Different options in Traverse City / Sleeping Bear area?

Question

Hi! I'm looking at rentals that can hold 11 people without breaking the bank. I've found 3 on VRBO that might be options, but they are different locations. We'll be staying 4 nights and would like to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes and Glen Arbor, as well as going up to Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula. We'd be going with my older in-laws and some kids ages 8-14.

The three options are:

1. Sutton's Bay

2. Lime Lake / Maple City

3. Elberta

The Elberta location is probably the most comfortable for our group in terms of size and bedroom configuration, but I'm afraid it might be too far from everything. It looks like an hour from Traverse City, which is not too big of a deal as we'd just go up that way one day.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Scott

Answer

Hi Scott! It sounds like you're planning a wonderful trip to Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. There are several great options for your group, so here's a breakdown of the three locations you're considering:

1. Sutton's Bay: Sutton's Bay is a charming small town located about 20-30 minutes north of Traverse City. It’s known for its beautiful bay views, wineries, and quaint downtown. The location is perfect for a balance between visiting Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes. It’s a short drive to both, and the town itself has a relaxing vibe with good dining options, so it could be a great place for the whole family to enjoy downtime as well.

Pros of Sutton's Bay:

Convenient proximity to both Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes
Charming small town with shops, restaurants, and wineries
Great for relaxing and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area

Cons of Sutton's Bay:

Could be a little quieter and more limited in activities for kids compared to Traverse City
Not as close to Glen Arbor or some of the other activities you might want to explore

2. Lime Lake / Maple City: Lime Lake and Maple City are located a bit further west of Traverse City, closer to Sleeping Bear Dunes. This area offers a peaceful, natural setting, ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. It’s about a 30-40 minute drive to Traverse City, so it’s still doable for a day trip. The area around Lime Lake also provides outdoor activities, including boating and fishing, which could be great for the kids.

Pros of Lime Lake / Maple City:

Closer to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Glen Arbor
Offers a more remote and private experience with lots of outdoor activities
Great for nature lovers, with access to hiking and water activities

Cons of Lime Lake / Maple City:

A bit farther from Traverse City, making trips there less convenient
Limited options for dining and entertainment compared to Traverse City

3. Elberta: Elberta is located on the opposite side of Crystal Lake from the town of Crystal Lake and is about 45-60 minutes from Traverse City. It’s a quiet, small town with lakefront access, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy being by the water. While it's farther from Sleeping Bear Dunes, it's still close enough for a day trip. The downside is the distance to Traverse City, but this could be a good choice if your group is looking for more space and a relaxing retreat.

Pros of Elberta:

Spacious, peaceful, and comfortable for large groups
Quiet and remote, great for relaxation
Close to Crystal Lake for water activities

Cons of Elberta:

It’s about an hour away from Traverse City, making trips there less convenient
Not as much to do in Elberta itself, especially for kids

My suggestion: Given your plans to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor, and Traverse City, I think Sutton's Bay would be a great choice for a central location. It's close to everything you want to see, and it offers a nice mix of relaxation and local charm. If you want something more remote and closer to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lime Lake / Maple City could be a better fit, but you'll need to drive more for trips to Traverse City. Elberta, while great for its space, might be a little too far from the main attractions.

Ultimately, it depends on your group's preferences—if you want more accessibility and a livelier atmosphere, Sutton's Bay is ideal. If you prefer seclusion and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lime Lake or Maple City would work well.

Enjoy your trip! It sounds like it will be a fantastic getaway!