Harris Properties Vacation Rentals

Water Safety Tips Northern Michigan Be safe when you Visit Up North

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 or 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!

Horse Shows By the Bay-Vacation Cottage-Home-Cabin Rentals-Pet Friendly available too

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Northern Michigan’s own Horse Shows By the Bay will take place July 9-August 1 2010

We still have cottages and condos that are less than 12 miles to the location.

Stay at The Chalet on East Bay only 9 miles, Northern Tonic on Spider Lake 10 miles, Cloud Nine 10 miles, Ginny’s River Street Cottage 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 for more rentals. These will not last long so call us today at 800-901-8922 for more information. Giddy Up!<br>
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Beach etiquette so we all can keep enjoying our beautiful beaches in Northern Michigan

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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 Council’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,” Stoner said. “I know this from personal experience. Plastic pants are the way to go.”

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,” Stoner adds.

Smoking ban:

During the coastal cleanup, volunteers found more than 3.2 million cigarette butts and filters. If you have to smoke, don’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)

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Golf Michigan stay here close to golfing at Bahles Farms in Suttons Bay

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Bayview condos and yacht club–your new vacation destination. Just north of the village of Suttons Bay. This lovely spacious condo with sweeping views of beautiful Grand Traverse Bay features 2 bdrms/2 ba with lower level cabana room with bath and small sleeping area if needed. Sleeps 6 with 2 Queens and a sofabed. Beautifully appointed with upscale kitchen, granite countertops, hardwood floors, two sided gas FP and more! TV/DVD/Internet connection (no phone). Shared sandy beach frontage to the south east of condo and fishing dock.Sit out on the upper balcony and sip your coffee while the sun comes up or watch the kids on the lower level patio while they swim at the beach. Indoor pool, tennis courts and spa/gym area for your relaxation pleasure. Other features include W/D, DW.
Only a short walk to the village where you can enjoy another beautiful sandy beach, shopping, dining, spa services and so much more. Also near Leelanau Trail for biking and long hikes. Boat slip not available.10 minutes to Leland. Only 20 minutes to Traverse City too. Make this your destination. Accommodates 4 adults in the winter months.(cabana not available winter months). Perfect any time of year! Linens included. No Smoking. No Pets. Sat-Sat. Come stay with us!
Contact us at 800-901-8922
February guest: Everything about our stay was wonderful – didn’t want to leave because we were so comfortable and the view of the bay was amazing!Short stay available Fall/Winter/Spring

$50 Per Week Discount Horse Shows By the Bay Lodging

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Don’t miss the chance to visit “Horse Shows By the Bay” this summer. Need a place to stay? Visit Up North Vacation Rentals offers condos only minutes from the show.

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Need more space? We also offer homes in the Traverse City area. Need a pet friendly rental? We have that too. Be sure to check us out. Ask about our $50.00 per week discount for all new reservations that are visiting or participating in the horse show. Why not call us today at 800-901-8922.

The pleasure of Old Mission Peninsula stay here and be enchanted

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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.
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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.

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

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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.

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

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    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.

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Northern Michigan Leelanau Traverse City Farmers Market, Roadside Stands Grand Traverse Shoreline & more. Support your local farmers!

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 apple-stand.jpgyou. 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

 

Baseball Traverse City Beach Bums Michigan. Visit Up North has a place for you to stay

One of America’s favorite pastimes has also come to Traversetraversecity_beachbums-1.bmp City. The Traverse City Beach Bums are located at 333 Stadium Drive Chums Village,off of US-31 & M-37 (just south of Traverse City). First home game for 2007 is May 25. See you there.

http://www.tcbeachbums.com/   

Heh baseball fans.We have rentals just down the road from the game.Why not include some water fun at one of these great locations. http://www.visitupnorth.com/traverse-city.shtml#uncleburls

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

Call Toll Free: 800.901.8922
600 West Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Toll Free: 800.901.8922
Local: 231.922.8922
email: hpi@VisitUpNorth.com
© 2008 Visit Up North Vacation Rentals (formerly Harris Properties). All Rights Reserved.
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