A Much Over Due Catch Up

To all of our guests who visit our page---sincerest apologies for not staying on top of posting all the things happening at Blue Shore and Traverse City.  My owners were quite busy this past year with the arrival of a new baby to the family.  

With the close of 2014 rental season almost to a coming to a close we are thrilled that so many of our guests enjoyed the house.  We sincerely hope that many of you will return and make it a yearly family tradition.

Keep checking back for updates!  We really hope to be able to post more on a regular basis :).

Sincerely

Blue Shore House

Another Top Honor For Traverse City

Traverse City has received another top honor.  

Fodor's just named my little town one of the 10 Best Small Towns in America!

Click Here to see the full article

The article cites the food scene as one of the reasons Traverse City is gaining a notable reputation.  Include beaches, water, and all of the natural wonders and it all adds up I think.

And for all of our guests who have already booked to stay at Blue Shore this summer I hope you are looking forward to spending time in the warm water and sand.

The snow can't melt fast enough!

See you soon,

Blue Shore House

February Fun

Don't be dismayed by the frigid temperatures and tons of snow; Blue Shore House is used to this lovely winter Northern Michigan brings.  And don't even think that my town is quiet and people are non-existent....in fact it is quite the opposite.  Traverse City in February brings tons and TONS of activities to enjoy the great outdoors (just as long as you bundle up) or keep you warm (as long as you drink lots of wine).  Check out these February activities:

http://lpwines.com/

Celebrate love, wine, and chocolate at the annual Taste the Passion event put on by Leelanau Wineries.  Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to purchase so that you and your Valentine can enjoy the wine trail.

http://www.porterhouseproductions.com/

Throw on your winter clothes, boats, hats, mittens, etc. and go to the Winter Microbrew Fest put on by Porter House Productions.  A week long calendar of everything craft beer lead up to the much anticipated beer festival that locals flock to in groves.  The music, beer, and just being outside (under heated tents of course) make getting through the cold temperatures well worth it.

http://wintercomedy.org/

The laughs return this year!  TC residents are very excited for the return of Michael Moore's comedy festival.  This year they teamed up with National Cherry Festival for other fun events too.  HINT** they are closing Front Street downtown and making it into one big ice skating rink!  How cool is that?!

http://www.downtowntc.com/events/2013-02-24.html

Have I mentioned that Traverse City is a foodie town and there are A-MAZ-ING restaurants everywhere known throughout the country?  Well, the end of February promises to be a very busy week of eating because participating restaurants offer three course meals for only $25.  The website promises "this is your chance to experience culinary wonders of the TC region at an affordable price."  Enjoy!

There are many MANY more events happening so make sure you pack warm, drive safe, and we'll see you soon!  Oh, and be sure to check out my VRBO link for updated summer calendar.  Dates are filling up fast.

~Blue Shore House

Winter Update

Blue Shore has been busy this winter getting an inside face lift.  Ben and Jenna have been repainting the main floor bedrooms in a pretty blue color perfect for the beach cottage chic style!  Pictures to come soon.

While we aren't accepting guests for winter this year Traverse City does have tons to offer!  Like winter sports: downhill skiing, cross country skiing, tubing, and snow shoeing.  Here are some of our favorite ski hills....

Crystal Mountain:

Crystal Mountain is located just about an hour from Traverse City and boasts 45 downhill slopes, 4 terrain parks, a beginner area, lessons for all ages, and rentals.  We particularly love it for its accommodations, the restaurant/bar area, and fun family atmosphere.

Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands:

Boyne Mountain is one of the more popular ski hills about 1.5 hours north of Traverse City.  With 2 mountains and 115 ski slopes there is something for everyone.  Including tubing, zip line adventure, plenty of trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and even a water park for after skiing fun.  

Nubs Nob

Nubs Nob is Jenna's favorite ski area.  As a VERY novice skier it has some of the funnest slopes around.  Nubs is located in Petoskey area very close to Boyne Mountain and boasts 53 runs.  The lodge area is very comfortable too!

Hickory Hills and Mt Holiday

Hickory Hills picture via Ski Resort Digest

If you want to stay close to town, may we suggest Hickory Hills and Mt. Holiday for your outdoor winter adventures.  Both hills are smaller and perfect for beginners.  Other outdoor adventures include tubing and cross country skiing.  This is the perfect area for families with little children.

So we hope you enjoy your outdoor adventures and looking forward to our guests in summer.  Speaking of summer....be sure to visit Blue Shore on VRBO to book your summer vacation.  Reservations are filling up fast.  Happy 2013!!!

Local Events: 9/28-9/30

If I say so myself, Traverse City is a pretty happening town.  There is always something going on.  So each week I'm going to feature some of the events for you to enjoy.

By the way, the weather is looking great this weekend!  Sunny and high of 66 is a perfect weekend to spend outside.  So layer up in your cutest fall clothes and boots because, let's be honest, weather in TC can change at a moment's notice.  My owner, Jenna, is currently loving this look:

picture of Rachel Bilson via ????

After relaxing a bit in the morning, head to one of the coffee shops downtown for some really amazing coffee, a favorite is Morsels Bakery.  Then stroll downtown towards the Sara Hardy's Farmers Market.  Stock up on local fruit and vegetables for a home-made dinner later that evening.

picture via downtowntc.com

After shopping and strolling, stop by Amical.  They offer an eclectic European cuisine in a very comfortable atmosphere.  Fill up on the Tomato Soup en Croute-a local favorite of baked tomato soup with puff pastry.

After you filled your tummy and strolled the shops of downtown TC, I suggest hopping in the car and head out Old Mission Peninsula.  Check out the amazing views and scenery, paying special attention to the changing fall colors.

Sunset from look out on Old Mission Peninsula.

Stop at the Brys Estate Harvest Celebration.  For $5 you get a souvenir glass, 4 tastings with food pairings and get to walk around the gorgeous winery.  The event is from 11-7pm and lasts through November.

picture via www.brysestate.com

Continue your wine tasting tour of the Wineries of Old Mission before heading back.

Speaking of heading back, be sure to stop at Burritt's Market on the way to Blue Shore and pick up some meat, white fish dip and a bottle of wine to add to your farmer's market veggies for dinner.  

After dinner, enjoy the view and the sandy beach.

See you soon!

Blue Shore

The Blue Shore Story

Welcome to the Blue Shore Blog!  I am a large house located directly on gorgeous West Grand Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan.  Here is my story:

For a few years I remained empty, just waiting for someone to buy me!  I mean, I have great bones but let's face it...my decor was stuck in the 90's.  Sponge painted walls, lots and lots of wall paper, white tile floors, and dingy carpet scared alot of people off.

But not Ben and Jenna.  In early 2012 they saw my potential immediately and bought me.  Since then, they have been updating me and making me pretty again!  Ben has been putting in all of the "elbow grease" (like jack hammering out the old white tiles in the kitchen) while Jenna has picked out paint colors (think Restoration Hardware colors), flooring, fixtures, etc.  There is even a little crazy toddler running around the house named Elyse.  She keeps everyone on their toes.

Ben and Jenna keep calling me a "beach house" and styling me in what they call "beach cottage chic."
I just call it love.

After a few months of updating, Ben and Jenna decided they needed to share the love with others.  As permanent Traverse City residents, lovers of the water and beach, and all Northern Michigan has to offer they thought they would bring some of that to you.

Many of you have visited my house already and have enjoyed the private beach, convenient location, and comfortable rooms, and the view (yes, amazing views from almost every room!) and I can't wait to share more of beautiful Up North with vacationers.

So please check back often for updates-for example, I'm going to get a new coat of paint in the main floor master bedroom soon (yippee!), events going on in the Traverse City area, and updates on vacation availability.

Welcome to my little blog about a house on the water!  Thank you for visiting!
Sincerely,
Blue Shore House