Traverse Tall Ship Company Adds "Scout" to its Northern Michigan Maritime Fleet

Traverse Tall Ship Company is proud to welcome a new vessel to its fleet in Traverse City. Scout – a classic Cabo Rico 38 XL – offers a luxurious private cruising experience for up to six (6) people on Grand Traverse Bay. Excursions, ranging from three (3) to nine (9) hours, are personalized to meet the needs of the guests.

“Guests can kick back or jump in and learn how to sail,” says Captain Dave McGinnis, owner of Traverse Tall Ship Company. “We want guests to think of this vessel as their personal yacht during the time they’re on board and we’re ready to deliver the utmost in personal service for those who choose to spend their day with us.”

Built in 1988 on a mountain site in Costa Rica, this lively cutter combines vintage design lines with modern construction technology accented with extensive teak woodwork. From her graceful clipper bow and wood deck trim to a stunning symphony of honey-colored teak (all sustainably plantation grown) below decks she will take your breath away. Brainchild of legendary naval architect W. I. B. Crealock, this vessel has won a reputation for legendary soft motion and stout offshore performance.

“A sail aboard Scout is perfect for special occasions such as proposals, wedding ceremonies, anniversaries, birthdays, business meetings, or just as a way to treat family and friends to a true Northern Michigan experience,” Captain Dave says. “Whether sipping a drink under the shade of the cockpit Bimini top lounging below, or stretching out to sunbathe on deck, there is plenty of room for your group of six.”

In addition to the traditional cruises, guests can also opt to add an afternoon of exploring historic Power Island. This 200-acre gem, located in the heart of Grand Traverse Bay, offers three miles of waterfront and five miles of hiking trails, open to the public. Other popular activities include picnicking, sunbathing and rock hunting – specifically searching for Michigan’s famed Petoskey Stones.

For added romance, Scout is available for a special dockside overnight experience. This evening includes a three hour sunset sail, after which the vessel is docked in Center Pointe Marina and the crew departs, leaving you alone to enjoy quiet time alone. Scout can accommodate up to four (4) people in two cozy double cabins. The boat also offers a head (bathroom) and shower, and guests are given access to the marina bath facilities and lounge. Other on-board amenities include a flat screen TV with DVD player, stereo system and full galley (kitchen) including a refrigerator (stocked with soft drinks).

Special cruising opportunities are being offered in conjunction with the National Cherry Festival:

* June 29 (12:30-5pm) — Cherry Festival Air Show Viewing & Sail ($650)
Cruise the bay under sail, after which Scout will anchor so you can enjoy the best seats in the house to view the spectacular air show!

* June 29 (7pm-11:30pm) — Night Time Air Show Viewing and Sail ($700)
Enjoy a sunset cruise followed by a unique night time air show, viewed from Scout’s anchorage on the bay!

* July 4 (7-11:30pm) — Sunset Sail and Fireworks Viewing ($700)
Celebrate the 4th in comfort and style! Scout will cruise the bay until sunset and then will anchor in a prime fireworks viewing location and enjoy the show!

* July 6 (7-11:30pm) — Sunset Sail and Fireworks Viewing ($700)
This display marks the end of the National Cherry Festival! Scout will cruise the bay until sunset and then will anchor in a prime fireworks viewing location and enjoy the show!

Guests are invited to bring their own refreshments or choose from the company’s catering menu (for an additional charge). All alcoholic beverages are BYOB, however soft drinks and snacks are provided at no charge.

The cost for the three hour cruise is $400 with additional hours added at $100 per hour; the Power Island trip (running six to seven hours) is $900; the overnight package – including the three hour sunset sail – is $700 based on double occupancy (up to two (2) additional guests for $50 per person). An overnight option – excluding the sunset sail – is also available for $350.

Since 1987, Traverse Tall Ship Company has been offering sailing adventures on the freshwater Grand Traverse Bay – and beyond, into Northern Lake Michigan. In addition to Scout, the company proudly sails Manitou – one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes. A replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner, this traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, measures 114 feet in length with more than 3000 square feet of sail, and can accommodate 59 passengers (24 overnight capacity).

Traverse Tall Ship Company is located at 13258 S.W. Bay Shore Drive (M22) in Traverse City and shares a dock with the fleet from the Maritime Heritage Alliance, creating a unique nautical experience for the area.

To make reservations for any of the 2013 Scout or Manitou sailing adventures, call toll free 800-678-0383. Gift certificates are also available. For additional information about Scout or Manitou, including corporate charters, log on to www.TallShipSailing.com.


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The Return of the Family Vacation . . . in Pure Michigan's Harbor Country

Remember the days when families would escape for a week, or two, for a true family vacation at a waterfront or woodland cottage? Days filled with beach-combing, roadside stands, bonfires, bike rides, tire swings, slamming screen doors and an evening of catching lightning bugs in jars?

Memories like these are waiting to be made in Harbor Country®, a quaint collection of eight towns stretched out along the Red Arrow Highway and the Lake Michigan shoreline in Southwest Michigan – just 70 miles from downtown Chicago.

For generations, visitors have been retreating to Harbor Country to beat the summer heat and the hustle and bustle of big city life. In a world of iPods, Facebook and smart phones, escaping is more important now than ever before, providing a chance for families to reconnect and recharge.

Whether you’re looking for a beach house, a family-friendly resort, or a deep woods cabin, Harbor Country has it all. Cottages and rental homes are the perfect option for visitors enjoying family vacations, family reunions or even romantic getaways. You’ll find everything from intimate rooms for two at cozy B&Bs to sprawling vacation houses perfect for the entire extended family.

Gintaras Resort is a casual and relaxing "get-away" with a private, uncrowded fresh water beach ideal for sunning, strolling and swimming during the day; with sunsets, stargazing and bonfires at night. These cottages are situated on a private Lake Michigan beachfront estate, offering a tennis court, volleyball and basketball areas, children's playground and game room, all conveniently located on its 5+ acres of wooded beachfront.

Stay in one of five fully-furnished cottages at Sweethaven Resort in Union Pier, each with well-equipped kitchens, big roomy baths, sunny bedrooms and room for the family to spread out for a game of checkers, rummy or cribbage. Cozy up on the screen porch with a classic summer read or follow the moss-covered paths that traverse through nine wooded acres in search of wildlife.

"We welcome families – and their pets – to discover the hidden charm found within our cottage resort," says Liz & Chuck Garasic. "We're confident a memorable time will be had by all."

Historic inns, such as Grand Beach Inn and Warren Woods Inn cater to groups of 30-45 and provide a unique venue for family reunions. In addition, more than a half dozen vacation rental companies – with a collective catalog of more than 200 homes – operate in Harbor Country.

“Vacation rental Agencies are your ideal contact persons in a vacation community,” says John Natsis of Blue Fish vacation Rentals & Sales. “We often have a wide inventory of homes to choose from – from charming small cottages and bungalows, to large, luxury four- and five-bedroom homes.”

Spend your days relaxing on a beach or exploring the hiking trails in Warren Woods and Warren Dunes State Park. Bring your own or rent a bike from Outpost Sports and pedal along the backroads, past orchards and wineries. Try something new, like skim boarding or stand up boarding with Third Coast Surf Shop, which offers rentals, lessons and a full line of gear.

Harbor Country is easily accessible from Exits 1-12 on I-94, or via Amtrak from Chicago, Detroit and other cities along the Wolverine (Pontiac-Detroit-Chicago) and Blue Water (Port Huron-East Lansing-Chicago) lines.

For more information on Harbor Country:
www.VisitHarborCountry.org

The Harbor Country Convention & Visitors Bureau was established in 1990 as the Harbor Country Lodging Association in accordance with the state of Michigan’s Community Convention or Tourism Marketing Act 59 of 1984.

The mission of the organization is “to promote its members and the assessment district as a major destination for tourism and conventions in southwest Michigan.” The assessment district encompasses the Townships of New Buffalo, Three Oaks, and Chikaming, the city of New Buffalo, the Village of Three Oaks and the Village of Michiana, Michigan.