'Lemon Drop Cottage' in the Woods Near Sleeping Bear Dunes.

We have an almost 2 year old who can be loud. Nice to not have to worry about waking up someone in the next hotel room when he fussed at night. There was room for the pack-n-play beside the bunk beds. (Note that there is a shower - or if you prefer, a kitchen sink - but no bathtub. That wasn't a problem for us, but may be helpful info for others with little tykes.) Our sons enjoyed seeing the chipmunks and the owl.

Short, easy drive to Empire for grocery items. (We cooked 'in' every night but one. Nice to have a little kitchen, outdoor grill, and campfire ring. Eating on the back porch was quite peaceful.) Empire also has a BEAUTIFUL beach with a playground. We and our kids loved it. We did hear, though, that it gets quite crowded during the busy season. We were there mid-September. Also close to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Riverside Canoes. If it had rained the whole time, we would have had to get a bit creative or do some longer driving, as we spent a great deal of time outdoors.

About an hour away is Traverse City. The Blue Tractor Cook Shop was amazing! (We had their beer can chicken pizza and decided it was the best pizza we've ever tasted.) We tried Moomers ice cream and we appreciated their environmental and health consciousness and their customer service, but the ice cream itself lacked flavor. Cold and creamy without much taste. About an hour to Northport to visit Grand Traverse Lighthouse. (Note that the national parks parking pass isn't valid at the lighthouse since it is state owned.)

If you want a high-falutin, fancy place or if you require wheelchair access (or if you are of an especially large build - the bathroom would be a little tight for a very large guest), you would be happier if you keep looking. But for a young family who likes simplicity and wants easy driving access to some outdoorsy fun, it is great. It was accurately represented online. The Youngs were helpful but not intrusive. We would definitely recommend it to friends and family.

Thank you, Youngs, for a very nice stay!