Visit Up North Blog » Glen Lake

Need help choosing a vacation cottage? We are here to help plan your Up North vacation.

visitupnorth — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:34:08 +0000

Planning a vacation can be daunting. There are hundreds of websites and as many homes to choose from. It can be confusing at the least and overwhelming often. At “Visit Up North Vacation Rentals” we take the anxiety of planning away. How? We are a local management company that physically manages our homes. That means we are in these homes, we clean and maintain them. We live here so we know the area. We take our families to the beautiful beaches. We eat at the local diners, drink the local wine, enjoy the local festivities. We live and breathe Northern Michigan. We want your vacation to be special and as much of the guess work we take away from you allows you to enjoy what your spending your hard earned money on… a wonderful vacation.

Call us today and let us guide you through our homes, cottages and condos. We look forward to talking with you soon. 800-901-8922

Traverse City Michigan freshwater fishing paradise and we have the places to stay at

visitupnorth — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:47:18 +0000

Between May and October, there is no consistently better place to be fishing in America than Traverse City, Mich. Diversity is the key: Lake Michigan with salmon and steelhead; Grand Traverse Bay with some of the best smallmouth pockets and carp flats in America; and more rivers and natural lakes filled with trout, bass, and panfish than you can begin to touch in one season. The calendar in Traverse City is honest-spectacular yellow birches in the falls, frosty white winters, damp misty springs, and radiant blue-green summers. The true outdoor aficionado finds solace (and opportunity) in every month here, be it fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, or hiking. It’s an affordable, yet polished, place to be. And the hometown culture is still a classic slice of Rockwell-esque Americana.

Field & Stream Magazine.

Visit Up North Vacation Rentals offers rentals on amazing fishing lakes. Call today and reserve your spot. 800-901-8922

http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/kentucky/2008/01/best-fishing-towns-america?photo=2

Experience the slow vacation of your dreams in Michigan at Visit Up North Vacation Rentals

visitupnorth — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:14:52 +0000

The latest buzz word in travel is “slow travel”. What actually is it? Slow travel is about soaking up the surroundings you are in, at a leisurely pace instead of running from one thing to another. Having a vacation that leaves you feeling refreshed instead of more exhausted than when you started. It doesn’t mean you should skip the anticipated highlights of your trip, but taking the time to experience the little things your vacation is less like touristy travel. How can you make your own slow travel vacation? Rent your own cottage or home. Get up in the morning to your own space not shared with everyone in a hotel. Sit on the deck and watch the sun rise, breath in the fresh air, savor a cup of coffee. Have a slow breakfast. Start your day in the middle of the afternoon. Take in your surroundings. Plan a day of visiting small local shops, visit mom and pop diners, sit in a park and people watch.

In our hurried world slowing down is often one of the hardest things to do. It is worth the effort though. Coming back to the grind may just be a little less grinding after your relaxing slow vacation.
Let Visit Up North Vacaton Rentals assist you in planning you next trip. Call us at 800-901-8922.

Summer is here in Northern Michigan and we have a place for you to stay.

visitupnorth — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:49:57 +0000

Looks like everyone wants to be in Northern Michigan. We are working hard on aquiring new properties so you can visit this amazing location. We have cottages, homes and condos. Short stays and weekly rentals.
Call and plan your vacation getaway today. 800-901-8922. Book online anytime.

Beach etiquette so we all can keep enjoying our beautiful beaches in Northern Michigan

visitupnorth — Mon, 30 May 2011 15:37:02 +0000

Take your trash with you:

Not only is trash and food waste on the beach an eyesore that can end up suffocating sealife, it attracts birds and wildlife that end up defecating on the sand. This ends up contributing to the already problematic sewage problem, says Nancy Stoner, director of the Natural Resources Defense Councilâ€™s clean water project. She advocates disposing trash in lidded bins, or if those are not available, containing the trash and packing it out yourself.

No leaky diapers:

“When it says swim diaper, that doesn’t mean [the waste is] self contained,â€ Stoner said. â€œI know this from personal experience. Plastic pants are the way to go.â€

Outfiit your baby with the best diaper using Green Guide’s “Diapers Buying Guide.”

Pick up pet waste:

“Pet waste is a big problem and so easily solved by scooping up the waste,â€ Stoner adds.

Smoking ban:

During the coastal cleanup, volunteers found more than 3.2 million cigarette butts and filters. If you have to smoke, donâ€™t leave evidence.

Stick to organic sunscreens, cosmetics, and insect repellent:

Research has shown that some sunscreen compounds suspected to be endocrine disruptors are finding their way into fish tissue. Scientists have said some of these could alter reproductive function and birth weight in fish. Not all ultraviolet filters have harmful materials, but to be safe, try to use natural ingredients. The possible synergistic human health and environmental affects of residue from the hundreds of chemical compounds in cosmetics and personal care products give water quality experts a real fright.
(excerpt from National Geo Go Green)

Sleeping Bear Dunes The Most Beautiful Place in America-Stay Here With Us!

visitupnorth — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:04:46 +0000

America voted and got it right, the Sleeping Bear Dunes were voted The Most Beautiful Place in America on Good Morning America!
Click Here to Read the Article!
Come and enjoy this beautiful area in one of our rentals close to The Dunes or browse our whole site for places that are all within 30-40 minutes of The Dunes.

Relax on Big Glen Lake:
Brookhaven 1 or Brookhaven 3

Be in the heart of Glen Arbor:
Barefootin’ on M-22

Various Homestead condos are still available:
Browse condos

We can help you find a place that works best for you! Give us a call or drop us an email, we’re open 7 days a week!

Hotel vs Vacation home. Why choose a vacation rental. Visit Up North

visitupnorth — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:37:44 +0000

The process for renting a vacation home differs from booking a hotel room. One of the many benefits is working with a property management company that has the expertise to make staying at a cottage or home headache free. Their personal interest in your stay and knowledge of the property are far beyond that of a hotel reservation center! This helps you make the best choice for you and your family. Let Visit Up North Vacation Rentals friendly staff start helping you today… it’s absolutely worth it!

Spend less, travel more
Priced between 50 and 80 percent less per square foot than the average hotel room in popular destinations, vacation rentals offer real value.

Room to relax
Say goodbye to the small hotel room. Our average vacation rental is 1800 sq. ft

Privacy
No hotel staff to disturb you, and plenty of private space for spending family-time together.

The kitchen is always open
Dine in with the kids or dine out on the town. Free yourself from vending machines and expensive room service. Stock up on local fresh farm goods and fresh local products.

Bring the dog
Many vacation rentals are pet friendly and offer dog beds, dog runs, and more so your best friend will feel right at home. No more putting your furry friend in a kennel.

Slow vacations- Glen Arbor Glen Lake Michigan Ask someone who knows

visitupnorth — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:24:18 +0000

Visit Up North Vacation Rentals has been host to many happy guests enjoying the vacation of their dreams. Today, many long for that slow vacation far from the frantic pace of what life has become. You can experience that here in Northern Michigan under big blue skies, clean air, tranquil waters, trees that stretch to the sky and peaceful calm that embraces you when you least expect it. Meet one of our “guests” that have spent many happy years doing the slow vacation…

We have been renting the same cabins called “Brookhaven” on Glen Lake for the last 17 years. We started going there when are kids were 2,5 and 7.
The group has gradually expanded to include another family our extended family members, random friends, various romantic partners of our kids and their best friends. Glen Lake is at the base of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the area is filled with rolling hills, sand dunes and lakes every few miles, all situated along the banks of Lake Michigan.

It’s a week of grilling out, wakeboarding, poker playing, hiking the dunes, biking to town and eating all cherry products created under the sun.
There are no TV’s, minimal wireless access, and poor cell phone reception.
The air is fresh and clear, albeit at times crisp. The water is as blue as the Carribbean and invigorating. The choice we face every day is whether to run, bike, swim, hike, kayak on the Crystal River or just sit in a lawn chair on the side of the lake with a stack of books. If we are really energetic we will pick our way up the dune climb and hike to Lake Michigan. At sunset though we can go to the Overlook and watch the teenagers race down the 400 foot drop in 30 seconds, then pick their way back up over the next hour! Nearly every day is finished off with ice cream from either the Pine Cone or Cherry Republic. Of course there are some rainy days but those are generally answered with a trip to the Cottage Book Store for more books.

We plan our year around our time at Glen Lake which happens the first two weeks of August. We fanatasize every year about buying our own place up there, but nothing compares to our Brookhaven Cabins, so we just put our deposit down as we roll out of town and say “See ya next year!”

It really is the Simple Life!

So many reasons to visit Glen Arbor Traverse City Suttons Bay Lake Michigan this winter

visitupnorth — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:26:14 +0000

Here in Leelanau County “lake effect” is often heard. This is produced by temperature differences above the open water and the shoreline. Locals don’t go into hiding when winter strikes though. Instead, they bundle up and play hard and welcome visitors to do the same. Make your own memories. Check out a few reasons to Visit Up North. This is also a great time to save on lodging. Off peak rates apply so the savings are terrific. Call today and let us help you plan a winter retreat. 800-901-8922.

Gallery Hop

This area boasts many top notch galleries featuring local and national artists. More than 50 galleries dot this area.

Snowshoe
This area is a wonderland for winter activities. Snowshoe the Sleeping Bear Dunes Empire, Houdek Dunes in Leland or the Leelanau Trail that takes you from Suttons Bay to Traverse City on marked trails.

Drink Wine

This mini Napa area has some of the tastiest white wines and fascinating reds in the country. With more than 25 wineries to choose from you will need more than a day to visit them all.

Catch a movie

The now restored State Theatre in downtown Traverse City is a treat all on it’s own. Featuring classic to Indie films, a family friendly setting and the most dazzling ceiling of fiber optics that mimic our Northern sky, it is not to be missed.

Eat a fireside breakfast in bed

Guests at Visit Up North Vacation Rentals, can turn on a gas fireplace, curl up in a heavy duvet and enjoy some local treats. Strong, hot coffee from Higher Grounds goes down easily with a scone from Potters Bakery. Outside, the sky fades from pink to blue above the ice-shrouded Lake Michigan. Ahhh Michigan.

So many reasons to visit Traverse City Michigan. Great food. Are you hungry yet?

visitupnorth — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:03:11 +0000

Thousands of visitors come to Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan each year to fish, water ski, bike, golf, play in the snow and explore shore towns. But the area’s riches run deeper than resorts and golf courses. The lake produces boatloads of whitefish, lake trout and chubs. The lakeshore climate lets hundreds of thousands of cherry trees flourish on the hillsides. Prize mushrooms hide in shady forests. Dairy cows graze in rich pastures. The rich aromas of locally made food taunts your senses and lures you in. You may just find this area one of the best for fresh local fare in the entire Midwest. Come visit us!

CHEESECAKE
The recipes featured in the area’s restaurants reflect this abundance of food resources. The Chocolate-Dried Cherry Cheesecake (left) — thick, rich, with a touch of coffee and speckled with dried cherries — is a favorite dessert at The Cove restaurant in Leland.

MICHIGAN MUFFELTTA
Stone House Bread Cafe in Leland gave us the recipe for this version of the New Orleans classic, layered with Olive Relish.

CHERRY VINAIGRETTE
Chefs at North Peak Brewing Company in Traverse City, Michigan, make this tangy, thick, cherry-color dressing for tossed salads. We like it over fresh fruit, too.

MOREL MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE WITH PASTA
The forest floors around Grand Traverse Bay yield delicately flavored morel mushrooms for crepes, omelets and sauces.

When Sam Hybels bought Hattie’s restaurant in Suttons Bay, Michigan, he also acquired the recipe for this creamy morel sauce for pasta. Today, Hattie’s is called Samuel’s, but the sauce remains the same. “I’d never dare tamper with it,” Sam says

OATMEAL-CHERRY COOKIES
Dried cherries make oatmeal cookies even more memorable in this recipe from American Spoon Foods, which has locations in the Traverse City area. We like its crisp edges and chewy centers.

GRILLED WHITEFISH
Visitors find hardworking fishermen at charming Fishtown in Leland, Michigan, west of Traverse City. On the other side of the fish case, staff members at Carlson’s prepare that day’s catch for sale. Whitefish is the local favorite used here in their recipe. Try the smoked fish too.

THE COVE’S WORLD FAMOUS CHUBBY MARY
Ordering this drink at The Cove in Leland is an experience. A Bloody Mary mixture arrives in a tall glass with a whole smoked fish sunk, head up, into the beverage. Play along, take a sip, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised at the smoky flavor the traditional Bloody Mary gets only when a smoked chub plays the role of swizzle stick.

CREME FRAICHE
George and Sally Shetler (left) shared this versatile recipe using two products from their Shetler Dairy in Kalkaska, Michigan. It’s similar to sour cream, only sweeter. They like it in soups, sandwiches and wraps — and as a fruit dip.

THE CHERRY CAPITAL
Since the first cherry tree was planted here in 1852, the Traverse City area has grown into the world’s self-proclaimed Cherry Capital. It’s a prime part of Michigan’s Fruit Belt, which grows 75 percent of the country’s tart cherries and about 20 percent of the sweet cherries. The area holds an annual National Cherry Festival in July, and the fruit stars in local soft drinks, wines, bratwurst, ice cream, jams, salsas and pies.

“SMOOCHING THE MOOSE”
While the Traverse Bay region features nearly a dozen fine dining restaurants, not all of the region’s exceptional food comes served on white linen. Serious chefs make regular pilgrimages to Sleder’s Family Tavern, a white frame building that opened just west of downtown in 1882. “Except for the electric lights and fans, everything is pretty much the same as then,” says Deb Cairns, a Traverse native who, with her husband, Brian, has owned the hugely popular eatery since 1992.

Under the tin ceiling and stuffed animal heads, diners feast on fresh-ground burgers, fried perch and smelt. It usually takes a few beers before diners plant the traditional kiss on the nose of a moose head. Afterward, they can buy T-shirts reading, “I Smooched The Moose.”

Maybe it’s odd, but it’s decidedly local. And that, like everything around Grand Traverse Bay, is the secret to the flavor.

Bon Appetit’!

(Midwest Living feature article)