The Homestead, Glen Arbor, Michigan

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Considering a visit to The Homestead?

A cozy corner of paradise, a stay at The Homestead provides the perfect mix of relaxed, family atmosphere and high-end hotel, offering 4-star accommodations, scattered across a sprawling, multi-acre campus. And I would know- I've visited The Homestead *a lot.* From summers as a kid, to learning how to ski, and now stopping by as an full-fledged adult (ugh!), I've stayed in nearly every type of accommodation the resort offers. I flatter myself to say I'm something of a Homestead expert!

With restaurants, from forest-surrounded bar bites to beach-front luxury, two spas, three swimming pools/hot tubs, and a lovely beach-front setting, there's plenty of space to spread out and enjoy everything Northern Michigan has to offer. And don't forget, The Homestead has so much to offer year 'round - when snow covers the par-3 golf course, it's time for skiing!

View of Lake Michigan from The Homestead's beach

Nestled snugly into the "Most Beautiful Place in America," the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore continues to surprise out-of-state visitors. I had a picture of the Sleeping Bear Dunes on my wall in college out East and I swear people often didn't believe this could possibly be in Michigan.

Where is The Homestead?

The Homestead is located in charming Glen Arbor, Michigan. Glen Arbor, a tiny town of less than 1,000 residents, boasts cute shops, nice restaurants, and, of course, is the capital of The Cherry Republic - the local purveyor of all things cherry-flavored, which has spread throughout the US. About 4.5 hours north east of Detroit, and just over 5 hours from Chicago, Glen Arbor is served by Cherry Capital Airport (yes, you read that correctly) in Traverse City.

M22 sign, Glen Arbor, Michigan

All things cherry at The Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor, Michigan

Learn more about Glen Arbor, Michigan in the full post!

Staying at The Homestead, Glen Arbor

There are quite a few different lodging options at The Homestead. From family-friendly cabins, to luxurious guest rooms at The Inn, The Homestead has a wide-range of accommodations.

Large-format rentals

Called Condominiums and Homes on the resort website, The Homestead has many properties that are owned by individuals, but rented out through the resort. They come in many shapes and sizes, from full-sized, glamorous houses, to one-bedroom flat-style accommodations.
 
I've stayed in a number of these over the years, and have always found them to be in excellent condition. You just aren't taking the same risk as renting an unknown property from a random person. Renters through The Homestead get access to the same amenities as the hotel-style property guests, including the Beach Club, restaurant access, etc. So, if you're bringing a group, be sure to look into these!

Beals House

Fish House

 Let's discuss the hotel options!

The Inn at The Homestead

The Inn is *by far* my favorite property at The Homestead. Located in a lovingly renovated, century-old boys' school/camp, The Inn directly overlooks Lake Michigan and has easy strolling access to the Beach Club, including the main pool & poolside dining, beach-front seating, & Cafe Manitou. Perhaps best of all, guests staying at The Inn have access to the *coveted* parking right behind The Beach Club.

Many (*not all) rooms at The Inn offer stunning views of Lake Michigan. Several have adorable, private porches overlooking the water. The Inn is three stories, with both stairs and an elevator.

Reach out on social media and I'll tell you the best room at The Inn! (Can't have everyone knowing!)

The Inn at The Homestead, exterior

View of The Beach Club from The Inn

Sunset over Lake Michigan from our room at The Inn

Our room at The Inn (comforters, pillows removed because...2020!)

Stoney Brook Lodge

Perched high up on a hill, with stunning vistas over the water and over to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Stoney Brook Lodge is a quick drive down to the beach and other amenities at The Homestead. Those with sturdy calves can walk much of the resort as well! With its woodsy interior and its own pool, Stoney Brook Lodge is a charming oasis, slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the more populated areas of the resort. Oh and you can't beat its pool for star gazing.

Little Belle & Fiddler's Pond

The Fiddler in action at Fiddler's Pond!

Located in "The Village," Fiddler's Pond and Little Belle are the most budget-friendly of The Homestead's hotel options, and offer easy walking access to this portion of the resort. A bit of a haul from The Beach Club and the Inn, the walk is about 17 minutes (when not carrying beach chairs, etc.). 

In the winter, though, the Village becomes an enchanting winter wonderland and these properties' proximity to the skiing is unbeatable!

Check out my 8 Best Midwest Road Trips, for close-to-home travel inspiration!

Eating at The Homestead, Glen Arbor

In addition to its proximity to the restaurants in Glen Arbor proper, The Homestead has several on-property dining options, and its own little grocery store!

Cafe Manitou, The Homestead

Definitely the fanciest dining at The Homestead, Cafe Manitou also offers the best restaurant views you'll find in Glen Arbor. But a meal here certainly doesn't come cheap, and may surprise you!

If you aren't in the mood for a wallet-busting meal, stop by for a drink at their most casual bar area!

Cafe Manitou's location at The Beach Club!

Delicious dinner at Cafe Manitou

The bar area at Cafe Manitou

Cocktails at Cafe Manitou

Whiskers, The Homestead

A relatively recent addition to The Homestead's dining options, Whiskers is a much-needed causal dining option on the property. With plenty of outdoor (and indoor) seating, in addition to bars in both spots, Whiskers is a great option for grabbing a drink or family dining when you don't want to venture into Glen Arbor.

​White fish fingers are an absolute must.

Outdoor seating at Whiskers

Asian chicken salad at Whiskers

Nona's, The Homestead

​If you're in the mood for posh Italian, stop by The Homestead's original classic, Nonna's! Now only open in the winter, it's a cozy place to enjoy a delicious meal.

Nonna's at The Homestead

Cavanaugh's, The Homestead

Cavanaugh's at The Homestead

​The Homestead's on-property grocery story, Cavanaugh's is your go-to spot for quick breakfast (and coffee!), in addition to grab-and-go meals and grocery essentials. Get your Homestead merch here as well.

Beaches & Swimming
​at The Homestead, Glen Arbor

Waterfall at the pool, next to the Crystal River

The Homestead has several pools, the two main pools being at the Welcome Center and The Beach Club. The Welcome Center pool (and hot tub) is easily accessible from Fiddler's Pond and Little Belle and isn't usually crowded. It is not on the water and does not have views of the lake.

​The Beach Club is much larger, and offers two dining options (poolside and fancy, discussed above), in addition to poolside seating, a small adults-only fire pit, rocking chairs overlooking the water, and access to the small beach area, with resort-supplied chairs. The Beach Club is situated where the Crystal River meets Lake Michigan, so you can also rent kayaks and swim in the river.

View of The Beach Club at The Homestead, Glen Arbor

If you love Glen Arbor, it's time to explore the rest of Michigan's M-22! I've rounded up Quaint Town on Michigan's M-22 You Need to Visit.

General Tips for a Stay at The Homestead

Get a view

View from our room at The Inn

​As tempting as it is to save a few on an "interior" room, and as beautiful as the forest view truly are, it's worth spending a few extra to spend the evenings watching the sunset over Lake Michigan.

Take it slow

Things go a little slower up here: it's truly a beach town! Expect a few delays and hiccups and go with the flow. Oh and check-in time isn't until 5 PM (and they mean it). You can ask for early check-in...but no guarantees!

Charge it to your card

When you're making purchases on Homestead property, you can charge dinners, merch, drinks, etc. to your room! Makes it easy if you don't want to haul around your whole wallet during your stay.

Bring your tennis shoes

In addition to the lovely beach, The Homestead has walking trails throughout the property. Don't forget your walking shoes, both to walk to meals, and also to explore the property.

And if you're looking for an Up North packing list, I've got just the thing for you!

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope I've answered a few of your questions about a stay at The Homestead! It's one of my favorite places in the world, and after one visit, it'll be yours as well! Let me know your favorite spots Up North, and don't forget to read all about Glen Arbor in the full post, and if you're looking for a day trip, check out charming nearby Leland!

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