Now What?
You have booked a "Slice of Leelanau". You have followed all the amazing posts on Slice of Leelanau on Facebook. You and your fellow vacationers are getting excited. Now what?
Continue to check into Facebook frequently to get ideas of what you would like to do during your stay.
Reach out via airbnb or vrbo to me, your excited host to ask any questions you might have about the property or area.
Does your family plan to eat out or cook in? If you plan to eat out, know that on the kitchen counter is a guidebook offering suggestions. Also, I am continually updating the guidebook on Airbnb that you should have access to. If you plan on cooking in, please feel free to reach out if you have further questions about what is in the kitchen and what is not.
No “Up North” vacation is complete without a little time on the beaches of Lake Michigan. Remember that the cottage has bath towels but you will need to bring your own beach towels.
Slice of Leelanau has a brand new firepit in the backyard. A night around the campfire is always a special time. If you plan to use it please remember your own folding chairs, blankets, or beach chairs to gather around the fire.
How long are you staying?
If you are staying a fall or spring weekend or a shorter stay I would recommend the following:
Day 1:
Start in Empire Michigan. Visit the Empire Bluff Trail. It is a short and easy hike (although it has an incline with wooden steps) that leads to beautiful views. There is a bench with a lookout about mid way, and plenty of benches to sit on when you get on top. This is a hike that our family was able to do with young children (to put difficulty and length in perspective). The trail is 1.5 miles.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailempirebluff.htm
On your way through town, pass by the Empire Beach. Decide if you would like to come back for an afternoon at the beach or maybe visit again at a different point in your stay either for the playground, beach, or a sun rise or sunset.
https://empirechamber.com/business-directory/empire-beach-village-park/
Continue on towards Glen Haven. On your left you will see the Dune Climb. Stop by. Climb the dune. Or watch your children or grandchildren have the joy of running up and running down again. This stop is iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/climbingdunes.htm
Here is all the information about the National Park Fees. Look it over now and go prepared. If your child is a 4th grader they have a fee waiver for all 4th graders and their families.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/fees.htm
At this point you are probably getting hungry. Pass Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive also on your left. Head towards Glen Arbor. On your way make a slow drive through Glen Haven. Get a feel for it. Make sure to take the road to see the US Life Saving Service Station and the boat house. Proceed on to Glen Arbor. In Glen Arbor there will be many places for lunch. Arts Tavern is a local favorite.
Many people also enjoy the Boonedocks.
https://www.boonedocksglenarbor.com/Home
While at lunch discuss if you would like to go back and do the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive or explore Glen Haven or Glen Haven Beach.
In Glen Arbor, The Cherry Republic is a must stop.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/psscenicdrive.htm
Glen Haven
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/indooractivities.htm
Glen Haven Village - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (US National Park Service)
Hopefully you have already fallen in love with the area! The quaint towns, amazing recreation, beautiful trails, family friendly environment, and fun restaurants and shops. You chose the perfect vacation destination. You have already seen a lot. Maybe you want to spend the rest of your day rambling…..because you are on vacation. Who wants a schedule! Or maybe you are still up for adventure! If you are, paddle the Crystal River.
https://crystalriveroutfitters.com/kayak-canoe-trips/
Or save this fun adventure for tomorrow morning!
I am sure you are exhausted from all of your fun in Pure Michigan. On your way back towards the cottage, appreciate Port Oneida Rural Farm District and stop at Market 22 for dinner (check the days and the hours before going). It will not disappoint and your family will love that it is kid friendly. They have a nice open air tent where you can sit and eat.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/portoneida.htm
You have had a fun and memorable day. I bet you are exhausted. Consider ending the day with a campfire at the cottage or with ice cream at Hannah’s in Lake Leelanau or the Harbor House in Leland.
https://www.lelandharborhouse.com/
Day 2:
You are waking up for another beautiful day in Leelanau County!
Head to 9 Bean Rows. Trust me you can’t sleep in. Wake up and bring back some breakfast for your loved ones. These baked goods are more of an art form than just delicious. Sigh…these are amazing! I always make sure to tip because you can just feel the love that went into these pastries.
Head to historic Fishtown (Leland Michigan). It is like stepping back to a different time. You will be enchanted with the tiny town. Take a stroll.
Decide if you would like to spend some time at Van’s Beach. Wouldn’t it be great if life’s biggest decisions were to beach or not to beach!!! Yay for vacation!
https://www.michiganwatertrails.org/location.asp?ait=av&aid=628
If you are at the beach and are hungry maybe some sandwiches on the beach would be good.This is located in the historic village of Fishtown.
https://www.villagecheeseshanty.com/
You haven’t gotten your Michigan gear yet! Head on over to Momentum Leland (or there is one in Glen Arbor). Best priced vacation T’s and sweatshirts around!
https://www.momentumoutfitters.com/
What a perfect day. Now it’s time for some wine stops for Mom and Dad. No need to move the car yet. Head over to Verterra right in downtown Leland.
https://www.verterrawinery.com/
This one is on your way towards Lake Leelanau:
https://www.goodharbor.com/?utm_source=GMBlisting&utm_medium=organic
Head back towards Lake Leelanau. Here are a few wineries right in Lake Leelanau:
https://www.boathousevineyards.com/
https://www.blustonevineyards.com/
If your kids are like ours, they don’t last through many wineries! But it’s time for dinner anyways. Head on over to Nittolo’s for dinner (walkable from house). Make a reservation as the patio is beautiful and summer gets busy. This beautiful dinner will be enjoyed by all. Great seafood and wonderful pizza.
https://www.nittoloseafoodandsocial.com/
Perfect time to catch a sunset and have more ice cream!!!! You had a memorable day exploring and creating memories!
Day 3:
If you are visiting on a long weekend or short trip, your vacation is coming to a close.
Think about the checklist on the counter of the cottage. Start some towels for us. We SO appreciate you! Thank you!
Did you love 9 Bean Rows….go back! Or try Hannah’s cinnamon roll’s. I haven’t forgotten the amazing icing yet!
Or Leelanau Coffee Roasters Breakfast Bistro in Leland.
https://www.leelanaucoffee.com/breakfast-bistro/
Do whatever was left on your Leelanau County Bucket List.
On your way out of town make sure to leave an awesome and much appreciated review on Airbnb!
If you loved your vacation and want to make it an annual visit, reach out. We would love to help you reserve your week or weekend for next year!
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