Birch Shores Resort - The Aspen Cottage - Lakefront with Water Toys!

Upon entering Aspen, the Scandinavian half-timbered interior reflects the builder’s national heritage. The ambiance will embrace you. Connect your laptop to the internet or view on the 65″ TV monitor to connect and work remotely if needed. Disconnect and unwind on the sun-dappled deck. The kitchen has the top-of-the-line Whirlpool convection gas range, beverage and large stainless GE Profile fridges. There’s a new 15′ x 30′ deck to admire awesome sunsets and unmatched views of the Dunes.


NEIGHBORHOOD:

Located on the tranquil shores of Glen Lake, this family-friendly retreat provides guests with the perfect spot to unwind and experience lakefront living at its finest. This is the area chosen by the viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most beautiful place in America” – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Your family will be inspired by the grandeur of massive dunes, sweeping, untamed shores and miles of beautiful beaches.

We are just 0.4 miles off busy M-22 on bucolic Day Forest Road, steps from the National Lakeshore and adjacent to the Alligator Hill Trails. It is 2 miles to Glen Arbor and 3 miles to the Dunes. Stunning Lake Views and gorgeous sunsets. The sandy bottom lake in front of our cabins stays waist deep for 100 yards from the shore, greatly enhancing water safety for the younger kids. We are nearby the Public Boat Launch for our Guests with boats – and have 2 Guest deep-water boat moorings and room for parking Guest boat trailers on our property. There are 2 separate Docks for Guests enjoyment, with sunset viewing benches on each.

Great sunsets, a wonderful view of the Dunes, 2 miles to Glen Arbor, 3 miles to the Dunes, Homestead downhill skiing in 6 miles, we are off the traffic of busy M-22, safe swimming and water play up to 100 yards from shore, Alligator Hill hiking trails just off our doorstep - and Free Boat Moorings, trailer parking, fire wood and Kayaks for our Guests... etc.

Here are some of our favorite places in the area:

* Charter Fishing: Enjoy a memorable experience on the big waters of Lake Michigan! There are some great local charter fishing companies you may want to contact to book a trip ahead of time. • Mariah Charters and • Watta Bite Charter Fishing

* Art’s Tavern: Arts is a great place to get a burger and beer! The outside seating is pleasant when the weather is nice. **Bring cash…they don’t take credit cards.

* Boonedocks: Boonedocks is a casual place. The food is pretty good. If you are vegetarian they have a great “bark eater” sandwich! The outside patio is AMAZING and they usually have live music.

* La Becasse: La Becasse is unassuming. They describe themselves as “French County.” This has become one of our favorite places! The food is expertly prepared. It’s intimate. For an upscale dinner, please choose La Becasse. And for dessert…the phyllo dough chocolate cake will leave you speechless. Reservations are recommened. Also, enjoy happy hour, el fresco.

* Good Harbor Grill: Good Harbor is a great place for breakfast and lunch. Casual. Quaint. Cafe-ish.

* Blu: Blu is another upscale place in Glen Arbor. If are only going to eat one nice meal out, please go to La Becasse, but if you want another nice option, go to Blu. The food is top notch, but the view is better! This restaurant is literally on Lake Michigan. Reservations recommened.

* Leelanau Coffee: This isn’t the only coffee place in town but they do a great job. They French press all their coffee…what’s better than that ! Try the snickerdoodle roast!

* North Peak Brewery: North Peak is our favorite beer in Michigan. They use all local ingredients. You can only get it in Michigan. For a lighter beer try Siren (Amber Ale). If you want to put a little hair on your chest, please try Furry (Black IPA). This place is in Traverse City and the ambiance is great, the food is high quality, and you might even see someone you know there.

* Jolly Pumpkin: This is our hidden gem. Up the Mission Peninsula, Jolly Pumpkin is on the coast. It’s a bit of a drive from the cottage but on your way you feel like you are in a different part of the country…water and pine. Inside, it’s all wood, and in the fall they have a gigantic roaring fire. Feel free to join the Mug Club. We did! Our mugs are always above the bar. For food order the goat cheese and arugula pizza. Before your meal they will bring out seasoned chips with a curry aioli…it’s…um, heaven.

* Nonna’s: Nonna’s Italian Restaurant is at the Homestead. It’s upscale and worth your time.

* Anderson’s IGA Market: This is the only grocery store in town without driving to Traverse City. They have a little of everything and the quality of the food is stellar. They are known for being overpriced, but they are close by, convenient, and open.

* Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce: This site has information on just about everything in our area to explore, from a local business directory, to things to do, trail maps and local events. Check it out!

* Pierce Stocking Drive: You have never seen a sunset like this one. Pierce Stocking is probably the most breathtaking area in Northern Michigan. Take the scenic drive and bring a blanket, watermelon, and wine. Perch yourself 400 feet above Lake Michigan and watch as the sun falls off the face of the earth (or so it seems). You can actually see the curve of the earth on the water. If you do nothing else do this.

* The Homestead Resort: While the Homestead Resort, located on the shore of Lake Michigan just a couple miles out of downtown Glen Arbor, is open year round. Enjoy winter activities including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, family friendly downhill skiing and rentals. Ski • Dine

* The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail : Experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore via foot, bike, ski, or even wheelchair! The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a gem of our area that you don’t want to miss. The trail now spans 27 miles from Empire to Good Harbor Bay. It is also pet friendly.


THE SPACE:

The cottage has a number of great amenities including:

* Sleeps 8: The cottage has 3 bedrooms and sleeps 8 people. Bedroom #1 has a full-size bed and sleeps 2. Bedroom #2 has a full-on-full bunk bed and sleeps 4. Bedroom #3 has a twin-on-twin bunk bed and sleeps 2.

* Free WiFi: For your convenience. Choose to connect and work remote or check emails and keep up on social, or simply disconnect from it all and enjoy the surroundings.

* Large Screen TV Monitors: Enjoy Netflix, Amazon, News and more.

* Free Boats: Our renters have acess to 4 kayaks and a 14′ canoe for your boating pleasure!

* Outdoor Seating: 3 Sunset Viewing benches, a hammock and a large kids swing

* 2 Fire Pits: Each cottage lawn has it’s own firepit and access to free firewood.

* New Charcoal Grills

* Abundant Wildlife: Spot deer, ducks, 5 different woodpeckers, swans, foxes and more.

* Surrounded by Recreation: Cottages are surrounded by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and have access to the Alligator Hill hiking trails directly across Day Forest Road. Trails & Scenic Vistas

* Boat Launch: The public boat launch & boat wash for the Glen Lakes is nearby. Learn more.

* Stunning clear blue waters: The most beautiful inland Lake in America! In June, at a warm 72 degrees, Aspen has 2 deep-water moorings for guest’s ski boats… in contrast – at a frigid 58 degrees, Lake Michigan has no boat moorings available.


TRANSIT:

It is recommended that guests have their own vehicle.


PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

* Docks and watercraft are only available for guest usage until October 1.