National Cherry Festival 2010 - Traverse City Vacations

National Cherry Festival
Festivals
When: July 3-10, 2010

Oldest, Biggest and Still the Champion: The National Cherry Festival. Traverse City is still proud to be America’s Cherry Capital. It celebrates that heritage every year during the first week of July with an eight-day party featuring over 150 family activities: air shows, fireworks, parades (including the nation’s largest all-children parade) games, races, midway rides, demonstrations, nightly outdoor concerts and lots of chances to taste delicious cherry products. Now in its 84th year, the Cherry Festival is Traverse City’s signature event, drawing as many as 500,000 attendees from around the country. Everything is located conveniently within walking distance, and since almost all the events are free, it offers more than a week of affordable family fun.

Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums - Your Vacation Destination for The National Cherry Festival! http://www.peninsulabayrentals.com/ - (231) 922-2200

Northern Shores VR adds 6 new Suites to Rental Program at Peninsula Bay Resort

Northern Shores VR adds 6 more suites to rental program at Peninsula Bay Resort

There are even more choices to choose from at Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums then ever before. This new 5 story luxury condominium complex completed in 2006 along East Bay's miracle mile has come along way. Two years ago this spring there were 22 suites to sell - now Peninsula Bay's first phase building is completely sold out - 30 suites total - our company continues to exclusively offer Peninsula Bay with 19 luxury suites. The new suites to soon be displayed for rent are; Suites B51, A41, A40, E25, B21, & C12. Here is how they stack up;

Suite B51 - $2,400/week - 5th floor - sleeps 6 (king, full, twin bunk-beds)
Suite A41 - $2,400/week - 4th floor - sleeps 6 (king, 2 fulls)
Suite A40 - $2,300/week - 4th floor - sleeps 4 (king, full)
Suite E25 - $2,600/week - 2nd floor - sleeps 4 (king, queen)
Suite B21 - $2,300/week - 2nd floor - sleeps 6 (king, 2 fulls)
Suite C12 - $2,300/week - 1st floor walkout - sleeps 6 (king, 2 queens)

Suites B51, E25, & C12 are soon to be on our website - the other suites will soon follow.

For Reservations: (231) 922-2200 or e-mail: Reservations@VisitNorthernShores.com
http://www.visitnorthernshores.com/
Vacation Rent Pro

Snowshoe Hikes! - Traverse City

Snowshoe Hikes

Traverse City Area

(Sat. )

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes

Website: www.nps.gov/slbe

The popular Saturday afternoon snowshoe hikes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will continue into March as long as snow conditions permit. March often provides some of the best snowshoeing conditions of the winter. Meet at the Lakeshore Visitor Center in Empire at 1:00 p.m. each Saturday. If you don’t have your own, snowshoes will be provided free. Later in the month, if snow conditions deteriorate, rangers will offer guided nature hikes to explore the changing of the seasons.

Inside the Visitor Center, rangers will first provide basic snowshoeing instructions, and then participants will travel by car to the trailhead or area pre-selected by the ranger. By exploring the site, the ranger will encourage participants to learn about winter’s effect on the park’s unique features. Be prepared and plan to be outside until about 3:00 p.m. Dress in layers and wear waterproof boots to be most comfortable.

Not only is snowshoeing easy, fun, and good exercise, it is also an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. The ranger-led hikes are mildly strenuous, yet they proceed at a leisurely pace for no more than one and a half miles. This allows visitors an opportunity for discovery, adventure, and to look for signs of wildlife or evidence of ancient glaciers. Some snowshoers simply want to experience and enjoy a winter wonderland, which is what you will find at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The National Park Service has a supply of snowshoes for use within the Lakeshore. Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass or have an annual pass to join in the fun. Reservations are not required but are suggested, especially if you wish to borrow snowshoes or are with a group. Please call the number listed below for details and to make reservations. For more in-depth information about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, go to the website listed above.

Phone: (231) 326-5134 ext 328

Traverse City Vacationer™ - Sports a New Look...

It was back in 2005 when I was working the Internet pushing Peninsula Bay ever further out into the cyber arena that I came to realize I wanted something more. Sure, we had a pretty nice website from the get-go, thanks to a connection with a very talented Internet guru in Ann Arbor instructing at U of M. To get off the ground running, we employed some of the bigger vacation rental websites such as vacationrentals.com, etc. We still do use a handful of vacation rentals sites to this day - you can never have "too much" exposure and the Internet has been a wonderful means of sharing our project - Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums.

What I did notice is that there are lots of vacation rental websites out there but few specialize in one local geographical area...say for instance "Traverse City." I was off and running...hence the Traverse City Vacationer™. A vacation rental website dedicated to Traverse City and it's immediate area. No need to wade through state after state - city after city... just a one stop shop. I figured what can it hurt? I was able to build the site (this is the 3rd version) and was able to host it beside our main site on our server. What was thought as just another avenue to finding Peninsula Bay Condominiums has turned into a pretty catchy website now hosting many tens of properties in the area.

My optimization stats for VisitNorthernShores.com show our biggest referring website to be... yes the Traverse City Vacationer™. This had evolved somewhat to my surprise...I didn't really think that spending most of my nights up til the wee hours of the morning mulling over the Internet searching for optimization avenues would pay off as they have. I've learned a lot ,but I' m no expert - although I must say, I feel rewarded for my efforts and am pleased. Google still remains our strongest referring search engine and with good reason.

The Traverse City Vacationer™ will continue to change and evolve over the years, I have plans for it, but its mission will always be to service those looking to find accommodations here in this special place in so many hearts called: Traverse City

Two New Suites Join Rental Program - F36 & B31

We are proud to announce two newly purchased suites at Peninsula Bay join Northern Shores' rental program. They are Peninsula Bay Suites F36 and B31, both located on 3rd floor. The owners have done a terrific job of furnishing and supplying these suites for leasing. These suites have just been added to our website and are both available to accommodate guests. We will indivdually showcase both of them in greater detail in future blog postings coming soon!
More Details here> Suite F36 - Suite B31

1st Floor "Walk-Out" Joins Northern Shores Rental Program at Peninsula Bay Resort

Suite E15 is our only direct view - walkout suite currently offered at Peninsula Bay Resort. We have been waiting for the last two years to offer such accommodations and are very excited to sign this suite on to our rental program. The owners have done a wonderful job furishing the suite and response has been very positive. The master bedroom is very nicely appointed with a light bedroom set including a king size bed, dual night stands, wonderful dresser complete with flat screen HDTV. Wide slat blinds add to the decor and offer privacy. The guest bedroom has a queen bed and also a "double" day bed. In the living room there is a sofa & love chair with two sitting chairs. The living room is serviced by a large plasma flat screen HDTV that rests above the granite surrounded fireplace. Direct views are enjoyed from the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. The kitchen is completely stocked with all you will need to prepare meals. The sliding glass doors open to a 107 sq ft. patio complete with table and 4 chairs and also a grill. We currently have 6 weeks already booked through the months of July & August, so don't hesitate to secure your week!

New Peninsula Bay Suite Joins Northern Shores Vacation Rentals for Summer 2008

PENINSULA BAY RESORT - SUITE B11

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, LLC. welcomes a new suite to our program. This suite served as Peninsula Bay's model last year and has a proud new owner this spring. This is a walk-out, 1st floor "B" layout suite with 2 bedrooms/2.5 baths. Has a queen bed in both the master and guest bedrooms. Owner is deciding on either an Aerobed or additional bed for the 5th and 6th sleeping guests. Suite enjoys angled views of East Bay from its eastern living room area as well as from its 210 square foot semi-circle patio. There is only a short walk down to the beach or around the corner to the outside heated pool and hot tub. Suite B11 is only a short distance from the main lobby and parking. Additional photos will be supplied on our website very soon. Please feel free to call with any questions about any or the 10 Peninsula Bay suites being offered for lease...

For Reservations: (231) 922-2200

Reservations@VisitNorthernShores.com

Luxury Luggage Carts - Complements of Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, LLC.

Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums has been provided with two luxury luggage carts complements of Northern Shores Vacation Rentals. We are pleased to provide this convenience to both Peninsula Bay owners as well as to guests. We were happy to provide the utility cart that has served the building well since last spring but these two cards are miles ahead in many ways. They are built to last for years with titanium gold hand-holds, inflated on-marking wheels, and a 1000lbs weight capacity. After 3 years of becoming in-tune with some of Peninsula Bay's needs ,we feel these carts will be a very useful addition to an already most luxurious Resort.

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals for Peninsula Bay Resort: (231) 922-2200

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals Offers More Choices at Peninsula Bay Resort

It was the fall of 2005 when a small spin off of a larger local company stepped forward and began offering its vacation rental management services exclusively to the individual owners at Peninsula Bay Resort - thus forming today's, Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, LLC. of Traverse City. Northern Shores has earned an additional 6 Peninsula Bay suites on its rental program since last fall and stands to add two more by the beginning of this summer. With years of experience gained managing properties throughout Leelanau County, our depute on the East Bay shoreline was a wonderful opportunity and seemed second nature to what we were already good at: Vacation Rentals. Now here it is 3 years later and we move forward into summer of 2008, proud to be the continued choice in the vacation rental services at Peninsula Bay Resort. This didn't come by simply thinking ahead or with lots of planning, but with the love for what we do. It's the day in and day out genuine enjoyment we get by helping owners and guests that makes it all work better for us then anyone else. We are emotional about Peninsula Bay Resort. Early on, we watched her walls stretch 5 stories into the fresh East Bay breezes and we still marvel at her strong stature. It is a structure to be proud of, a real set apart along the East Bay shoreline. We continue to put Peninsula Bay Resort on the map as we have since the first photos were snapped. You will find most every mention of a place called Peninsula Bay Resort linked to Northern Shores in one way.

If you are thinking about finding that special place in Traverse City that enjoys the best of condominium vacationing, (or are interested in purchasing) please don't hesitate to call or drop us an e-mail... We are always looking to share Peninsula Bay Resort - it's what we do.

Jason Hulet

http://www.visitnorthernshores.com/
Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, LLC. for Peninsula Bay Resort

(231) 922-2200 Reservations@VisitNorthernShores.com

Traverse City Old Town Playhouse: Into the Woods

Arts & Culture (Fri. Sat. )
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 148 E. Eighth Street
Website: http://www.oldtownplayhouse.com/
An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Ridinghood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch...who raps? They're all among the cockeyed characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fractured fairy tale musical. When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk). Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy in the style of “The Princess Bride” becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. One of Sondheim's most popular works, this timeless yet relevant piece is a rare modern classic. Individual Tickets Go on Sale Monday, February 25 at 4 p.m.
Phone: (231) 947-2210

for Lodging:
PENINSULA BAY RESORT CONDOMINIUMS
on East Bay!

(231) 409-0361 (Reservations)

Northern Shores Real Estate Sales Names Sales Person of the 2007

Northern Shores Real Estate Sales, LLC. names Barbara Belanger "Sales Person of the Year" for 2007. Barbara has lead the way in becoming our Enclave Site-Condominium specialist. She has exceeded expectations and her dedication to detail is paramount. Experience the country atmosphere and excellent craftsmanship of Mission Bay Construction at the Enclave, located at the base of the Peninsula, Traverse City.
Open House every weekend from 1-3pm ( Saturday & Sunday)
The Enclave - Site Condominiums are located approx. 1 miles North off M73 from Bryant Park at the base of the Old Mission peninsula. Heading North, the entrance is located on the left hand side of the road. (M-37/Center Hwy.)
Barbara@BarbaraBelanger.com
(231) 409-7100 - Direct

View Photos of The Enclave Site Condominium Complex here.

Peninsula Bay Resort: Valentine's Day Special

Peninsula Bay Resort Valentine's Day Special!

Treat your Sweethart to luxury accommodations while warming by the fire over looking East Grand Traverse Bay! Northern Shores Vacation Rentals is offering a 10% discount on our winter rates to any of our 5 available Peninsula Bay Condominium suites. Come "Up North" and see what Peninsula Bay Resort has to offer as one of the most luxurious condominium projects in Traverse City. (*Week minimum rental - early check-out optional)

Request a Reservation

http://www.visitnorthernshores.com/

Traverse City: Peninsula Bay Bathrooms Take Shape...

The newest addition to Peninsula Bay Resort; its poolside bathrooms, are taking shape. The roof is now on and the walls are formed. The structure runs from about the corner of the exterior stone wall all the way to the corridor exterior glass wall. They should have plent of room inside. I'll keep you all posted.
VISITNORTHERNSHORES.COM

Elk Rapids: Community PJ Party - Downtown

Elk Rapids Community PJ Party 12/31/2007
Downtown merchants nearly 80% of the retailers in downtown Elk Rapids participate in this fun event which offers deep discounts to customers. The stores open early and customers who show up in their "pajamas" receive a 50% discount from 7 until 8 a.m., a 40% discount from 8 - 9 a.m. and a 30% discount from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. when the sale ends. Some restrictions may apply. Elk Rapids.

Pool Bathroom Photo Update

Crews were working on the Pool bathroom today, at Peninsula Bay, in severely cold weather. The structure is taking shape and it will be exciting to see what the amenities are when complete. The ice-melt is disabled for the duration of the construction so be careful on the walks during icy conditions.

http://www.VisitNorthernShores.com

Freighter Takes Refuse in East Grand Traverse Bay

Snowy wintry day in Traverse City this last day of November. Temps were steady at 18 degrees F. with a good blow from the NW. It was surprising to me to see a freighter of this size in East Bay. Not an uncommon sight in West Bay, but its been a while, if ever, that I've seen a freighter of this size in East Bay. The photo really doesn't do it justice. The ship looked huge looming in the dark green waters off of Peninsula Bay's beachfront. There were times that I couldn't see the ship when the snow came down hard. It was in a constant state of fading and

re-appearing, very cool to watch.

Peninsula Bay Owners Donate Lodging to State Theatre Grand Re-Opening, Nov 17, 2007

In cooperation with Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, several owners of the luxurious Peninsula Bay condominiums have donated lodging to VIP guest for the Grand Re-Opening of Traverse City State Theatre downtown, this is taking place November 17th, 2007. Special guest are still undisclosed at this time.

The State Theatre is located on on East Front Street in downtown Traverse City and was originally built in 1918 and rebuilt in 1923 after a fire. It showed the first talking movie seen in Northern Michigan in 1929 when it was known as the Lyric Theatre. It closed down in 1991, before being revitalized by being used during the Traverse City Film Festival beginning in 2005

The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula

The finger of land that is surrounded by Grand Traverse Bay is home to five special wineries.

Situated at the world's 45th parallel, ideal for growing wine grapes, Old Misson Peninsula is home to five special wineries responsible for award-winning Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, sparkling and ice wines. Two of the wineries also offer lovely overnight accommodations at their Bed & Breakfast inns.
On November 24th, the wineries host the Macaroni & Cheese Bake-off . Local restaurants compete with unique Mac and Cheese creations paired with wines from each winery. These innovative dishes are definitely not out of the box! Participating wineries include:
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Chateau Chantal
Chateau Grand Traverse
Peninsula Cellars
For more information visit: michgian.org/travel

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Fall Color Tours: Traverse City - Northport - Frankfort

Best Enjoyed: Late September to Mid-OctoberApproximate
Length: 190 miles
Lodging: PENINSULA BAY RESORT CONDOMINIUMS on East Bay.

Fall is the season of the grape, where local vineyards harvest the future Chardonnays, Rieslings and Pinot Grigios. Combine a color tour of the region with a visit to Michigan's wine country - a feast for the eye and the palate.
Choose one or several of the 19 wineries of Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas for a very special fall vacation. Old Mission Peninsula has much to offer the autumn leaf-peeper: delicious apples can be found at roadside stands, charming restaurants, and the Old Mission Lighthouse. "Land of Delight" is the English translation of the Indian wood "leelanau," and it's easy to understand the reason for so naming the Leelanau Peninsula, especially in fall. Circling the perimeter of the place many call Michigan's "little finger" is a color tour that has been popular for decades. An easy and interesting route, M-22 takes you along the shoreline through the quaint villages of Suttons Bay, Peshasbestown, Omena and Northport, with water views almost the entire way. North of Suttons Bay the sign reads: Northport 12 miles. Northport, situated near the tip of Leelanau Peninsula, overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, is a picture-perfect town, with a marina, waterfront, unique shops, galleries and restaurants.

Each port town has its own unique charm, and each is a perfect place for shopping, dining, trying your luck at the casino or just breathing the crisp fall air. Tour the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, a living museum. Along the western coast, Leland and Glen Arbor offer still more options, and spectacular autumn color can be expected in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a 71,000-acre national park that includes 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Go barefoot "one last time" when you encounter the massive sand dunes and stunning sunset beaches.
According to the National Park Service, many of the best spots for viewing fall colors at Sleeping Bear are easily reached by car or by a brief hike. The park's popular Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, for instance, gives motorists a bird's-eye view of areas like Alligator Hill, where brilliant fall foliage is set off by Glen Lake's tropical shades of turquoise, jade and cobalt blue.
The Frankfort-Elberta area has much to offer, and is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Benzie County, the Frankfort and Elberta communities encompass beautiful Betsie Bay, a historic sailing harbor. The Point Betsie Light Station is one of the most visited and photographed in Michigan, and is considered to be the most popular visitor site in Benzie County. For mariners, Point Betsie (or originally: Point Aux Bec Scies), has been one of the most prominent and utilized lights on Lake Michigan.

Another great side trip is to the Gwen Frostic Prints Company in Benzonia (located between Frankfort and Benzonia). This 250-acre wildlife sanctuary on the Betsie River is home to Frostic's studio with 15 Heidelberg presses using the original Frostic blocks to print a variety of paper arts. Kids will love a stop at the Homestead Sugar House in Beulah, just five miles from the top of the hill on US-31. Open until November 30, enjoy delicious hand-dipped candies, fruits and even thick sugarless syrup.

You're likely to hear the sounds of music mingling with the rustling of fall leaves on a color tour of Benzie County. The Interlochen Center for the Arts offers year-round education for young people interested in the performing arts. Situated on Green Lake, the Center provides excellent professional entertainment, as well as student performances. The campus itself consists of tree-lined pathways that take on vibrant personalities during the autumn months.

For more information check out www.michigan.org/travel

Handicap accessible places to visit in and near Traverse City

Handicapped accessible hiking trails offer great opportunities for everyone. Check out these beautiful locations.

Boardman Lake Trail,Traverse City - A gorgeous 2-mile lakeside trail offers wheelchair-able pathway. East shore south end of the lake. Park at Hall Park.
www.traversetrails.org/boardman-lake-trail.shtml

Ransom Lake Preserve, Lake Ann -Smooth path along a beautiful Northern Michigan stream. End up at a wheelchair accessible lakeside deck, and try a little fishing. Park off of Lake Ann Road. About 20 minutes from Traverse City.

Perception Pathway, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire-
Braille interpretive signs and cable guides help the visually impaired enjoy one of the North's premier nature areas.Approx. 15 miles from Traverse City.

Peninsula Bay: Pools & Doors

Just a quick note that Management has decided that both pools are to be winterized starting September 24th, 2007. They will not be tending to the Hot Tub this winter. Also note that the building's doors are locked around the clock at least through the winter months.

"D" Suite Specials through September!

We make a three day getaway easy. This rate includes all tax and fees. They won't last long so call us today! You must call our office and mention this ad. These great offers are available in the month of September, subject to availability. Peninsula Bay Condominiums are some of the finest luxury accommodations on East Bay.

Peninsula Bay Suite D-34 - This 3rd floor suite has direct view of East Bay and enjoys flat screen TVs in all rooms. Large balcony, gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen, professionally decorated. Three day weekend only $577.60
Info@VisitNorthernShores.com for reservations.

Peninsula Bay Suite D-44 - This 4th floor suite also has direct Est Bay views from a nice vantage point and enjoys cable Internet. Has a large corner balcony, gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen, professionally decorated. Three day weekend also only $577.60
Info@VisitNorthernShores.com for reservations.

Peninsula Bay Sign - Finds Placement

Northern Shores VR, Let me introduce you...

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals for Peninsula Bay Condominiums is a personal and hands-on company tailored to owners of Peninsula Bay as well as our guest alike. Our direction has stemmed from experiences gained servicing owners and guests since the mid 1980s operating as Harris Properties, Inc. based out of our first Glen Arbor office. With several owners dissatisfied with Glen Arbor's Homestead Resort and its on-site vacation rental management, a business was spurred into what is now VisitUpNorth Vacation Rentals of Glen Arbor. (formerly Harris Properties, Inc.) In 2001, we positioned our second office in the 400 block of downtown Traverse City and now our parent company has grown to the largest vacation rental company in Traverse City as well as Leelanau County. On the heels of VisitUpNorth VR, was spun Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, a sister company. Northern Shores was erected to meet the demand and specialize in condominium vacation rentals on Traverse City's East side, primarily East Bay. Peninsula Bay became this new branches flag ship property and continues to be to this day. We have dedicated our resources and marketing exclusively to Peninsula Bay Condominiums and believe we have had a positive impact on the success of furthering future sales. We brought live to the complex when it had none, and our business really helped put Peninsula Bay "on the map," for travelers as well as buyers. With a new 6th Peninsula Bay suite added this fall, we remain to be the exclusive rental agency at Peninsula Bay amongst our competition. We have every intention of continuing and specializing in Peninsula Bay as our full time vacation rental commitment. We find our strength is specialization and we are running with it. We have evolved into the premier Peninsula Bay rental agency through our entrepreneurial intuition, specialization, familiarization, and dedication to our undertaking as the no-compromise Peninsula Bay vacation rental expert.

Thank you to our owners...

To our Vacation Rental owners:
Just a quick note to say "thank you" to many of you who have helped keep us in the loop in regards to vacation rental management solicitations you have received. We are appreciative and grateful that you feel compelled to pass these e-mails and letters along to us. We also want to thank you for entrusting in us your Peninsula Bay vacation rental property for yet another summer. Peninsula Bay Condominiums and all your suites have again been very well received! We have many guest securing their reservation week(s) for next summer/fall. We would like to think that this is a clear sign of our dedication to our guests and ensuring their vacation experience is an enjoyable and memorable one!

"Dove" Takes Flight

Its been 2 weeks since we received the call about the injured dove at Peninsula Bay. Today, our feathered friend was set free and with a gentle lift-off "Dove" assended several feet into the air before navigating towards a large pine tree. Perched high in a bushy pine tree over looking 40 acers of undeveloped college property, Dove seems more then at home with is health restored. I suspect he will be pairing up with other local doves in a day or so. His recovery was quick and progress was noted continually over the last 2 weeks. He was a good eater and took to a bowl of water readily. Flying around in our screened in porch was perfect and our lazy cat was entertained the entire time.

Peninsula Bay's fireplace exhaust "vents" funnel a small amount of mildly warm air as a result of the fireplace's ever burning "pilot" flame. This was mostly likely a very desireable nest location for nesting doves in the area. This next spring it will be a good idea to inspect these fireplace vents for nesting doves and keep them from nesting in these locations. We can add this to the long list of maintenance & problem solving experiences we have learned dealing with Peninsula Bays since its conception.

Peninsula Bay is Beautiful - But it's Time to Leave the Nest!

A Dove at Traverse City's finest beachfront address...

Ashley Hulet lost her beloved Parakeet (Gold Feather) this last winter and was truly heartbroken. He was fine one day and was no longer the next. So Ashley's birdcage made its way into her closet, clean and orderly, she just wasn't ready to replace her beloved feathered friend-yet. Today Ashley and I received a call from her Mom, reporting that a baby dove had been removed from Peninsula Bay's protection during power washing (for the better, it's August!) and was being attacked by the local posse of seagulls. To Nicole's surprise, she heard and then saw what all the commotion was about along the fire lane on the East side of Pen Bay. To her horror, seagulls were taking their best shots at a baby dove who was not able or no longer able to fly away. Nicole fetched a box and put it over the dove before making the phone call to us. When we arrived all the hopeful seagulls were gone and there was the box, upside down, a one bird bunker hideout. We had brought a shoebox with us, our transport capsule, and the dove easily let us pick him up without much of a fight and place him (her?) in the box. I was making siren noises with my mouth as we departed the parking lot and headed for home "Med." We stopped at a local "Wild Birds Unlimited" and explained the situation to the owner and asked for just the right "dove" food for this little guy. He fixed us up and refused to let us pay for it. Obviously, with a love for birds he just wanted to be of help. I thanked him up and down and told him I would spread the word of his good deed. When we got home, Ashley made her way to her bedroom and retrieved her bird cage of last winter. She dug out some newspaper and filled up the water and food dishes and put them on the bottom of the cage for easy access. We found a perfect place on our screened in second story porch, up high on a shelf, where "Dove" could start to feel secure again and hopefully eat and drink. Sure enough, with in a hour, he began to drink some of the water and we hope to see him try some mullet. Right now, we are just giving him some time to relax and get his bearings. We plan to release him as soon as possible, so that he can do what ever it is that doves do. We will keep you all posted as to how "Dove" is doing...

Long Term Rentals at Peninsula Bay? Yes...

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals is no stranger to long term rentals at Peninsula Bay Condominiums. We have entertained three so far. Whether your moving to the area, building a new home or remodeling, I can't think of a more comfortable place to be than at "Pen Bay." Enjoy the beauty of Fall, Winter, & the warmth of Spring, all while surrounded by the majestic charm and beauty of Peninsula Bay Condominiums. Give us a call...we can help you! (Notice the heated sidewalks-no snow!)

Nicole Hulet accepts sales position at Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums

Nicole Hulet accepts sales position at Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums under Coldwell Banker/Schmidt Realtors. She is very excited about the up and coming sales campaign and is enjoying one of her favorite developments in Traverse City. She is at the building everyday from 11am to 4pm and is feverishly working towards the promotion of Peninsula Bay and all that it has to offer. This is her 3rd summer among Pen Bay and its been such a great project. Seems its been her "home" away from home for a while now! Anyone reading and interested in an opportunity in ownership of one of the remaining Peninsula Bay suites, please don't hesitate to contact Nicole for more information. Those of you that know her personally, know she is always more then willing to lend an ear and help in any way that she can. She loves what she does and just likes people. Below is an insert from her bio, written by her, on Coldwell Banker's website:

~Snip~
About Me:
I have been licensed in real estate since 1995. I began my career in real estate after attending Grand Valley State University for business. Then I moved back home to Glen Arbor in 1991 and worked in my families property management company that specialized in vacation rentals at The Homestead Resort. I married my husband Jason, had two beautiful girls, and moved to the base of Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. In 2001, my sister & I opened a branch of the family business in downtown Traverse City and actively manage 175 second homes. In 2005 I opened an additional branch of my own; Northern Shores Vacation Rentals & Northern Shores Real Estate Sales, LLC. My husband now runs the vacation rental business and I recently joined Coldwell Banker Schmidt Real Estate to broaden my experience and reach out to a larger market.

Areas of Expertise:
I specialize in second homes.... Dream Homes! I have always worked in an environment where I assisted in making lifelong memories. I have been a part of families who have made Northern Michigan their second home - their place to get-a-way from the hustle & bustle. It has been a wonderful experience to be involved with the creation of family memories. The joy that I see when a family has made an investment in their dream home is priceless. And their dream home is not only an investment but a commitment to create many unforgettable memories for generations. I believe that there is a dream home for everyone and I love to be a part of finding that dream!

Memberships & Affiliations
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Michigan Association of Realtors (MAR)
Vacation Rental National Association (VRMA)
Traverse City Chamber of Commerce
Leelanau County Chamber of Commerce

http://www.NicoleHulet.com

Traverse City's National Cherry Festival - 2007

The National Cherry Festival is a festival in Traverse City, Michigan in Northern Michigan. Founded in 1926, the mission of the National Cherry Festival is to celebrate & promote cherries. It also serves to promote tourism and community involvement, and to enhance the economic, entertainment, and cultural interests of the Grand Traverse region.
Every year more than 500,000 attendees enjoy the National Cherry Festival, which is now in its 80th year. Families can enjoy many kinds of activities from cherry pit spitting and pie eating contests, to the Grand Royale Parade in which the newly crowned Cherry Queen greets the crowds.
Originally held in mid- to late July to coincide with the cherry harvest, the Festival was moved to early July to take advantage of the July 4th weekend. Cherries are harvested with a "shaker", that quickly vibrates the trunk of the cherry tree and the ripe cherries fill off into a large, expandable tarp.[1] During the harvest approximately 200,000,000 pounds of tart (Montmorency) cherries are harvested. Other cherries, including sweet cherries and Balaton cherries are also harvested. The moderate climate, caused by the proximity of Lake Michigan and the sandy soil are why cherries grow so well in the region.
Traverse City is the self-proclaimed "Cherry Capital of the World" and is in the Guinness Book of World Records, for baking the world's largest cherry pie (the pie was 17' 6", weighing in at 28,350 pounds), unveiled at the festival on July 25, 1987. This replaced the pie baked nine years earlier in Charlevoix, Michigan. This record was held until July 14, 1990, when a pie weighing 37,740 lbs 10 oz, 20 feet in diameter was baked and eaten by approximately 1500 people in Oliver, British Columbia (the Wine Capital of Canada).Source: Wikipedia.com

Historic Traverse City State Theater - LIVES!

TRAVERSE CITY, MI (May 30, 2007)-- After over a decade of being dark, the lights on the marquee of the historic State Theatre in downtown Traverse City will once again come alive as the Traverse City Film Festival today accepted the deed to the theater from its most recent owner, Rotary Charities of Traverse City.
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Grand Traverse County Courthouse

Grand Traverse County was officially organized in 1851. Its first courthouse and jail were built in 1854 for $600 on land donated by the lumbering firm Hannah, Lay and Company. The courthouse, a wooden structure, burned in 1862. The county used rented quarters until 1900. In 1898 the county accepted plans for the present brick and stone structure submitted by architects Rush, Bowman and Rush of Grand Rapids. The building, placed on the site of the original courthouse, was completed in 1900 at a cost of $35,665. In 1975, after an intensive campaign led by County Historical Society president Jennie Arnold, citizens voted to remodel the building. The renovation was completed at a cost of $1.7 million, and the structure was rededicated on July 4, 1981.

Peninsula Bay Condominiums - Let me introduce you...

Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums is a new resort development along the "Miracle Mile" of sandy shoreline on East Grand Traverse Bay, on the East side of Traverse City, Michigan. Its right on the beach and views of East Bay are spectacular! Peninsula Bay's first phase of construction was completed January 2006. Peninsula Bay ResortCondominiums sets itself aside from other developments in Traverse City by its relentless detail to quality construction and materials. You will find each suite, there are 30 total, completed with top-of-the-line appliances, including: Sub-Zero refrigerators, Fisher-Paykal Dual Drawer Dishwashers, GE Convection Gas Ranges, and Boran hoods. The Kitchens are really each suite's flagship. The cabinetry is madeby Pinnacle a small company, unhurried and dedicated to detail. Drawers have slow, no slam recessing slides and stylish hardware was chosen. Cabinetry is carried into the two bathrooms of each suite which includes a dual vanity in the master bedroom. Granite countertops are standard in all Peninsula Bay suites, both in the kitchens and baths. Each suite has a gas flip-the-switch gas fire place which also enjoys a granite surround. Common hallways are very stylish with cherry "bowed" pillars and tasteful green and burgundy two-tone carpeting. Resort includes an over-sized elevator which services right off the main lobby to all 5 stories.

Peninsula Bay ResortCondominiums offers 6 different type suites on 5 stories. Three suites on each story have direct East Bay views (Pen Bay suites F, E,& D). Three suites have angled views of East Bay and are locatedalong the side of the resort (Pen Bay suites A, B, & C). PeninsulaBay Resort enjoys two bay-side swimming pools. One is a 25ft X 45ft(approx.) swimming pool with 3ft to 5ft depths the other pool is anover-sized circular hot tub. Both pools are heated and completelybrand new construction. Peninsula Bay is a 100%% sole ownership resortcondominium complex. They are not sold in shares.

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals is the exclusive rental agency for Peninsula Bay Resort. They have over 25 years of experience with resort rentals and have been a main stay in the Traverse City area since their beginning in Glen Arbor, Michigan with the Homestead. They currently have 5 Peninsula Bay suites on their rental program. They rent by the week only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Off-season rates are available as well as weekend stays. If you would be interested in staying at Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums please visit: www.VisitNorthernShores.com for rates and availability. Below is a brief description of each of the 5 suites on the rental program:

Suite E45
This 4th floor suite has a direct view of East Grand Traverse Bay. The view is simply spectacular! Enjoy this view on a 107 sq ft balcony over looking the bay as well as the pristine sandy shoreline. Suite enjoys a custom kitchen including; granite countertops, subzero refrigerator, gas range/oven, microwave, dual drawer dishwasher, coffee maker, and all utensils for meal preparation. Master bedroom enjoys direct views of East Bay and has its own bathroom including dual vanity sinks, granite countertops, King sizebed and a tiled glassed in shower. Master bedroom also has a walk-incloset. Guest bedroom shares bathroom connected with suite's main bathroom, and has a tub/tiled shower combination. Guest bedroom also enjoys a walk-in closet and Queen size bed. This suite offers a folding sofa-sleeper. Suite enjoys a stackable washer/dryer, air conditioning, gas fireplace, flat screen HD plasma television in the living room, large TVs in each bedroom, VHS & DVD collection for guests viewing, stereosystem with MP3 hookup, formal & informal dinner ware for entertaining,and local phone. All Peninsula Bay guests have access to the outside/bayside pool and spa and 330 ft of sandy shoreline.

Suite A50
This 5th floor suite has an angled view of East Grand Traverse Bay. At top floor vantage point the view of the eastern shoreline of East Baywith its turquoise waters are just beautiful! This view can be enjoyed on a 210 sqft semi-circle balcony off the master bedroom with sun exposure. Suite enjoys a custom kitchen including; granite countertops, subzero refrigerator, gas range/oven, microwave, and dualdrawer dishwasher. Living room enjoys large circular window (only suite in the resort that has this window) which provides immense amounts of ambient light and gives this suite a very enlightened feel. Master Bedroom has its own bathroom including dual vanity sinks, granite countertops, King size bed, and a tiled glassed in shower. Master bedroom also has a walk-in closet. Guest bedroom shares bathroom connected with suite's main bathroom, has a tub/tiled shower combination, and has a well eliminated south facing window. Guest bedroom also has a walk-in closet and Queen bed. Suite enjoys a stackable washer/dryer, air conditioning, gasfireplace, flat screen television and local phone. All Peninsula Bayguests have access to the outside/bayside pool and spa and 330 ft of sandy shoreline.

Suite D34
This 3rd floor suite has a direct view of East Grand Traverse Bay and from 3rd floor the view of East Bay is breath taking. This view is enjoyed on a 150 sq.ft. balcony with a rounded end. Suite enjoys acustom kitchen including; granite countertops, subzero refrigerator,gas range/oven, microwave, dual drawer dishwasher, coffee maker, and all utensils for meal preparation. This suite is the only one to offera dedicated dinning area and is our largest condominium suite available. Professionally decorated throughout. Master Bedroom has its own bathroom including dual vanity sinks, granite countertops, King size bed and a tiled glassed in shower. Master bedroom also has a walk-in closet. Guest bedroom shares bathroom connected with suite's main bathroom, has a tub/tiled shower combination, and has a well eliminated south facing window. Guestbedroom also has a walk-in closet and a King size bed. This suite alsooffers a new sofa-sleeper.Suite enjoys a stackable washer/dryer, air conditioning, gas fireplace, local phone, flat screen television in the living room and master bedroom. All Peninsula Bay guests have access to the outside/bayside pool and spa and 330 ft of sandy shoreline.

Suite C52
This 5th floor suite has an angled view of East Grand Traverse Bay. At top floor vantage point and positioned closest to the shoreline this side-view of East Bay's East shoreline is magnificent! This view canbe enjoyed on a 210 sqft semi-circle balcony off the master bedroom with sun exposure. Suite enjoys a custom kitchen including; granite countertops, subzero refrigerator, gas range/oven, microwave, and dual drawer dishwasher. Master Bedroom has its own bathroom including dual vanity sinks,granite countertops, king size bed and a tiled glassed in shower. Master bedroom also has a walk-in closet. Guest bedroom enjoys its own private bathroom with tub/tiled shower combination including vanitywith granite countertops. Guest bedroom also has a walk-in closet and Queen size bed. This suite offers an inflatable mattress also. Suite enjoys an extra half bathroom, stackable washer/dryer, airconditioning, gas fireplace, television and local phone. All PeninsulaBay guests have access to the outside/bayside pool and spa and 330 ft of sandy shoreline.

Suite D44
This 4th floor suite has a direct view of East Grand Traverse Bay and from 4th floor the view of East Bay is breath taking. This view is enjoyed on a 150 sq.ft. balcony with a rounded end. Suite enjoys a custom kitchen including; granite countertops, subzero refrigerator,gas range/oven, microwave, dual drawer dishwasher, coffee maker, and all utensils for meal preparation. This suite is the only one to offera dedicated dinning area and is our largest condominium suiteavailable. Professionally decorated throughout. Master Bedroom has its own bathroom including dual vanity sinks, granite countertops, king size bed and a tiled glassed in shower. Master bedroom also has a walk-in closet. Guest bedroom shares bathroom connected with suite's main bathroom, has a tub/tiled shower combination, and has a well eliminated south facing window. Guest bedroom also has a walk-in closet and a king size bed. This suite also offers a new sofa-sleeper. Suite enjoys a stackable washer/dryer, air conditioning, gasfireplace, local phone, flat screen television in the living room and master bedroom. All Peninsula Bay guests have access to the outside/bayside pool and spa and 330 ft of sandy shoreline.

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals & Sales, LLC.
Traverse City, Michigan
www.VisitNorthernShores.com

West Michigan Cottage & Lakefront Living Show

2007 Dates & Times
Friday, April 20 3pm - 9pm
Saturday, April 21 10am - 9pm
Sunday, Arpil 22 11am - 5pm
Admission (PUBLIC)
Adults: $8.00
Children (6-14): $4.00
5 & Under: Free

On behalf of Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, Nicole & I will be attending the first annual West Michigan Cottage & Lakefront Living Show at the Devos Place in Grand Rapids in April. We will be exposing Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums and all that it has to offer as a Traverse City vacation distination. If you are located in Grand Rapids or plan on attending the show, please do stop by and say hi. We would love to meet you and share our knowledge of Peninsula Bay Condominums with you.
"The Cottage" Say those words to almost any Michigander and memories rush forward like waves: the screech of gulls, or the squeal of old oarlocks; falling asleep to the rhythm of the surf, or waking to a chorus of frogs; sand in the sheets, or fish scales in the sink. Mostly, though, they're memories of family, because here in the Great Lake State the cottage is a tradition that's handed down from one generation to the next. No wonder so many of us are figuring out how to transform a summer ritual into year-round lakefront living. But whether it's your home, the family cottage on Lake Ann, or a favorite rental near Ottawa Beach, lakefront living is special. It both renews us, and returns us to happy moments from the past. Such an extraordinary part of life in West Michigan deserves to be promoted with an exceptional show.
For web site click here >>> West Michgian Cottage & Lakefront Living Show <<<