Family Reunion Meal Planning
There’s lots of options at Sleeping Bear Resort when it comes time for family reunion meal planning. Preparing and having large family meals are some of the most memorable moments for family reunions. We know that and furnish the resort to prepare most any meal for large groups.
All our Cabins, the Bears Den and Lodge have full size kitchens that are stocked with all the basics for preparing meals for 2 people up to groups of 50. The kitchens are stocked with enough dishes and silverware for families of up to 50, however, sometimes it’s easier to purchase paper plates and plastic utensils for the large group meals.
There’s lots of outdoor dining spaces and they all have a fantastic view of the lake.
The Kitchens
The Bears Den kitchen has an electric range and a little more counter space than The Lodge.
The Lodge kitchen has a gas stove and a double stainless steel sink. There’s an island that is often used as a buffet table for family reunions.
All the Cabins have electric ranges with ovens and full size refrigerators.
Outdoor Cooking
The Lodge and Bears Den both have gas grills and each of the Cabins has a park style charcoal grill.
We provide the propane for the gas grills but you’ll need to purchase charcoal for the Cabin grills.
Outdoor Dining
Larger Family Reunions that reserve the entire resort generally have all the picnic tables arranged together in the courtyard area in front of the cabins. The larger meals are generally prepared at either The Lodge or Bear’s Den as those kitchens are better suited for cooking large quantities of food and both have a large gas grill.
Some groups prefer to set have their outdoor meals at the Bear’s Den which can also accommodate large groups for outdoor dining. We are happy to arrange our picnic tables to accommodate your group.
Grocery Stores
OLESON’S – is a full grocery store (with liquor and beer) located 15 minutes from SBR. Click here for more information and directions.
LAKE ANN GROCERY – is located 3 minutes away in the Village of Lake Ann is a must stop for guests at the resort. They carry basic grocery items including a great beer selection. They also have hardware items, fishing supplies and any of those items you forgot at home. Lake Ann Grocery’s motto is “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it”.
GABES MEAT MARKET – is located 3 miles north of SBR at the northeast corner of Reynolds Road and M72. Gabe’s has smoked meats and fish, a large selection of jerky and cheeses, Moomers hand dipped ice cream, beer and wine.
MEIJER – is located about 20 minutes away from SBR and has everything you’ll need. Click here for directions.
TRAVERSE CITY – is located 15 miles away from SBR where you can find several other grocery stores.
Click here for a map of all the grocery stores in the area.
Local Restaurants & Dining
STONE OVEN – is located 3 minutes away in the Village of Lake Ann. It is a local favorite small family restaurant. They have daily specials posted on their Facebook page. This is a great place to order lunches or dinners for pick-up. They get very busy during the early dinner hour so it’s good to call your order in early. The food is very good!
LAKE ANN BREWING CO. – is located 3 minutes away in the Village of Lake Ann. LABC is located next door to the Stone Oven. Your food can be ordered at the Stone Oven and delivered right to your table at Lake Ann Brewing. Lake Ann Brewing has live outdoor music Tuesday thru Saturday night and it gets busy about 5:00pm. Lake Ann Brewing has outdoor picnic table seating where you can have your food delivered and listen to live music. It’s very family friendly and fun!
PAPA J’S – is located less than 5 minutes from SBR and is best known for its pizza but also has burgers, subs, ribs and wings. Papa J’s is located only about a mile outside Downtown Lake Ann. They also serve hand dipped Moomers Ice Cream. No alcoholic beverages. Papa J’s will deliver to the resort. Click here for a link to their website.
RED DOOR COFFEE SHOP – is located 3 minutes away in the Village of Lake Ann. This local favorite coffee shop serves specialty coffee, breakfast sandwiches and panini’s. They are open 7am to 4pm.
MISTWOOD GOLF COURSE – is located less than 5 minutes from SBR and has a full service restaurant and dining room. They have a beautiful deck with seating overlooking the golf course during the summer months. Their hours are inconsistent so it’s best to call them at 231-275-5500.
TRAVERSE CITY – has many excellent restaurants and is located 15 miles away from the resort. Don’t hesitate to call us for our recommendations.
Meal Pick-Up Options
PAPA J’S – Located about a mile west of Downtown Lake Ann. Papa J’s is best known for their pizza but they also have excellent sandwiches. Click Here for a link to their menu. When ordering from Papa J’s make sure you are ordering from the Lake Ann location (not the Honor location).
STONE OVEN – is located 3 minutes away in the Village of Lake Ann. It is a local favorite small family restaurant. They have daily specials posted on their Facebook page. This is a great place to order lunches or dinners for pick-up. They get very busy during the early dinner hour so it’s good to call your order in early. The food is very good!
OLESON’S GROCERY – is a full grocery store (with liquor and beer) located 15 minutes from SBR. Oleson’s is a good option for fried chicken. Call in your order the day before. Click here for more information and directions.
FRESH COAST MARKET – is located miles from Sleeping Bear Resort. They have lots of prepared foods similar to what you’d find in the deli section of a grocery store. They also have beer and liquor. Click Here for a link to their website.
PEGTOWN STATION – Located 8 miles north of Sleeping Bear Resort in Maple City, it is one of our favorite breakfast spots! Pegtown also makes great sandwiches and homemade pizzas. Click Here for a link to their menu. They open at 8am Tuesday thru Sunday and are closed on Mondays.