This place is a winter and summer wonderland. We’re surrounded by a 70,000 acre national park (Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore), named by ABC's Good Morning America's 'Most Beautiful Place in America.' There’s plenty of skiing, canoeing, hiking and fishing and more. We’re close to Traverse City and Leelanau County, the best of wine regions this side of the Mississippi. Honor Michigan is 7 miles to the south and was rated in Field and Stream Magazine as the best all around recreation spot in the country. In 2012 Mario Batali listed his 9 favorite restaurants in the world. Two of them are here in Traverse City (25 miles away).
On the adjoining 5 acres there's a home I built where we run a small organic jam making company (foodforthought.net). While a tour is always popular with adults, children usually get a big kick out of seeing jam, salsa or salad dressing being made. If we are around we are happy to give tours. Lake Michigan is a three mile drive, ski or hike away and the beach is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, meaning there’s few people and no homes for miles in either direction.
It’s breathtaking summer or winter. This place is perfect for a winter reading and writing hideaway or family get-a-way.
It was stated earlier, but bears repeating. This place was recently remodeled to green building standards. Our NO PETS/NO SMOKING policies are not negotiable. Don't take it personally. We are trying to keep the place habitable for people with allergy or chemical sensitivities. We also clean with non-toxic cleaning products.
We also request respect for peace and quiet. It is a rural area, but our home in nearby and sound travels far in quiet rural settings. No amplified loud music, fireworks etc. Singing, 'unplugged music' and children playing are music to our ears and acceptable. Thank you for your understanding.
Amenities:: TV w/DVD player (no cable) and fire pit.
There is no phone. You may get cell service depending on your service provider. Verizon and AT&T usually have good signal.
Surrounding area: This location is ideal for it's rural setting, near beaches and central to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. However, you are not far from civilization in that our area boasts award winning restaurants, wineries and other food artisan establishments. It is truly an area of breathtaking natural beauty and a culinary paradise.
Traverse City is the closet large town (about 25 miles). Here are just a few of it's recognitions:
- one of American's Five Top Foodie Towns, Bon Appetit
- one of the Top 10 Places to Enjoy Local Wines, USA Today
- one of America's Top Ten Wine Destinations, TripAdvisor.com
- #8 in list of America's Top Ten Beach Towns and a Top 10 'Coolest Towns in the States, AOL Travel News
- second place in Our Top 10 Charming Small Towns, TripAdvisor.com
- on the Top Ten list of Surprising Foodie Towns, Livability.com
- one of Midwest's Five Top Food Towns, Midwest Living
- one of America's Top Adventure Towns, NationalGeographic.com