ELEGANT, ONE OF A KIND GARDEN YURT

Michele and her father George, showed so much hospitality and warm we felt as if we were home. The Yurt was roomy, comfortable and warm a true haven. We laughed giggled and danced. Thank you so much for creating a beautiful get away
Deborah Derusha

We did not know what to expect upon arrival because we had never lived in a yurt before. For those who are new to yurts, they are actually big fancy tents! This one was very clean and dry and had finished walls. Nicely decorated with all the necessary basics; stove, fridge, fresh running water, nice half bathroom. No TV and microwave which annoyed hubby, but was fine with me, we survived. Michelle the owner graciously allowed us to help ourselves to fresh eggs every morning from her hens and to whatever fresh produce was available in the garden surrounding the yurt, the tomatoes are just lovely. My three year old had the best time ever playing in the sandbox with Elsa and Frankie (Michelle's kids) and looking out for frogs and gold fish in the pond. Oh by the way, some of the eggs are green (outside not in) and all are so delicious, nothing like freshly laid eggs for breakfast. Ithaca is just a few minutes drive and all the well known chain stores are there, Walmart, Home depot etc. There are some nice restaurants too. If you like hiking you have to go to Buttermilk falls and Tremont state park, lovely gorges and waterfalls. Over all I really enjoyed our stay in the yurt and the surrounding area. Hubby said it was too quiet, oh well. You must sit out at night and look at the stars, absolutely breathtaking. One thing to consider for those who have small children, there is a rather steep ladder leading to the upper level, the ladder is not retractable, so watch the little ones they can have nasty fall down the ladder. To my relief and surprise, our very rambunctious and recalcitrant three year old, only tried to climb the stairs once! There also lots of toys in the yurt for kids to play with which I thought was very thoughful.

My sister and I planned a family adventure to Ithaca, descending on Michelle, George, Elsa, and Frankie's friendly hospitality and their magical yurt with three adults and three children (ages 3 to 7). The kids were instantly enchanted, claiming the loft as their "fort" and running rampant through the garden and play area. Michelle and her kids generously shared their sandbox, swing set, and entire (huge) back yard for games of flashlight tag, hide and seek, and just running around having fun. The kids gathered fresh eggs, picked apples, helped dig for potatoes ("treasure"), and couldn't get enough of the frogs and koi. Sleeping arrangements were a little tight with that many in the house, and the space is by design very open (so if the three-year-old doesn't sleep, no one sleeps :), but the one private bedroom was helpful for that. Bring earplugs, and all is well with the world. There were staples in the cupboard, a gas grill and picnic table, and the kitchen had all the utensils/equipment we needed. The whole yurt was very tastefully decorated and thoughtfully stocked, with extra bedding and an array of children's toys, including a full toy kitchen set and art table/supplies (bring paper). Yes, the garden was as lovely and charming as it looks in the photos, and there's a porch to enjoy it from with a relaxing cup of [insert your favorite beverage]. The location was 20 minutes from downtown Ithaca (so do your grocery shopping ahead of time if you can -- we didn't, and the first night's dinner was on the late side because of it) and very convenient to wonderful parks. We highly recommend swimming/diving at Robert Treman State Park (weather permitting, of course) and the beach and large playground at Taughannock Falls State Park (deep end has a platform and diving board - fun!). All in all, a wonderful place to stay that is as much a part of our good memories as the rest of our activities -- not something you can say for a standard hotel! Many thanks to Michelle and her family. We'll be back!