BLISSY BEACH FAQS
WHAT IS YOUR ADDRESS?
14463 North Cathead Bay Drive, Northport, MI 49670. MapQuest Map Link. We are 40 minutes north of Traverse City, Michigan. We are less than 6 hours drive from Chicago and less than 5 hours drive from Detroit.
HOW FAR ARE YOU FROM….
Every drive is a beautiful drive here. Northport: 9 miles, Omena 15 miles, Suttons Bay 21 miles, Leland 21 miles, Traverse City: 38 miles, Detroit: 296 miles, Chicago: 351 miles, Sydney, Australia: 9,500 miles. Don’t be overly worried if MapQuest or Google list long drive times, as those programs usually use an unrealistic 35 MPH. The roads are mostly 55 MPH and rarely crowded. Watch for deer though.
WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO WHILE THERE?
Frankly, most folks have plans to go canoeing, or boating, or whatever, but generally give them all up because they don’t want to leave this little piece of paradise. You can have jet skis delivered (see below). That said, wine tasting at our many wineries, big lake fishing, visiting the lighthouse, and very quaint and not too kitschy shopping (great galleries by the way) is all fairly close by and worth it in Northport, Leland, Omena, and Suttons Bay. Kids love swimming and climbing the dunes behind the house.
IS THERE A GROCERY STORE NEARBY?
There is a Tom’s Grocery, a medium (not tiny) grocery store, just 10 minutes from Blissy Beach. There’s a bunch of stores in Suttons and Leland.
WHAT’S THE STORY ON THE BIG STATE PARK (LEELANAU STATE PARK) THERE?
There is a huge State Park that is adjacent to the property to the back, and after just a short walk, provides miles of pristine, deserted shoreline. Seeing visitors come to the beach or even on the dunes is almost unheard of, as the parking for the Park is way, way far from the shoreline (approximately a half hour walk for them, 10 minutes for you along the beach), over hilly terrain. It’s kind of like having a State Park all to yourself. No kidding.
IS THE WATER GOOD FOR SWIMMING?
No, it is EXCELLENT! One guest mentioned it was the best swimming in her life! The water is a little cooler than a small lake, but fine in the Peak Season. Kids will spend all day in it, and adults spend hours. If your kids love to swim all day in June or September, and you expect cooler water temps, get them a cheap wetsuit before you arrive. It also provides extra buoyancy.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY?
Well….nine, with one person on the couch in the living room, unless kids are going to share beds, then more works. It sleeps eight VERY comfortably.
WHAT DEGREE OF PRIVACY DO I HAVE?
Lots. First of all, even though you have 100’ of private beach, but it feels like even more. We have found that everybody, renters and owners up and down the beach, are very respectful of each other.
IS THE BEACH GOOD FOR RUNNING?
No, it is EXCELLENT! Some would say PERFECT! And once you run a half mile or so, you’ll have miles of pristine, seclusion. You can even walk North, all the way to the lighthouse.
WHAT SIZE ARE THE BEDS?
Both Masters have big queens, and the bunk room has four singles.
IS THERE AIR CONDITIONING?
Yes, but there is a very small chance that you will need it! Plus there are ceiling fans in all the bedrooms, and the living and dining room.
WHAT IF WE WANT TO STAY FOR JUST TWO DAYS?
Short stays are limited availability. Always call or email for short stays.
YOU ARE UNAVAILABLE FOR MY ONLY AVAILABLE WEEK. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
You bet! I can either a) See if the guest booked is flexible (you’d be surprised) or b) Find you something close by.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
The best advice I ever heard for vacationing is bring half the cloths and twice the money. However, most folks don’t need the cash because they don’t want to leave the property. Don’t bring linens, they are provided. Enough toilet paper and paper towels are provided to last the first 24 hours (at least) by the cleaning folks. We also provide 4 boogie boards, 2 kayaks, horseshoes, and 5 beach chairs. Why five? I have no idea, that's what Linda bought. If your kids love to swim all day, and you expect cooler water temps, get them a cheap wetsuit before you arrive. It also provides extra buoyancy.
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT POLICIES?
$500 deposit, with 50% payment due at time of booking, and the balance due on day of arrival.
YOUR SITE SAYS THAT IT IS PET FRIENDLY, IS THAT ACCURATE?
Yep. Just make sure they are well mannered. The last thing I ever want to do is keep deposit money.
WHAT IS BLISSY BEACH WORTH?
According to the agent, $849,000. This includes the furnishings.
HOW DEEP IS THE BEACH?
30 feet to the beach grass, 70 feet to the house.
HOW FAR IS THE HOUSE FROM THE BEACH?
70 feet.
WHAT’S IT LIKE AT NIGHT?
Perfect for fires on the beach and absolutely breathtaking stargazing. And quiet like you can’t believe.
CAN WE BUILD A FIRE ON THE BEACH?
Absolutely.
DO YOU HAVE TV?
Yes, we have DirecTV Premium. The TV is in the living room.
IS THIS YOUR PRIVATE BEACH?
Yes. Each home in this area has 100 feet of private frontage.
CAN I WALK DOWN THE BEACH?
Yes. Michigan Law allows everybody to walk down the beach, up to the high water mark, which is pretty far back. You can sit down and relax either on Blissy Beach, or the miles of State Park Beach nearby.
HOW CAN I RENT JET SKIS, A SKI BOAT, ETC.?
Call Sunset rentals at: (231)932-1800. The website is : www.sunsetwatersports.com.
FISHING?
There is world class fly fishing right in the front yard. No kidding, every year Japanese and Europeans fly in to fly fish. Leland has terrific big-water charter fishing. Just pick the most expensive looking charter boat available, because the more fish these guy catch, the more they book up. Everyone has told me that all the guys with charter fishing boats in Leland do a good job, and I have yet to hear to the contrary.
WHAT WAS INVOLVED IN THE RENOVATION?
First, we ripped out all the interior walls, the electrical, and the plumbing. Then we added designer tile, bead board ceilings, big walkouts, wainscoted walls, ceiling fans everywhere, custom closets, satellite TV, kayaks, beach chairs, bright outside lighting, original artwork, great in-home theatre with additional stereo speakers in Master, Kitchen, Living, and Dining. We crammed every fun and colorful idea we could into this wonderful cottage for your BLISSFUL delight!
WHAT WILL THE KIDS DO?
Other than the obvious beach stuff, they will constantly be asking you to let them go up the dunes behind the house. They are huge, and huge fun. Kids often say it was the BEST thing they did on the vacation. If your kids love to swim all day, and you expect cooler water temps, get them a cheap wetsuit before you arrive. It also provides extra buoyancy.
Finally, the "Lucky Seven" reasons to stay at Blissy Beach rather than a hotel!
1. Blissy Beach is decorated like a 5 Star Caribbean Vacation Home.
2. Blissy Beach offers considerably more space than you will find in the typical hotel room. Your families can vacation together and still have "room to breathe."
3. Blissy Beach offers excellent flexibility. Unlike a typical hotel room, Blissy Beach includes kitchen facilities. You don't have to eat out for every meal (but of course you can if you want too!).
4. Blissy Beach contains many personal & convenience items that will increase your comfort on vacation.
5. Blissy Beach was designed to be used lived in by it’s owners (Linda and I) and as such, it’s not like the typical "sterile" environment found in hotels and other "vacation establishments". We put our heart and soul into making Blissy Beach wonderful.
6. We’re able to provide you with tips and hints that only we locals know. This can make a huge difference in the enjoyment of your trip.
7. Renting Blissy Beach offers the affordability, exceptional value, and personal attention that you deserve!
