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Quaint Cottage Near Lake Michigan Has Everything — Just ask Ken and Kelly

Do you remember the times as a kid where you didn’t have a care in the world and all you did was chase fireflies, push your friend in the lake, and played Cowboys and Indians? Don’t you wish you could go back to the simpler times where life was easy and your biggest worry was where you were going to catch your next thrill? While we may not be able to go back fully to those times, we can surely sit back and worry less. Crocker’s cottages can certainly remind you of this.

For the last 30 years, Ken and Kelly Crocker sure have made an effort in making sure that we simply admire and participate in everything that their cottages has to offer. Their long time family cottages sit right next to each other on a 208 acre lake 20 miles NE of Ludington in Fountain, MI. You can rent them separately as well as together to a large extended family. They each have their own private drives, frontage, playground, fire pit, dock and each come with 5 non-motorized boats. It is a quiet woodsy setting but still only 20-25 minutes from Ludington or Manistee and Lake Michigan. They even provide firewood for your nightly campfires, WIFI, games, large charcoal grill with your grilling tools you need and a sand volleyball court with rackets and balls, etc… Each has their own swim raft, L-shaped dock, boathouse, decks and swings overlooking beautiful Ford Lake.

Let your imagination run wild and while it is next to impossible to run out of stuff to do, these cottages are in a perfect area too. Situated close to the popular areas in Michigan and close to the lake can sometimes bring unwanted noise, traffic, tourist prices and crowds, these cottages are just far enough out to really enjoy the point of your vacation, and that is to relax. Sit back at night, roast your marshmallows by the fire pit and enjoy the vast night sky blanketed by stars, a vision you can’t get in crowded resort towns.

Take a day trip to Lake Michigan and read a book on the beach where the water is unsalted and shark free. Enjoy Ludington State park that has a unique marked canoe pathway or hike the many acres of woodlands, dunes, and marshlands. Check out the lighthouse or catch your dinner in the calm lake water.

Kelly and Ken’s favorite time of the year is fall and we couldn’t argue with that. The array of fall color and the warm waters welcome you with open arms. To book your next vacation, visit their listing here: Fountain Michigan Vacation Rental

At RentMichiganCabins.com, you always book DIRECTLY with owners and property managers assuring you get the best rental rate! Avoid booking through a 3rd party listing websites and avoid higher rates because of commissions.

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Experience #Minnesota #Fall #Color Road Tours

We all know the inevitable winter is sneaking up on us after a wonderful but short summer in Minnesota. One thing we can count on every year is the triumphant change in colors that transform landscapes throughout the country. Strap on that helmet, buckle up, however you choose to experience fall color tours, this blog post will guide you through some of the area’s best shows.

Hinckley- St. Croix offers some of the best fall foliage in the state, trees looking all too much like a perfect picture painted.  If you don’t believe us, book a cruise on the Afton-Hufton Cruise line and sail away down the river, giving you ample opportunities to steal a glimpse of this brief miracle that fall offers us every year. Book fast as this area sees the colors change late September to early October with Maples and Oaks changing fast. It is only 50 miles northeast of the Twin Cities so make this a day trip! St. Croix Cruise Fall Tour

Lutsen- We can’t say enough about Sawtooth Mountain. To sum it up blatantly, it’s just really, really cool. Experience a fall color scene from below! This tour is an experience of a lifetime. Ride the mountain tram along Moose Mountain, a 1,000 feet above Lake Superior’s coastline. From the top, admire the sprawled out Superior National Forest. There is no better way to go! For more information head to: Sawtooth Mountain Gondola

Detroit Lakes Area- a wonderfully diverse landscape exists here and with efforts to maintain the eco system here, there’s plenty to be thankful here. With forests, refuges and lots of lakes that dot the landscape, this wide area has many roads to travel on, each providing unique opportunities to see something new. Our suggestion is to hop on Highway 10 in Frazee and head due west until you get around Detroit Lake. From there, take a left on 59. This trip can be long or short, depending on how you want to do it but don’t miss this fall color tour for sure!  Be sure to bring binoculars for rare glimpse of endangered waterfowl and species. Click here for a map! Detroit Lakes Area

Lake Country Scenic Byway- This year, this road will not only lend you a look at one the best fall tours in the Midwest this year but will also be the biological home of the Christmas tree that the White House will decorate for 2014! The two different forests, deciduous forests and coniferous forests hug the 88 mile scenic road that will have you in awe of the striking orange and yellow hues. Be sure to stop at Itasca State Park, the oldest state park in Minnesota and cross the Mississippi, where you can brag that you have seen the beginning of this legendary river as it winds down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Brainerd- Look no further than Brainerd for a triumphant fall color tour as the leaves begin to change. This already spectacular area offers some of the best recreational pleasantries around and fall is no exception. Enjoy several tours in the area and let your mind wander along these winding roads that let you pass time without even noticing. Enjoy the beautiful lakes as an additional backdrop to the fall foliage that surrounds you. While there, take in the little unique shops and charm of the area.

Of course, you’ll want to visit RentMinnesotaCabins.com to check out our growing selection of MN vacation rentals (currently 237). You just can’t beat a fall getaway in a Minnesota cabin, cottage, lodge or home. Oh yeah, at RentMinnesotaCabins.com you always book directly with the areas best tour guides THE RENTAL OWNERS. This assures you get the best rental rate too.

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Safe travels.

RentMinnesotaCabins.com

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The 5 Best #Fall Roads in #Michigan

There is a part of us that really loves fall. We can’t kid ourselves. The crisp air and the hot cocoa invites us in for some football, comfort food, the slow switch to fall scent candles, and a warm fuzzy blanket. This fall, get outdoors and enjoy the reoccurring miracle of nature that happens when the leaves change color and give off vibrant hues that paint the perfect fall picture.

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1. Glen Arbor- take Highway 22 along Lake Michigan to view the serene lakeside and vivacious fall color that is a scene rarely replicated by other areas in the region. Experience a vast lake behind all the beautiful color that highway 22 can show off. Be sure to check out the Sleeping Bear Dunes as well!

2. Ludington- US 10 provides ample opportunity to check out the beautiful arrays of fall color ranging from yellows to passionate reds. There’s plenty of scenic lake views of Lake Michigan and other lakes as well that makes this one of the favored trips in Michigan. To view a map of the possible routes for your fall color tour, check out: Ludington Fall Color Tour

3. Eagle River- Hop onto M-26 and hit the cruise control button because you will need it. As you pass wineries, churches, and lighthouses, it will be hard to pay attention to the actual road. You will be under a blanket of mesmerizing fall colors. Don’t forget to roll your window down slightly to take in the fall smells as well!

4. Cadillac- Dubbed as an unforgettable experience,  Cadillac is home to  several train fall color tours. While fall is amazing and the trees stay mesmerizing for a couple of weeks, one thing you have to experience is the locomotive tour. Sit back and relax while taking in the color transformation. Tickets do sell out fast so prepare ahead of time. If trains are not your cup of tea, plan on the middle of October for the best scenic drive.

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5. Ironwood- Head north on 513 towards Black River Parkway that twists and turns by forests and flowing waterfalls and takes you straight to a harbor on Lake Superior.  Add Copper Peak, a ski flying hill to the itinerary because the view is majestic from the observation deck, 1881 feet above sea level and sits 18 stories high. You can see Minnesota, Porcupine Mountian and the Apostle Islands, weather permitting.

Generally, we say that all of Michigan is great and we encourage everyone to stay at least a week and travel around to experience everything each area has to offer; from the sugary sand beaches that stretch for miles, to the forests and wildlife areas and bustling cities like the Grand Rapids. Michigan is truly an unforgettable experience.

For a list of vacation rentals head to www.RentMichiganCabins.com. We invite you to book your Michigan vacation rental DIRECTLY with the rental owners and property managers! Booking direct guarantees you get the best rate AND you avoid ugly double-booking pitfalls.

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Here’s a UP bonus suggestion: Brockway Mnt. Drive. Upper Peninsula chose the road as the region’s “favorite natural wonder” in a poll conducted by WLUC-TV.

Relax. Enjoy your search. You’re on Michigan cabin time now.

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The Best 5 “Drives” for Wisconsin Fall Colors.

An intensive guide to not only Wisconsin Fall Color but to the festivals, and hobbies to go along with the scenic drive. Pack up the car now and head to one of these areas for a great fall getaway.

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Let’s be honest with each other, Fall is one of everyone’s favorites in the Midwest and it’s not because of our perfect summers either. It’s because summer for most means traveling, jammed pack days at the beach, pool, zoo or family reunions. It’s simply not the case in fall.  Sure, school is in session and kids go back into sports but what happens with the chilly nights settle over us? Do you step away from the TV? Hide indoors? Why not check out what Wisconsin is all about? It’s about reconvening with nature and nature is really exciting when it prepares for winter, don’t you think? Let’s take a look at the top 10 places in Wisconsin to check out fall color!

1. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. This is one of the first areas to notice the leaves change-this 115 mile stretch that starts near Whitewater and unwinds by Sheboygan county. The roads purpose it tought be created solely for the scenic drive. Be sure to download the PDF with directions from Wisconsin DNR here: Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. This forest offers panoramic views of the trees adapting to cooler weather.

2. Door County Coastal Highway– this takes you right into the peninsula that showcases 66 miles of fall color. There are many ways to view this foliage as well. Take your own self-guided tour, but be sure to plan a couple of days to thoroughly enjoy all of Door County. While winding down the highway take in all the special restaurants and see what the gifted chefs have to offer. Hop aboard the Door County Trolley to truly take in all the color and wonderful smells.

3. Great River Road– otherwise known as Highway 10 whispers along the Wisconsin Driftless Area. This gives up countless views of wetlands, trees, bluffs, and wildlife so you might get more than you bargain for when it comes to looking for just fall foliage but nonetheless, it is a great road traveled.

4. Waupaca– Waupaca offers much more than just fall foliage. This road trip offers excitement at the end of the day with jazz festivals and apple harvests. Enjoy the fall foliage from a canoe, where the water soothes the soul and the trees tell a story of changing over spirits of the seasons. While there, be sure to check out the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival in October.

5. The Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area– Head towards Popko East and know that this is a great opportunity to witness Wisconsin’s true beauty that makes living up north priceless. One of our personal favorites in our office at www.RentWisconsinCabins.com, this road is a self guided, 20 mile, 15 stop tour that shows you humans interaction with nature and the give and take that relationship we have with it. Notice the red pines, white ash, sugar maples,oak, birch, elm and the Aspen trees changing color as the brisk evenings turn into milder days in October. Bring your binoculars and fishing pole because among the flowage, wildlife is abundant and there are lots of places to pull over and wet a line right from shore. Have a glimpse of bear, eagles, deer, grouse, you name it in the north, you will probably see it. It is one of the best fishing areas in the state!

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Fall scenic road trips in Wisconsin are very easy on the budget. Head to the Gas Buddy Website to estimate your trip cost.

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Why Rent a Vacation Home in Saugatuck, Michigan? Todd Smith Explains Why!

As life unwinds within your bustling family or if your soul become restless in an effort to experience coastal life where art and humanities are the attractions among a beach town, you will be rest assured in Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan. Saugatuck-Douglas is known as the Art Coast of Michigan –with a wide assortment of art galleries, fine restaurants, vineyards…and of course, all of the popular activities our proximity to Lake Michigan affords. Moreover, we invite you to stay at a wonderful beachside cottage called Great Lakes Manor. These cottages are nestled in some of the most desirable areas of the nation and we can’t make that up.  Conde Nast’s Traveler Magazine has spotlighted these towns as one of the 25 top shoreline towns in America and the 11th greatest beach town in America and we are talking lots of competition!

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The Great Lakes Manor Cottages are top notch in the area and owner, Todd Smith says “My family and I have always loved unique properties: finding them, restoring and/or personalizing them, and sharing them with friends. About 10 years ago, we acquired our first property and after renovations to make it comfortable for our personal use, decided to dip our toes in the vacation rental world….and found out we loved it! We made many new friends along the way, friends who loved and enjoyed our home as if it was their own. We decided this could become an interesting business for us, and so acquired our second property, and now enjoy making new friends, and creating atmosphere with all the comforts of home: in interesting places.”

Close to everything, but still away from it all!

We love the location of your place…close to downtown Saugatuck and Lake Michigan but off the busy streets tucked away in a peaceful setting. We enjoy getting on our bikes and riding down the street to Lake Shore Drive where we can leisurely take in the coastline. This last time we stayed, the weather was so beautiful that we spent time each day sitting relaxing by the pond and enjoying all the birds singing. Our cottage was so clean and fresh. We are definitely coming back!

The history of the place is fascinating as well, which dates back to 1870 when the property was built, consisting of a five bedroom Manor house and three detached cottages, each of which rents together for your next all-together family and friends vacation or separately for your own little getaway. It is even a bike friendly town allowing you easy access to everything in Saugatuck, Michigan. Great Lakes Manor was acquired by Todd Smith and family back in 2010 and began a massive renovation of the 5 bedroom manor house which had been running as a B&B but then turned it into a vacation rental. Todd continues to say that “With a hot tub, small pond, and recreation room for all our guests, the property offers something for everyone. And we’re just a mile in either direction from the area’s two favorite beaches, and a short bike ride into the twin towns of Douglas and Saugatuck, too!” So enjoy the swaying hammock, a dinner and a show, a sip of wine at the winery or paint by the water, pick one or all!

Rest in a Hammock!

Rest in a Hammock!

Keep in mind, this gorgeous area is very popular so between April-October is our peak season and most rentals require a two night minimum stay just as the cottages do, but Manor House requires a 3 night minimum night stay. If traveling in the winter, there is still plenty to do! Ride in a horse drawn carriage under winter blankets, walk along the frozen coast and duck into a shop for hot cocoa. Don’t forget your snowshoes or skis!

Enjoy one of the local favorite attractions, which is the Saugatuck Sand Dune Rides. Strap into an open-air “Suburban”-type vehicle with your friends and enjoy a thrilling, heart pumping, adrenaline adventure as your tour guide takes you through Saugatuck’s privately owned sand dunes. This cottage can also be perfect for older families and weddings as well as a perfect team building vacation.

Gorgeous Claw Foot Bathtub

Gorgeous Claw Foot Bathtub

Advice from Todd? “People tend to forget the beach towels and sunblock so if that happens to you, be sure to check out the small business about a half mile from us that rents beach equipment and cycles, sundries and even ice for the cooler!”

“This area is historic, relaxed, and peaceful. This not only describes our property but the area as a whole” Grab your paint brushes, your picnic basket and your favorite wine and enjoy Saugatuck’s rich history, friendly locals and have a great stay at Great Lakes Manor and Cottages.  For additional information, check out this property’s details page.

Relax and Enjoy the warm hot tub on cooler nights

Relax and Enjoy the warm hot tub on cooler nights

Get to know your owner! Todd Smith most enjoys the spring time when the cycle of life renews itself. He tells us that he will probably regret retiring as he loves to stay active and enjoy all that life offers us! You might even find him hiking in the area!

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We promise! This is the Best Romantic Cabin In Wisconsin

Whether you are on your honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary in Wisconsin, this cabin is for you!

Capture the warmth

Capture the warmth

Congratulations! No need to look any further! This cabin is delightfully gorgeous, sitting deep into the most colorful array of trees; the sun peeking out oh so perfectly that you will think you are in heaven. Hauser’s Cabin has it all. You want the beach? The romantic sunset on the deck? Maybe you won’t leave the property at all. This PET FRIENDLY cabin near the Apostle Islands is fully furnished with so much to do that you will not get bored! See why Milwaukee Sentinel voted this one of the top 10 cabins in Wisconsin!

With Wisconsin’s northern most picturesque town, Cornucopia only 15 miles away, why wouldn’t you consider this beautiful place? Let’s start with the inside. This 1 bedroom cabin has free WIFI and SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO! Watch a movie on Amazon Prime in bed on the New Queen Sertia iComfort Savant bed with remote control to ensure maximum comfort.

Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed staying at the cabin ~ You did an incredible job with the remodel. It was just our aesthetic. Cozy, modern, and rustic all rolled into one. The thing I really appreciated was the attention to the lighting. I love dimmers and soft light which was done perfectly in the cabin. It was a great home away from home and we hope to stay again in the near future. The sled dog races were great! We were intentionally off the grid at your cabin (though you have Wifi and movies via Amazon Prime) – which was what we wanted. The nature views were very serene. Our dog loved it too! It was perfect! You were professional and timely in your communication and that was noticed and appreciated. Christine

Wake up in the morning and cook gourmet breakfast in the fully equipped kitchen stocked with dishes and spices and furnished with granite marble tops and top of the line appliances.

Feeling cold in the long winter afternoons? Sit by the fireplace and enjoy the sofa and chaise lounge chair with a cup of cocoa and challenge each other to friendly rounds of board games.

Ready to adventure outside? You will never be bored with the endless activities. Contemplate your day starting out on the deck with some coffee and ponder whether you are going to the warm, shallower beach (which is practically your own) or whether you want to go on a hike, a bike ride or explore by sailboat or kayak to the islands that populate near Lake Superior’s shore. Want a nice romantic weekend getaway filled with adventure? This cabin is perfect for skiers whether is it is downhill or cross-country skiing and the snowmobile trail is right out the front door! Make sure you take in the Apostle Island Annual Dog Sled Races. While there make sure you check out the ICE CAVES, A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LANDMARK that has travelers from all over the world exploring it. Need more details? Click here for more information, rates and availability.

Stay warm by the fire, whether you’re inside or outside by the fire pit but remember the one reason you are there; to share the enjoyment the sheer beauty of solitude and simplicity together.

Got a larger group? Visit RentWisconsinCabins.com when it’s time to find the ideal Wisconsin cabin, cottage, lodge, or home.

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Make “Someday” Today: Battling the Fears that Keep You From Traveling

insightful!

Theresa Christine's avatarTremendous Times

Man and woman at waterfall Let’s talk hopes, dreams, & fears.

This post is available to listen to and/or download on Soundcloud.

Over July 4th weekend, I’m proud to say I checked a pretty big thing off of my bucket list: I went skydiving!

This is something that I’d sort of put in the back of my mind to accomplish someday. It’s so effortless to say that, isn’t it? Someday I’ll go to that museum, someday I’ll hike through the Grand Canyon, someday I’ll live abroad… It’s just easier to declare, “I’ll do that one day,” than to actually act on it, even if it means doing a small something that is part of a bigger something. And this doesn’t just go for exploring the world. Anyone can say, “I’ll show more appreciation to others tomorrow,” or “Next month I’ll take the bus to work instead of drive.” Making the change and doing…

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