Wonderful Glen Lake House in a perfect location!
Submitted: August 9, 2011
Stayed: July 2011
Our family really enjoyed our stay at this house on Glen Lake. The house was more than large enough for 7 of us. The bedrooms are all big, but snag the big master bedroom if you can! All have comfortable queens and there is a sofa bed in the family room (like every sofa bed you have ever slept in). From the pictures we expected the décor to be dated, and it was, but the house is in terrific shape. The appliances are modern and the kitchen well stocked. With a washer, dryer, disposal, ice-maker, AC, attic fan, cable TV and quality linens we had every amenity needed..
The lake is shallow – knee high for 60 yards before it drops off to 6’. The water is clear and warm and the bottom sandy - perfect for small children. There is a little beach to dig in and the grassy lawn is great for sunbathing. The back deck is large and has a built-in round table which is good for groups though a little difficult to get in and out of. The grill was big, clean and new. We enjoyed paddling around in the rowboat and canoes. The big treed lot makes the house feel secluded.
The house is inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Dune Climb is across the street – look up from the lake and the dune towers above the house. Take the Scenic Drive - the view from the Boardwalk is breathtaking. The Alligator Trail, a mile from the house, is a moderate hike through beautiful woods to bluffs overlooking both Lake Michigan and Glen Lake. There are many accessible Lake Michigan beaches nearby. We went kayaking – Crystal River Outfitters is right in Glen Arbor. Golfers have choices – Manitou Passage is the best in the area.
Glen Arbor is a cute little town with shops and galleries from the typical to more upscale. Cherry Republic is a shop-bakery-restaurant that needs to be seen just to marvel at all the things that can be done with cherries. Art’s Bar is a Glen Arbor classic and packs them in every evening. Boondocks has a huge outdoor patio and bar which is a fun place to drink. We had pizza from Riverside which we all agreed was tasty. Joe’s Friendly Tavern in Empire has good burgers but was over-priced. There are a few well-reviewed upscale restaurants in the area as well. Warning: there is one small market in Glen Arbor that is pricey so try and shop once in Traverse City. Take a day trip to Leland - Fish Town is a fun little historical district. There are many wineries to tour in the area but we ran out of time. Next time perhaps!
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children
Helpful votes: 8/8
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