winter

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Looking for #Cool #Winter Events in #Minnesota? Look No Further Than This Blog Here!

There is no reason to be cooped up in the house during winter time. There is so much to see and do in Minnesota that you have no excuse. Mark your calendars boys and girls, we still have plenty of winter ahead of us!

Ice Fest

ice fest breezy

Have some hard water fun on Pelican Lake says Breezy Point’s 20th annual Ice Fest! This free festival runs from January 9th– through the 10th. Start your weekend off right with a community bonfire at 7 p.m. on Friday and enjoy the warmth as you prepare for a fun filled Saturday filled with hot air balloons, radar runs hockey tournaments, Horse Drawn Trolley rides and much more. Don’t let the cold slow you down too bad, they also have snow golf at 10 am starting on Saturday while the kids participate in fishing program designed for their age group. Hop on a dogsled race to round off the afternoon and sit back and relax while enjoying a spectacular view of the fireworks that begin at 6:30 on Saturday. Hint** Buy a blinkie button for only 5.00 dollars and receive specials off your drinks, meals, apparels, and rides all weekend long! The button pays for itself! For a list of places to stay look at:  and for more information click here:

Ice Box XXXV

As this small town borders Canada, it is not uncommon to think of International Falls as an “Icebox”. It most certainly doesn’t scare the locals going indoors for festivities either! The Icebox days are packed with wild and wacky events such as Frozen Turkey Bowling, Freeze yer Gizzard run (Just what you might think), a smooshing race ( a race where you put 2×4 planks underneath your feet and um…race), and a nice body warming chili cook off. Multiple events such as spaghetti dinners, BARGO, BINGO, Ugly hat contests and can crushing contests polish off this frigidly cool festival. For a list of vacation rentals nearby to make this Northern Minnesota vacation complete, check out: Marcell Vacation Rentals For more information, click here: Ice Box

International Eelpout Festival:

polar

One of the most unique festivals in Minnesota might have you marking your calendar every year for these three days in February for the following years to come. This festival is named after the ugliest bottom dweller, this fun filled festival might not be the best for the weak at heart. This is a weekend long winter party event that hosts a Bonfire, beer pong tournaments, mechanical bull riding, Polar Plout Plunge, Pout Derby, and it’s not complete until you watch the Bikini Ice Fishing Contest, guys! Mark your calendars for Feb. 19th –Feb. 22nd. For places to crash, visit: Walker Vacation Rentals For more information, click here: Eelpout Website

The 31st John BearGrease Sled Dog Marathon

This isn’t any ordinary marathon, this is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. This is an opportunity to see some of the most competitive dog sled racers compete in some of the most rugged terrain around the Sawtooth Mountains. This race is a qualifier for the famous Iditarod Race in Alaska. Attend the 6 p.m. Friday Gala with cocktails, view the Cutest puppy contest or huddle around a bonfire drinking hot chocolate with the others. There is even a large Purse winning at the end! You can book your vacation with this amazing 4 bedroom vacation rental here: Duluth Vacation Rental

To view other Minnesota cabin rentals in the area, use your interactive map and narrow your search!

http://www.beargrease.com/index.htm

#Michigan Fall/Winter Vacation Rentals- It’s Time to Start Thinking….
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#Michigan Fall/Winter Vacation Rentals- It’s Time to Start Thinking….

fallIt’s that time of the year, we’re all sitting by the fire under blankets and catching up on quality reconnection with our friends and love ones now that the cold weather is here to stay. We start experimenting with pumpkin desserts and warm drinks. We catch up on the movies by the fireplace and connecting the rest of the puzzle pieces together as we laugh about our summer memories. What better way to spend the holidays at a vacation rental? You tend to surround yourself with lots of people, lots of cooking, and we all need space to stretch out and really relax. Can you do that at your home? We have rounded up the top 5 places to rent in Michigan for your next holiday getaway. Continue reading →

Have you planned your winter getaway in MN this year?
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Have you planned your winter getaway in MN this year?

Who says you should hole up in your home all winter?? If we are to be in Minnesota for the winter, we must embrace everything that goes with it. That means the sweater socks, the packing snow, ice fishing, the winter festivals, winter brews and ice sculpting challenges. One thing is for sure though, try skiing in Minnesota. We suggest taking a week in the winter and booking your next minnesota vacation rental for your next skiing vacation.We have rentals near the Lutsen Ski Resort. We have made it easier for you to do this. Check out our Minnesota skiing page to see specific towns and minnesota ski resorts. Booking your winter getaway in minnesota vacation now ensures that you get the best rates and dates for your needs. 

Lutsen Ski Resort Vacation Cabin

Snowmobiling in NY tops this year’s must do list this winter

We all like to explore and try different things out but we are calling it the year of the snowmobile. This sport is growing in popularity and we can see why. A chance to glide through white capped foresty with mountains in the background will have us saying “See you later, gator” to the Big Apple and saying “Why hello there” to the areas most known for heavy snowfalls such as the area within Hamilton County. There is bound to be a poker run, a race, a weekend festival every winter in this county so choose your event and then head over to our page to see a Long Lake snowmobile trail map, view cabin rentals for the weekend and watch pretty rad (do they still say that anymore?) videos. Tupper Lake, near the Tug Hill region, is also gaining in popularity for snowmobilers for the hard work and dedication to the trails around thea area. Be sure to check those out too!

⇓To view our NY snowmobiling trails, click on the link below⇓

NY snowmobiling and vacation rentals

We also have pretty cool snowmobiling trails, maps and videos on our other sites. View those here⇓

Wisconsin snowmobile trails and vacation rentals

Michigan snowmobile trails and vacation rentals

Minnesota trails and vacation rentals

The Best of Wisconsin Snowmobile Trails

All in all, Wisconsin is a winter wonderland of snow for avid snowmobilers but to fit our criteria for the best areas for snowmobile trails in Wisconsin, it had to be more than just snow and trails. The area needed events, clubs, and hundreds of miles of well groomed trails. When people look for snowmobiling in Wisconsin, they want the true effect. The long weekend or week vacation in a Eagle River cabin, sitting by the fire after a long day of zipping by on a snowmobile, and nobody gets that like we do. We actually dedicated a whole page to avid snowmobilers looking for a winter cabin rental in Wisconsin, complete with videos, cabin pictures, and things to do in the area.

⇓View our Snowmobiling in Wisconsin page for more information!⇓

Wisconsin Snowmobile Trails, Cabins, and Information

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

barstool

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

thebigchill

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

Racing-Snowmobile-on-Water

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!

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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!