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| Destination wanted: |
Australia, Belize, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Equador, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Panama, Spain, Sweden, United States, Phoenix.
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| Additional information: |
Many people head to Florida or Cape Cod for a summer getaway, but I head north to Michigan to play in the sun, sand and waters of Lake Michgian. And this is just one of the state's aquatic attractions; visitors to the Wolverine State are never more than six miles from one of its thousands of lakes and streams. Travel to Traverse City, on the west side of the state, and sail the afternoon away on a replica of a 19th-century tall ship. A drive along the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas offers breathtaking scenery as vineyards overlook the blue waters. Stop in for tastings at one of the many wineries in the area. And if you're a fan of cherries, you're in luck because the fruit is abundant in the region.
Use the Rail to Trails Bike Path connecting Frankfort and Beulah to peddle to Crystal Lake for a picnic and swim. Crystal Mountain offers summer concerts and art exhibits.
A short drive from Traverse City, be sure not to miss the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Steep hills of sand rise 400 feet high above Lake Michigan as children and adventurers spend the afternoon climbing up and tumbling down. If you're not quite so thrill-seeking, you can park yourself atop the mounds and look out at the water. It's an especially beautiful site at sunset.
For a quick day trip, head north from the island and cross over the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula to experience the outdoors at places such as Tahquamenon Falls. A short drive away is Sault Ste. Marie, the state's oldest city. There you can watch as water levels are controlled to allow safe passage of boats into Lake Superior at the Soo Locks.
As you drive along the shoreline, stop to see an old military fort or a lighthouse; more than 100 of these attractions line the coasts of both peninsulas. They are full of history and most are inexpensive "field trips" that will thrill kids and kids at heart alike.
There are plenty of things to do along the water, but venture onto it and the possibilities are endless: sailing, water skiing, fishing or just lounging on a float. Loungers can get in on the action by pulling out a pair of binoculars to watch boats glide by. The annual Chicago to Mackinac race expects 3,000 sailors from around the world to cut through the waters of Lake Michigan this weekend.
People I talk to outside of Michigan don't seem to understand all the state has to offer and would never consider it a must-visit destination. But Michigan can provide some unique experiences for your summer vacation.
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| About Home Exchange Owners: |
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My wife and I both are outdoor peple. Hiking, camping, biking and skiing are hobbies we enjoy. We've had several wonderful exchanges and made new friends with each exchange. Becky is a CPA working at a not for profit and Don is an I&C Tech working in the gas industry.
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Amenities:
Air conditioning,
Deck,
Dryer,
Dvd,
Fireplace,
Microwave,
Patio,
Refrigerator,
Television,
VCR,
Washer
Activities/Attractions:
Biking,
Boating,
Bowling,
Cinemas,
Fishing,
Golf,
Hiking,
Jet Skiing,
Kayaking,
Mountain-Biking,
Sailing,
Skiing,
Surfing,
Tennis,
Wildlife Viewing
Other Conditions:
Children welcome,
Experienced home exchanger,
No Smoking,
Non-Simultaneous Exchange OK,
Pets welcome,
This is a Second Home
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