Visit Up North Blog » Bird Watching

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.

The pleasure of Old Mission Peninsula stay here and be enchanted

visitupnorth — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:58:58 +0000

Make this lovely home your escape. Mention this post and receive $50.00 off of your new reservation. (not good on reservation already made)
When you enter this home you will be welcomed by the sound of water trickling down a waterfall stream. Around the corner are soaring ceilings with gentle light filtering through the expansive great room/living room. Sit and relax in the comfort of this peaceful home and relax in luxury. The Aloha house is for that discerning guest that wants the best and values their privacy. Located in a wooded setting, the loft offers pocket views of the Bay and sits above one of this areas premier wineries. The gourmet kitchen is fully stocked for preparing meals or mixing cocktails. If part of your vacation involves work, a convenient work station is located in the great room area with internet access.

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.

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

One big reason to Visit Up North- Grand Traverse Bay

visitupnorth — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:22:35 +0000

Grand Traverse Bay is located off Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan. The bay is 32 miles long, 10 miles wide, and up to 620 feet deep in spots. It is divided into two arms by the Old Mission Peninsula which is divided into East and West Grand Traverse Bay.

Traverse City is situated at the south end of the bay where the Boardman River empties into the west arm. Cherry orchards line the bay region, giving rise to Traverse City’s claim to be the Cherry Capital of the World. Several nationally known companies offer cherry-based products made with Northern Michigan tart cherries including Traverse Bay Farms, Cherry Central, Fruit Advantage, American Spoon and Cherry Republic.

The East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay from the east, with the Old Mission Peninsula in the background. Hills of the Leelanau Peninsula are faintly visible on the horizon.The Grand Traverse Bay includes several important smaller bays: Northport Bay, Suttons Bay, Omena Bay, Bowers Harbor, and Old Mission Bay. Northport Bay, located at the northwest corner of Grand Traverse Bay is about 10 miles (16 km) long and 4 miles (6.4 km) wide. Northport Bay open to the east, except inside the arms at each end, with the Leelanau Peninsula on the West side. There are several shoals in Northport Bay marked by buoys. Bellows Island, a low gravel island covered by shrubs and located near the middle of Northport Bay, is owned by the Nature Conservancy; it is primarily known as a bird rookery, and is sometimes locally called Gull Island.

Besides cherries, the surrounding countryside produces grapes and is one of the centers of the Michigan wine industry. Known for its shimmering blue water and golden sand beaches, the Grand Traverse Bay region is a popular vacation destination.

Come for the adventure and stay for the beauty of this amazing area in Northern Michigan. Need a place to stay? Visit Up North Vacation Rentals offers many homes cottages and condos in every price range. Check us out at www.visitupnorth.com or give us a call at 800-901-8922.

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.