Lake Michigan

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#UpperPeninsula lodge provides a great fall escape

Owners of vacation rentals always start out for different reasons, whether to help pay the mortgage on a home they don’t primarily live in or it could be a way to meet people from all over. Whatever the case may be, Todd Dejong, a rental owner of a cabin called Powell Shores Lodge in Wetmore, Michigan, is considered to be one of the best kept secrets. This lodge is less than 5 miles away from the shore of the majestic Lake Michigan and Munising, where sugary sands, artsy stores, soulful artists and small town charm evade this area. While summer weeks are sure to be the busiest times for Todd, fall is actually his favorite time of the year and who can blame him? Fall is a great time for reflection.

Miners_Castle,_Pictured_Rocks_National_Lakeshore

Most people assume that Michigan isn’t as nice as a southern coast vacation destination but it is quite the contrary. While avoiding high sticker prices that typical travel destinations usually have, Munising, Michigan is the mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, soulful art, and endless sunsets along the shores. There are even lighthouse tours that tell a story of history and many shipwrecks to discover.

With the kids back in school, the crowds tend to be typically smaller and prices slightly cheaper. The leaves decorate the shoreline with blazes of oranges and reds. The waterfalls populating the area, making it the capital of the waterfalls in the whole Midwest and let’s not forget hunting season, a tradition that the U.P. thrives on!

Munising_Falls

First on the list of things to check out should be the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Fall makes this a perfect time to go. You can explore the sand cliffs, dunes, waterfalls, spectacular views and snowmobile trails. This park spans over 40 miles of shoreline and offers great hiking opportunities. Sandy Point beach is often too cold for swimming, however, the Weather Channel has voted this to be one of the “Top 5 Summer Beaches in America”

Dejong goes on to say that this area is well known for its snowmobile trails, having over 300 miles of groomed trails and not to mention many more miles that are not groomed. There is also the Alger Underwater Preserve for divers, showing off its many sea caves and shipwreck opportunities. Explore lighthouses and spend a day with the friendly locals getting a bite to eat at one of the local eateries and drink a micro brew at the bar. Whatever your passion is, think outside the busy travel dates and imagine a vacation a great way.

Dejong, who owns Powell Shores Lodge, describes his lodge as quiet and peaceful, really allowing you to enjoy the of the U.P. atmosphere. This lodge offers a rowboat and great fishing opportunities right by the man made rock wall by the dock and with local great hunting opportunities, there is truly something here for everyone.

powell shores

We love Michigan but we also have vacation rentals in other states as well! Try out these other state specific vacation rentals!

www.rentwisconsincabins.com

www.rentminnesotacabins.com

www.rentnewyorkcabins.com

www.rentmontanacabins.com

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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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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!

Great Lakes Manor Frotnt Yard

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!