North of the 45th parallel, Michigan's vacation wonderland days are long. Twilight does not arrive until after 9pm in the evenings while the state observes Daylight Savings Time (May through October), and the spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay are enough to ensure a memorable trip.

Planning a modest weekend get-away - just the two of you? Would you like to take the family on a special vacation? Perhaps you are thinking about a variety of activities - an itinerary that a small group of friends might enjoy. Maybe a trip to northern Michigan is just the tonic "for the guys" who work hard all year and have earned some time off where they can indulge their passion for sports.

Make your 'home away from home' at Springbrook Hills in Walloon Lake, located just outside Petoskey.

Springbrook Hills features privately owned vacation homes, which range in size from two to five bedrooms. All have fully-equipped kitchens, and most of these rentals have outdoor decks which provide spectacular views of Springbrook Valley and Challenge Mountain, especially during sunset time. Each of these homes has various other amenities, such as individual fireplace and recreation room.

The magnificent Masters House is the "jewel in the crown." Its large, screened-in front porch provides an entryway back into the classic elegance of the 1920s. This expansive, six-bedroom/three bath residence contains an august and comfortable living room, formal dining room, modest work den, and fireplace.

The kitchen is appointed with fine wooden cabinetry of a bygone era, replete with modern, convenient upgrades (large refrigerator; dishwasher; stainless steel stove-top and double sink). Outdoor deck and grill can turn a languid summer night into a house party.

Although the Masters House sleeps up to twelve, vacationers may reserve any accommodation within: either a single room or two, or the home may be rented in its entirety. It is walking distance to the marina, General Store and township park and beach.

Because this lovely community is surrounded by, literally, thousands of acres of state forest land, it is ideal for small game and deer hunting, and for nature walks and birding. Morel mushrooms crop up everywhere during the spring, and the rich forest soil gives rise to many other species of exotic mushrooms in the fall.

For those who prefer more suburban creature comforts, Springbrook Hills maintains a public golf-course with bar and restaurant on-site. The large, heated outdoor pool and patio is just the ticket for all kinds of indulgences - from daily exercise to family fun to before- or after-dinner dips on a cool summer's eve. Vacationers may also swim, and fish, in the community's own spring-fed lake. Replete with fully-equipped playground and 'green belt' area large enough to accommodate group games, Springbrook Hills truly offers something for everybody.

It's a short (20 minutes) drive into Petoskey for shopping, dining, touring the art galleries, and visiting many one-of-a-kind boutiques. Petoskey is a favourite vacation spot for visitors from all over the United States and Canada. Boyne City and Boyne Mountain - one of northern Michigan's premiere ski resorts - are also within easy travel distance, as is the picturesque village of Gaylord.

Gaylord's downtown shopping district is reminiscent of an old-fashioned Swiss Alpine borough. Every year the city celebrates a week-long Alpenfest, where artists from all over the country come to display their crafts. During the winter season, holiday lights decorate every storefront and spire, and visitors can stroll through this enchanting city to the sounds of yuletide music wafting down the streets.

Lodging rates at Springbrook Hills depend upon the number of guests, home availability, length of stay, and time of year. They begin as low as $70.00 per night for two guests. A single vacation home with multiple bedrooms can accommodate up to 20 people, and special group rates may be offered for reservations of one week or longer.

Please contact Joe Breidenstein at 231 535 2227, or email to: info@springtimesplendor.com

For more photos of the Springbrook Hills community, see our picture gallery