Harbor Springs Vacations
For an idyllic vacation that has a New England-feel without the crowds, try venturing to Northern Michigan and the picturesque city of Harbor Springs. With its small town atmosphere and ideal location on the shores of Lake Michigan, you can capture the restful vacation you have been dreaming about. So pack up the family and get ready for the beauty and ambiance that causes visitors of Northern Michigan to come back year after year.
Upon arrival in Harbor Springs, one of the first things you may notice is the historic Little Traverse Lighthouse on the Harbor Point peninsula. This lighthouse reminds one of the striking lighthouses of New England, minus the crowds and the gusting winds. As you take in the breathtaking views from the Harbor, take a stroll along the city pier for a pleasant afternoon under the warm summer sun.
Water activities are plentiful in this region since the lake is clearly the centerpiece of the splendor that drives families here in the summer. You can simply take a walk along the cool beach, dipping your toes in the water occasionally, or, if you prefer a little more excitement, get out on the water for a day of thrills and fun. The expanse that is Lake Michigan can be quite shocking at first, however once you get beyond the fact that it is much larger than you initially expected, you are ready to feel the wind in your face. Renting a motorboat or sailboat is the best way to really experience this sparkling blue lake, so venture outward for an exhilarating day.
For such a small area, downtown Harbor Springs is surprisingly bustling in the summer. There are four blocks of shops, with a large number of upscale boutiques, a couple of small town coffeehouses, numerous art galleries, and a few of the always popular fudge shops. Northern Michigan fudge shops are a staple of the area as every visitor makes a trip to their favorite one at least twice during their stay. There are also popular, must-see restaurants such as Mary Ellen’s, which is a 50’s-inspired soda fountain that maintains its original appearance, and Bar Harbor, which draws yachtsmen in off the lake with its world-class hamburgers.
Located a few miles away from the downtown area are both the Nubs Nob and Boyne Highlands ski resorts. The Nubs Nob recreation area offers cross-country and downhill skiing on its 246 acres. There are 43 runs to keep visitors entertained and some slopes run upwards of a mile in length. Boyne Highlands has 50 ski trails, which are serviced by 10 lifts, in addition to a terrain park and recently expanded cross-country ski trails. However, Boyne Highlands is not just a winter destination as this mountain resort offers three championship courses for summer visitors of Harbor Springs. One course that any avid golfer simply will not want to miss is the 18-hole Heather, which is considered one of the most scenic and picturesque courses in the country.
An entire vacation in Harbor Springs is easy to imagine when you consider the amazing golf courses, the beautiful weather, the shimmering lake, the bustling small town, and the surrounding large cities, such as Petoskey, that are begging for exploration. For the most convenience during your stay, try a Harbor Springs vacation rental. Your vacation home allows you easy access to Lake Michigan while also placing the attractions of this charming small town within walking distance. Spend a day in Petoskey searching for a souvenir state stone, then return to your vacation rental and watch the sun set over the bay from the privacy of your patio. This is your vacation, so experience all the beauty this area has to offer at your own pace and with all the comforts of home at your fingertips.
HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, look into a Harbor Springs vacation rental for your next trip to Northern Michigan.
Tags: harbor, harbor springs, mi, michigan, northern, springs, travel, trip, vacation travel on June 18th, 2008 Filed under Travel Insurance | Comment now »Chicago Attractions - Millenium Park
It can be difficult sometimes to find a place that the whole family can enjoy. One such place in Chicago is Millennium Park. It is located in the heart of Chicago and is open from 6AM until 11PM. Admission to the park is free and it is a great place to take the family.
When you get to the park you should visit the parks welcome center located at 201 E Randolph Street. Here you will find a wealth of information on the park events and a map of the park. If you are visiting the park during the summer you can even take a free tour of the park led by a greeter. The tours are given at 10AM and 2PM.
Music is a big part of what makes this park special. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a great venue for classical music. If classic music is not your thing, do not worry. You can find just about every type of music at the park including Jazz, Contemporary and music from around the world.
Another great thing to do in the park is catch a live show from one of the live theatre or dance groups. Shows are taking place almost all of the time.
For more information on shows or events in the park you should call their information line at 312-742-1168. I am sure that you will see that there is always something going on at the park and you will not regret visiting it.
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Tags: attractions, tourism. travel, tourist, vacation travel on June 14th, 2008 Filed under Travel Insurance | Comment now »Travelling With Kids Ensure Both You And Your Children Enjoy
Parents with children often postpone vacations with their kids or at least plan vacations at hotel resorts that offer a bunch of activities such as water sports, clowns, billiard tables, tennis and soccer grounds and many more such as basketball courts and swimming pools. But this is the not the most appropriate way to go about things when you have children. In fact, it is harmful. A child needs a vacation just like an adult but you need to use that time to bond with your children on different levels than you would when at home.
Here are the three most important things a parent should do when they go for a vacation with their kids:
1) Travelling is not just a time where you reenergize yourself, but you must try and re-energize your relationship with your children. Find out what they like and then go with them and take an active part in their activities while making sure not to cross the parent-child boundaries that you have already set. Some things you could do is swimming or playing fetch in the pool using a rubber ball. You could also take them to a billiard table or tennis court and teach them how to play. In any case, prefer the physical sports over the computer ones.
2) Take along a few board games and set up a time to play them outside either by the pool, by the seashore or on the grass. The best time for such a thing is in the early evening at around six or seven. This is usually the time when the activities are about to take a break and people will be going to get ready for dinner which is usually served at around eight. In any case, arrange it so that you have at least an hour of playing time and then stop when you finish the allocated period. Do this and your children will wish you did not stop and will not get tired.
3) Do not head for the dining room immediately but rather go when it is about a half-and hour before the end of the meal. The children will have less time to fool around and most of the tables will be empty thus saving you any embarrassment even if they do make a mess.
At all times, please remember that you are on vacation so lax the rules a tiny bit but not too much. Once your children realize that all the behavioral rules still apply, they will act accordingly and won’t start misbehaving. But never make a scene when their friends are around. Instead. Wait till they return to their room and then explain why their actions were harmful and why you will not accept such behavior. If they refuse to listen, discipline them. Remember that a vacation is just a short time, but your kids are forever.
Priya Nehra has mothered no less than five children causing her to develop her writing skills on the go. She freelances for regular and internet magazines on blackjack where she focuses on improving the blackjack strategy of players and on parenting where she writes about ways of making the best out of every situation.
Tags: activities, childcare, children, fun, kids, life, parenting, parents, travel, vacation travel on June 3rd, 2008 Filed under Travel Insurance | Comment now »