Community Concert Planned for Thursday Night in Glen Arbor to Raise Funds for Storm Clean-Up Efforts

A Note to Glen Arbor Area Neighbors

Our community has gone through as difficult a time as any of us can imagine after Sunday’s storm that blew through the region. Rather than dwell on that it seemed to us that we needed to join together in some sort of community-wide pick-me-up.

By chance, BLACKTHORN, a wonderful band that plays Celtic music, was scheduled to play at the top of Bay Mountain Thursday night, August 6 at The Homestead. When we were without power, we thought we’d do a ticketed acoustic concert and invite emergency providers to be our guests. When we learned power was restored, we said: “Let’s do more.”

Let’s extend special invitations to the emergency providers and others who have taken the lead on safety and restoration to our community. Let’s include the sheriff’s department, fire departments, EMS providers, and the NPS rangers and the crews from Consumers Energy, the road commission and MDOT. Let’s invite everyone in the community so we can collectively recognize and thank those who have done such wonderful jobs.

Let’s not sell tickets. Rather let’s ask (and, without shame, ask again and again) for a free-will offering and donate 100% of proceeds to help families who are unable to replace or rebuild what was damaged by the storm.

Please join us on Thursday, August 6th as we celebrate all about our community that has been and will again be wonderful. Transportation will start at 6:00pm and the concert will run from 7-9:00pm.

Thank you.

The Homestead

P.S. We know we will not have enough parking or seating. We would, therefore, appreciate your making an extra effort to car pool with friends and neighbors and your bringing a blanket.

If you would like to volunteer to take donations and find needy families call our Group Sales Team at 231-334.5300.

FOR MEDIA INTERVIEWS PLEASE CONTACT BOB KURAS: rkuras@thehomesteadresort.com | 231-620-8200

The Homestead Recognized by Frommer's as Pure Michigan's Top Wedding Destination

The Homestead was recently named as the #1 spot in Pure Michigan for a wedding, according to the internationally-recognized travel media outlet Frommer’s. The ranking, “Where to Get Married: The Best Weddings in All 50 States,” highlighted just one venue in each state.

“We've put together our dream list of wedding locales,” says writers Margaret Daly and Pauline Frommer. “Some are gorgeous, some are offbeat and some simply feel like the right spot for an unforgettable union.”

America's "Freshwater Resort," The Homestead in Glen Arbor is an all-American, destination-wedding venue on the shores of Lake Michigan. Before it was a resort, The Homestead was a camp for wholesome outdoor experiences founded by a young St. Louis couple convinced that they had found the most beautiful beach of the Great Lakes. Because of its stewardship programs, a wedding at The Homestead can still be a wholesome experience—supporting this resort means supporting environmental and community programs of the region.

Others on the list include Napa Valley, The Grand Canyon, Aspen, Maui and the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, North Carolina.

Frommer's, a travel guidebook series founded by Arthur Frommer in 1957, has expanded to include more than 350 guidebooks across 14 series. Other media, including the website Frommers.com, reaffirms Frommer's as the most trusted name in travel today.

About The Homestead
The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers a luxurious spa and salon throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMi.

Award-Winning Michigan Authors M. Christine Byron & Thomas Wilson Release Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes

Since the early 1900s, tourism organizations and destinations have been promoting the scenic 116-mile, three-county M-22 highway for its year-round natural resources, quaint coastal towns and unparalleled vistas. The latest title from award-winning Michigan authors M. Christine Byron and Thomas Wilson, published by Vintage Views Press, is an impressive collection of the advertisements, brochures, postcards, maps and travel memorabilia used to market this treasured trail—many items of which are from the couple’s extensive personal collection.

The 248 page, hardcover coffee table book, Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes, will be publicly released on Wednesday, June 17. A presentation will begin at 7pm at the Grand Rapids Public Library main downtown branch. A Northern Michigan Book Launch is planned on Sunday, June 21 (1-3pm) at the Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor.

Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes follows a trail of vacationers and travelers along one of Michigan’s most scenic roads as it winds through northern Manistee County, along the western side of Benzie County and outlines the Leelanau Peninsula.

Vintage postcards, photographs, maps and advertisements illustrate a time when M-22 first beckoned motorists to come north to the land of beautiful beaches and sand dunes, lakes and rivers, forests and woodlands, farms and orchards. Featured are quaint towns and villages, old hotels and resorts, and attractions along the road.

Through the pages of Vintage Views Along Scenic M22, you’ll stop at lighthouses and lifesaving stations, take a trip in a dunesmobile, fish for Mackinaw trout and shop for souvenirs. You’ll also visit state parks and learn how Sleeping Bear Dunes became a National Lakeshore in the 1970s.

Christine and Tom share a love of Michigan and a fascination with its history, especially the development and growth of Michigan tourism. Their collection of antique postcards and tourist and travel ephemera has inspired a total of five books: Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes (2015); Vintage Views Along the West Michigan Pike (2011); Vintage Views of the Mackinac Straits Region (2007); Vintage Views of the Charlevoix – Petoskey Region (2005); and Vintage Views of Leelanau County (2002).

Three of these titles have won Michigan Notable Book awards from the Library of Michigan; the West Michigan Pike also won a 2012 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.

Christine and Tom are active in many heritage and travel related causes and initiatives, including consulting and contributing artifacts for exhibits with the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing; contributing to the History Detectives program at the Grand Rapids Public Library; and this summer’s historical recognition of Pulitzer Prize winning author Carl Sandburg, who vacationed in the southwest Michigan community of Harbert, in an area known as Harbor Country.

Tom also operates Vintage Views Prints, which specializes in Michigan and Great Lakes travel prints adapted from travel guides, maps and brochures, dating from the 1800s to the 1960s.

Christine retired from her position as the Local Historical Collections librarian for the Grand Rapids Public Library in 2012; Tom is retired from Sears Roebuck and Company and serves on the board of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission. Christine and Tom are members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, Historical Society of Michigan, Leelanau Historical Society, West Michigan Postcard Club and Society for Commercial Archaeology.

The couple lives in a 1912 Arts & Crafts bungalow in East Grand Rapids and they love spending as much time as possible touring Michigan’s scenic roads or vacationing at their cottage on Glen Lake on the Leelanau Peninsula. They are regular contributors to Michigan BLUE Magazine, penning a column called “Vintage Views” which highlights historic travel destinations around the Great Lakes State.


Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes
ISBN: 978-0-9962173-0-9 Michigan History ($40).


UPCOMING EVENTS
Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes

Wednesday, June 17 (7pm)
Book Launch – Grand Rapids Public Library (Main Downtown Branch)

Sunday, June 21 (1-3pm)
Northern Michigan Book Launch – Cottage Book Shop, Glen Arbor

Thursday, July 2 (1-4pm)
Leelanau Books, Leland

Thursday, July 16 (TBA)
Northport Historical Society

Saturday, July 18 (11am-1pm)
Leelanau Historical Museum, Leland

Thursday, July 30 (TBA)
Lansing Historical Society @ East Lansing Public Library

Friday, July 24 (2-4pm)
Happy Owl Bookshop, Manistee

Saturday, July 25 (1-3)
Black River Books, South Haven

Friday, July 31 (4-6pm)
Horizon Books, Traverse City

Sunday, August 2 (TBA)
Old Settlers Picnic Area, Burdickville

Saturday, August 8 (10am-4pm)
Port Oneida Days, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Leelanau Peninsula)

Friday, August 21 (7pm)
Empire Area Heritage Group, Empire Town Hall

Thursday, Sept. 10 (4pm)
Benzie Area Historical Society @ The Mills Community House, Benzonia

**To book a program in your community, please contact Dianna Stampfler, publicist, at Dianna@PromoteMichigan.com.

The Homestead Welcomes Rick Rhynard – Senior Manager of Property Management

Rich Rhynard has been hired as The Homestead’s Senior Manager of Property Management, a result of the reorganization of the resort’s management structure designed to place ever-increasing emphasis on service quality and guest satisfaction. Rick previously served as a Senior Manager at the resort, from 2008 to 2011.

“I am really looking forward to this new role at The Homestead. It feels great to be ‘back home’ again here,” says Rick. “The challenge and excitement of learning a new part of the property, working with a great team, and getting to serve and know our owners and guest here are just several of the reasons that brought me back. I hope to continually improve the enjoyment of our owners and guest as they enjoy their time here at The Homestead.”

As Senior Manager of Property Management, Rick will be responsible for grounds, utilities, snowmaking/lifts and mechanics. We also provide some property management services to some of the associations on property and really hope under his direction that we can expand that segment of our business.

“We are very fortunate to have Rick return to The Homestead and oversee our Property Management operation,” says Adriene Kokowicz, Vice President of Resort Operations. “His experience is valuable as we continue to grow this segment of our business with an objective of providing top quality service and facilities to our guests and owners.”

After leaving The Homestead in 2011, Rick went on to serve as a Sales Manager at The Hilton Downtown in Fort Wayne, IN and also worked in pharmaceutical and medical sales. He has been a Board Member and Secretary for The Inn Association, is a member of the Fort Wayne Rotary Club and Ritz Carlton Customer Service Training. Rick earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Huntington University in Indiana.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

The Homestead Announces Administrative Reorganization; James Kuras Named VP

The Homestead is pleased to announce the appointment of James Kuras to the position of Vice President with responsibility for food and beverage, outdoor recreation, and health and wellness offerings. Kuras, who has been working at the resort since he was fourteen, holds a BA from the University of Notre Dame, where he is currently pursuing an executive MBA.

His promotion is a part of a reorganization of the resort’s management structure that is designed to place ever-increasing emphasis on service quality and guest satisfaction. “As any parent would be my wife and I are pleased to see our son advance. His youthful energy and relentless focus on service will nicely complement the decades of experience our other officers have” said the President of the resort, Bob Kuras.

“James has proven himself in nearly fifteen years of work in different parts of our business,” said Jamie Jewell, Vice President of Sales, “everyone here is delighted that he will carry forward the values that have driven our business – family and nature – long into the future.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

Frankfort Beer Week Launches in Benzie County

The new Frankfort Beer Week will be held in Frankfort Michigan from October 6-11, celebrating all that is great about Michigan Craft Beer and the excellent “foodie” scene evolving in the quaint harbor town on Lake Michigan.

Over a dozen establishments are participating in the inaugural event, bringing a variety of signature menu items made specifically for the week, combined with beer dinners, tastings, baked goods and other specialties incorporating Michigan Craft Beer as an ingredient.

On Monday, October 6, Stormcloud Brewing Company will kick off the week by tapping their annual Harvest Tripel — a Belgian-Style Tripel made with freshly-picked Glacier hops from Empire Hops Farm. They’ll cap off the week on Saturday, October 11 with a hybrid Belgian/German Oktoberfest batch, brewed specifically for the occasion.

On Tuesday, October 7, New Holland Brewing Company will hold a beer dinner at Coho Café. Then, on Thursday, October 9, the historic Garden Theater will screen “The Michigan Beer Film” — a feature-length documentary centered on the exploding craft beer industry in Michigan,

In addition to area restaurants turning up their creative culinary skills, the renowned Paul Starr from "I’m a Beer Hound" will be in Frankfort to provide three nights of educational beer tastings paired with Michigan-made Mindo Chocolate, Hilltop Ice Cream made in Benzonia and locally-smoked bacon.

A homebrew competition featuring fall-inspired beer is also slated for the week, with the winner of the contest invited to bring their skills to Stormcloud to brew their beer to be put on tap in the pub for all to enjoy.

The Frankfort Bookstore is also getting in the game, featuring beer books and oddities.

Those looking to spend the night in Frankfort can take advantage of the Frankfort Beer Week package at Harbor Lights Resort, where guests will receive a welcome amenity upon arrival geared just for the occasion which includes a growler fill at Stormcloud.

Frankfort Beer Week bridges two weekends of Fall Festival Activities in Benzie County. It's the perfect time to be in Frankfort.

Information for the weeklong event including all the participating organizations can be found at www.frankfortbeerweek.com and on Facebook.

M22 / Sleeping Bear Dunes Foodie Tour Featured on Award-Winning Michigan.org

You’re invited to “Savor the Flavors” along the M22 and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as part of a new 3-county “Foodie Tour” featured on Michigan.org – the award-winning website of Travel Michigan and its Pure Michigan brand. The self-guided route was crafted by Promote Michigan, with assistance from the Visitor Bureaus in Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau counties.

These three counties have been actively promoting the M22 corridor for several years, as a prime four-season touring route. This new foodie trail features 11 of the area’s top agricultural and culinary destinations, based on guidelines established by the Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Travel Michigan. The properties on the M22-Sleeping Bear Dunes Foodie Tour include:

• Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar, Manistee
• Douglas Valley Organic Vineyards, Manistee
• Pierport Farms, Onekama
• Elberta Farmers Market, Elberta
• Coho, Frankfort
• Stormcloud Brewing, Frankfort
• Hill Top Soda Shoppe, Benzonia
• Nonna’s Ristorante at The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor
• Carlson’s Fishery, Leland
• Martha’s Leelanau Table, Suttons Bay
• Leelanau Cheese, Suttons Bay

Known for rolling through lush countrysides and along freshwater shorelines, the M22-Sleeping Bear Dunes area also boasts more than 30 restaurants and charter boat operators that participate in the award-winning “Catch & Cook” program – where a day of fishing turns into a gourmet meal featuring your own fresh catch.

Countless other agricultural and culinary destinations can be found throughout the region, including farm markets, wineries, cideries, meaderies, distilleries, farm-to-table eateries and lodging properties offering unique packages and activities.

To learn more about the M22 area, visit M22ColorTour.com. The site also includes links to the individual county pages.

Gardening From Monticello to Leelanau County - The Homestead Welcomes Acclaimed Author & Historic Landscape Authority Peter J. Hatch

Celebrated professional gardener, author and historic landscape authority Peter J. Hatch will visit Leelanau County, October 1-3, for a series of public lectures and programs.

Hatch served as Director of Gardens and Grounds at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello for 35 years and has published four books on Monticello’s botanic legacy including A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary Garden at Monticello. He lectures extensively on Jefferson and the history of garden plants, and currently consults on public garden projects and private estate landscapes.

Sponsored by The Homestead in Glen Arbor, Hatch’s visit includes lectures, a walking tour, cooking demonstration with Chef John Piombo, and a special guided tour of Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove apple farm in Northport.

The three-day event kicks off on Wednesday, October 1 at 7pm with an introductory lecture, reception, and book signing. “Thomas Jefferson, Gardener” will provide an introduction to the themes that defined Jefferson’s horticulture, the process by which the gardens at Monticello were restored, and the character of the fruits, flowers and vegetable grown by him. Admission is $25 and includes refreshments; a book signing will follow.

On Thursday, October 2, from 9am–1pm, Hatch will explore the legacy of Jefferson’s gardening in a morning lecture that includes lunch. “Monticello’s Revolutionary Garden: an Ellis Island of Fruits and Vegetables” will highlight the 1,000-foot-long garden laboratory that inspired a new American cuisine and provided an enduring legacy for the farm to table movement today. A book signing will follow. The $35 admission includes lunch and an opportunity to walk along the Crystal River with Hatch, concluding at 2:15pm. The morning lecture is $20 for advance registration ($25 the day of).

The afternoon will continue with a cooking demonstration with The Homestead’s Chef John Piombo, featuring apple recipes that celebrate the fall season, accompanied with cider tasting. The demonstration will include recipes featured in the 2014 Manitou Magazine. Advance registration is required, with a fee of $50 per person.

The program concludes Friday morning with a trip with Hatch to Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove Farm in Northport. This special opportunity features an apple tasting and presentation by owner John Kilcherman who has made it his life’s work to cultivate antique varieties of apple trees that date to the early 1600s, from England, Europe and Colonial America. The morning begins at 8:30am at The Homestead with a continental breakfast. Transportation to the farm is provided, returning at 12:30pm. Advance registration is $25 per person ($30 on the day of the event).

Peter Hatch’s visit is supported by the Glen Lake Garden Club. Advance registration for each of the events are strongly encouraged and required for the cooking demonstration. Lodging packages including all lectures and events, accommodations and some meals starting at $116 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

For more information, to book a lodging package or to purchase tickets for individual lectures and events, call 231.334.5100 or click here for more information.

Recent planting of 1,000 native trees part of Manitou Passage Golf Club's “wild renewal” initiative on the Leelanau Peninsula

As a designated wilderness area, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is hardly lacking when it comes to deep forest scenery. So what’s behind the recent planting of 1,000 semi-mature trees at the Manitou Passage Golf Club—the only 18-hole course located within a long iron or two of the Most Beautiful Place in America?

“You could say not all trees are created equal,” says Jamie Jewell, Marketing & Public Relations for Manitou Passage Golf Club. According to Jewell, invasive plant species had basically taken over the course purchased by a group of Leelanau County investors and reopened as Manitou Passage Golf Club in 2009. “Trying to return a native edge to the landscape has been the club’s mission ever since.”

Big Trees, Big Goal
The semi-mature trees — purchased from Komrska Tree Farm, in Interlochen— represent a diverse cross-section of northern hardwoods: cedar, maple, Norway spruce, birch, white pine and more. Ranging in size anywhere from 11- to 16-feet (depending on the species), the new trees will provide immediate shade, nesting habitat and cover for songbirds and wildlife as well as adding to the scenic enjoyment of clubhouse guests and golfers playing the exclusive Arnold Palmer course.

Komrska Tree Farm also provided a four-man labor team and the heavy machinery necessary for the planting, which owner Ben Komrska says will take about two weeks.

“This is a big job that requires a lot of specialized equipment. The smallest tree we’ve planted weights 400 pounds; the largest weighs in upwards of 2,500 pounds.”

Natural By Design
The coastal views, sprawling forests and farmland of the Sleeping Bear Dunes make it the scenic jewel of Leelanau County. But balancing modern development and creating a more enjoyable experience for golfers all while trying to preserve the integrity of the surrounding landscape is a job that requires a tremendous amount of foresight and planning.

The scope of the current project taking place along the fairway of the 18th hole required the expertise of Jerry Pearson of the California-based Peridian International, a landscape architecture and design firm. A Midwest native who has worked on various projects for The Homestead for over 30 years, Pearson understands that guests of the club come not only come for the challenging level of play at MPGC but also for the beautifully wild experience that makes this region one of the most scenic places in America.

“Protecting the relationship of the course to the natural environment was the first priority,” says Pearson. “But we managed to go beyond that by using native trees that have wonderful bark and leaf textures along with contrasting color—especially in the fall.”

Once the tree planting along the 18th hole is complete, Manitou Passage Golf Club is already eyeing plans for the next phase of its wild renewal plans, says Jamie Jewell.

“Our next goal is to improve the landscape surrounding holes 4 and 5 over the coming months and years,” she says. “We are hopeful that those areas can be further restored to a more natural landscape over the coming months. The club invites anyone interested in seeing the photos and progress updates of this and other projects to check MPGC’s Facebook page.”

Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau Announces “Manitou Moments” Photography Contest

The Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau is proud to announce the “Manitou Moments,” a photography contest designed to encourage visitors to the Sleeping Bear Dunes to share their unique visions of what makes this area so special. The contest follows the launch of a substantially redesigned website, intended to encourage tourism by providing easy access to information about the recreation, dining, and lodging options around the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Users of the site will find in-depth information about the historical and natural resources in the region, as well as detailed databases of lodging, shopping, and dining establishments in the bucolic small towns around the dunes.

Beginning immediately, the Visitor’s Bureau will accept submissions to “Manitou Moments,” a seasonal photography contest that aims to investigate the theme of “New Beginnings.” The winning photographs will respond to the theme by sharing photos of their travels to the area that document the spirit of spring and the new awakenings that it provides - Whether pictures of the natural landscape, of new family traditions, or of new friendships, the photographs should focus on the fresh starts provided by spending time in a stunning natural landscape.

Photos can be submitted to the Visitors Bureau’s Facebook page and click on the Manitou Moments tab. The contest will open immediately and will accept entrants until the 1st of September. Prizes will be awarded at the end of September. This will be the first of a series of four annual seasonal contests designed to highlight conducted annually to promote travel to the region. Each season’s contest will begin immediately following the closing of the previous season’s contest. Entrants are encouraged to submit a caption to explain their photograph and how it reflects the contest’s theme. Ten finalists will be determined by a jury of Visitors Bureau staff and the final prizes will be awarded based on the number of “likes” each photo receives on Facebook. For more information please visit, http://www.sleepingbeardunes.com/contest-rules/.

Manitou Moments Photography Competition

This is your Manitou. The place that you come to escape, the place where you rediscover the joys of spending time with the people you love, and who love you. The place where you remember how important it is to spend time in the great outdoors, and where you allow yourself to be indulged with fine food, world-class shopping, or a great massage.

This is your Manitou, but we’re asking you to share it with us. The first seasonal “Manitou Moments” photography competition is looking for your photographs of the landscape, amenities, and people who make the Sleeping Bear Dunes special to you. More specifically, we’re looking for photographs that capture the theme of “New Beginnings.” Send us pictures of the date that made you fall in love with your partner; of children discovering the joys of the dunes; of new friends; or of the landscape coming back to life after a hard winter.

Submissions for each seasonal contest will begin immediately following the close of the previous contest. Entrants are encouraged to submit a caption to explain their photograph and how it reflects the contest’s theme. Ten finalists will be determined by a jury of Visitors Bureau staff and the final prizes will be awarded based on the number of “likes” each photo receives on Facebook.

Schedule for Seasonal Contests
Spring: April 1 to June 15
Summer: June 15 to September 1
Fall: September 2 to November 30
Winter: December 1 to March 30

At the conclusion of each seasonal contest, 10 finalists will be selected by a jury. The winner will be the finalist with the most public votes on Facebook and will receive $100 gift card. The finalists will be featured on the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau website and the winner featured in the bureau’s annual publication Manitou, the Magazine of Leelanau.

For more information about the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau or Manitou Moments Photography Contest, contact Jamie Jewell, Public Relations 231.334.5524 | jamie@thehomesteadresort.com.

Art, Wine & Delectables Warm the Leelanau Peninsula Night at The Homestead Resort

The Glen Arbor Art Association, The Homestead resort and the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail will again team up to offer Art From Michigan’s Wine Country on Friday, February 7, 6-8 pm at The Homestead’s Mountain Flowers Lodge. Now in its sixth year, this fun winter event kicks off Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trails’ Taste the Passion weekend. The Friday night GAAA benefit features wine from Leelanau wineries, original art exhibit and sale by local artists and a small plates menu designed by Chef Piombo.

Ticket price is $20 per person with advance reservation. Entrance fee includes one glass of wine, food stations with delectable small plates, and coffee. Additional wine is available for $4/glass or three glasses for $10. Call The Homestead, 334-5100, by February 5 to make an advanced reservation with will call ticket pick up at Mountain Flowers. At the door price is $25 per person the night of the event.

The invitational art exhibit and sale offers recent original works by Jane Batteiger, Jane Ditri, Mary Fuscaldo, Michelle Jahraus, Harriett Mittelberger, Joan Richmond, and Rodger Skinner. The artists will be on hand to discuss their work.

A portion of each ticket and painting purchase supports the Glen Arbor Art Association class scholarships, after school art, and a summer art program for migrant children. These programs provide arts opportunities for many families who would not otherwise have them.

For more information go to: www.glenarborart.org, www.thehomesteadresort.com or www.lpwines.com. Or call the GAAA office at 231-334-6112.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

Randy & Doreen Fosgard Celebrate 1 Year Anniversary at Lake Ann’s Sleeping Bear Resort

For more than 25 years, Randy and Doreen Fosgard made the trek from their home in St. Clair, Michigan to vacation near the Sleeping Bear Dunes area of Northwest Michigan. Drawn to the outdoors and everything the Traverse City and Leelanau Peninsula region had to offer, they explored the lakeshore, natural sites and cultural attractions with their children – Dane and Julianne.

When an opportunity to relocate to Lake Ann came about in May, 2012 they couldn’t resist. That summer, they managed the Sleeping Bear Resort – spread out on 450 feet of frontage on the 40-acre Herendeene Lake. Just six months later (December 27, 2012), they purchased the resort and have just celebrated their first year as owners of the property.

“With Dane at Lake Superior State University and Julianne at Grand Valley State University, we decided it was time to pursue a dream,” says Randy.

Founded in 1971 as the Herendeene Lake Resort, the property was owned by the Mark Gabrick family from 1999 until 2012 – becoming the Sleeping Bear Resort in 2007. With its six cabins, five bedroom log home and six bedroom remodeled farm home, the resort can accommodate as many as 60 guests at any given time. Located 15 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Traverse City, the year-round property offers countless on-site and nearby activities.

“We often take rides into the Leelanau Peninsula and visit the wineries and the little villages of Empire, Glen Arbor, Lake Leelanau, Leland, Northport and Suttons Bay,” Randy says. “The people in Northwest Michigan are so friendly and they all seem to have a smile on their face – that’s part of what attracted us to the area and makes us feel at home here.”

SLEEPING BEAR RESORT
7670 Reynolds Road — Lake Ann, Michigan
(231) 642-7000
rentals@sleepingbearresort.com
www.facebook.com/SleepingBearResort

Winter Exploration Awaits at Sleeping Bear Resort

No matter the season or the reason, Sleeping Bear Resort in Lake Ann welcomes visitors to explore the natural wonders that exist around Herendeene Lake. The Resort consists of six cabins a five bedroom log home and a six bedroom remodeled farm home. Sleeping Bear Resort can accommodate as many as 60 guests for a weekend, or longer. The resort is located 15 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and 15 miles from Traverse City.

RESORT FACILITIES

The Lodge (five bedrooms and two bathrooms, accommodating 12 individuals) and The Bear’s Den (six bedrooms and three bathrooms, accommodating 18 individuals) each offer entertainment rooms with a ping pong table, foosball table, pool table and large flat screen TV for hours of family fun. The six individual one- and two-bedroom cabins each sleep five.

Every unit at Sleeping Bear Resort includes a fully-equipped kitchen, with stove, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as cooking utensils. Linens and towels are also provided. The entire resort offers wireless internet access, grills and a central fire pit, for warming up after a day of playing.

NEARBY ACTIVITIES

With its 450 feet of lake frontage on the 40-acre Herendeene Lake, Sleeping Bear Resort is more than a summer vacation destination. In the winter months, the iced-over lake welcomes fisherman to drop a line in search of panfish and largemouth bass.

Countless opportunities exist for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing just miles from the resort. Guided snowshoe hikes with a National Park ranger are offered on Saturdays and during winter holidays, starting at 1pm at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire. Self-guided snowshoeing is also permitted on all snow-covered dunes, fields and forests in the Lakeshore. A popular trek is the Empire Bluffs trail, which offers exceptional views of Lake Michigan, the towering snow-covered dunes and the Manitou Islands in the distance.

The resort is located within 20 miles of six different cross country ski trail networks with miles and miles of trail offerings. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is groomed for cross country skiing, with access at the Dune Climb, Glen Haven village and on Forest Haven Road in Glen Arbor. The famed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive also welcomes Nordic skiers. Countless other non groomed trails can be found throughout Benzie and Leelanau counties.

Downhill skiers and snowboarders can head 21 miles south to Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville for access to 45 slopes. Hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing in the Michigan Legacy Park or cross country skiing along 40km of groomed trails is also available. A full-service spa is also available, allowing for a bit of pampering after a day out in the snow.

To the north, skiers will find The Homestead – America’s Freshwater Resort, located in Glen Arbor. Two surface lifts, three chair lifts, 15 unique runs and a terrain park are set overlooking the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and an intimate spa facility are also offered.

Discounted skiing vouchers to both Crystal Mountain and The Homestead are available to Sleeping Bear Resort guests.

Those seeking speed can access more than 135 miles of Benzie County’s groomed snowmobile trails, accessible from Sleeping Bear Resort. Staging areas can be found at the Platte River Association Hall, east of Honor; in the village of Thompsonville; and at the downtown Beulah Trailhead & Visitors Center. A trail map for the area – including Leelanau County – can be found here. Please note, snowmobiling is not permitted on the lands or waters of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Additional activities, such as wine tastings, local restaurants, cultural venues and shopping, can be found on the Sleeping Bear Resort website.

SLEEPING BEAR RESORT
7670 Reynolds Road — Lake Ann, Michigan
(231) 642-7000
rentals@sleepingbearresort.com

www.SleepingBearResort.com
www.facebook.com/SleepingBearResort

The Homestead Celebrates 30 Years of Great Northern Michigan Skiing with Special Events, Concerts & Nordic-Inspired Festivals

Hard to imagine there’s another Michigan winter right around the corner. Yet, The Homestead is already preparing for a season-long celebration marking three decades of ski and snowboarding fun.

“Our thirtieth ski season is a special milestone,” says The Resort’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Jamie Jewell. “There have been many changes to the ski area at The Homestead since it opened in 1983. It’s really amazing when you look back at how modestly it all started.”

1983 — The Homestead’s ski area opened with two three-person chair lifts, one two-person chairlift and a rope (pony) tow and state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment. Lifts were carefully installed below the tree line and closer to the ground than lifts at other ski areas for the purpose of providing a secure, safe feeling for new skiers and children learning to ski.

1985 — The Homestead became the first resort in the Midwest to limit ticket sales to prevent overcrowding.

1989 — The Homestead launched its $5 ski club program, a unique season pass for locals who paid just $5 for a pass and an additional $5 every time they came to ski.

1993 — The Homestead added three downhill race courses and broke ground on development of chalet style homes and rental properties for vacationing families and couples.

1996 — A Par 3, 9-hole golf courses was added, built in part on the downhill ski slopes.

2000 — The Magic Carpet© and was installed, along with a new “Lifetime Skills Learning Center: Ski School” and Gnomes lift-ticket and rental building.

2002 — Glade Run and terrain park were added.

2008 — Expanded multi-seasonal use of the ski area by adding wedding ceremony and reception patios overlooking Glen Lake valley and Sleeping Bear Bay.

2012 — The Homestead’s Snowsports School was remodeled

The Homestead has always been a favorite winter retreat for young couples and families with children, according to Jewell. Striving to improve service for this core group of winter guests has inspired every change to the ski area over the last 30 years.

“Children who learned to ski at The Homestead thirty years ago are now parents themselves,” she says. “There are hundreds of families that grew up skiing here. And in a way, The Resort has grown up with them. Yet some things have never changed. Namely our dedication to providing a top-notch experience, which includes limited lift ticket sales so the slopes are never crowded and the best lift ticket, rental, lesson and ski packages in Northern Michigan.”

The schedule of events celebrating 30 years of skiing at The Homestead’s is already shaping up to include many events, parties and special deals, says Jewell. Already on the docket are:

* A New Year’s Eve dinner and dance party — including a cocktail reception, three-course “surf and turf” dinner, champagne toast at midnight and dancing with special musical act The Corvairs — at Mountain Flowers Lodge.

* The Homestead’s 30th Anniversary sweepstakes offering $10,000 in prizes throughout the winter season.

* Ski demo days where representatives from major ski manufacturers will be at The Homestead allowing guests to try out new, state-of-the-art equipment.

* Special food events at the newly designed open-air at Beppi’s, which features outdoor seating, two outdoor gas fireplaces and outdoor heaters.

* Family magic show & dinner in early January featuring Magic Stu (aka Stuart MacDonald) World Class Magician who is in the Hall of Fame of Magic

* Live entertainment throughout the season at Beppi’s with regularly scheduled musicians including Chris Skellenger, New Third Coast, Accidentals, Blake Elliott, Drive South and E-Minor.

As part of its 30th Anniversary sweepstakes, The Homestead is currently running a photo contest on Facebook. Past guests who share their old ski vacation photos from The Resort get a chance to win some great prizes every month throughout the winter season. For more information on this and more 30th Anniversary events and festivals currently in the works, check out The Homestead’s website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Pure Michigan Nature & History Lovers Will Fall for Camp Tosebo’s Autumn Allure

Nestled amidst more than 50 colorful acres of protected forests along the southern shore of Portage Lake, between Manistee and Onekama, sets a picturesque camp that has been welcoming visitors for generations. Founded in 1912 as a private camp for boys, Camp Tosebo is one of the most historic and treasured vacation retreats in Northern Michigan. Located just off the famed M22 scenic highway, this four-season destination provides the ideal setting to soak up the explosion of fall colors.

Within just a short drive of Camp Tosebo, visitors will find dozens of natural and historic sites waiting to be explored, camera in hand. A nearly 100-mile route, originally created by the West Michigan Tourist Association (www.wmta.org), takes travelers along the winding backroads of M22, M115 and M55 through the nearby towns of Onekama, Pierport, Arcadia, Thompsonville, Kaleva, Brethren and Manistee.

Among the sites one can expect to find nearby are the Lake Bluff Audubon Center & Bird Sanctuary, the North Country Scenic Trail, Arcadia Overlook, Gwen Frostic Studios, the Bottle House Museum and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – recently named “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by viewers of Good Morning America.

Listed with both the Michigan and National Register of Historic Places, Camp Tosebo boasts three lodging buildings which can collectively accommodate 38 guests.

Originally built as a dance pavilion, the 1893 Victorian-era Clubhouse with its covered porch easily accommodates 17 guests, with nine bedrooms and 7½ bathrooms (five with antique claw-foot tubs). There’s plenty of space to spread out through the fully-equipped chef’s kitchen, dining hall, game room, library and large living room with a stone fireplace.

The rustic Trunk House – which once was a storage facility for the campers’ luggage – is a large, one-room studio with vaulted ceilings, living and dining areas, kitchenette, queen bed and twin bed, and a bathroom with a claw foot tub and shower.

Built in 1910, the Welcome House is a two-story cottage that comfortably sleeps 10-12 people with a main floor master bedroom and bath, two bedrooms with a bath upstairs and a couch that converts to a bed in the living room. Ideal as a vacation rental for a family, this charming cottage is equipped with a fully-stocked kitchen, living room with a brick fireplace, dining room and more.

Situated in the heart of the Manistee National Forest, Camp Tosebo is the ideal setting for a quiet autumn escape, where time is spent walking the trails, paddling the lake, catching up on a good book and relaxing in front of the fireplace. Whether planning a romantic weekend, a family reunion or group gathering, the outdoor splendor and indoor relaxation of Camp Tosebo cannot be compared. Find out for yourself!

Something Exciting is Rolling in on the Lake Michigan Shore: Stormcloud Brewing to Open June 21 in Frankfort

A long-time dream is coming true in northwest Michigan, with the opening of Stormcloud Brewing Company in downtown Frankfort. Owners Rick Schmitt and Brian Confer (who is also the head brewer) open their 3100-square-foot microbrewery on Friday, June 21.

Confer, a homebrewer for more than 10 years, is focusing his talents on Belgian-inspired ales – something that no other brewer in the region is doing. These well-balanced beers are brewed with specific attention to the yeast profiles – which Confer says gives each beer its personality, particularly at the finish (while hops and malt lend the flavors).

The name Stormcloud reflects the motion of the creative process of brewing, as well as the moods of the Northern Michigan skies. A focal point of the taproom is a giant image of storm clouds rolling in over the lake, taken by Confer himself – a noted photographer and owner of studio b photography. This part of the building dates back to the 1940s and was originally the 7-Spot restaurant and bar and was later a TV shop in the 1970s.

In addition to the unique light fixtures, the taproom features intricate yet vintage-looking ceiling fans which are operated by a single motor and pulley system. The bar and table tops boasts repurposed wood from the nearby Beulah bowling alley lanes and the 16 tap handles were crafted out of old cutting boards.

The brewing facility occupies a 2000-square-foot, two-story addition which features ground-to-ceiling windows on the south side, providing full viewing for guests to observe the gleaming tanks and the beer making process.

Outside, a 1200-square-foot covered beer garden provides seating for 50, weather permitting. A large green-space to the west of the building is expected to be planted with hop bines and an herb garden at some point in the future. To the west of the brewery lies a valuable promotional partner, the historic Garden Theater (of which Schmitt, the former Vice President of Marketing & Sales for the nearby Crystal Mountain Resort, is also co-owner).

More than a dozen people will be employed at Stormcloud, including three in the brewing operations. Chef John Snyder is managing the kitchen operations, with a pub menu focused on foods that pair well with the beer offerings – including a dedicated pizza with ingredients from Echo Bend Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) establishment located just 10 minutes from the brewery. A copy of the menu is available upon request.

Stormcloud Brewing is located at 303 Main St., Frankfort – just two blocks from Lake Michigan.

www.StormcloudBrewing.com
www.facebook.com/StormcloudBrewing
@StormcloudBrew

The Homestead Recognizes Merranda Hutchens & Logan Sanders as 2012 “Associates of the Year”

The Homestead – America’s Freshwater Resort – has announced two (2) winners of its esteemed 2012 “Associate of the Year” Award – including Logan Sanders, Reservation Manager and Merranda Hutchens – Laundry Manager.

Logan has worked at The Homestead since June, 2011. Born and raised in Midland, he graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (majoring in Resort Management and minoring in Recreation & Leisure Management). In his spare time, Logan enjoys fishing, snowboarding, golfing, hiking and camping.

Merranda has worked at The Homestead since December, 2010. A native of New Lothrop (near Flint), she fell in love with the Leelanau area and moved to Maple City three years ago. The mother of three children (boys ages 5 and 13 and a girl, aged 12), she spends her free time hiking local trails and hitting the beaches with her kids.

In addition to the acclaim that the title “Associate of the Year” holds, Logan and Merranda each received a trip to any vacation destination of their choice within the United States, including airline tickets for two and $500 in spending money.

“We’ve been awarding the associate of the year for almost 20 years and this is the first time there has been an actual tie and has been awarded to two associates,” says Jamie Jewell, Vice President Sales & Marketing. ”All of us are proud of the outstanding work, commitment and dedication shown by these to associates. They are great examples for us all.”

With approximately 200 summer and 75 winter employees, The Homestead is one of the region’s largest single employers. The team is lead by members of a core group of associates who all believe that a job done right starts with taking a Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence. It’s called PRIDE.

From managers and trainers to year-round employees who do everything from taking reservations to working in outdoor maintenance, there are only 40 members of PRIDE. This special group is eligible for unique employment benefits at The Homestead – one of them being the distinction of “Associate of the Year.”

Other nominees for “Associate of the Year” in 2012 included:

• Diane Kemp, Manager Resort Realty
• Shane Wyatt, Utilities Manager
• Sallie Krepps, Spa & Salon Manager
• Kyle Gulley, Banquet Manager

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

The Homestead Unveils Newly Remodeled Snowsports School

What do you get when you combine gently rolling terrain, perfectly groomed slopes, and a friendly team of ski instructors with a couple lifetimes worth of experience? The answer: One of the greatest places in northern Michigan to learn how to ski and snowboard.

While thousands have mastered the “snowplow” and cut their first stem-christie turn gliding down one of Bay Mountain’s 15 beautiful runs, many thousands more have spent idle hours waiting in the wings for The Homestead’s master staff of instructors to work their magic.

That waiting promises to be a little easier at The Homestead this season, thanks to the newly remodeled Snowsports School, located in The Village, at the base of Bay Mountain.

“Signing up for ski and snowboard lessons on the spot can be hectic and uncomfortable if the space isn’t laid out just right,” says Jamie Jewell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our goal was to create an inviting, convenient, and classy place for people to learn about and purchase our lesson programs. With windows facing the slopes, comfortable seating, and complimentary coffee and treats, it’s also a great place for parents to take a break and hang while their children tackle the slopes.”

Guests are invited to stop in and check out the newly remodeled Snowsports School even if they don’t need a lesson. Have a coffee and take a break from the chill. With cold temperatures, fresh snow falling almost daily, and new ski packages and family-friendly offers like the “kids 17 years old and under ski FREE” deal,” the 2013 ski season is shaping up to be a great one for visitors to The Homestead.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting and banquet centers, and luxurious spa and salon throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

The Homestead to Host THRIVE Women’s Retreat

If you’re like us, your vacations are usually balancing acts in an attempt to accommodate different work schedules, diverse interests, and everyone’s needs. At The Homestead, we strive to provide something for everyone. But we also recognize that sometimes what you need is a little time just for you. Time to relax with a friend you haven’t seen for years, or to make new friends. Time to allow your body, mind, and spirit to be nurtured. That’s why we’ve partnered with licensed therapists Mia Moyad and Megan Gunnell to organize a weekend for women like you, for women like us.

Join us Thursday, January 24 through Sunday, January 27 for a women’s weekend of solitude, discovery, and replenishment. Experience the ambience of live harp music while engaging in group activities. Delight in cooking classes with healthful intent. Awaken the body through outdoor recreation. Luxuriate in rejuvenating spa treatments and unwind with yoga.

You’ll be welcomed to a community of women committed to experiencing THRIVE: Transform for enrichment; Harmonize with environments; Replenish for joy; Integrate mindfulness; Visualize for growth; Empower for strength.

Package prices begin at $217 per person, per night based on double occupancy or $195 per person, per night based on triple occupancy. No matter which option you choose, you price includes a stunning suite at Stony Brook Lodge, two dinners, two lunches, three breakfasts, and the many activities scheduled during the retreat. They do not include: spa treatments, or outdoor activities such as skiing, gratuity or tax and tariff on the room. An advance deposit of $350 per person is required at the time of reservation. Cancellation prior to 7 days is subject to fee of $50. Cancellation within 7 days forfeits deposit.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

The Homestead Plans 4-Day Oktoberfest Celebration (October 4-7)

In 1810, the Crown Prince Ludwig was married to Princess Therese of Bavaria. The party they held was so popular that they decided to repeat it every year. In celebration of this honored Oktoberfest tradition, The Homestead is planning a weekend gathering, October 4-7.

A series of events designed to pay tribute both to German traditions and Northern Michigan’s own local harvest will provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the bounty of the autumn harvest, along with good company, good food and good beer.

The weekend’s activities include:

Thursday, October 4 (6-8pm) – Nonna’s Beer Tasting: guests will sample a variety of the best local and international beers, all carefully chosen and presented by The Homestead.

Friday, October 5 – Nonna’s Beer Dinner: featuring the microbrews from the award-winning Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, carefully matched to a variety of dishes by Executive Chef John Piombo. (Cost: $65 per person, plus gratuity and tax).

Saturday, October 6 – Charcuterie Demonstration: Chef Piombo – who trained in Germany as well as Italy, France, and the United States – will share information (and samples) about charcuterie (the craft of smoking, salting and curing meats). (Cost: $50 per person, plus gratuity and tax).

Sunday, October 7 – Car Show & Cookout: guests will round out the weekend with some traditional fare such as Weisswurst and soft pretzels, while admiring a variety of vintage cars on the lawn of The Inn. The car show and cook-out from 11am to 4pm. Show participants may register the day of the event for $10 per vehicle which includes lunch.

Weekend lodging packages available including lodging, breakfast buffet each morning, beer dinner and charcuterie demonstration.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.