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#New York’s Top 3 Incredible #Fall Color Tours

As the summer days start to shorten, we all begin to start thinking ahead to the fall. No fall season can be complete without going on a fall color tour in New York. Upstate New York peaks and dips though the mountains and valleys but that is just part of the fantastic show Mother Nature puts on for us. The robust reds to the golden hues of yellows and oranges, fall color is what it is all about in October. Here are our favorite three areas for fall color:

Finger Lakes Region: This region is known for many things such as boating and wines that can rival the best of the world. This breathtaking landscape is intriguing and tugs the string of the fall lover’s hearts. Travel along Seneca Lake into Watkins Glen for the wineries, the beautiful and majestic Watkins Glen State Park (this is a must see if going in the fall), and views from the lake. The shades of golds and reds cast a refreshing color against a blue backdrop. Be sure to map out your wine tours, U pick farms and pumpkin patches for a real fall experience. Finger Lakes Vacation Rentals

lake placid fall

Lake Placid: For a slightly more thrilling adventure, experience Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid. Drive the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway to the top of New York’s 5th highest peak for an incredible view of the Adirondacks from the best vantage point. View the Panoramic views of the park, tour the castle, ride a gondola and enjoy many things to do on Whiteface Mountain. To make your fall getaway an experience you won’t forget, pack the car and rent a cabin in Lake Placid.  Be sure to check out the Flaming Leaves Festival in October. Lake Placid Vacation Rentals

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Tupper Lake: This area has many different elevations creating an ever changing topography. Between the valleys, mountains and rivers, the hardwoods change and bust with bountiful colors beginning in late September. Be sure to check out the Ausable Chasm, the oldest natural landmark in the US. Canoe or kayak between gorges, cliffs, waterfalls and forestry. Other recreational opportunities are abound that are adventurous and relaxing. To round out your Tupper Lake vacation, rent a cabin here. Tupper Lake Vacation Rentals

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New Fantastic #Minnesota #Fall Color Tours

Minnesota is well known for its cooler summer nights and the winter sport that brings thousands up for the hunting, skiing and snowmobiling but for a short period of time, the leaves changing bring an ambience to the state that is of quiet admiration. Three fall color tours that you should not miss out are all here:

two harbors

Two Harbors: For a full season of fall color, the variety of hardwoods create a sweet smell and visual paradise. Enjoy it by hiking, biking, driving and more but one of the most recommended ways to view the fall color would be by the North Shore Scenic Train. Observe the Silver Cliffs over Lake Superior for a spectacular view. Two Harbors Vacation Rentals

gunflint trail

Gunflint Trail: This paved road is over 50 miles long that goes from Grand Marais to the Canadian border along the northeastern corner of Minnesota. This road is voted is nationally recognized as a scenic and historical road. This is crossed by the Laurentian Divide. This gives you a unique opportunity to hike over some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth. It also snakes its way around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a strikingly beautiful area that reminds us that we are just a small part of a big picture. Grand Marais Cabin Rentals

duluth mn

Duluth: While people have always known how great Duluth can be for its incredible accommodations, restaurants, and more, the real celebrity here is nature. Fall color can be witnessed while checking out other area attractions such as the Skyline Drive and the North Shore Scenic Drive. The Duluth Skyline Parkway is stunning. It overlooks the port of Duluth and a shoreline that goes on forever of Lake Superior. Duluth Vacation Rentals

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The cooler side of Montana: 3 towns you had no idea you wanted to visit

Summer is winding down slowly. The crisp cool evening air is going to settle in soon over the vast landscape of Montana. Don’t let cooler temps and shorter days slow you down! Make the most out of fall! Here are some suggestions for your next fall getaway:

Bannack State Park

Bannack,_the_old_hotel

Bannack is a well preserved ghost town, a tribute to the gold mine rush. Over 50 buildings line the street with tours operating daily. Every July, they hold an annual reenactment of the previous life the town once saw. Capture the spectacular fall changing of the leaves, fall fishing and wildlife viewing. Over the vast land the Big Hole River is one of the most beautiful rivers to fly fish in. Dillon Vacation Retreat

Yellowstone River

yellowstone river

For a unique fall getaway, try Livingston, Montana. The backdrop of the movie A River Runs Through it, this stunning landscape is coupled by talented artists, chefs, and musicians. This creates a one of kid talented area. Enjoy life entertainment, museums, river recreation, fly fishing and more. Yellowstone River Vacation Rentals 

Glacier Country

darby

Many festivals are hosted here such as the bluegrass festival, the Darby rodeo, Logger days and more. Enjoy a unique history of Glacier Country with museums and cultural attractions such as the Darby Trail of Discovery. This will eventually link all to all towns for bicyclists, runners and cross country skiers. Glacier Country Vacation Rentals

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Wisconsin Dells in the Fall is just as good as summer

Wisconsin Dells is a riot in the summer time. Cars packed to the brim with kids in the backseat flock to this water paradise to experience the “The Waterpark Capital of the World”. But as we say, there is so much more to the Dells that we thought that we should share. Not only is there great hiking, fishing, and rock climbing, there are also festivals throughtout the year. Try this fall festival for example:

The Wo-Zha-Wa Days Fall Festival happening Sept. 18-20th is a wonderful fall festival that highlights many local area attractions and businesses. The weather is a little cooler usually so it is often quite pleasant. Along with the schedule, there is often live entertainment and plenty of shopping deals

Wo-Zha-Wa Schedule of Events September 18-20, 2015

Friday, September 18
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
7 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days
7 am – 7 pm Antique Flea Market
Noon – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair

Saturday, September 19
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
7 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am Wo-Zha-Wa Run Visit the website
7 am – 7 pm Antique Flea Market
9am – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair

Sunday, September 20
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
7 am – 3 pm Maxwell Street Days
7 am – 3 pm Antique Flea Market
9 am – 3 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
1:30 pm 100-unit Parade

Enjoy your Wisconsin Dells vacation with a cabin or vacation rental to help stay on budget and have more room to roam. 

Seclusion in the #Catskills
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Seclusion in the #Catskills

Need a vacation set up in the mountains where the only sounds you will hear are the wildlife and the wind? Imagine 8 acres all to yourself? Hard to imagine right? This pet friendly cabin can hold up to 15 guests, making this a perfect family vacation or a vacation for girl’s getaway or a man’s hunting retreat. Either way you look at it, your truly in paradise away from the city lights and action. Enjoy distilleries, breweries and mountain views in Livingston Manor. Livingston Manor is a gateway to the Catskills with lots of artistic points of interest, restaurants, outdoor recreation and restuarants. Check out more information here at our website here: Catskill Paradise

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Lighthouse Tour along the West #Michigan Gold Coast
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Lighthouse Tour along the West #Michigan Gold Coast

We get excited about lighthouse tours just like you do! Between vineyards, beach towns and festivals, enjoying a tour along the west coast of Michigan can be one of your best beach vacations ever. To help you plan your lighthouse tour, we have now compiled a list of terrific lighthouses along Lake Michigan.

MI-lighthouses-cabins-final graphic

While enjoying your Michigan lighthouse tour, take a drive down the West Michigan Pike. With wine and craft beer tours along serene and quiet beach towns, you’ll want to stay for more, which is why you will want to rent a Michigan Vacation Rental along the coast. Enjoy the street performers of Holland, Michigan or the sand dunes at Silver Lake. Enjoy a historical sail across Lake Michigan on the Friends Good Will Ship, telling the story of commerce in the 1800s and War of 1812. To view area rentals, click here: Saugatuck Vacation Rentals

Holland Harbor Lighthouse

Holland Harbor Lighthouse

Have you ever heard of St. Joseph, Michigan? A popular destination for those that live in the Chicago and surrounding area love to visit the      “Riviera of the Midwest” with the deep waters perfect for fishing and a golden sandy beach that stretches for miles with a spectacular view of the St. Joseph Lighthouse. Only 90 minutes from Chicago, you don’t want to miss this incredible town along the way. To find rentals in the area, look at our Benton Harbour area vacation rentals

The Great Lakes hold more than 6,000 sunken ships. In the springtime, Lake Michigan can be so clear that even finding shipwrecks from an airplane can be easy. The cold freshwater at the bottom is about 39 degrees year-round which is a great temperature for preserving shipwrecks and even the handful of airplane crashes. If you’re looking for excitement on your lighthouse tour, here it is!

The maritime history among all the lighthouses are a nautical nod to our nation’s past in historical events such as the Pearl Harbor attack, World War II, and the Cold War.  The Little Sable Point Lighthouse is a must see for travelers looking at Michigan lighthouses. This is the tallest along Lake Michigan and is great view from the top. A great way to admire the sunset on Lake Michigan. Another popular one is north of Grand Haven is the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier, festively decorated with lights along the pier. A famous and most often photographed is the majestic Ludington’s North Breakwater Light. Ranked #1 in the state, this lighthouse is also a must see on your Lake Michigan lighthouse tour. All lighthouses have a nominal fee of around 5.00 dollars to better ensure the future of these historical markers.

lighthouse little sable

Summertime is great for travel to West Michigan as tours of the lighthouses are always going on. But added bonuses to this type of travel is the aurora borealis, also called the northern lights, after the night begins to fall. This rare glimpse of Mother Nature’s magnitude is highly recommended and can only be seen in certain parts of the world. The golf courses along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan are also some of the best in the country. In the fall, treat yourself to visiting some of the most haunted lighthouses. While most of them are legends, some great storytelling and history are combined to create a different kind of vibe. Be careful when planning though, most lighthouses close around the end of October.

All lighthouses can be done over a span of 2 days but be sure to include delightful lunches along the shore and check out the area’s art history and museums for a glimpse into history. Enjoying all of the western coast of Michigan can be rejuvenating and a refresher from the hectic daily schedules, so we suggest booking atleast 4-6 days to fully take in what Michigan has to offer.

For more information on Michigan Lighthouses and to see a map and events, please click through to our new lighthouse page! Michigan Lighthouse Tour

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From Millennials to Baby Boomers: Booking #Vacation #Rentals Directly with Owners/Managers is Preferred

At RentWisconsinCabins.com we understand that renters want a vacation rental website that allows them to compare properties and BOOK DIRECTLY with the owners or managers. In fact, we have rolled out several state-specific, vacation rental websites that provide a clear path to book directly with owners/managers. Wisconsin (2009), Minnesota (2013), Michigan (2013), New York (2014), and earlier this month Montana.

In addition to studying search habits and keeping an eye on vacation rental industry communities; we ASK renters what is important to THEM. After renters send an inquiry to any of our property owners/managers, we ask them to take a short survey. We get several responses each week, going back to early 2012.

Our survey responses continue to show – from Pre-Millennials to Baby Boomers – the ability to connect AND book directly with owners or property managers is a very big deal.

  • Ages 19-26: 100% of survey respondents prefer to book direct
    Ages 26-35: 83% of survey respondents prefer to book direct
    Ages 36-45: 75% of survey respondents prefer to book direct
    Here’s where it gets interesting …these 2 demographic accounts for 75% of our website traffic:
    Ages 46-55: 89% of survey respondents prefer to book direct
    Ages 56+: 100% of survey respondents prefer to book direct

So why do big booking websites ignore what renters want? What future renters want? They need renters to click that Book Now button so they can continually take booking commissions – on rental properties they don’t even own. RENTERS ARE SMART! Tens-of-thousands use booking websites to find rental names just so they can “Google them” in an effort to book direct. For renters to go through such a process speaks volumes about HOW they want to book vacation rentals.

Our book direct philosophy certainly explains why traffic to all of our state-specific, vacation rental websites doubles every year. IT’S A WIN WIN: By helping rental owners grow their online brand, we’ve also made it easy for renters to book direct. Each property listing has THE resort/rental name; address; phone number; link to property website; links to property Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus, LinkedIn. Last year we introduced YouTube videos too.

We give renters more options than any other listing website to learn about vacation rentals, plus made it easy to book directly with the best tour guides …the property owners/managers. Vacation memories should never include potentially paying more because of commissions or fees.

Relax. Enjoy your search. You’re on cabin time!

The JM Creative Group
Member RentWisconsinCabins.com
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