Michie's MotorCity Casino Hotel Adventure

After checking in at MotorCity Casino Hotel, I had a lot of unfinished work and took advantage of the complimentary wireless internet at the work station in my room.

After hitting it big in the casino, I made my way down to D.Tour Spa for some rest and relaxation. 

Anna’s magic fingers gave me gill –ty pleasure.   

Feeling refreshed, I had many dining options to choose from at MotorCity Casino Hotel.  First I checked out the Assembly Line Buffet.  Unfortunately, I think I recognized some of the Sushi and had to pass. 

I opted for Iridescence on the 16^th floor of the hotel.  With a spectacular view of the Detroit’s skyline and AAA 4 Diamond rating, this great restaurant was recently voted Hour Magazine’s 2011 Restaurant of the Year. 

After my great dinner I was feeling a little stuffed so I headed to the work out facility. I was a little too short in the fin to use the bike but the exercise ball worked out great. 

Partying in Sound Board at the Rick Springfield concert was a hoot and I loved crowd surfing.  I even got up close and personal with Rick and he promises to accept me as a friend on FB.    

Once back in my room I filled up my deep soaking tub and refreshed with a cool bath.

I even ordered pillows from the pillow library to add extra comfort to my already smushy bed.  What an adventure at MotorCity Casino Hotel.  I will definitely be back. 

Want to learn more? Explore the MotorCity Casino Hotel's website today!

Michie's Next Adventure: The Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth

Hello, Michie the fish here reporting about my adventure to the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth!   I swam into “Michigan’s Little Bavaria”, headed straight to the hotel to start my “staycation” and fun.  There is nothing fishy about this hotel but lots to do and great hospitality.  At the moment of entry I was greeted with a smile by the staff at the Front Desk.  The courteous team members were gracious in helping me check-in and they filled me in on all happenings of the Bavarian Inn Lodge.  I felt it was fate for me to arrive on Thursday, February 10^th as this was the EXACT date of the Lodge’s 25^th Anniversary!  During my stay I had the opportunity to explore all the historic displays throughout the hotel like the through stain glass exhibit, German murals and photos around the building.

I was also happy to learn that the Lodge was celebrating Chinese New Year right now!  They have all sorts of Chinese décor up throughout the Lobby and offer special activities for children each Friday and Saturday night.  I thought it would be a lot of fun to participate in celebrating the year of the Rabbit, so I purchased the Chinese New Year package from my new friend Stephan at the Front Desk!  Humans were wearing this as a Chinese hat but it worked very well as a chair for me.

This trip was not all about pleasure though, I had been asked to stop by the MTA conference and share my keynote presentation Creating a Vision for Your Township.  The attendees could not have been nicer, and WOW what an amazing conference center the Bavarian Inn Lodge has!  I think this would make a great place for my annual conference “Living in a Dysfunctional School”.   

When I arrived to my suite, I couldn’t wait to jump in the whirlpool tub!  Since it is Valentine’s Day weekend I phoned the Mrs. to join me as we all know Frankenmuth is a romantic place to visit.  I had planned a special surprise for her that included a candlelit World Famous Chicken Dinner (yes….even Fish love Frankenmuth Chicken!) , a horse drawn carriage ride through town and a moonlit stroll over the covered bridge!  But first, we enjoyed our Bavarian Inn Cranberry Wine while taking a dip and read up on the family history that our guestroom was named after.  Yes, it was like having a little museum in our own room as we learned about an original Frankenmuth family and how their lineage came about. 

What fish doesn’t want to have fun?  The Family Fun Center was like our trip to Las Vegas… games, games, and more games.  Wow, there was so much to do, where would we start.  I played Deal or No Deal 10 times and won lots of tickets.  After checking out the more than 100 video and arcade games, I headed over to the indoor miniature golf course to play a round.  Even though I don’t have opposable thumbs, I did pretty well for my scaly self and even got a hole-in-one!   Since I love the water so much, I made time to experience all 5 pools that the Bavarian Inn Lodge has to offer. 

After a nice dinner, the wife and I headed over to the Lorelei Lounge for drinks and popcorn.  I got the chance to meet the in-house entertainer and even join in on the tradition of singing the Schnitzelbank Song!  After a bit of live music, we headed to the Ratskeller Café for Karaoke, where I sang a rousing rendition of “I’m a Little Fishy”, but I guess most people sing it, “I’m a Little Teapot”, who knew.  What a great night it was.  

Oh, and how could I forget the exciting new app that Frankenmuth has to offer…. gulp, gulp, gulp …. they have customized city tours that you can download right to your phone!  There are tours for Family Fun Seekers, Foodies and History Buffs!    

My stay at the Bavarian Inn Lodge went so swimmingly.  This place is definitely a catch with all the fun and entertainment that is available.  We are planning on a return trip for Bringing Back the 80s Festival in April.  We can’t get enough of the 80’s Hair Bands!

To learn more about the Bavarian Inn Lodge, please explore their website: Bavarian Inn Lodge

Michie the Fishie Enjoys Boyne’s Three Northern Michigan Resorts

Recognized as one of the World’s Best Hotel’s, Michie arrives at The Inn at Bay Harbor and is ready to check out the Lakeside Resort. During his stay, he is happy to hear that earning Marriott Reward and Boyne Reward Points are possible for groups and vacationers alike. While checking out the upscale shopping area, he admires the snowboarder ice sculpture.  

Back at the restaurant, he enjoys a glass of wine overlooking Lake Michigan.

His friends have said he can drink like a fish, but he is happy as a clam with the views that include “million dollar sunsets” and beachside group dinners.

A little swim in Lake Michigan and Michie somehow is sucked into Boyne’s snowmaking operations that blanket the two nearby resorts with powdery snow. He finds himself jumping out at Boyne Mountain through one of 100 patented Low-E Fan Guns that can pump out 132,000 gallons of water every 24 hours to make the best snow in the Midwest.

A more traditional workout finds Michie in the Solace Spa at the Mountain Grand Lodge with a mountain view. 

A stop at one of Boyne Country Sports Stores allows Michie to gear up with the latest snowsports equipment before hitting the slopes.

Four Seasons of amenities include Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark. Recently ranked as one of America’s Top 10, it is Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark with slides and fun for all ages.

While having dinner at one of many on-site bars and restaurants, Michie wonders if he has seen this sailfish in other waters.

While checking in at Boyne Highlands Resort, Michie is greeted at the front desk. He learns there are as many four season activities as his visit to Boyne Mountain.

Catching a fin, his downhill skiing is cut short on the Highlands 54 downhill ski runs. He meets two of the friendly ski patrollers and receives a free ride down the mountain in a toboggan.

Not discouraged, Michie is hooked on Boyne’s Zipline Adventure that allows friends and family to soar above slopes and through trees at the Mountain and Highlands Resorts. From a twin zip run perfect for a group event to a full zipline guided tour with a series of stations, Michie understands why there is something for any school of fish and why Boyne says; “What are You Up For?”

To learn more about all three resorts, check out their website: BOYNE Resorts