Visit Up North Blog » Beaches

AOL lists Traverse City one of ten top beaches in the U.S.A.

visitupnorth — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:31:54 +0000

If beautiful beaches aer your thing look no further. Visit Traverse City Michigan! Rent a cottage or condo with Visit Up North Vacation Rentals. Call today 800-901-8922.

8. Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City’s tawny beaches and towering dunes merit the moniker Malibu of Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features wilderness islands, trails through diverse ecosystems, and preserved historic farmsteads. This part of Michigan has a deep history and South Manitou Island, reachable by ferry, recreates pioneer days from old schoolhouse to 1871 lighthouse while area museums celebrate everything from steam railroads to Scandinavian heritage. Traverse City’s Victorian downtown boasts hundreds of galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Foodies should pick up a Tasty Traverse guide if they want to chat with brewers and bakers, fromageres and fishermen. There are also those great American summer activities like mini-golf, bumper boats, go karts, and video arcades. Early July brings the famous National Cherry Festival with arts-and-crafts fairs, air shows, and cherries baked, pressed, and jammed in every way possible.

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.

Jet Ski Rentals/Pontoons/Boats Traverse City,Suttons Bay,Northport,Glen Arbor,Elk Rapids, Leland, Grand Traverse Bay

visitupnorth — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:43:39 +0000

One more great activity you can enjoy on our many lakes. These rental companies will bring your boat rental to the nearest public boat launch of the lake that you are staying on. Call for rates and reserve your boat/ski today.

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

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

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

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)

Michigan State Parks/National Park Passes Leland, Empire, Northport, Lake Michigan when you Visit Up North

visitupnorth — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:58:59 +0000

Visiting Northern Michigan is an exciting adventure with so many places to see. Among the many places to enjoy are our national parks and beaches. To keep these beautiful parks clean and protected guests, will now need a visitors’ park pass. You can purchase a state park pass now called “America the Beautiful National Parks and Recreational Land Annual Pass”Â that is good all over the UnitedÂ States including Northern Michigan.Follow this link for your yearly pass.

http://usparks.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=usparks&cdn=travel&tm=177&gps=328_962_728_413&f=10&su=p531.31.152.ip_p531.29.420.ip_p284.8.150.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.recreation.gov/

PassesÂ can be purchased at local state parks as well as any DNR location. Annual passes forÂ those residing in the stateÂ of Michigan are $24.00 for non- resident $29.00. Daily passes $6.00 resident $8.00 non-resident. For more details about purchasing Michigan state passesÂ click on link below.

Â Â http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365-82938–,00.html

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.

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!

Amazing location on sugar sand beach Omena Michigan near Northport & Suttons Bay

visitupnorth — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:45:02 +0000

This is a dream come true location. Sugar sand beach, privacy and beautiful accommodations all can be yours. Call us
at 800-901-8922 and reserve today.
Don’t miss the chance to stay at this artistic, contemporary home that overlooks a breathtaking sugar sand beach right out the front door. This very private home is shaded by beautiful towering trees and nicely landscaped in the charming town of Omena (north of Traverse City). Features 2 bdrms plus loft/1-1/2 baths. Sleeps 6 w/1 King, 1 Full and 1 Futon. Jacuzzi bathtub, large deck, FP, woodstove, W/D, WIFI. Open concept kitchen/living room, hardwood floors.
Visit the Tamarak Art Gallery and Knot Just a Bar for wine and excellent food while you’re in Omena.
Just 5 minutes to Northport which features weekly fun at the marina, festivals, galleries and more. 10 minutes to Suttons Bay. Near several wineries too. This area offers gently winding roads to walk or ride your bike. Deer roam in the deep woods and graze at the side of the road. At road side stands, you can buy fresh cherries as well as other tasty local treats. Peaceful, restful, quiet, in an area where you can hear the birds and smell the fresh air. What more could you ask for?! TV (no cable)/VCR/DVD,No A/C, WIFI, Linens included, No Smoking, Sun-Sun.
Feb 09 guest comment: Unbelievable getaway spot! 5 stars

Video of Leelanau and the Sleeping Bear Dunes in 1949!

visitupnorth — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:56:36 +0000

Take a step back in time and enjoy this short tourism documentary on Northern Michigan from somewhere around 1950. It features the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Lake, Interlochen, Traverse City and other areas that we have cottages and homes. The really neat thing is that a lot of our area looks just like this today! Come and experience an almost untouched gem that is Northern Michigan.

Glen Arbor-Lake Michigan Condo open all year long.

visitupnorth — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:30:33 +0000

Beautiful condo getaway on Lake Michigan is a perfect escape for 1 or 2 couples or a small family. Great in the winter as a cozy getaway or a can’t be beat summer rental with premier beach. This stretch of beach cannot be beat for beach fun, star gazing, long walks on the beach or maybe just a little de-stressing. This 2 bdrm/2 ba mid-level condo that will sleep 6 with 1 Queen, 2 Twins, and sofabed. Cable TV/VCR/DVD. Nicely decorated and includes fireplace, washer/dryer, deck, and stunning sunset views. Linens provided. Close to the Village of Glen Arbor where you can enjoy fun for the entire family. Rent a canoe or a bike, grab a burger and a beer at Arts Tavern, do a wine tasting or pickup all the cherry products you can imagine at Cherry Republic . Lots of shopping, art galleries, festivals and more. Sleeping Bear Dunes is only 5 minutes away. Just 10 minutes away is the quaint town of Empire, Pierce Stocking Park and Glen Haven. Traverse City is only 30 minutes away.Sunday-Sunday, No Beach Club. No smoking. No Pets. Shorts stays are available in the off season.