Comfortable, family-friendly home

This two-story house is colorful and decorated with local art and interesting pieces. Guests love the large yard, decks, and being so close to a lovely beach in a small, friendly village surrounded by natural beauty and hiking and biking trails. The house is ideal for families, with two good-sized living areas, four bedrooms, two baths, and a large kitchen/dining area. Outside is a spacious back yard with fire pit, two picnic tables, lots of adirondack chairs, a deck, and a grill. Basic necessities are supplied, including linens, towels, paper goods, soap, and laundry detergent. Guests have exclusive use of the large yard and access to the garage and use of beach toys and bicycles--of course at your own risk. The only area of the house off-limits is the basement--for safety reasons, as the stairs are very steep, and the heating system is installed there. Although I'm only in town rarely when the house is rented, my handyman Cal is right there, ready to solve any problem that may arise. You will have his contact information on the guest sheet, as well as my cell number. Locals love the area, are very friendly, and enjoy recommending hikes, scenic drives, etc. The house is located right on Front Street, so guests enjoy sitting on the porch and watching the world go by--horseback riders, groups of cyclists, tourists leisurely walking down the main street of our small village. Privacy is available too--on the back deck or the spacious back yard ringed with trees. More active pursuits are within blocks: a nice hike up the village overlook, swimming and fishing in the inland lake, and of course all kinds of water activities on Lake Michigan at Empire Beach. Right on Front Street guests enjoy Tiffany's, an ice cream, coffee, and sandwich shop (excellent sandwiches) and Joe's Friendly Tavern (burgers and great whitefish). Two other cafes offer good pizza and fresh home made soups, among other items. Parking is convenient, with room for two cars in the driveway--and of course street parking in front of the house as well. Car rentals can be arranged in Traverse City, only 25 miles away. There is a regional bus service that is relaxing but slow. Within the village, guests walk or ride bikes. If it rains, as it may well do once in a week-long stay, you'll have lots to do, even with children. The TV has cable and all the entertainment channels, and the local library, actually quite good, is just across the street and down half a block. Interesting shops right on Front Street offer antiques, decorative items, fine art, etc. The National Park office, which includes a museum, is a block east of the house, and the Empire Village Historic Museum is within walking distance as well. Of course, if you venture 25 miles to Traverse City, you'll find theaters, museums, and many other options for indoor entertainment.