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Discover the Best Bike Trails of West Michigan​

Discover the Best Bike Trails of West Michigan

Natural beauty and outdoor adventure collide in West Michigan. When it comes to biking trails, there’s no place like along the lakeshore of West Michigan. Home to miles of trails and pathways, bikers of all experience levels can head out for a leisurely ride, an exhilarating adventure, or a scenic tour any time of year. Some of our vacation rentals here at Upscale Lakeshore are equipped with bikes, and you will also find numerous bike rental companies throughout Michigan beachtowns. Discover below some of our favorite scenic and captivating trails across the lakeshore community.  

Beach To Bayou Trail

Located in Saugatuck/Douglas this short and sweet 2 mile trail starts at Wade’s Bayou Memorial Park. Before heading out for your adventure, Wades Bayou is known for being the perfect fishing spot and is also a beautiful location to watch the sunrise. The paved trail brings you from Kalamazoo Lake through Downtown Douglas. This is perfect for those looking for a relaxing and casual stroll through the community. 

Kal-Haven Trail

Beginning in South Haven, the Kal-Haven trail is beloved by locals and tourists alike. This 34 mile linear trail connects Kalamazoo with South Haven featuring multi-use trails for all levels. The trail is mapped out from a former railroad with beautiful scenery of woodlands and water views along the path. The trail is biking, hiking, and running friendly and a great way to get out and explore the beautiful West Michigan landscapes. 

Lakeshore Trail

Lakeshore Trail is a paved 20 mile trail connecting Holland State Park to Grand Haven State Park that locals often take advantage of to get a good workout in. The trail offers numerous stops along the way to get off your bike and enjoy Lake Michigan views. The Ottawa County parks and beaches along the route are the perfect way to stop and take a rest  while refueling with a snack. 

Shore Acres Bike Trail ​

Situated between Saugatuck Dunes State Park and The Felt Mansion, the Shore Acres Trail offers  a three-mile mountain bike loop trail which is a great getaway for those who want more of an adventure. There is opportunities for more experienced bikers to try some technical paths with elevation in the area with plenty of sharp turns. 

Riley Trails

Riley Trails is a wooded nature area that is 300 acres with views of rolling terrain, beech-maple forest, pine plantations and even a small lake. Many locals use the trails for biking, hiking and even cross-country skiing. Riley Trails is easily accessible from the surrounding community with bike paths and lanes on many of the roads in Holland. Dogs are welcomed as long as they are on leashes. 

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Our Favorite Treats over Open Flames

Our Favorite Treats over Open Flames

As the leaves change colors and the air turns cooler, there’s nothing quite like cooking over an open fire outdoors. Create magical memories around the crackling fire with lively conversation and delectable treats to remember for years to come. These recipes cooked over an open fire will warm your soul, satisfy your taste buds and make these nights all the more memorable.

S'mores​

This is a bonfire classic. You can never go wrong with melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows and chocolatey goodness. Consider adding some excitement to this year’s s’mores with cinnamon graham crackers or or Reese’s instead of the typical Hershey’s chocolate. Experimenting is the best way to discover your new favorite treats and create memories through the process, whether it’s from the less favorable combinations that are bound to bring laughter or your next favorite s’mores tradition. 

Banana Boats

Banana boats are another can’t miss campfire classic. While usually made similar to a S’mores with marshmallows and chocolate, you can upgrade a banana boat with just about any combination of  something melty, something sweet and something crunchy. Beyond that, let your imagination run wild! A basic banana boat snack is made by splitting a whole banana down the middle, peel and score the fruit then stuff it with yummy goodies. Then fold back the banana, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast in the embers of the campfire. 

Roasted Apples

With the lingering excitement of picking crisp apples at the orchard all day, gather around the fire and roast those apples until the beautiful caramelized flavor of the natural sugars comes out over the flame. You can cook the apples with a skewer like a marshmallow, put them on a grill grate, or even bake them in tinfoil, each method adding a different texture and flavor to the apples. Elevate the experience further with a drizzle of butter, a dash of cinnamon, and ir sugar if you want that hint of extra sweetness. 

Campfire Brownies

Let the essence of the orange peel delicately flavor the campfire brownies. Embrace the autumnal adventure and bake brownies outside with the bonfire method. This recipe uses carved out orange peels to encase the brownie mix while you wrap it in tinfoil and bake it inside the hot coals of an open flame. Once the brownies have finished their fiery transformation, you can peel back the orange to reveal your new favorite fall treat. 

Peach Crisps

Similar to apples, peaches lend themselves well to campfire desserts. To make these deliciously easy peaches, you simply cut the fruit in half and cook with butter and brown sugar. Place the peaches cut side down over the fire and cook until the peaches are warm and beginning to soften, about 8 minutes, flipping halfway. The peaches will be tender and caramelized once cooked. We love topping each serving with tablespoon of toasted pecans and a scoop of vanilla yogurt and or ice cream if desired. 

Monkey Bread Foil Packets

Foil packs are an easy over the fire treat and this recipe combines classic flavors to create a sweet treat. Cut up your cinnamon rolls, toss them in sugar and cinnamon then cook them over the fire and there you have it cinnamon monkey bread foil packets. Top them with icing and you have delicious breakfast paired well with a good cup of coffee. For this recipe, we recommend grilling over indirect heat to prevent the flame from getting too hot, and potentially burning the grill packs. 

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The Best Recipe For A Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup​

The Best Recipe For A Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup​

Enjoy fall flavor in every spoonful and  indulge in the richness of a homemade pumpkin spice syrup for your ultimate fall recipes! As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s time to indulge your taste buds with the essence of autumn. This homemade pumpkin spice syrup will transform your favorite recipes. From lattes to desserts, every spoonful of this syrup guarantees a burst of pumpkin goodness. Check out the recipe below for an easy and tasty recipe to make a homemade pumpkin spice syrup. 

 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of light brown sugar 
  • 1/2 cup of water 
  • 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree 
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk 
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice or extract 

 

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients aside from the pumpkin pie spice or extract into a sauce pan 
  • Whisk until fully mixed and then set to medium high heat 
  • Once the ingredients are simmering in the pan, add the one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice or  extract
  • Let the syrup thicken and then remove from heat and refrigerate in a heat-proof container 
 
Special Notes
  • The syrup is good for up to 2 weeks when stored away in refrigerator 
  •  Once the sauce starts to heat up, make sure to keep an eye on it as it boils over quickly.  
 
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What to Do in West Michigan this Fall​

What to Do in West Michigan this Fall

Fall is here! Come visit West Michigan and experience a picturesque fall getaway. The leaves are bright and multicolored, the lakeshore air is fresh and crisp and the markets and orchards are bountiful. You will find your next favorite escape among the Michigan beachtowns of West Michigan. Below you will discover some of the cherished fall traditions in the region. Upscale Lakeshore hopes you will enjoy this season just as much as we do, and that you will discover your own reasons to love the lakeshore of West Michigan in the fall. 

Orchards and Pumpkin Patches

Picking apples and pumpkins under the warm autumn sun is one of the top fall activities in Michigan. The hunt for the perfect pumpkin and the prettiest apples is all part of the fun. West Michigan has plenty of orchards to choose from, with Crane Orchards being one of the most popular spots. From their apple cider donuts to the wandering hills of reds and honey crisps, it’s a must visit during your stay in West Michigan this fall. Make a day out of your trip to the orchards with a visit to the restaurant and corn maze as well. 

Hiking and Nature Trails

Explore the fall wonderland of West Michigan, where you can walk among the many trails to take in the falling colored leaves and crisp fresh air. With trails of varying difficulties fit for strolling, biking, and running, it’s a great way for anyone of all ages to get outside during the cozy fall season. Welcome the changing of seasons and connect with nature. From Grand Haven to South Haven, you will find large forests along the lake and further in land with a plethora of wandering paths to take. Take in the view, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate time with yourself and or your loved ones.

Local Markets

Fall is the harvest season full of fresh vegetables, fruits and much more. Explore all the goods and artisan creations at farmer’s markets across West Michigan, whether to find something fresh to make for dinner or to bring back home with you after your stay. The Holland farmer’s market is open most of the year and throughout the fall on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm and from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm in November until December. The market in Grand Haven is open until the end of October on Wednesday and Saturdays as well from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. The South Haven market is open until mid October on Saturdays from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

Wine and Cider Tasting

Indulge in the flavors of local wines, craft beers, and ciders across West Michigan. You’ll find an abundance of wineries, distilleries and breweries along the lakeshore, all with long lists of original flavors made right here in Pure Michigan. The fall atmosphere adds a certain charm to the exploration of vineyards and breweries alike. With a variety of seasonal brews and special wines, you will fall in love with what West Michigan has to offer. And what better way to enjoy a fall getaway than a day spent exploring across the lakeshore towns to find your next favorite bottle of wine or specialty brew. 

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Why You Should Book Your Next Summer Vacation Now

(Photo Credit: Julien Capmeil)

Why You Should Book Your Next Summer Vacation Now

(Photo Credit: Julien Capmeil)

With lower prices, more available dates, and all the time in the world, start planning now! It’s never too early to start planning and securing your summer vacation for 2024. Picture yourself basking in the sun, diving into unsalted waters, and discovering hidden gems along the scenic lakeshore of West Michigan. With our luxurious accommodations, your 2024 summer vacation promises to be an unforgettable adventure. So don’t wait – reserve your slice of paradise now and start counting down the days until your next getaway!

Pick Your Preferred Dates

When booking this far in advance, you will be able pick your preferred dates and have the first pick of the best dates to ensure your idyllic escape becomes a reality.   There will be no need to stress over finding a vacation rental that lines up perfectly with your dates. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm! 

Curate Your Itinerary With Care

From boat rides to private chefs, the lakeshore of West Michigan is more than fresh water beachtowns. When booking this early, you are bound to create the perfect itinerary by ensuring you have time to book all the experiences you want tailoring to your ideal vacation.  And if the planning isn’t for you, be sure to check out our concierge services which includes an offer for a custom itinerary service.

No Rush, No Worry

West Michigan beachtowns are tourist haven once the temperatures begin to rise. Take away the stress by booking far in advance, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind. Booking now ensures you won’t be in a searching frenzy for available properties a week before your vacation. 

Easy Group Planning

Summer vacation is the perfect time for bringing family and friends together for all the fun. By booking a stay with Upscale Lakeshore now, everyone’s plans are guaranteed to blend smoothly with extra room to change throughout the year. Once you know where you’re going to stay, you can search the amenities in the area for you and your family to enjoy while on vacation.  It also gives you more time to coordinate with friends and family members that may want to come along on the trip too.

Excitement of Anticipation

Half the fun of vacation is the excitement and anticipation beforehand. Booking now gives you something to look forward to throughout the year. There’s nothing better than the anticipation of a vacation, the build up around escaping the day to day, and the expectations around the fact that your getaway is just around the corner! Savor the excitement and plan your most memorable vacation yet! 

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Labor Day In West Michigan – Your Perfect Last Minute Escape​

Labor Day In West Michigan - Your Perfect Last Minute Escape

Discover the magic of West Michigan in September with a last minute getaway to Lake Michigan and the charming lakeside towns. The dwindling tourist season opens you up to everything summer has to offer with a little more peace and quiet. Take advantage of Labor Day to spend time with family and friends. Our vacation rentals have it all to curate the perfect and enjoyable weekend. Head over to our rental page to secure your last minute summer escape. You will find the availabilities for the holiday weekend.  As the beach crowds dwindle and the tourist season ends, you’ll find your next favorite holiday destination! Whether you’re lounging on the beach, exploring charming Michigan beachtowns, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, your Labor Day getaway promises to be a slice of paradise. Don’t let summer slip away – reserve your Lake Michigan oasis now and savor every last drop of the season!

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Concierge Services with Upscale Lakeshore

Concierge Services with Upscale Lakeshore

At Upscale Lakeshore, we offer concierge services to heighten your experience at our properties. Our goal is to help make your visit to the lakeshore of West Michigan worry free and memorable, from the moment you contact us to help you find your ideal vacation rental. To learn more and book these services, you can reach out to us at Hello@upscalelakeshore.com or fill out the request form here after booking. Let our concierge services help make the most of your vacation with indulgences you deserve.

In-Home Chef​

Whether you are looking to celebrate a special event or just enjoy a fabulous meal with your loved ones. The in-home chef experience is truly a culinary delight from home. You choose the courses or let us propose a menu. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by one of our local chefs, with signature drink pairings you’ll love. Everything will be catered to your needs, whether it’s dietary restrictions, group size, and more. 

Spa Baskets ​

Upon your arrival, you can be greeted with luxury spa items in the bedrooms of your choice. Vacation is a time for rest and relaxation. Treat yourself and or your guests to a beautifully curated bundle of bath salts, body oil, and facial mist from our local beloved partners. 

Pre-stocked Groceries

Grocery shopping can be stressful and tedious at the start of vacation, but with our pre-stocked grocery services you won’t need to worry about that. After giving us a list of your requested grocery items, we will have the fridge and pantry stocked before your arrival. Start your vacation off without having to spend time roaming the aisles at the local market.

Charcuterie Boards ​

Whether you want to be welcomed with a nice tasty snack or in need of some celebration d’oeuvres, we offer personal charcuterie boards that can be set up prior to your arrival. With a selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers you can have a speciality board waiting for you at check-in upon request.

Photography Sessions ​

Vacations are often a time spent with family and friends. Seize the moment and have us set up a professional photo session at the location of your choice. Choose what scene best fits your needs, we highly recommend beach photoshoots at sunset to catch the golden hour and beautiful views of Lake Michigan! With a quick consultation of when and where you would like to have a photoshoot, we will connect you with one of our local partnered photographers. After your lovely photoshoot and memorable vacation, you’ll be able to access the photos through an online portal. 

Custom Itineraries​

As locals, we can give you the best recommendations in West Michigan. We also understand the stress of planning activities for yourself and or your family, that’s why with this service we are offering you a hands off experience that guarantees excitement and a great way to see Lake Michigan with local advice and guidance.  After a consultation, we will create a custom itinerary for for you and the rest of your party. Once you check-in, you’ll find the itineraries in each bedroom for your reference throughout your stay. 

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How to Make Vacation More Relaxing with Upscale Lakeshore

How to Make Vacation More Relaxing with Upcale Lakeshore

Vacation is a time to get away and spend time with yourself, your family and your friends. It’s a time for relaxation and fun. Upscale Lakeshore offers concierge services to bring that relaxation and fun to you! The goal of our concierge services and our mission here at Upscale Lakeshore is to provide you with a quality and luxury vacation experience in West Michigan. Our concierge services include spa packages to help you relax and unwind, curated itineraries so you can focus on having fun, professional photography sessions to help your memories last forever, and more. Check out our next blog for a more in depth look at our concierge services and how to request them!

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Create the Best Summer with Indoor and Outdoor Games​

Create the Best Summer with Indoor and Outdoor Games

Spend quality time with loved ones and create lasting memories playing games at our vacation homes along the lakeshore. From board games to card games, we have everything you need to make sure your summer days and nights are full of fun and laughter. There is no better way to bond with family and friends than a good old fashioned game night. Don’t miss out on the joy and laughter, book now and let the games begin! Check out the list below of a few of our houses and the fun they offer. 

Blue Cedar

Blue Cedar has kayaks, for you and another, to explore the Kalamazoo river and or Lake Michigan if you are feeling adventurous. You can take it slow and enjoy the nature and serenity. There is also a golf cart for guests to use as a fun way to explore the neighborhood. An evening of fun is guaranteed with the billiards table and arcade game table. When you’re done with the competition, you can relax and unwind in the hot tub or end the evening under the stars around the fire. 

Chateau d'Vine

In the garage at Chateau d’Vine, you’ll discover a variety of outdoor games to enjoy the sun and warm weather. Games include volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, badminton, basketball, and more! Sometimes the weather doesn’t permit for outdoor games, but why let that stop you from having fun. The recreation room at d’Vine is a great environment to cozy up and play one of the many games at Chateau d’Vine for all ages. With fan favorites like Apples to Apples and Ticket To Ride.

The Hamilton

The Hamilton has a new and updated recreation room that is ready to give you and your friends and family tons of lively entertainment. This entertainment space consists of a shuffleboard table, arcade machine, foosball table, checkers, and plenty of board games like Geek Out (80s edition) and Blabber Dash. Theres tons of fun and competition to be had! If you are looking for some outdoor fun, you can enjoy a game of cornhole out in the backyard with views of the pond and take the tubes out with you to the lake for some water fun. 

The Saugabuck House

The games at The Saugabuck House are a blend of outdoor and indoor games. The recreation room in the lower level has numerous windows with views of the back deck and Kalamazoo River. There is a billiards table, foosball and shuffle board to have some fun being indoors but feeling as if you’re on the outside. With the river access, don’t forget to check out the kayaks and paddle boards to go out and have some fun on the water!

Enjoy Summer with Upscale Lakeshoe

The key to a successful summer and vacation is creating plenty of laughs, fun, and memories. Our homes are meant to provide that, offering games and other entertainment that helps you bond with those closest to you and or create new bonds.  Upscale Lakeshore welcomes you and we hope to see you win a friendly competition soon! 

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Book Your Private Yoga Session

Book Your Private Yoga Session

Upscale Lakeshore has teamed up with Satya Yoga in Saugatuck, Michigan to provide you with private and personalized group yoga sessions and more right at your Upscale Lakeshore vacation home. Restore your mind and body with custom session with your intentions and themes in mind. This is the perfect opportunity to restore your mind, body, and soul while on vacation!

Restorative, Gentle, & Vinyasa Yoga ​

The first option for a private in-home sessions is restorative, gentle, or vinyasa yoga for all levels, beginner and or experienced. Sessions are for 60 minutes and mats will be provided for you. 

Sound Bath Sessions ​

Suspend yourself into a full-body listening experience that tends to nurture your mind and your soul. The practice uses sound to formulate gentle, therapeutic processes with the use of crystal singing balls,  ocean drums and other therapeutic sounds. 

Yoga and Sound Bath Session

The third in-home yoga offering is a combination of both yoga and bath sessions. Its starts with a 60 minute yoga session for all levels and guides into a 15 minute sound bath experience.

Beach Yoga

Looking for something outside of a session at your home away from home? There is a local beach class at Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan. All levels are welcome on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. This is the perfect way to start your day. You can learn more here. 

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