Looking for a family ski resort that everyone can enjoy? The Homestead, in Glen Arbor, Michigan has you covered. Embrace the season that Mother Nature has provided while making memories and getting some exercise.
The Homestead provides 14 slopes of varying difficulty, cross country and snowshoe trails, a spa, a salon, various boutiques, and multiple restaurants. With all there is to offer, you can immerse yourself into one activity or dabble in several. Regardless, you’ll feel refreshed in this beautiful, picturesque setting.
Winter Fun at The Homestead
I’ll be honest. Winter is not my favorite season. If given the chance, I’d curl up with a stack of good books and a warm drink and stay there until April. On the other hand, if I did that, I’d miss out on the splendor and the fun a winter snow and below freezing temperatures presents. My family is good about getting me outside during the chilly days, and when I dress for the occasion, it’s really not so bad.
Our family had the privilege of staying at The Homestead Resort for a weekend. We all love to ski, so we hit the slopes as soon as we arrived. The village was so beautiful as the sun set and the evening lights were turned on. It really did seem to be a setting straight out of a movie.
Lodging at The Homestead
The Homestead is a perfect family ski resort destination. Their accommodations are suitable regardless of your family’s size. There are two lodging locations. Some of the suites are located right on the ski slopes. You can literally go right out your front door and start skiing; the convenience can’t be beat. The second option, Stony Brook Lodge, is just a short drive (2-3 minutes) from the slopes. This is where we stayed.
The two-bedroom suite has a kitchenette, two full bathrooms, a sleeper sofa and a fantastic view. During the summer, the pool and sauna are available. It was very roomy and had all the amenities we needed.
Ski Slope Details
Back at the Mountain Village, you will find the lift ticket booth, the equipment rental building and the ski lift all within a short walking distance from the parking lot. Lockers are available for your shoes and personal belongings. (just remember to bring a quarter)
Along with the ski lift, there is a moving rubber belt to take beginner skiers to the top of the bunny hill and a surface lift to take them up a hill that is a bit steeper.
Gorgeous Lake Michigan Views
Once you get to the top of the mountain, via the ski lift, you will be awed by the view. Looking out over Lake Michigan’s dark blue waters never got old. As the sun moved across the sky, the glimmer, shadows, and illusion would change, making each trip up a new experience.
During our visit to The Homestead, the temperatures were perfect, but it had previously been quite warm, so there were only four slopes open: one green, three blue. Each one is unique and has its own challenges, so it gave all of us enough variation.
When choosing a family ski resort, you want to make sure that all levels of skiers have ample slopes to ski on throughout the day. The Homestead does a nice job of providing this variety. A second lift is available for the back slopes which are much steeper and give you a great view of Lake Michigan as you ski down the hillside.
Dining Options
Eventually, the cold and/or your appetite wins out and you must come off the slopes. We loved all the heat lamps and fire pits that are located around the equipment rental facility and over by the restaurants. There’s even a lovely stone fireplace for you to pull a chair up next to. Stacks of firewood are readily available, so you can easily keep the fire going. All of the dining options are within walking distance from the parking lot.
Whiskers is a family-friendly restaurant serving soups and sandwiches. We tried the white fish sandwich, the loaded cheeseburgers, the white chili, and the pulled pork sandwich. They were all incredibly delicious, but the winner was the pulled pork which was ordered several times. Whiskers offers an outdoor full-service bar and they serve a rich hot chocolate that hits the spot after a chilly day outside.
If you’re in the mood for pizza or deli type food, Cavanaugh’s is right around the corner from Whiskers. You can even order pizza by the slice. They have ready-made s’more bags, cold drinks, a great wine collection and various other grocery store items you might need during your stay.
The Homestead Spa
A family ski resort wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t give you the option for a little pampering after all that physical exertion. The Homestead’s spa has a full line of services from a full body massage to a peppermint foot massage. (only $15!)
Glen Arbor
Five minutes down M-22 from The Homestead is the adorable little town of Glen Arbor. It is literally the epitome of what you would think a Northern Michigan town would look like with log cabin stores and igloos for outdoor dining.
Leelanau Coffee Roasters
Our daily morning stop was at Leelanau Coffee Roasters. A very friendly staff is there to great you with your favorite brew. Their selection is quite impressive as they offer beans from all over the world. They also have muffins, croissants and other pastries that are made by Third Coast Bakery. Local honey products, super cool mugs and various items are also available for purchase. You can even get an authentic coffee bean burlap sack for $1!
A block away, you will find other various stores. Keep your eye out for the pole covered in shoes. Don’t be sad, they’re ‘lost soles’ but I think it will be okay.
Cherry Republic
Cherry Republic is a must stop if you genuinely want to experience what the region has to offer. With cherry trees covering acres upon acres as you drive through the country roads, it’s no wonder this business has such a great variety of all things cherry. Do you like cherry soda? They’ve got you covered. Cherry wine? Cherry jams? Cherry candy? Get the idea? I love getting food during my travels because it’s a great way to extend the trip as we savor the goods back home.
Arts Tavern
For dinner one night, we headed to Arts Tavern. It had been recommended and we were not disappointed. If you are unfamiliar with white fish like we were, it is actually a type of fish, not just a general reference. They are caught locally so you know it’s fresh. I had the grilled white fish sandwich, and it was so delectable!
Additional Outings from The Homestead
Staying at The Homestead is also a great option if you have the Sleeping Bear Dunes on your bucket list, as they are only about 15-20 minutes away. There is also a beautiful scenic drive from Leelanau to Empire. You’ll have great views of the lakes, the birch trees and the wilderness in general.
I’d like to give The Homestead a huge thank you for hosting our family for the weekend. It was truly a memorable trip that we won’t forget.
Remember, time doesn’t stop for anyone. Change is inevitable and kids keep growing. Outdoor vacations like these allow you to pocket the time together and create memories that will last a lifetime. A family ski resort like The Homestead enables your family to challenge themselves and grow stronger bonds, along with self-esteem. See you on the slopes!
The Homestead is located at 1 Wood Ridge Rd. Glen Arbor, Michigan 49636
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