Visit Up North Blog » Environment

Traverse City-Leelanau County -Northern Michigan always a magical beautiful place-come see why.

visitupnorth — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:22:46 +0000

The economy might be a little shaky but a visit to Northern Michigan will make you forget that there is a problem in the world. Enjoy the quaint villages along the lakeshore, shop at one of a kind wine, cheese and artisian bread shops. Maybe you prefer a stroll on the miles of pristine sandy beaches under cool fall skies. Sip warm toddies and build a fire at night on the shore as you watch the stars twinkle in an endless sky. Snuggle up in front of a roaring fire at the end of the day. The air in Northern Michigan is clean and refreshing. You are greeted like a welcomed guest to share in this paradise. Make your plans to visit Northern Michigan today and make a memory that will last a lifetime. Visit Up North Vacation Rentals can help you start making those plans.

Trip Advisor Picks Traverse City as One of the Top 10 Fall Color Destinations

visitupnorth — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:50:13 +0000

Colors have not hit their peak yet–have you planned your Fall getaway? Come and visit the #6 spot in the US to see vibrant Fall foliage (according to a Trip Advisor survey! http://finance.yahoo.com/news/TripAdvisor-Unveils-Americas-prnews-1319419374.html?x=0&.v=1″ ). We’ve seen temps in the mid 60’s and sun, sun, sun! Great rentals with great prices mean there is still time to plan a Fabulous Fall Vacation in beautiful northern Michigan. Call or email today and we’ll let you know what might work for you! Mention “trip advisor,” and receive $50 off your rental cost for a stay during October 2010 (two night minimum stay required, subject to availability).

Northern Michigan Leelanau Traverse City Farmers Market, Roadside Stands Grand Traverse Shoreline & more. Support your local farmers!

visitupnorth — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:21:17 +0000

When you are staying with Visit Up North Vacation Rentals plan on visiting the many great roadside stands and farm markets boasting fresh local food for your table. Support your (our) local farmers!

There is nothing more tasty than fresh produce straight from where it is grown. Northern Michigan has a bounty of farms that feature fruits and vegetables fresh picked and waiting for you. Make a trip to local farm markets available every week through out the area. Farmer’s markets not only offer the fresh pick of the day but pies and baked goods, local honey and more.

Every village features a roadside stand that featuresÂ all kinds of luscious foods. Fresh sweet apricots and peaches, asparagus straight out of the field waiting forÂ your plate and melted butter,fresh sliced cukes,tomatoes w/ fresh basil,sweet squash baked on the grill–oh my. You can leave Michigan healthy and happy after you visit this great place.Â Follow this link for a variety of farms http://localdifference.org/farmresults.aspÂ through the area.

Locations of farmer’s markets late spring – fall.

Traverse City – Sat. & Wed. – 8 am-12 pm

Suttons Bay – Saturday 9 am-1 pm

Leland – Thursday 8 am – 12 pm

Glen Arbor – Tuesday 9 am-1 pm

Empire – Saturday 9am- 1pm

Water Safety Tips Northern Michigan Be safe when you Visit Up North

visitupnorth — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:36:35 +0000

These general water safety tips will help you stay safe in and around the water.

Learn to swim.The best thing anyone can do to stay safe is to learn to swim. Always swim with a buddy;never swim alone. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of all ages. Contact a local Red Cross chapter.

Swim in areas supervised by a lifegaurd on public beach areas.

Children and inexperienced swimmers should take precautions, such as wearing a U.S.Coastguard approved personal floatation device.

Watch out for dangerous “too’s”. Too tired, too cold, too much sun from strenuous activity, too far from safety.

Set water rules for the entire family.

Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and the potential hazards, such as deep & shallow areas, current and depth changes.

Pay attention to local weather conditions. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

Do not use alcohol with swimming, diving orÂ boating. Alcohol impairs judgement, balance and coordination. It also reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.

Watch for signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is life threatening. The body’s temperature control system which produces sweating stops working.

Wear foot protection.

Never leave a child unobserved around water.Adult supervision is recommended at all times.

Keep your cell phone or cordless nearby in case you need to call 911.

Considering water safety rules can help ensure a safe and happy vacation!

Saving Birds thru Habitat Omena Michigan Near Grand Traverse Bay

visitupnorth — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:39:30 +0000

Â This habitat Discovery Center in Omena Â www.savingbirds.org/ is located on three acres and is adjacent to a forty-four acre private sanctuary.This sanctuary was established inÂ 1993 to aid slumping songbird populations.Since that time,it has hosted more than 60 nesting species. An additional hundred species have used the property for foraging during migration. The Center is open mid-April thru mid-October,every Wednesday-Saturday from 9-4 and Sunday 1-4.The trail is open 7 am to 8 pm daily during the same months.Bring your camera and binoculars and enjoy your flight.Â Â Â Â Â 5020 N.Putnam Road Omena.231-271-3738

Visit Up North Vacation Rentals Growing Green. Protecting our earth & making your stay a better one.

visitupnorth — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:21:59 +0000

Visit Up North Vacation Rentals is “growing” their business green. We recognize the importance of a healthy environment, using energy wisely, recycling and any practice that makes our footprint lighter. We look for green practices everyday and implement them in our cottages, homes and condos. We encourage our owners and guests to do the same while still enjoying a wonderful home and vacation. We would like to share what we are doing to be eco-minded.

*Bio-friendly cleaning products. You will also find non-petroleum based dishsoap & dishwasher soaps. Refill platic containers for pump soaps.

*Energy-efficient light bulbs

*Bio degradable plastic bags, recycled toilet paper.

*Recycle bins for bottles & cans

*Converting toilets to low-flush

*Wrapping hot water heaters to prevent heat loss.

*In office recycling of paper and plastic

*Donate towels, blankets and rugs no longer useable to local humane society. Also reuse for cleaning rags. (re-purpose re-use) We also donate ink catridges & old phones to charity.

*Turning heat down to 55 when homes not in use. Turning refridgerators to 1 when not inuse.

There is always more we can do and we will continue to learn and grow to be a better steward of our planet.

Do you have a great eco idea that would make your stay better? Send us a note via this blog.Thanks.

Northern Michigan travels. Tell us where you like to go. Is there a special beach, hiking trail, diner?Northport, Leland, Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Suttons Bay, Interlochen.We want to know!

visitupnorth — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:56:18 +0000

Visiting the great “Up North” is an experience to be shared. With miles of pristine waters, big blue skies, miles of hiking and biking, star gazing, festivals, nature watching and well the list just goes on and on. Whether it is baseball or fudge, napping under a tree or dining at your fav eatery, we want to know. Feel free to post your pics and tips. Have a great summer.
www.visitupnorth.com
One thing you can always find in this areaÂ are some of the best freshwater beaches in the world. From kid-friendly beaches with playgrounds to “out of the way” beaches for those looking for solitude. One of these great beach locations is just right for you.

Bayside Park-East Grand Traverse Bay off of US 31 North south of M 72 in Acme. 600′ of sandy beach with bathhouse,picnic and playground facilities.

Bowers Harbor Beach-Â Â Bowers Harbor,Old MissionÂ just outside ofÂ Traverse City.Picnic area nearby boat launch with restrooms.

Bryant Park- Near downtown Traverse City off of M37.Picnic area,playground,grills,tall pines,long stretch sandy beach.

Centerville Township Park- This beach is on Lake Leelanau off of Hwy 643 south of the Village of Lake Leelanau.Picnic area,playground,restrooms.

Clinch Park-Over 1500′ of sand along West Grand Traverse Bay in downtown Traverse City.Marina,picnic tables,lifeguards (in the summer),restrooms.

East Bay Park-Shady picnic area, lifeguards, playground, restrooms.Located at the base of East Grand Traverse Bay and the foot of Front St.

Elmwood Township Park- Beach with playground,picnic facilities and restrooms.Located on West Bay off of M22 one mile from M72 junction in Traverse City.

Empire Village Park-Part of the Sleeping Bear shoreline beautiful sandy beach with playground,restrooms,picnic area.Walk to town.Located 22 miles west of Traverse City in Empire.

Glen Haven Beach-Thirty miles northwest of Traverse City near Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore Dunes Climb. Beautiful beach in National Lakeshore village of Glen Haven.

Haserot Beach Park-Just east of the town of Old Mission and 20 miles North of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula.Sandy beach,picnic area,playground,boat launch.

Leelanau State Park-Lake Michigan beach at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in Northport.Beach,restrooms,hiking trails,lighthouse.

Leland Municipal Beach-Twenty four miles northwest of Traverse City.Marina nearby,restrooms,picnic area.

Long Lake Township Park- Picnic facilities, restrooms, playground, boat launch. Just southwest of Traverse City.

Want your own beach? Try some of these locations for your own piece of beach heaven.

Â http://www.visitupnorth.com/traverse-city.shtml#crystalbeech

http://www.visitupnorth.com/lake-leelanau.shtml#staynplay

Northport Beach-Adjacent to the marina right in town.Shops,picnic area,beach,restrooms.

Old Settlers Park-East shore of Big Glen Lake off of Hwy 675. Restrooms,playground,picnic area.

Power Island-Accessible only by boat.West Grand Traverse Bay off of Bowers Harbor.Picnic area,restrooms,hiking trails.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore-33 miles of the most spectacular beaches on the Lake Michigan shoreline,including D.H.Day Park in Glen Haven, north Bar Lake, Good Harbor Bay and Manitou Island. Stop at the visitors center in Empire for directions.

Suttons Bay Municipal Beach-On the West arm of Grand Traverse Bay 15 miles north of Traverse City on M22.Beach,picnic area,restrooms,playground.Walk to village shops, food and more.