Michigan BLUE caught up with Tom Fabbri, president and CEO of Lakeview Hills Country Club & Resort in Lexington, near Port Huron, to hear about the recent rebrand and renovation that takes the impressive property to another level. With Lake Huron views and two public 18-hole championship golf courses, additional perks include new outdoor wedding options, a modernized ballroom and steakhouse, total renovations to the hotel, and more. Here are some details about the transformation.
Michigan BLUE: Why the rebrand and renovation?
Tom Fabbri: The facility was very tired and begging for attention. There had been lots of deferred maintenance over the years. We’ve not only totally recommitted to the property, but to the community as well.
MB: What are some updates?
TF: The hotel has new bedding, decorations, furniture, and flooring with totally updated bathrooms. It’s bright and inviting and the rooms are open and airy. Five rooms outside of the hotel are currently being renovated, and there are four new junior suites on the 294-acre property. Also of note, a vineyard and a 100-year-old farmhouse that is also in our rental portfolio.
The restaurant went from a traditional, family-style restaurant to probably one of the only fine-dining restaurants in the entire Thumb. It’s very warm and calming with all new lighting, and booths, tables, and chairs.
MB: What is extra special?
TF: The restaurant, Emilio’s Prime, has a few dishes that are not offered anywhere else around, like the Pasta Tagliatelle with our traditional meat sauce (his personal favorite). Our family comes from San Marino, Italy. Our Brodetto is almost like a fish soup with seafood in a tomato-based broth. There are very good steaks and a lobster bisque that is served tableside.
MB: What are your future plans?
TF: We have a whole new management team as we move toward event-based functions so we can operate 12 months a year as opposed to the golf season in Michigan, which is about 22 weeks. Events include a Champagne Sunday Brunch, a lobster boil with live music, and outdoor concerts.
MB: Other noteworthy amenities?
TF: People are in awe of the wine storage cabinet area built by the Amish. It’s not only beautiful; it’s a piece of art. One of my friends from San Marino fabricated a steel gate that separates the clubhouse from the restaurant, and we had a logo laser cut into it that says Emilio’s Prime. The wine list is very ambitious, and we just received an award of excellence from Wine Spectator.
MB: What makes this property a special getaway?
TF: It’s quiet. It offers peace and serenity, and a lot of solitude.
MORE INFORMATION: lakeviewhills.com
Lakeview Hills
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