Long known for its stunning, mile-long Lake Michigan shoreline and summer appeal, The Homestead resort’s romantic nature is at its most passionate in winter.

Twinkling white lights illuminate the small cluster of shops and condos surrounded by the expansive hills of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Snow-covered paths wind along a small skating rink in the village, and the irresistible scents from an Italian eatery float on the crisp night air. Music emanates from a small pub filled with wind-burned, sweater-clad patrons.

From rooms that feature roaring fireplaces and jet tubs with “champagne” bubbles, to miles of forested trails and snow-swept dunes, the resort’s allure is undeniable.

And keeping the love alive are several renovations the 35-year-old resort, 26 miles west of Traverse City, is undergoing or has completed in the past several months.

The most recent changes include redesigned rooms, a newly decorated Italian restaurant and sports pub and an expanded conference and banquet facility for destination weddings, a growing market for the resort.

“There’s a new awareness of destination weddings,” said Jamie Jewell-Van Duzen, senior sales manager. “We handle 30-40 weddings a year, and we’re hoping to double that.”

A pergola for the ceremony and a dance floor and courtyard for receptions are in the works. Weddings also are held on resort property along the shore.

The new rooms feature high-end fixtures and furnishings. The 14 units in Little Belle, for example, offer seven new design schemes. In one, a stone fireplace highlights a sitting area with comfortable leather chairs and ottoman, antique-style furnishings, a king-size bed, jet tub and two flat-screen TVs. Photos of Michigan birds and other original artwork grace the buttercream-colored walls. Extra-thick towels, plump feather pillows and dual shower heads add luxurious touches. It’s cozy, not contrived.

“We wanted the new rooms to resemble more of what’s in a home, rather than a hotel,” Jewell-Van Duzen said.

The resort operates two small hotels, a lodge, an inn, resort condos and privately owned single-family residences. Several units sit along the resort’s 15 downhill slopes, making for easy ski in-ski out lodging. Stellar views of Lake Michigan from the top of the slopes on a clear winter day are literally and figuratively breathtaking.

Two of the resort’s winter eateries, Nonna’s and Beppi’s, both smoke-free, have undergone interior changes with decor to match the contemporary Italian cuisine. Nonna’s features a porch area for families and an adults-only section. Cozy booths here are ideal spots for a rendezvous.

“We developed the separate sections in response to guests’ and owners’ requests, and it’s been very well-received,” Jewell-Van Duzen said.

Beppi’s, decorated with sports paraphernalia and flat-screen TVs, is a family pizzeria featuring wood-fired pizzas, paninis and live entertainment. On a recent evening, locals mingled easily with resort guests while a lone musician performed.

The redesigned shop, Rocky’s, offers ski wear and accessories (hint: pick up a gift for the one you love here), and Cavanaugh’s features gourmet food and wines — perfect for in-room dining for two.

One thing that has not changed is the alluringly beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes property surrounding the resort. Cross-country ski and snowshoe hikes, led by National Park Service volunteers, are offered and equipment is available for rent. Since the trail markers are a bit confusing, it’s wise to take a guide. It’s easy to get lost and find yourself skiing several miles longer than you planned trying to find your way back to the resort.

“I’ve rescued many skiers and hikers over the years,” said Eleanor Cummings, a retired teacher and NPS volunteer for the past 10 years.

The downhill slopes wind along ridge-top condos and overlook the village on one side, Lake Michigan on the other. If the wind is high, it’s best to retire to one of the resort’s many roaring fireplaces in the lobby, restaurants or in your room. Even winter lovers know when to come in from the biting cold.

Besides the outdoors pursuits, the resort offers several upcoming events, including Champagne and Chocolate Tasting, Feb. 9 and 10, and A Wine Tasting Weekend, March 9-11. Couples packages also are available.

Whatever the activity, it’s all meant to spark a little romance.

If you go

The Homestead resort

Location: Glen Arbor, about 26 miles west of Traverse City

Cost: Prices start at $110 per night for a one-bedroom room in Fiddler’s Pond, $212 for a one-bedroom luxury suite in Little Belle, $204 for a one-bedroom condo.

Information: Call (231) 334-5000, or go online to thehomesteadresort.com.

Source: www.mlive.com

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 4th, 2007 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Resort, Travel. Tags: Banquet Condo food Hotels Italia Italian restaurant Lake Michigan leather Lumina Michigan National Park National Park Service Oman Property Residences Resort restaurant Snowshoe sports Traverse City Village . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.