fries and coffee - all included in the room rate and home made. That cannot be beat.


If you are in the area and need a nice place to stay the night, be sure to check out the Quality Inn website for reservations and a $10 off Internet coupon.


Saturday, March 1, 2008

McGuire's Resort, Cadillac MI (3/1/08)


We spent our Leap Day weekend in northern Michigan and staying at McGuire's Resort was a great get away.


McGuire's has it all. 27 holes of golf, 2 restaurants, tennis, indoor pool area, 10 km of cross country ski trails, 3 km of lighted ski trails, snowmobile trail head and horse drawn sleigh rides on Saturday nights.


Being here in the winter, I can not tell you about the golf conditions, but if they are anything like the rest of the resort, I am sure they are great. The room accommodations vary in size and age but all are worth the price. Curly McGuire opened the resort in 1949 and various buildings have been added over the years, so there are some areas that are newer than others.


If you are looking for a great get away, I highly recommend McGuire's.

Caberfae Peaks Ski and Golf Resort (2/28/08)


While in Cadillac, Michigan, we wanted to do some downhill skiing. For a family of four novice skiers, looking for a half day of fun, without breaking the bank, Caberfae Peaks was a great pick.


Caberfae has 34 runs, serviced by 4 chairlifts. Ski in - ski out lodging is available and they boast the largest (over 16,000 sq ft) day lodge - The Blackmer Lodge.


The most noticeable thing about Caberfae was they really accommodated family groups. The Blackmer Lodge sports a 2 story natural fireplace where you can come in and warm up. Also available in plenty of tables where you can bring in your own food to keep you going throughout the day. We say many families who brought in a large crock pot of chili and just ate as needed.


The skiing was awesome. About 34 runs are pretty evenly divided up amongst beginner, intermediate and advanced. Caberfae has some of the longest beginner runs I have seen in northern Michigan.


Be sure to check out their web site at http://www.caberfaepeaks.com/ and look for specials. We skied on a Thursday from 5pm to close for $9 / lift ticket and $9 / rental - what a value. Caberfae also has family fun day on the first Sunday of the month. Definitely check this place out.