Book early for the Horse Shows on the Bay 2012. Mention this post and receive $100.00 off of you stay for 7 days or more.
We have many cottages and condos that are minutes to the location. Hurry and book your lodging today!

Stay at The Wolverine only 2 miles, The Chalet on East Bay only 9 miles,Truax Lake Escape only 5 miles, Northern Tonic on Spider Lake 10 miles, Cloud Nine 10 miles, Ginny’s River Street Cottage & Arrow House in Elk Rapids 11 miles or in a condo just 3 miles from the horse show. We also have locations on Long Lake and Silver Lake in Traverse City. Call and talk with our friendly staff today. Horse show guest’s mention this post and receive a free gift when you get here. Giddy up!

Call for more rentals. These will not last long so call us today at 800-901-8922 for more information. Giddy Up!<br>
http://www.visitupnorth.com/blog/?p=2353
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.

Suttons Bay Boat Rentals-231-633-5700.Renting Pontoons,canoes.Free delivery.

Sunset Water Sports- www.sunsetwatersports.com   Renting Ski boats,jet skis,pontoons,water trampolines.Free delivery.      

Need a place to bring your boat rental? Stay with Visit Up North Vacation Rentals! 800-901-8922

 

 

If a deer crosses your path, brake firmly and hold onto the steering wheel with both hands. Steer to maintain control of the vehicle, and stop safely within your lane or along the shoulder of the road.

Most motorist deaths and injuries occur when drivers swerve to avoid hitting the deer and lose control of the vehicle. Drivers crash into roadside ditches, strike objects such as trees or other cars, or roll over. Not veering, however, greatly increases your ability to control your vehicle.

“No one wants to see a deer destroyed, but striking the animal is often the safest action,” states Community Safety Services, AAA Michigan.

To avoid deer-vehicle collisions, keep these tips in mind while driving.

Become familiar with the deer-crossing areas along routinely traveled roadways. (there is a reason for deer crossing signs on our highways)

If you see one deer, assume there are more on either side of the road. They are herd animals and they travel in groups.

Be especially alert at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active.

Don’t rely on vehicle-mounted or roadside deer-warning devices. Flashing your high-beams headlights or honking your horn also won’t deter deer.

All motorists should “think deer” whenever they are behind the wheel. The most effective way to avoid a collision is to watch for deer at all times.And, remember, “Don’t Veer for Deer.”

Have a safe trip!

This 5 bedroom 3.5 bath home sleeps up to 11 guests with a spectacular master bedroom with King bed and a spa bath/shower that is not to be missed. Sink into the jetted tub for two and relax after a hard day of play and enjoy the 2 sided fireplace. Large walk in shower also provided. 2 additional main floor bedrooms with King & Full. Half bath features a Peruvian butterfly collection set into the window. 2 bedrooms with King and Queen and bath are located on the lower level walkout.

For evening dining, an enclosed lanai makes for a fun area to eat and drink. Turn up the gas tiki lights and sit around the firepit and make some memories with your family and friends. Upper lanai boasts views of the bay and the winery. Lower level has separate entrance with an additional lanai in the woods. Cable/DVD/Internet. Central Air Cond., High efficiency Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, gas fireplace, central vacuum. Linens are included. Small pet considered. No Smoking. Sun-Sun.

Old Mission Peninsula is host to many of the best wineries in the state. Situated on east and west bay enjoy spectacular views as you tour this beautiful location. 15 miles to downtown Traverse City. Enjoy summer fesitvals, tallships on the Bay, great shopping, dining and so much more. Quaint farmer markets and road side stands offer local bounty of tasty treats. This is a not to be missed location!
Old Mission Peninsula included in “Top 10 for ‘10″ Travel Destinations Posted: 1/8/2010 A Grand Traverse County gem is being recognized as one of the top travel destinations in the world. The Chicago Sun-Times recently named Old Mission Peninsula as one of the “Top 10 for ‘10″ to visit. The article calls it the “Nearby Napa”. The reporter notes the area is spectacular to take a bike ride from vineyard to vineyard. “(Old Mission Peninsula is) up there with Bavaria in Germany and Hong Kong and South Korea, so it’s really a recognition off a world class destination, which, of course, we are,” Marie-Chantal Dalese, marketing director for Chateau Chantal, said. The Chicago Sun-Times also ran an article this summer, calling the area “Michigan’s Grape Escape” for cyclists to visit the vineyards and wineries.

Local snowboarding and downhill skiing offers great family fun with accommodations close by too. Call us today for a cozy getaway, and come play in northern Michigan for a fun filled winter escape.
Our toll free number is 800-901-8922
wwwvisitupnorth.com

Hickory Hills
2000 Randolph Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4910
Located on the west side of town, Hickory Hills is a community run, hometown ski area that offers limited downhill facilities with rope tows only. Slopes are beginner to intermediate, with a 240-foot vertical drop. Owned by the City of Traverse City.

Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreation Area
3100 Holiday Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 938-2500
Join us for all the family fun! Skiing and snowboarding on 16 runs, beginner to advanced. Also snow tubing with express return lift. Lessons for everyone from beginner to advanced levels, individuals and groups. PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors Association) certified. Season passes are available — call for prices.

Ask us for information about ski in- ski out condos that we offer and ski passes

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville
Discount lift tickets available when you stay with us and ski at Crystal. Long Lake and Davis Lake properties are a very easy drive to Crystal Mountain!

Fall is the season of the grape, where local vineyards harvest the future Chardonnays, Rieslings and Pinot Grigios. Combine a color tour of the region with a visit to Michigan’s wine country – a feast for the eye and the palate.

Choose one or several of the 19 wineries of Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas for a very special fall vacation. Old Mission Peninsula has much to offer the autumn leaf-peeper: delicious apples can be found at roadside stands, charming restaurants, and the Old Mission Lighthouse.

“Land of Delight” is the English translation of the Indian wood “leelanau,” and it’s easy to understand the reason for so naming the Leelanau Peninsula, especially in fall. Circling the perimeter of the place many call Michigan’s “little finger” is a color tour that has been popular for decades. An easy and interesting route, M-22 takes you along the shoreline through the quaint villages of Suttons Bay, Peshasbestown, Omena and Northport, with water views almost the entire way. North of Suttons Bay the sign reads: Northport 12 miles. Northport, situated near the tip of Leelanau Peninsula, overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, is a picture-perfect town, with a marina, waterfront, unique shops, galleries and restaurants.

Each port town has its own unique charm, and each is a perfect place for shopping, dining, trying your luck at the casino or just breathing the crisp fall air. Tour the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, a living museum. Along the western coast, Leland and Glen Arbor offer still more options, and spectacular autumn color can be expected in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a 71,000-acre national park that includes 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Go barefoot “one last time” when you encounter the massive sand dunes and stunning sunset beaches.

According to the National Park Service, many of the best spots for viewing fall colors at Sleeping Bear are easily reached by car or by a brief hike. The park’s popular Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, for instance, gives motorists a bird’s-eye view of areas like Alligator Hill, where brilliant fall foliage is set off by Glen Lake’s tropical shades of turquoise, jade and cobalt blue.

The Frankfort-Elberta area has much to offer, and is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Benzie County, the Frankfort and Elberta communities encompass beautiful Betsie Bay, a historic sailing harbor.

The Point Betsie Light Station is one of the most visited and photographed in Michigan, and is considered to be the most popular visitor site in Benzie County. For mariners, Point Betsie (or originally: Point Aux Bec Scies), has been one of the most prominent and utilized lights on Lake Michigan.

Another great side trip is to the Gwen Frostic Prints Company in Benzonia (located between Frankfort and Benzonia). This 250-acre wildlife sanctuary on the Betsie River is home to Frostic’s studio with 15 Heidelberg presses using the original Frostic blocks to print a variety of paper arts.

Kids will love a stop at the Homestead Sugar House in Beulah, just five miles from the top of the hill on US-31. Open until November 30, enjoy delicious hand-dipped candies, fruits and even thick sugarless syrup.

You’re likely to hear the sounds of music mingling with the rustling of fall leaves on a color tour of Benzie County. The Interlochen Center for the Arts offers year-round education for young people interested in the performing arts. Situated on Green Lake, the Center provides excellent professional entertainment, as well as student performances. The campus itself consists of tree-lined pathways that take on vibrant personalities during the autumn months.

For more information check out www.michigan.org/travel

Visit Up North Vacation Rentals has beautiful accommodations that are located in the heart of this wonderland. Call us today and make us a part of your fall color tour. 800-901-8922.

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 features all kinds of luscious foods. Fresh sweet apricots and peaches, asparagus straight out of the field waiting for 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. Follow this link for a variety of farms http://localdifference.org/farmresults.asp 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