By TOM TRACEY
TRAVERSE CITY -- If you're lucky, you'll pick a toasty twilight to explore the all-new Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel.
The wind will be hot and dry and the sun will be melting into the horizon. Watching the line of arriving cars under the glass entrance arch and hearing the water cascading down the silver walls, you may feel that you've landed in Vegas.
It was the fickle nature of today's gambling business that led the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to reconsider the fate of their 12-year-old casino. The solution was to build anew.
While still located on M-72 in Williamsburg, the hotel and casino now stands closer to the highway than the original facility, which currently awaits demolition and recycling. But don't let the understated brick-and-glass facade fool you.
Once inside, the linear walls seem to disappear, leaving an expansive open space with floating floors and soaring ceilings. The décor is just as dramatic -- sleek, contemporary and rich with American Indian style.
Striped wood in tones of buckskin, granite and raven accent the walls, floors and furniture. The entire main floor gaming area is carpeted in a fiery orange and red geometric pattern. Water fountains and cascades are sprinkled throughout the building, softening the vibrant sights and sounds of the casino.
To enjoy this sprawling new venue, consider taking a 24-hour mini-vacation. Your visit might look like this:
First floor gift shop
Start your day by purchasing a lucky Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel cap. While you're there, check out the American Indian jewelry. Traditional designs including the squash blossom necklace are crafted using silver, turquoise and coral.
Slot machines
You don't have to bust the bank to bust the bank at this casino. Slot machines start at one penny. Play nickel, dime and quarter machines until you're confident enough for dollar slots. Contemporary machines include e-Bay and Wheel of Fortune.
Midlevel Lounge
Gather your winnings, step up to the second floor and splurge on a drink at the Midlevel Lounge. You'll get a nice overview of the gamers below to see who is hot and who is not.
The Deli
After a morning of gambling, you may have worked up a hunger. The Deli is a red-and-black 1950s-style lunch counter that offers reasonably priced food, quickly prepared. Features include New York-influenced corned beef, pastrami and reuben sandwiches. Look for The Deli to the back and left of the main floor gaming area.
Seasons Buffet
If you've worked up an even bigger hunger, look to the back and center of the gaming area for the Seasons Buffet. The Seasons Buffet is spacious and calming, with muted earth-tone walls and subdued tile floors. You can load your plate for between $12.95 and $19.95. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Just be sure to remember the buffet is closed for setup between 4 and 5 p.m. daily.
Live blackjack and poker games
With a belly full of food and a pocketful of folding money, now's the time to hit the tables for some live blackjack and poker. After all, you'll want to know if watching poker on TV was time well spent.
Bourbons 72
A special night deserves a special meal. Bourbons 72 is your fine-dining choice at the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. The mood is serene and sophisticated. Popular items include prime rib carved tableside with bourbon au jus starting at $20 and seafood linguini with shellfish, spinach and saffron cream for $19. Look for inventive side dishes such as Mashed Pecan Sweet Potatoes as well as traditional desserts such as Bananas Foster. Most entrees are under $20. Hours are 4:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Roulette
Live like a high-roller and let the ball bounce where it may at the roulette wheel. If you're hot, you'll gather a crowd.
Level III Nightclub
Top off the evening at the top of the casino. The elegant Level III Lounge is perched on the third floor and offers a soundstage, plasma television sets and a floor plan that encourages networking. Look for live acts throughout the summer. An added bonus is the southwest-facing outdoor patio, where the setting sun puts on a show all of its own.
State-of-the-art lodging
With all of that celebrating and fun, you might not want to leave. Spend the night relaxing in a room; it may be the best move you've made all day. The up-to-the-minute design touches include flat-screen TVs, striking black headboards and striped wood trim. Summer rates start at $91, with suites going for around $300. Most rooms hover around $120 to $150, depending on the day of the week.
Coffee Spoon
Wake up sleepy head and smell the coffee at the Coffee Spoon. This casual counter is conveniently located just down the hall from the hotel registration desk on the third floor.
Cultural display
As you check out of your room and bring your memories home, pause to honor the memories of the band that made this facility possible. A cultural display is located on the third-floor hallway that connects the casino with the hotel. Period photographs depicting local American Indian culture dot the walls. Inside these walls are displays of handcrafted artifacts. Note the photograph of a tribal member paddling a birchbark canoe, as well as the painstakingly decorated drum in the display case.
Third floor gift shop
Don't even think about coming home without gifts. You can browse apparel, handbags and vases at the third-floor gift shop.
Special high limit area
If you get to like this lifestyle, Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel offers something special: A designated high-limit gambling area and lounge has been set aside for affluent guests seeking enhanced service and privacy.
With any luck, that could be you.
