Shanty Creek celebrates 40th anniversary

BELLAIRE, Mich. -- A former Detroit steel worker with a penchant for fine dining and entertaining introduced Antrim County to the resort life when he opened Shanty Creek on Summit Mountain in the winter of 1963. Forty years later, this world-class resort is gearing up to celebrate four successful decades of skiing, golf, dining and entertaining - all of which can be traced to a man named Roy Deskin.

Deskin, the son of a coal miner who worked his way through the Detroit steel factories, retired from the grind of the steel mill and moved north in 1944, purchasing land on Torch Lake. A man who loved entertaining friends, Deskin decided Antrim County was in dire need of a fine dining establishment. He had no choice but to build his own, and in the fall of 1961 broke ground on what is now Summit Village. Located at the top - rather than the base - of the hill, the lodge's placement was a strategic decision. With a 360-degree view, Shanty Creek is a unique destination compared to other resorts with lodges at the base of their ski slopes.

"The base of what is now Shanty's black chairlift was located in Custer Township - and they wouldn't give him a liquor license for his restaurant," explains Shanty Creek's President and COO Jerry Pasternak. "The top of the hill is actually part of Kearney Township which wasn't dry, so he put his lodge there." The original resort had 91 hotel rooms and was named 'Shanty Creek' after an old trapping shanty that used to sit on the river that runs through what is now Summit Golf Club, Pasternak adds.

In 1968, neighboring Schuss Mountain opened. Nearly 20 years later, in 1985, Club Corporation of America purchased both Shanty Creek and Schuss Mountain, combining the two resorts into one. Shanty Creek's most recent addition, Cedar River Village, opened in 1999 along with the much-anticipated Tom Weiskopf golf course. Together, the three villages boast over 600 guest rooms and condominiums, four championship golf courses, six tennis courts, five pools and endless hiking and biking trails throughout Shanty's 4,500 acres.

To celebrate the resort's tremendous success, Shanty has a host of activities planned. Featured events will include the SchussyCats Stage Show tribute to 1963, which will be presented throughout the summer beginning June 12th. A "Celebration of the 60's" party is planned for July 19th complete with a 60's costume contest, the limbo rock and a hula-hoop contest. The younger crowd will be able to join the fun at their own 60's parties that night with karaoke, costumes, magic and more. Throughout the summer family events are being added to highlight the resorts history, their amenities and their commitment to providing "something for everyone".

Shanty Creek is a four-season resort offering 72 holes of championship golf, 46 downhill skiing slopes on two mountains, 30 km of Nordic ski trails, snowboarding and extreme tubing runs. Located 30 miles northeast of Traverse City, Shanty features three distinct villages, award-winning dining, live entertainment and a full-service conference/banquet center. For more information, go to www.ShantyCreek.com.

Fresh menu choices paired with music for summer season

BELLAIRE, Mich. -- One good trio deserves another.

Already blessed with a trio of great dining venues, Shanty Creek management decided a jazz trio made up of the likes of Claudia Schmidt, Ron Getz and Jeff Beaven would feel right at home at this Northern Michigan resort. In fact, the Schmidt trio will be one of a handful of musical treats served up to Shanty Creek diners this summer, according to Doug Kosch, vice president of food and beverage for the resort. Kosch, along with newly named entertainment director Mary Sue Wilkinson, have teamed up to provide a varied offering of performances that will cater to just about every musical taste.

"We are so lucky to have three such distinct dining venues," Kosch says. "Whether you're in the mood for a burger and a beer at Ivan's, a quiet Italian dinner at La Vigna or some fresh Northern Michigan fare at The Lakeview, you'll find it here. And now each restaurant will offer top-notch entertainment that really reflects its personality."

Summer highlights at Shanty Creek's three main restaurants include:

La Vigna (Cedar River Village): Claudia Schmidt and her trio will make special guest appearances throughout the summer at this Italian bistro that celebrates its first anniversary in 2003. Aiming for a romantic, "mellow" atmosphere, piano jazz will be featured nightly. Authentic menu selections include veal piccata, rock shrimp pesto and tagliatella ala Bolognese. La Vigna overlooks the 18th hole of the Cedar River Golf Club.

The Lakeview (Summit Village): Offering a "Taste of Northern Michigan," the Lakeview's chef Brian Ramsey uses local farm-fresh products to create memorable "Up North" dishes featuring morel mushrooms, local cherries, organic field greens, salmon, whitefish, duck and venison. A menu favorite is Ramsey's Turkey Americana. Overlooking Lake Bellaire, The Lakeview will host "Live at the Lakeview" Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. featuring local favorite Dominic Fortuna as well as bluegrass/old time country band Iowa Rose. The Lakeview also offers its popular Sunday brunch throughout the summer.

Ivan's (Schuss Village): A great family restaurant, Ivan's menu is chocked full of favorites like its buffalo pizza, beer-battered shrimp, Texas T-bones and the Olde Towne reuben. Longtime home to the SchussyCats, Ivan's will once again host this talented group of collegiate singers and dancers June 12 through August 23. The troupe performs two, hour-long shows Mondays through Saturdays, with an informal dance set following the Friday and Saturday shows. In honor of Shanty Creek's 40th anniversary, the troupe's theme this year will be "Celebrate the '60s!"

Shanty Creek earned the enviable title of No. 1 in Dining Among Midwest Resorts by SKI magazine in its October 2002 issue. Kosch attributes this honor to the quality and selection of food offered by the resort.

"Shanty Creek is truly unique in that we have something for everyone - not only in terms of skiing and golfing, but fine dining choices, as well. I think the designation by SKI magazine proves that," Kosch says.

Shanty Creek is a four-season resort offering 72 holes of championship golf, 46 downhill skiing slopes on two mountains, 30 km of Nordic ski trails, snowboarding and extreme tubing runs. Located on 4,500 acres 30 miles northeast of Traverse City, Shanty features three distinct villages, award-winning dining, live entertainment and a full-service conference/banquet center. For more information, go to www.ShantyCreek.com.

Summer Music takes center stage

BELLAIRE, Mich. -- When you're home to a musical revue as wildly popular as the 28-year-running SchussyCats, you might be tempted to rest on your laurels. But judging by the entertainment lineup at Shanty Creek for summer 2003, there's no chance of that happening.

Whether your musical tastes range from bluegrass bands to jazz quartets, Shanty has a show for you. Mary Sue Wilkinson, Shanty's newly appointed Events and Activities Manager, is responsible for booking entertainment for the resort's numerous venues and has lined up a variety of talent that will give guests choices.

"You won't hear the same band night after night - we're going to mix it up," Wilkinson stresses. "Guests can spend an evening at the SchussyCats' show, catch a shuttle and go hear some jazz at LaVigna or drop in for a more acoustic sound with our 'Live at the Lakeview' shows at the Summit Village. You can pack it all in to one evening or choose the venue that fits your mood."

The venues Wilkinson refers to include the main restaurants at Shanty's three villages:

Ivan's at Schuss Village: Longtime home to the SchussyCats, Ivan's will once again host this talented group of collegiate singers and dancers June 12 through August 23. The troupe performs two, hour-long shows Mondays through Saturdays, with an informal dance set following the Friday and Saturday shows. In honor of Shanty Creek's 40th anniversary, one of the troupe's shows this year will be "The SchussyCats Celebrate 1963".

The Lakeview at Summit Village: "Live at the Lakeview" will take place at the Lakeview Lounge on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. "Iowa Rose" will perform a brand of music they call "Americana" - a mix of bluegrass, old country and jazz. Joining Iowa Rose will be host of top-notch Michigan musicians covering a lot of musical ground with an emphasis on an acoustic sound and great singing. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Bellaire, this musical "Taste of Northern Michigan" theme will be echoed by the Lakeview's newly expanded menu, which specializes in fresh, local fare.

LaVigna at Cedar River Village: Shanty's new Italian bistro is the place for people in a more mellow mood. LaVigna will feature piano jazz by Chris Ventzke throughout the summer, as well as special guest appearances by nationally renowned jazz vocalist Claudia Schmidt and former SchussyCat and Traverse City native Justin Avery.

Shanty COO Jerry Pasternak says adding Wilkinson to Shanty team reflects the resort's commitment to providing quality entertainment to its guests, as well as area residents.

"As a musician who has performed at Shanty Creek, Mary Sue is aware of what's going on with the local music scene and will use that insight to make Shanty Creek a true destination for those who enjoy good music," Pasternak explains. "Our collective goal is to provide first-class entertainment in a beautiful setting."

Kempfer named head pro at Cedar River Golf Club

BELLAIRE, Mich. -- Shanty Creek has named Jason Kempfer head golf professional for the resort's Tom Weiskopf-designed Cedar River Golf Club.

A Ferris State University graduate, Kempfer is a Class A Michigan Section PGA Professional. Since joining Shanty Creek in 2001, he has held the title of assistant professional for the Cedar River and Summit courses. In his new position, Kempfer now joins Shanty veterans Roger Bliss, head pro for The Legend and Summit courses, and Roger Gieseck, head pro for Schuss Mountain Golf Club, in making Shanty a true "triple threat" in golf, says Shanty COO Jerry Pasternak.

"Jason brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the Shanty Creek golf team," Pasternak says. "That energy - combined with the invaluable experience of Roger Bliss and Roger Gieseck - is what makes Shanty Creek stand apart from other Midwest resorts. It really illustrates what our 'Power of Three' slogan is all about."

"I'm really excited to have the chance to give back to my sport," Kempfer says. "Cedar River is a great golf course - very traditional in its design. It's also very playable for golfers of varying abilities, which I like. I'm also looking forward to working with Roger Gieseck and Roger Bliss, who have both been so supportive of me."

For the 2003 season, Shanty Creek will once again host the popular Shanty Creek PGA Classic presented by E-Z-GO as well as the Michigan PGA Championship. The Classic will be on The Legend and Schuss Mountain courses July 6-8, while the PGA tournament will run from August 18-20 on the Cedar River and Legend courses. Kempfer notes that Shanty is able to attract these high-level events thanks to the quality of the resort's four championship courses.

"These are tournament-caliber golf courses," Kempfer points out. "It just doesn't get better than this in Northern Michigan."

June 17, 2003