Visit Up North Blog » Winter

Pet friendly winter rentals

visitupnorth — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:47:38 +0000

Even in the winter we love to travel with our four legged friends. We welcome your well mannered friend at many of our rentals. Check us out and start planning today. Mention this post and we will waive the pet fee on any winter rental

5 reasons to Take a Girls trip & Visit Up North-Traverse City Northern Michigan fun

visitupnorth — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:36:57 +0000

For a fun filled weekend head to Traverse City-the city by the Bay! This welcoming waterfront community has it all. 5 reasons to go now:

You want to reconnect with nature

For those looking to escape the bustle of busy city life, this area boasts wide open spaces of lush areas of natural beauty, big blue water, twinkling starry nights and cool fresh air. Climb the Sleeping Bear Dune, hike the Boardman River natural area, rent a bike and tour on the Tart Trail. These are just a few of the opportunities to reconnect with nature. At the end of the day you will feel relaxed, stress free ready for the next exciting adventure.

Explore your artistic side

The Traverse City and surrounding area is home to more than 35 art galleries. Featuring local and national artists you will be more than inspired by the creative force that lives in this community. Art festivals are featured at different times of the year in each small waterfront village thru the fall months. Need to be even more inspired? Take one of the many one and two day art workshops. Visit www.artcentertraversecity.com for more information.

You want to drink wine

Traverse City & the surrounding area are home to 24 wineries and counting. The wines of this area are rivaling some of the countries most tasteful wines. You will not be disappointed and surely will bring home a bottle or two of one of the many delicious wines. Start your wine journey on Old Mission Peninsula. Currently hosting 7 wineries make sure to visit them all. 2 Lads Winery, Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor and Peninsula Cellars to name a few. Enjoy free tours and tastings!

After your tour of Old Mission travel over to Leelanau Peninsula. Here you will enjoy 17 wineries. Also offering free tours and tastings you will not be disappointed when sampling the tasty nectar of the vines. Your tour takes you along the M-22 corridor along Grand Traverse Bay. Your first stop heading north will be Shady Lanes Winery featuring excellent reislings and chardonnays. Right down the road visit Willow Vineyards, Ciccone Wineries (yes Madonnas Dad owns this) L.Mawby, Chateau Leelanau and Black Star Farms. Continue north to visit the 12 other wineries waiting for your visit.

Unleash you wild side

After enjoying all the day time fun it is time to put on your party shoes and enjoy a little night life. Park you car downtown and walk to the many venues that offer something different behind every door. North Peak Brewery offers casual dining and micro brews. Favored by many locals the weekend finds standing room only but is worth the wait. Union Street Station & Shimmers offer music and dancing. Lil Bo’s and Mackinaw Brewery also offer a little local flare to hang out and meet a new friend. Check local listings to see where live music and specials are in this great town.

Indulge yourself

All this fun starts to sound like work! Treat yourself to some local treats of heavenly chocolate confections at Phils on Front (great drink specials too) or Jacque Torres Chocolates (goes great with all that wine you purchased) also downtown Traverse City on Front St. Enjoy local spa services or have them come straight to you at your location. See local guides for details. Visit Up North Vacation Rentals Cottages and Condos has a perfect place for you to stay. Relax in front of a fireplace looking over one of the beautiful lakes this area enjoys. No matter which way you look at it this is a perfect location to get away for a few days with friends. The last reason to come? Take $100.00 off of your new reservation by mentioning this post. Good on new reservations from Nov 22 2010- March 15 2011.

Traverse City, Glen Arbor, Crystal Mountain snowboard & skiing great family fun

visitupnorth — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 19:26:39 +0000

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!

Homestead Condo rentals Glen Arbor Michigan great winter rates

visitupnorth — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:40:36 +0000

Winter is knocking at our door but you still need to get away! Book your condo at the Homestead in Glen Arbor and save big. We specialize in waterfront and view properties at this great Glen Arbor location. Cozy retreats with fireplaces, wooded settings or lakefront. Peaceful quiet & nature surround you. Need a little fun? Visit Boonedockers or Art’s Tavern for local food & fun. Mention this post and get $50.00 off of any winter stay at the Homestead. Contact us for more information at 800-901-8922.

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.

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.

Snowmobile Trails/Rental in & around Traverse City Come join the fun

visitupnorth — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:40:01 +0000

Area Snowmobiling Trails
Boardman Valley Trail System

This 81-mile-long trail system winds through the Pere Marquette Forest south and east of Traverse City. It is composed of three individual sections: North Trail, East Trail and West Trail. Entry is from Dollar Lake, Kalkaska or from the High Lake Spur staging areas.

Starting at High Lake Road south of Supply Road, the five-mile-long High Lake Spur runs east to Rasho Road and on to the North Trail. This trail brings snowmobilers directly into East Bay Township and has three nearby staging areas.

Peegeo’s Restaurant on High Lake Road is the official home of the Traverse City Snow Spiders Snowmobile Club and is just south of the trailhead. The second area is located on Rasho Road and has plowed parking, while the third staging area is at Dollar Lake on Supply Road.

The East Trail links Kalkaska to the Manistee River Bridge. Enter at Fife Lake or Walton Junction.

The West Trail is southwest of Traverse City around Hoosier Valley. This trail offers several opportunities for riding at a quicker pace. It extends east to Fife Lake, southeast to Manton and southwest of Mesick and the Cadillac trail system link. Access is found at Beitner Road or Hoosier Valley Road.

Boardman Valley Staging Areas

High Lake Spur — Peegeo’s Restaurant-parking, food, nearby gas and trail access. 525 High Lake Road, a mile south of Supply Road, or at Rasho Road–parking and restrooms. Located on Rasho Road one mile south of Supply Road.

Dollar Lake — Parking just west of the intersection of Supply Road and Williamsburg Road. Approximately 10 miles outside of Traverse City.

Hoosier Valley — In the Northwestern Michigan Fair Grounds parking lot, approximately 1/4 mile East of M-37S on Blair Townhall Rd. Approximately 10 miles south of Traverse City.

Fife Lake — Staging area off M 186 at Pierce Road.

Ranch Rudolf — Although not an official staging area, it’s a great place to stop for warming up, meals or accommodations.

Kalkaska Area Trails

This group of trails offers connections to the trails in the East Jordan area with links to Grayling and other northern and northeastern areas of the state. The scenery is spectacular and the riding is great.

The Blue Bear Trail has 45 miles of groomed winter fun. Enter 11 miles east of Kalkaska on M 72.

The Mis-Kal Line Trail runs east and west between Manton and the Higgins Lake area and connects with trails to other statewide destinations.

The Cranberry Lake Trail links the Mis-Kal Trail with the Blue Bear Trail for extended riding. The Mis-Kal Line Trail may be entered at the staging area in Fife Lake, and the Cranberry Lake Trail begins seven miles west of Higgins Lake or between Kalkaska and Grayling on the Blue Bear Trail.

Kalkaska Trail Staging Areas

Kalkaska – Warming station and parking area located in downtown Kalkaska just off of US 131 on First Street.

M 72 East – Parking area off M 72 approximately 11 miles east of Kalkaska on the north side of the highway.

need to rent a snowmobile? Snowblitz has the perfect machine to play in the snow. Contact them at 231-932-1800.
http://www.snowblitz.com

Pet Friendly Cottage Rentals Northern Michigan Suttons Bay, Northport, Traverse City, Interlochen

visitupnorth — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:46:02 +0000

You don’t have to leave fido home when you visit up north. We have terrific rentals that will include your 4-legged friend. Check out some of these locations and see if one of them is a perfect getaway for you.

The Little Legal Beagle in downtown Suttons Bay

http://www.visitupnorth.com/suttonsbay.shtml#beagle

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Foxwood in the Village of Glen Arbor

http://www.visitupnorth.com/glenarbor.shtml#FOXWO

The Village Commons- Gorgeous condo in historic building

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

We have MANY rentals that will allow pets.Call us for more pet friendly rentals. 800-901-8922

State/National Parks Leelanau County Grand Traverse County

visitupnorth — Sun, 10 May 2009 17:35:40 +0000

There are a host of beautiful state parks that are perfect for hiking, site seeing, picnicing and more. General information is listed below. If you need a cottage or home to stay in while you enjoy the area, Visit Up North Vacation Rentals has some terrific accommodations. www.visitupnorth.com .Their seasoned staff knows the area well if you need more information.

Leelanau State Park -15310 N. Lighthouse Point Rd. Northport-Located at the tip of the little finger on Leelanau Peninsula. Over 1300 acres are waiting for your visit. Museum,Lighthouse, 8.5 miles of hiking/skiing trails and picnic/playground area.

Traverse City State Park-1132 US 31 North Traverse City-Traverse City State Park is a completely developed 47 acre,urban park that features a quarter mile of sandy beach on the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.

Kehl Lake Natural Area-Â Kehl RoadÂ Northport-Leelanau Conservancy’s www.theconservancy.com/kehl-lake.php 180 acre preserve contains shoreline along the county’s last private undeveloped lake. Includes a two mile hiking area.

Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve-Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore www.michiganpreserves.org/manitou.htmÂ The Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve offers divers a variety of Lake Michigan attractions-from historic dock ruins to fascinating shipwrecks of two centuries.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore-9922 Front St. Empire-Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km(35 mile) stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. Includes forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. Alligator Trail is three loops of 2-3 mile trails. Horses are permitted on this trail.

Muncie Lake Pathway- Rennie Lake Road Traverse City-11.5 miles of groomed ski, hiking, bike trail. Five loops in trail.

Antrim County Barnes Park-Barnes Park Road M-88 & US 31 Eastport- Located in the northwest lower Michigan on Lake Michigan. Park features camping, 1200′ sandy beach, picnic/play area.

Need a map? Stop in andÂ pick up your free map at Â ”Visit Up North Vacation Rentals” 441 East Front St. Traverse City.

Hurry and reserve this one-It wont last long Traverse City Michigan Luxury home on the Bay

visitupnorth — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:06:13 +0000

Just added this awesome beautiful, luxury home offers an exceptional vacation opportunity in this 4800 sf 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home just outside of downtown Traverse City on West Grand Traverse Bay. Cast your cares away and relax in the lap of luxury.

Home features 1 King and 4 Queens,sofabed with spacious master bath, 2 additonal master suites, fireplace and awesome views of the bay from every room. Living room features 2 large plasma screens in th emain living area, fireplace and bar for entertaining, gourmet kitchen off of living room and spacious deck right outside of the living room/kitchen area. The deck features comfortable seating, sound and lighting for evenings out on the deck.

The waterfront is groomed with dock, canoe and rubber raft. Nice grass area for laying out in the sun. Home also features central air, workout area with gym equipment. Lower level has family room for game playing or working out on a rainy day. Pool table. Hotub available this summer 2009.Linens are provided. Bonus: Mid-week clean includes fresh towels and touch up of home on full week reservations. Only minutes to downtown Traverse City, 12 minutes to Suttons Bay, 1/2 hour to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Near wineries, casino, shopping, festivals and so much more. Harbor West Yacht Club is 2.5 miles from house.

Home is offered less than 7 nights in the off season. Perfect for holiday gatherings for that special family. Sorry no pets. No smoking. Sat-Sat summer rentals. Short stays available fall and spring as well as early summer. Call today and start planning your vacation at 800-901-8922.