4 Michigan Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss!

Michigan’s weather can be quite unpredictable but the winter itself is downright freezing, there is no telling a local that it isn’t. How do Michiganders do it every year? Easy. They embrace it with downright silly and quite cool festivals and events. Check out the four festivals and events you definitely don’t want to miss this year!

Plymouth Ice Sculpting Festival

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Jan. 9th through Jan. 11 is your chance to see the best of the Midwest come and show us what they got for skill with something that requires freezing cold temps. This world class event happens every year in downtown Plymouth, Michigan, opening up with a classic ribbon cutting. Check out the interactive exhibits and be sure to take pictures of the amazing pieces of art. The following Saturday, enjoy a jazz performance by Cynthia Kaay Bennett, a hockey game with the Detroit Red Wings, Dueling Chainsaw competitions and the Reyka Vodka Fire and Ice show at promptly 7:30. Don’t forget, amazing festival food, which can only be that much better in the winter! For more information: be sure to check out the Plymouth Ice Sculpting Festival Website.

SISU Ski Fest

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While this may be only the 6th year and running, it is certainly no baby when it comes to skiing. Jan. 9th is your chance to ski through mining fields, bluffs alongside the Montreal River and eventually to the “Finnish” line in Ironwood. Participate in either race. The SISU Full Combined: 42K SISU ski marathon plus 10K SISU snowshoe race—or the SISU Half Combined: 21K Heikki Lunta plus the 5K snowshoe race. Not in a racing mood? Slap on some skis and taste test from the Taste N Tour. Who doesn’t want to ski, eat, and watch entertainment? That’s a no brainer! For more information: Check out the official SISU Event Page

Winter Comedy Arts Festival

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Traverse has an all star lineup coming this year and you surely won’t want to miss this tantalizing lineup for the weekend of Valentines day. Bill Maher headlining can be enough to want to head to the Travers area but even if not, also check out Michael Moore with his satire on today’s politics and “The Goldbergs” Doug Benson helps host this serendipitous event. Don’t forget the kiddos in the car, there is plenty to entertain them with such as a mini golf ice course, a really big mountain to sled on, and even better a Ferris wheel for the kids to freeze on. Hopefully no one likes the handlebar. Can you believe that Maher is even paying to come and host? This guy has a freaking show for crying out loud! For an upcoming schedule , please check out this out: Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival

Brew-Ski Festival

What is not to love about beer, recreation and music? Hop onto your skis on Saturday, March 14th and enjoy a leisure ski around to over 240 snow bars, allowing to treat your taste buds to everything from Bocks to IPAs and Ambers to Stout beers and everything in between. Enjoy delicious food and great live music from the Galactic Sherpas. Head over to the Zoo Bar for the after party with the Aaron Vaughn Band at 5 PM and then over to the Slopeside Lounge for a wrap up party at 9 PM. A perfect way to celebrate the near ending of old man winter! To see a list of breweries that were represented last year, click here.

You would be crazy to miss these 4 Winter Events in #Wisconsin!

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With these sub zero temps, who can blame us for wanting to find something good about winter? It doesn’t have to keep us inside and miserable with the cat that has allergies (just saying). It can be exciting and fun. These events are just a few (but really stellar) that you should escape to. Just wait and see.

Racine’s Big Chill Pro Jan. 9th-1/11

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This is Wisconsin’s 25th year in being the People’s Choice competition for snow sculpting. Winner goes to the U.S. world championship! Enjoy family fun friendly activities and snowboarding to the Big Chill in downtown Racine. Enjoy the Rail Jam!! Thousands of visitors each year, make this one of the most successful winter events in Wisconsin.

St. Germain’s Radar Race Jan. 30- Jan. 31

Between fun runs and speed runs, shootouts and fly racing ice drags, this is the crowd with a need for speed, and perhaps, beautiful women and beer. The radar run highlights some of the fastest and most groomed tracks in the Midwest. Watch the demo rides, the Bikini race and drink a beer in the Sprecher beer tent if observing is more your thing. It’s hard to really explain, so watch the video here!

Phillip’s Winter Fest Jan. 24th-Jan. 25th

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Phillips comes alive during Winter Fest with snowmobile races, parades, lawn more races (yes, that’s what we said, lawn mower races), face painting, ice fishing, snowshoeing and fireworks. Any of those strike your fancy? Maybe Tug of War will peak your interest, that can only be real fun in the winter when you knock the other team off balance. As if it isn’t weird already, they even have a keg toss competition. Check out the event at: EventCrazy.

Drummond’s Bar Stool Races Feb. 14th

This is a true “Up North” experience you should tell all your southern friends about. Nothing says I love you like spending Valentine’s day racing bar stools down a snowy hill but hey, is it ever fun?? Rules are pretty simple, there is beer at the end and cash prizes. We’re sold! Don’t quite get it? There is a video on their website!

Read these 8 tips before booking your Michigan vacation rental

Vacation Rentals are the trend for 2015. Why? It’s no surprise to us; we’ve known about the advantages of a MI vacation rental for years. There are lots of pet friendly options, homes with fireplaces and fire pits, cottages near the water and hunting cabins in the sticks. You have private parking and sometimes piers for your boat. Vacation rentals give families room to spread out and enjoy each others company.

MI vacation rental sunset

What do you need to do before you book your vacation rental? Here are some tips:

  1. Inquire about your vacation rental with the actual owner or manager before you book. They know the property (and the area) best and will have you living like a local on day one.
  2. If you are looking to bring your pet, be sure you know the Pet Policy. Some will not allow certain breeds or sizes of dogs. It might also be good to check out if there is a kennel or fenced in area for your pet while you’re gone.
  3. Know the cleaning policy. Some rental owners or managers charge a cleaning fee and don’t expect much cleaning. There others who expect to have the place ready for the next renters. Whatever the case may be, it’s always wise to take pictures or note any possible previous damage. Be very thorough.
  4. Picking up the keys. Some rentals may have a lock box on the door. Some owners might meet you at the property or have them hidden somewhere. Property Managers might have you stop at their office and pick up the keys. Know before you go!
  5. Ask about mobile phone reception. Vacation rentals can be remote. If you need use your cell phone for directions, or to check in, make sure you will have cell coverage. We recommend you have a physical map in the vehicle just in case. Ask about Wi-Fi availability too.
  6. Always ask about general supplies and what you should bring. Some supply bed sheets but not towels, or vice versa. Some supply both. Always ask about a medical kit or if you need to bring certain kitchen items that you can’t live without (like a bottle opener, muffin pan, crock pot) …you get the idea.
  7. Check out the calendar of events or a town’s Facebook page to research area events. Keep in mind that rental prices are often higher during summer, Holiday’s, and big events.
  8. Ask who you need to contact if you have any emergencies. If there is a leaky faucet or a light goes out, you will know whom to contact.

MI cabins with beaches

Wherever you GO in Michigan, you’ll have a better vacation experience in a cabin, cottage, lodge or home. See our growing selection at RentMichiganCabins.com. Avoid booking website commissions and book directly with the rental owner and save!

Happy New Year from the RentWisconsinCab

Happy New Year from the RentWisconsinCabins.com Staff!! #2015 http://ow.ly/i/7YDqS

Know Someone With a Cabin?

Do you know someone with a cabin looking for any extra income? Check out our website to see how we can help! http://bit.ly/1z4hxdL

News about Minnesota Deer Hunting — Read Before You Go!

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Well guys and gals, it’s that time of the year again. Doesn’t it seem like we just had summer? Besides fantasy football and late night card games in the basement, what are we to do when the days get shorter and colder? We stock our freezers with good ‘ole game meat and wait for the chili to be ready, right? Some may be new to the area and others might like a refresher but this blog entry is all about hunting so read further and follow us for more hunting blogs to come!

Minnesota reputation boasts some of the best hunting around, and if you looked it up, we would be right due to its abundance of land and deer population. Minnesota has mixed use of state forests, WMAs and WPAs that make the hunting quite the sport.

Minnesota was home to 1 million whitetail deer but last year’s harsh winters did the deer population little good, leaving lots of deer starving. Minnesota’s DNR responded to this problem by spending emergency money to feed the deer to keep the population thriving. The harsh winters have also made Minnesota impose a “Bucks” only regulation this year, making it one of the most conservative in the past decade. This regulation forbids the shooting of antlerless deer in 95 percent of the state and applies to EVERYBODY except those in a lottery. Be sure to read and always refer back to the Minnesota Guidebook to observe new laws and regulations this year at:  You can find up to date information on age requirements, trespassing, disability and active duty regulations and gun law changes in this year’s guidebook.

How Do You Count Points?

  1. At least 1 antler is 3 inches long with a minimum of 4 points on one side.
  2. An antler, brow tine, and any broken tine has to be at least 1 inch.
  3. You also need to count the end of the main beam.

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While only 67,000 deer were tagged opening weekend, down from last year, reports from hunters all over the state haven’t really noticed a decline in seeing deer. The recent opening weekend could have been dented due to a snow storm that blew in. Only time will tell if anything benefited from the feeding of the starving deer, the harsh winter and the bag limit.

What do you expect from this year’s deer hunting season? Do you think the 1 deer bag limit and “bucks” only regulation is a good thing or bad? We want to know! Also, stay tuned, follow and share our blog for more continual coverage on hunting and other locally, time sensitive information on Minnesota!

Coming up next! Where the best areas in Minnesota are for hunting, wild game recipes and even finding your perfect deer camp, which doesn’t always have to be a hole in the wall cabin. Take your pick, we got them all at RentMinnesotaCabins.com

An unforgettable #holiday vacation in New York

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It’s that time of the year again and if you haven’t done so yet, it is time now to book your holiday vacation! Can’t decide where to go this holiday? Whether you live in the city, and are looking for a quieter getaway, perhaps with a large group, or if you live further elsewhere besides the city, look at Willow Lakes Farm, just 1.5 hours away from Grand Central Station. This vacation rental is so close, that within 15 minutes, you can hop onto the very train that leads you right into Grand Central Station!

We all know that New York City can be a magical city regardless of the time of the year but there is something to be said about the grandeur of holiday cheer around one of the most populous cities in the world. We don’t have to go on and on about all the events in NYC, however just touch up on the must see events that make a day trip into NYC a great one.

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Visit the Rockettes at Radio City Hall! Witness the lighting of the Christmas tree. Watch the parade. Go Christmas shopping at Macy’s. These can take a day or two but why stay in the city, where a regular hotel room could go for $200.00 a night. Paying for 4 walls with no room to roam and often an extra charge for more than 4 people, this seems silly doesn’t it?

Willow Lake farms is a pet friendly, private estate in Fishkill, New York in the Hudson Valley where the beauty is so astounding that it is frequently used as a place to book weddings and corporate gatherings, and even family reunions.

Willow Lakes consistently boasts clean, tastefully decorated vacation rentals giving you serenity amongst the busy hectic schedules that we leave behind to seek the simple times. Willow creek has 70 acres of woods and 30 acres of cleared acres provides plenty of outdoor winter fun and picturesque views of the Taconic Mountains and private lake make this a stunning property. It also features a washer and dryer, making it simple to dry your clothes after ice skating on the lake or building snow castles with the kids. Afterwards, be sure to cozy up by the fire and drink your favorite winter drinks while rekindling. Perhaps play a game or tell stories from your favorite childhood memories. You won’t need to look for another vacation rental again.

iceskating

We encourage you to inquire about this property. They have 5 different vacation rentals to suit your needs for your next vacation! To inquire about more details be sure to visit the details page at: www.rentnewyorkcabins.com

http://www.rentnewyorkcabins.com is a state specific vacation rental website that helps you narrow down your perfect vacation rental. Use the Narrow Your Search tool or select from our map!