Tag: michigan

Randy Schneider has considered himself a professional Santa since 1999 when he found himself at a JCPenney store buying a beard and boots.

Now, Schneider, 66, has a beard of his own.

At the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, some two hundred Santas and Mrs. Clauses came from across the United States, Canada, Denmark and Norway to learn wood toy-making, brush up on storytelling skills, drive sleighs, feed reindeer and, most importantly, spread the Christmas spirit.

Known for its natural beauty, wines, food, music, and art, Traverse City has so much to offer, it makes our heads spin. Here's our "Don't Miss" list for first timers.

Day 1

Start your tour just northwest of Traverse City proper at The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a 64-mile stretch along the shore of Lake Michigan. Named the Most Beautiful Spot in America in 2011 by viewers of Good Morning America, this stunning national park holds many treasures. Enjoy a walk or swim, or discover the Glen Haven “ghost port.”

Surrounded by miles and miles of unspoiled shoreline, rolling dunes, wooded glens, and 50-plus sparkling inland lakes, Traverse City, Michigan has long served as a hub for visitors as they discover Northwest Michigan’s many treasures. Through the past decade or so, this lovable town has evolved into a hip destination for visitors who seek out imaginative cuisine, distinctive wines, and a charming, but urban feel.

Nestled between stunning Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the Homestead in Glen Arbor provides an ideal oasis for guests discovering the wonders of northern Michigan. Designed to highlight the beauty of its surroundings, the Homestead’s accommodations are found in separate areas—along Sleeping Bear Bay; at the edge of Crystal River; and on ridge lines overlooking Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes (named Most Beautiful Place in America by ABC’s Good Morning America). All accommodations—whether they are hotel rooms, condominiums, or homes—are given a quality rating to help guests find the spot and style of lodging that’s just right for them.