"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do ...
Explore.Dream.Discover"
~Mark Twain

Come visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
for a 5-day Getaway!

Enjoy sparkling Lake Michigan ... miles of sand and bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan ... lush forests and pretty wildflowers ... crystal-clear inland lakes and streams ... picturesque farmsteads and quaint coastal villages. This lakeshore was chosen by viewers of Good Morning America as the "Most Beautiful Place in America". Money Magazine chose our resort’s beach as "#1 of the 8 Best Beaches to Visit this Summer ".

Day 1

Check into the Homestead, a beachfront resort in Glen Arbor, MI. Our rooms nestle in a pine forest with a sparkling swimming pool and shimmery ponds. Enjoy dinner at the Homestead. Then walk the beach to stretch your legs and relax your spirit.

Day 2

You’ll love our morning hike in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Hike through beech-maple forests, wildflower meadows, dune grass, and to stunning views of Lake Michigan from atop towering bluffs. 2.8-mile hike with a 570? elevation gain.

After lunch, kayak the gentle Lower Platte River as it meanders through woodlands, Loon Lake and into Lake Michigan. Opt to kayak double or solo on this shallow, sand-bottomed river.

Then visit picturesque Point Betsie Lighthouse to walk through the keeper’s home, hear stories of lighthouse life, learn of one of Lake Michigan’s most remarkable rescues.

For dinner, we’ll enjoy gracious hospitality at Blu, whose great food is paralleled only by its panoramic lake views.

Day 3

Our morning hike wins the "people?s choice" award for its views! Enjoy shaded forests, wildflowers, sweeping views of North and South Manitou Islands, Sleeping Bear Point, and freighters gliding through Manitou Passage. Opt to hike 2.8 or 4.4 miles.

After our hike, drive through the park on its only highway, which offers spectacular 20-mile vistas, forests, dunes and insight into the area’s history.

Then, savor some free time. Enjoy our resort’s beach, pool or massages. Or head out to explore Traverse City, which has delighted visitors ever since French explorers and fur traders passed through here in the 1600s. Now it?s your turn: Enjoy artist galleries, the national cherry festival (July 3-10), shopping on Front Street, vineyards, historical architecture, and so much more.

Find a yummy little eatery in Traverse City for dinner or join your guides at one of their favorites. Then, board the tall ship Manitou for a relaxing sunset sail. It’s the most beautiful and peaceful time of day to be on the water as the waning sun paints the sky and lake in hues of blues, purples and pinks. Relax with a glass of wine and friends on the authentic replica of an 18th century wooden schooner that sailed the Great Lake and Atlantic Ocean.

"Thank you for putting together another 5-star adventure. I would not be able to do these fun trips or meet the great ladies I’ve met if it were not for Trailbound Trips. " ~Cabin Girl

Day 4

Cross the dunes on a boardwalk on our trek to Empire Bluff Overlook. There, enjoy views of South Bar Lake and South Manitou Island, nestled in Lake Michigan. 1.5-miles round-trip hike with 250&3146; elevation gain.

At mid-day, choose from these 3 fun options

• Explore the quaint town of Leland, 18 miles away. The restored "fishtown" at Leland’s harbor is one of Michigan’s most photographed spots, a collection of 19th century weathered gray fish shanties lining the docks. Some now house gift shops and galleries.
• Bike part of the 22-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. This nearby paved, multi-use trail passes through the National Lakeshore and neighboring small towns. Or bike a portion of the paved 17-mile Leelanau Trail to enjoy picturesque farms, vineyards, lakes, and ponds.
• Enjoy our resort’s pool, spa and beach. We’ll dine together on our last evening, followed by s’mores over a crackling evening campfire.

Two-wheel it.

Follow Mt. Baldy’s trail to Lake Michigan?s shore.

Day 5

Drive 40 miles south along Lake Michigan’s coastline to Arcadia, MI on highway M-22. This route was named Michigan’s most scenic drive by National Geographic Traveler Magazine.

We’ll hike the Old Baldy Trail for more fabulous views and then walk Lake Michigan’s sandy shore for some toe-dipping and wading. Mt. Baldy is 356’ high; our trail is 1.8 miles with a 101’ elevation gain.

Enjoy brunch together at Watervale Inn. This wonderfully retro summer resort began as a logging town in 1892. Nestled between two lakes, it has 1 mile of private beach on Lake Michigan and Lower Herring Lake.

Relax on the beach a bit longer - or head home.

About The Homestead beachfront resort

Your room features 2 queen beds, washed pine paneling, a small sitting area, and mini-frig. We’re in the Fiddler’s Pond area, which has a pool and is just1/2 mile from Lake Michigan’s beach. Walk to the lake or ride the free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes.

Enjoy the resort’s private mile-long beach, pools, hiking trails, biking paths and fishing holes. You can rent stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and aqua cycles. The resort also offers poolside and lakefront spa services, golf and tennis courts.

The Cost for Our 5-Day Getaway Covers:

• 5 days/4 nights at the Homestead, double occupancy
• Guided bike ride
• Sunset sail on the Tall Ship Manitou
• Visit to Point Betsie Lighthouse
• 4 guided hikes through Michigan&146;s dunes
• 2 experienced female guides
• Brunch at Watervale Inn
• Bonfire, star-gazing and s’mores
• Online photo album filled with memories
• Booklet packed with area info and maps, detailed itineraries, directions & more

The price does not include the cost of the optional kayaking, MI park entrance fees or most meals.

Solo room upgrade, space permitting: Add $345

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