Perfect Northern Michigan Lodge on the River!
Submitted: November 20, 2012
Stayed: November 2012
We have been going to the Grayling/Gaylord area each Fall for 15 years and this was the first year we found a cabin that exceeded our expectations. We have 7 people in our group and we all had beds with room to spare. The place is well maintained and clean. The owners are absolutely great and easy to work with. It has a touch of rustic feel, but also has all the comforts of home at the same time.
The first floor is perfect for socializing with three primary areas. First is the kitchen, dining room and bar area. This is all one big room and also features a big screen TV. We were able to cook dinner, watch the game and catch-up all in this large room. The dining room table seats at least 12 people!
The second area on the first floor is a nice sized living room with plenty of seating and a gas fireplace that kicks out serious heat. Another flat screen graces this area. The third area is a nice den/sitting area off the living room where you can escape to read or get some emails out.
The second floor has all the (many) bedrooms. All bedrooms have TVs (we don't watch much when in northern Michigan, but may be a nice amenity for some). There are also two full bathrooms with stand-up showers. All rooms have fans handy if it were too warm.
There is a deck off the first level overlooking the fabled Au Sable River, which is one of the most famous trout streams in the world. This is immediately evident from the view over a beautiful bend in the river. It was cold during our visit, so no flies were thrown, but during the spring and early summer this is an angler's dream. Gate's Au Sable Lodge is just West of the lodge off Stephan's Bridge Road and has all the necessities when it comes to fly fishing on the Au Sable; guides, flies, leaders, tippet, clothing, rods, gadgets, etc. This includes friendly advice from the staff, including the new owner, Josh. Great people and great fly shop. Stay for breakfast.
In short, this lodge is in the middle of all things northern Michigan and is perfect for a large group or family. They even have extra cabins to rent out for extra large groups and the common area in the main lodge is more than sufficient for the extra people to eat, drink and be merry. Can't recommend it enough!
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Pet-friendly,
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
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