Saturday, April 17, 2010

Garland Gets a Facelift














New Owners pump millions into Lewiston’s famed year-round resort
 By Bill Semion
Thought you’d not see major investment in a northern Michigan resort in today’s economy?
Garland, the nation’s largest log resort east of the Mississippi, is dispelling that notion as new owners, only on the grounds since last year, are already revamping infrastructure and planning additions that will again make this northeast Michigan resort THE place to stay in the region.
            Some examples:
            • A name change. It’s now called Garland Lodge and Resort
            • A new $1.5-million 5,000-square-foot full-service spa opening this spring
            • Revamped, spiffed up golf courses (four are on the property) with a possible future fifth in the offing
            • All rooms to be redone by the start of summer to a new, woodsy-feel
            • The addition of mountain bike paths to lure more families among more outdoor-oriented offerings
            • For winter, a huge LED light show called Light Up the North featuring more than two million lights at drive-past displays.
            • All the other great Garland draws return, says president Barry Owens.
             In winter, that means the hugely popular Gourmet Glide, a cross-country ski event each weekend starring after the holidays. Ski between five food stops over approximately 10 kilometers, nibbling on everything from mimosas at the main lodge, to trout, while you and others catch and release rainbows in a pond.
            And for the ultimate in romantic dinners, there’s Zhivago Night. Wether permitting, board a sleigh for an evening ride through the woods to a lodge for a multi-course gourmet dinner while you and your special guest are serenaded by a musical duo.
            For more on Garland, call 877-4-GARLAND, or go to garlandusa.com.