Quiet retreat

Guest: Elaine (Ann Arbor)
Date of Stay: 06/13/11 Review Submitted: 07/30/11

The simple, nicely appointed house was a lovely place to stay for my family and our young friends. The kitchen had all we needed to do the kind of cooking we love to do, with an awesome grill for the fish tacos and grilled veggies. Really nice to have use of the kayaks, and rubber canoe. We kayaked across the lake on a very misty morning and went up the creek to Upper Herring lake. Really stunning! A couple of sandhill cranes are hanging out at the mouth of the creek near the house, and we enjoyed watching them in the mornings and evenings. Also a terrific place to bring our dog, who enjoyed roaming around the yard. So nice that we could bring him along with us. Beds were very comfortable, and the decks made for wonderful outdoor dining at every meal, unless it was raining. Although it was a little far from Sleeping Bear Dunes which we love, we made good use of the Elberta beach, which is one of our favorites. We went there nearly every day, as there is almost never anyone else there! Had dinner one night at Coho Cafe, an old favorite. Also the bread from Crescent bakery (both in Frankfort) is as good as Zingerman's at home.

Owner response:Sounds like a perfect mix of seeing the sights, enjoying the cuisine, hitting the beach and just hanging out at the property. There is so much to do and see without even getting in your car. Those early morning Kayaking adventures are absolutely exquisite! Thanks Elaine

Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+.

A great place for a family getaway!

Guest: M.A. (Grosse Pointe, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 08/10/10

We were looking for a place large enough for a family of five that accommodated dogs. We got much more than we bargained for with 10 acres of secluded property to explore and wildlife to watch, including two deer who regularly came out to the meadow to graze. The home and garden are immaculately maintained and provide a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. The property also came with detailed instructions on everything from how to get the kayak through the culvert to how to keep rust from the well water from getting on your clothing when doing a laundry. We have three teenage children and the house provided a wonderful escape from cell phones, the Internet, e-mail and video games. The kids enjoyed lots of reading, doing puzzles, and playing cards and Scrabble. The Grants have a nice collection of DVDs so we enjoyed some family movie time. We also enjoyed lots of home-cooked meals thanks to a well-stocked kitchen and a charcoal grill. And that was just indoors! In addition to kayaking and canoeing on Upper Herring Lake, our son fished in the creek (with more optimism than success). A little farther afield we explored a number of public beaches and hiking trails (you don't have to drive far along the Scenic Highway to find plenty of both). We recommend the Empire Bluff Trail and the Arcadia public beach. In the town of Frankfort we checked out the local bookstore, coffee and ice cream cream shops and particularly enjoyed dinner at The Fusion. Other nearby entertainment was a drive-in movie theatre and miniature golf. Not only did our teenage kids have a great time, but our dog enjoyed a very pet-friendly atmosphere as well. I highly recommend this house as a retreat for families with children of all ages!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Wonderful Vacation Home

Guest: Margot & Familly (Redford, MI)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

This retreat is exactly that - a retreat into nature and completely peaceful living, even if for a brief period. The property is beautiful and the home couldn't be more comfortable. When we arrived, everything was clean and fresh. There were many choices in the area for hiking and incredible swimming and daily outings. Our family came back home renewed and refreshed and with an incredible sense of calm. I would highly recommend this beautiful property.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

A great place to stay!

Guest: N & N (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 05/03/10 Review Submitted: 05/12/10

A great house on a beautiful property. We really enjoyed our stay and appreciated the fact that we could bring our dogs (who also enjoyed the stay!). We thought this was the perfect location, on a wooded lot with a creek and a lake view - plus quick access to Frankfort and an easy drive to Traverse City. The owners were helpful and really made us feel welcome at their home. We'd love to visit again!

Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, romantic getaway, tourists without a car.

Guest: Karen & Glen Littlefield (Geneva, IL)
Date of Stay: 08/31/09 Review Submitted: 08/31/09

Perfect spot for 4 retired educators to enjoy first week of school. The home was very clean and the surroundings were beautiful. Having two separate floors gave us additional privacy- we each had our own level. We actually didn't spend too much time in the home because we were enjoying the area. Loved watching the birds. Owners supplied the birdseed. We were also left with specific directions for kayaks ( too cool to use)& tv's (not as much success with these but we really didn't need them.

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Guest: Susan Broze (Sylvania, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 08/20/09 Review Submitted: 08/20/09

We totally enjoyed our week at Upper Herring Lake! The home was very comfortable, clean and welcoming. Upper Herring Lake, while not suitable for motor sports (not our thing, anyway), was awesome for kayaking (our first experience with kayaks). The owners gave such detailed descriptions (including photos) of how to use the kayaks - and other details of the property, we had no questions or problems during our stay. The proximity to Traverse City made it easy to explore wineries and shop on the one cloudy day of our vacation. We also explored nearby Beulah and the Cherry Hut! It was wonderful to be able to have our dogs along - not many property owners would allow them. The beach at Lake Michigan was awesome, we enjoyed many afternoons and sunsets there. This property is not just a cottage, it is a home - we felt so comfortable from the moment we stepped in, as if we were invited guests, not just VRBO renters. We definitely plan on returning! Thanks, Chris and Anabelle!

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Guest: Jen and James (-)
Date of Stay: 08/20/09 Review Submitted: 08/20/09

Two Thumbs Up (and One Tail Wag)! Review Submitted: August 3, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2009 Within minutes of arriving, my husband and I felt right at home--sitting on the deck feeling the lake breeze, we heard wingbeats overhead--it was an eagle heading to the lake (I'm not kidding)! We've rented a lot of cottages in the past, and this one not only met our basic requirements of being clean, comfortable, and quiet, this one was also set in a beautiful spot, close to plenty of amazing things to see and do. And, the owners couldn't have been more accommodating and thoughtful. Our dog even felt welcome and happy- -it was a relaxing and enjoyable week all aroun

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Guest: Mark & Betty (Indianapolis, IN)
Date of Stay: 08/18/09 Review Submitted: 08/18/09

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, this is the spot! The property is tucked away amid trees and meadows with a lovely view of Upper Herring Lake. Bird watching, star gazing and checking out the deer in the far yard at dusk were just a few of the things we enjoyed in this peaceful setting. The home is perfectly configured for guests - one bedroom/full bath up and another bedroom/full bath down with a pull out couch provided optimum privacy for us and our guests. The wraparound deck with Weber Grill and outdoor dining area were also a favorite spot. We found the location convenient to Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and gorgeous Crystal Lake. The Owners' attention to detail was quite evident - we immediately felt at home.

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Two Thumbs Up (and One Tail Wag)!

Guest: J & J & S (Whitmore Lake, MI)
Date of Stay: 07/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/03/09

Within minutes of arriving, my husband and I felt right at home--sitting on the deck feeling the lake breeze, we heard wingbeats overhead--it was an eagle heading to the lake (I'm not kidding)! We've rented a lot of cottages in the past, and this one not only met our basic requirements of being clean, comfortable, and quiet, this one was also set in a beautiful spot, close to plenty of amazing things to see and do. And, the owners couldn't have been more accommodating and thoughtful. Our dog even felt welcome and happy--it was a relaxing and enjoyable week all around.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Guest: nabz (bloomfield)
Date of Stay: 02/04/09 Review Submitted: 02/04/09

My perspective on life changed after I spent a weekend here at this incredible place! It is so peaceful and relaxing. I feel compelled to come back again soon. The Frankfort area is also so great, you will really enjoy it.

Owner response:Thanks Nabz! Love to have you again!

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