A Vacation Rental So Cool, You Won’t Believe It!

Does your planned vacation have words like exploration, majestic, enticing, serene, or breathless in it? Skyline Vacation Rental will give you exactly that and more.

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This vacation rental is cozied up to the Skyline Parkway Scenic Bypass and Lake Superior with a 3 season porch where you can dine and observe a serene vista view. Duluth is a great town with lots of food options and shows so be sure to explore all that this area has to offer while booking your vacation here. This rental sleeps 9 so perfect for a family retreat or a girl’s getaway.

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The Fall color tours on the Skyline Drive compete with the best in the country. At night sit around and star gaze because the vast openness will leave you breathless. Explore the harbor, hike the Appalachian Trail, swim, kayak, bike, enjoy brewery tours, try your luck at the casino or go on an expedition for the best food in town. There is plenty to do in the magical surroundings of the Shenandoah National Park. A word of advice-many species treat this park as a refuge so please be mindful when driving.

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This vacation rental comes stocked with basic amenities such as coffee and filter and paper goods. It has two living rooms for stetching out in front of a fireplace and outdoor grill. This is a great place for retreats such as Stampin Up, Motivation Camps, Scrapbooking, ect.  Be sure to book your vacation fast! This rental will book fast!!

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.

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!

WI Deer Camp Means Memorable Traditions and Changes

Every fall, women get together in packs and joke about being a widow for the weekend …you know they are from Wisconsin. Wisconsin has a large deer population, in fact it is in the top 10 for North America for deer hunting. There is also bear, turkey, pheasant, grouse, quail, and waterfowl to hunt! Some things to know before you go:

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A new crossbow law is being tested. Previously, hunters that were above the age of 65 and/or had physical disabilities were able to crossbow hunt. This new law lets hunters opt for the crossbow — the law will be tested for three years to see what will come of it. Some say that the crossbow is too efficient and will lead to an overkill of the deer population and will shorten the length of deer season. Only time will tell to see if this will be a permanent law. In the meantime, we can expect more deer hunters to join in on the experience of DEER CAMP, and we know just the places to set up camp.

One of the highest deer population rates is in Shawano County. The county has reported a deer population of 52,700. Shawano is a small city of about 9,000 people and offers a lot in recreation and quality deer hunting. The forests, farmland and marshes make this area great for sizable whitetail deer. It is against the law to feed deer in this county but with the population the way it is, you should have no problem bagging one. Ten miles away sits public land over 14,500 acres called the Navarino Wildlife Area. This area is one of the most densely populated areas in the state. When thinking about staying here, check out Adventure’s Cabins. These cabins sit on Lulu Lake, which makes it perfect for fall fishing as well. After your full day of outdoor activities, your group can sit in front of the wood burning fire stove and ‘make a plan for tomorrow’. There’s even a washer and a dryer. This property comes with a fire pit, private dock, canoe and rowboat.

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Next we head straight over to the other side of the state along the Mississippi river in Buffalo County where many areas are heavy with deer, turkey, waterfowl and pheasant populations. Buffalo County is home to roughly 32000 whitetail deer becoming the forefront of the nation in deer size, recording 309 “wall-hangers” in just 10 years! It’s safe to say that after the hunting season, you won’t be disappointed. On that note, we have cabins in Buffalo County that will fit your needs.

Fountain City, a small town right on the river and claims to be the “River Bluff Capital of the World”. There you will find HNL Farms: Heritage House. This home is a nice, peaceful and relaxing homestead where you can cook on the grill, or head to town for a good bite to eat. Use the fire pit at night and tip back a couple — it OK to dream about which wall you’re putting your next trophy buck on. If you have some young hunters; there’s even a clubhouse and game room not too far off!

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There is also Cross Ridge Retreat in Fountain as well. This retreat boasts vista like panoramic views of wildlife and the Upper Mississippi River valley all seen by the three season porch. Relax and enjoy the heated clubhouse with a bar and game room. If there is an early snowfall, this retreat is right on the Buffalo County Snowmobile trail.

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If we head back to a more central location, Tomah, you will get a chance to see some of the state’s best deer hunting. This area has predicted 28,600 deer for this upcoming year. It’s absolutely beautiful and is a great low stress environment with plenty of marshy grounds. These Tomah cabins put you in Deer and Bear country.

If both deer and bear sound good, stay a few days in the Tomah area. The Bald Eagle Lodge in Warrens, WI can sleep over 20 people so bring the family and friends along! This is absolutely perfect! There are two kitchens, two private decks and a patio. This rental is perfect for a family get together where the fun can be shared AND separate at the same time. While the men hunt in the nearby Black River State Forest, the rest of the family can enjoy the Lodge amenities, head to town, or even do some horseback riding.

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Hunters enjoy all that Wisconsin has to offer because it is truly paradise. To learn and get engaged with more Wisconsin  hunting or even to see what Wisconsin Outdoor Fun is all about, head over to WisconsinOutdoorFun.com! Grab your friends or family and make your hunting trip memorable. Stay at a great Wisconsin Vacation Rental! See our entire selection at RentWisconsinCabins.com – you’ll love the Narrow Your Search tool and the interactive Google Map. The best part is — you always connect, plan and book directly with rental owners or managers to get the best rate.

Did you hear? We recently launched 3 other state-specific vacation rental websites for Minnesota cabins, Michigan vacation rentals, and even New York cottages! Check them out.

#LakeGeorge vacation homes! More than just a place …a whole lot more.

You can’t call it “a New York vacation” if you don’t visit Lake George! The majestic mountains and serene waters make this place luxurious and outstanding all in its own glorious ways. Let us tell you why the scenery can’t be unmatched and why all the extra cool factors make this your first vacation hot spot.

Lake George resides within Warren County with many spectacular options of activities to do as well. Enjoy what people over the last century have been doing while visiting this famous area. Sit on the beach and relax with a book, or take a boat and try your luck at first class fishing — it is one of New York’s finest fishing lakes.

Fishing and a stay of one of these Lake George vacation rentals won’t disappoint. Attention anglers: When lake temps hover around the 65 degree mark, the fish are biting! You will find fish close to 90 in. long in most waters.  Lake trout may be one of the most desired of all but there are many other opportunities for rainbow trout and salmon. Salmon and lake trout are best caught in shallow water during the colder waters but are limited to the deep waters in the heat of the summer. Pan fish and black fish are also common in this lake. Cold water fish can be found here as well.

While it’s not the actual Lake George, the area boasts some of the best attractions in the area. Let’s go tubing down the 17 mile long Hudson River! Nothing like getting a true experience like white water rafting as well.  Can you paddleboard? This is the rage these days! Learn your way on Lake George!

Whether it’s boating, fishing, or even just kicking back at the beach; the waters will mesmerize you.

Let’s look above the waters for a second and indulge in the beauty of the vast skies. Lake George has a stunning view of the sunrises and the sunsets don’t disappoint either. While enjoying the beauty, take in a little activity such as hot air balloon festivals in the area, even small airplane rides.

Go ahead, live like a queen, or king. These waters have been vacation hot spots for the rich and famous and there is no reason why you can’t enjoy them either.  Here is a list of the best vacation rentals ever:

The Estate Cottages on Lake George: These cottages sit right amongst the heated pool, Jacuzzi and beach of Lake George. This resort also supplies complimentary canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. Each cottage has its own covered porch supplied with charcoal grills and best of all, its Monday Night Luau, Wednesday night S’mores Party, and Friday afternoon Farewell Pizza Party!

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The Estate House on Lake George: Want to live like a millionaire? You can! On a limited budget that is. This House is terrific for your group of family members or friends and can provide you with a memory of a lifetime. This place was once called home by a Scottish duke. This place boasts fireplaces, balconies, Jacuzzis, luxury amenities, the whole nine yards.

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Cooper’s Point on Lake George: Sleeps 11 and resides on an island once reserved for the rich and famous but this vacation rental allows to live like one without the clink in your pocket. Wake up the Adirondacks in your view while sipping coffee on one of the grand balconies, taking it all in before the group gathering.

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We invite you to enjoy a little piece of heaven – because you deserve some fun and relaxation; that’s what we mean when we say enjoy Cabin-Time. Check out our other blog posts, then head over to www.RentNewYorkCabins.com to see our growing selection of NY vacation homes for rent!

Fishing Hot Spots in Wisconsin

Wisconsin beats Minnesota as the land of 10,000 lakes and rivals it with it’s great fishing quality. Wisconsin has some of the best fishing spots right next to your favorite Wisconsin cabin rentals. Though there are thousands of great fishing lakes; we have gathered a list of our favorite 3 lakes and what you can expect from them.

“A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work” – Unknown.

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While the Chippewa Flowage did not make the top 3, we did still want to mention this one because of its documented world record Musky reaching 69 pounds! With Hayward being home to the “can’t miss it” Fresh Fishing museum in the shape of  4 1/2 story Musky, you know what this area is known for. It has become a popular vacation destination for all Midwestern anglers. Compare 45 Hayward Cabins at RentWisconsinCabins.com; Book directly with the owners/manager to get the best rental rate. The owners will likely have some Musky fishing tips too. With perch steadily growing in population, so is Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike however are predators and make it difficult for Walleye and Muskellunge to reproduce. Local guides advise in keeping your daily limit of the legal sized Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike to help dwindling populations.

green lakeComing in at #3 is Green Lake. These Green Lake Cabins are on, or near the lake. The lake is 2 miles wide and averages 100 feet in depth but maxes out at 237 feet in depth, making this lake the deepest in Wisconsin. With these facts, it creates some of the best quality fishing in Wisconsin. Green Lake also has some of biggest variety of fishing. Some of the fish include Blue Gill, Brown Trout, Lake Trout (minimum length is 17 inches), Northern Walleye, Perch, Small Bass mouth, Large  Bass Mouth and Muskellunge (minimum length is 40 inches).

castle rock lakeAnother favorite fishing spot coming in at #2 is Castle Rock Lake in Adams County, WI. The 4th largest lake in Wisconsin is known for its sandy bottom, maxing out at 36 feet down. This man-made drainage lake is also home to these popular rod-benders – Walleye, White Bass and Crappies, but you can also find Northern Pike and Perch. Check out our Castle Rock Lake Vacation Homes.

Bass fishingComing in at #1 is Geneva Lake, in the city of Lake Geneva, WI. Though these Lake Geneva vacation homes are not on the lake, they are in town, or near town. This lake is moderately clear but that’s not why thousands of people from the Midwest travel to greet these waters. This lake is fed by fresh water springs and is home to absolutely the most prized catch: The Walleye. In fact, it’s not unusual to catch Walleye around the 10 pound mark. We can thank the Cisco here for it’s abundant supply. You can also find Northern Pike around 30 pounds and trout at 15 pounds. You can also find White bass, Rainbow Trout, Perch, Crappie, Bluegill and a heavy Smallmouth Bass population. We hear the best fishing magic happens by Williams Bay and Coleman’s Point around the 10-13 foot range. What’s your favorite fishing spot in Wisconsin?

Just in case you didn’t know:


The weather has more to do with the ability to fish more so than the affects of the moon. The barometric pressure, coverage of clouds, and wind can all lead to a great day of fishing. The moon CAN increase the chances of a great catch but it WILL NOT make it worse.

EXPLORE OUR INTERACTIVE MAP AT RENTWISCONSINCABINS.COM! ZOOM IN TO YOUR FAVORITE LAKE TO SEE THE VACATION RENTALS, OR USE THE NARROW YOUR SEARCH TOOL TO FIND RENTALS THAT MEET YOUR UNIQUE RENTAL NEEDS.

Why we choose #WI #Cabins and Cottages for a Vacation over Hotels. A Biased View :)

We truly believe that Wisconsin Cabin Rentals offer some of the best memories ever made. Kids seem to enjoy the lakes and wide-open spaces and parents love giving the freedom to them while also experiencing a peaceful setting amongst nature. There is nothing like sitting outside for dinner on a picnic table with great food and a view of the lake or flowing river. Being able to roast marshmallows over the fire and catch fireflies under the stars are moments that last forever. We have compiled a list of reasons why we love renting cabins, cottages, lodges and homes.

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  1. Hotels seem to force families or friends in separate living quarters, interrupting quality time and laughs created by spur of the moments that arise.
  2. Hotels have increasingly limited the number of guests in each room, only allowing 4-5 in a room, making you rent out several rooms, which can get expensive.
  3. Pets are part of the family and vacationers want them to come on vacation. Many cabins and cottages are accommodating towards your pets.
  4. Parking can be cumbersome when renting a hotel. Whether you park on the other side or 4 floors down, no one wants to mess with that.
  5. Don’t be suckered into going out to eat for all your meals. That can be costly. It can also mean taking time out of your day to make sure the family is presentable for dinner establishments and let’s face it, kids are always messy.
  6. It’s pretty hard to star gaze through a hotel window. With wide-open spaces and a yard to lay a blanket down, you can’t beat the star-gazing at a cabin.
  7. There’s no quiet hours. We’re not saying let’s get crazy but no one wants to have to whisper to their family down a hallway to get ice when they can talk normally on their way to the kitchen.
  8. Amenities in a cabin and a cottage can sometimes be pricey in a hotel. Take for instance fireplaces, boat rentals, Jacuzzis, full size kitchens, screen porches. Some cabins can be more rustic if back to nature suits you.
  9. When you return the next year, the hosts actually can remember you and your preferences.
  10. Cabins and Cottages are KID FRIENDLY. They let the kids run around, squeal with delight, chase after the dog, fish off the dock, swim at the beach, climb a tree and tell ghost stories around the fire.

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YOU CAN’T HAVE YOUR OWN PRIVATE DECK AT A HOTEL.

It’s no secret were fans of Wisconsin cabins, cottages, lodges and vacation homes. We like to think that we are experts in the industry. Head to RentWisconsinCabins.com to view nearly 700 WI rentals. We have a unique interactive Map and a custom Narrow Your Search Tool.