ELYSIAN RIVER ESCAPE
SLEEPS: 4
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS:2
*RIVERFRONT (Manistee River- northwestern lower peninsula)
*NO PETS
*FLY-FISHERMAN WELCOME

The blissful surroundings capture the essence- Elysian-In the northwestern lower peninsula.  The Manistee River hosts this classic cottage where the trails and fly-fishing opportunities are endless. Lying in the hammock overlooking the river allows your soul to connect with nature.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Air Conditioning: Sorry, there is no A/C at this property.

ATV's: Not permitted to be used on the property, but South Blue Bear Trail is located 1 to 2 miles east off of M-72! There is a parking area right at the beginning of the trail off of M-72.

Animals: Fox, coyote, squirrels, bear, and eagles are native to the area.

Bathrooms:
Main Level: Full bath with shower and tub.
Upper Level: Full bath with shower. 
  
Beach/Swimming: This property does not have a beach. It  is best suited for wading in to fly-fish. The closest area for sandy beach swimming is Bear Lake in Kalkaska County. It is 7 miles (8-minute drive) from property. 

Bedroom Configurations:
Master Bedroom: King Bed
Bedroom #2: Queen Bed 
    
Boats: Boats are not provided at this property, but guests are welcome to bring their own or rent a one! Please note, this property does not have a dock, so kayaks and canoes are best suited. Shel- Haven Canoe/Kayak Livery is located 3 minutes away for rentals! If you wish to kayak or canoe down the Au Sable River, check out Ray's Canoe & Fly Factory! If you do wish to bring a trailer with a boat, Lake Margrethe and Bear Lake are minutes away!

Bugs: Mosquitoes are common in the summertime. 

Cable: Yes! This property is serviced by Charter, for cable. 
Cell Phone Service: All major cell services providers generally work in this area, but Wi-Fi calling is recommended.

Coffee Maker: 2 drip coffee makers are available at the property, filters, assorted creamers and sugar are provided.

Distances:
              *  Detroit: 3 hours (212 miles)
              *  Grand Rapids: 2 hours and 18 min. (153 miles)
              *  Lansing: 2 hours and 15 minutes (151  miles)    
              *  Mackinac Bridge: 1 hours and 30 min.(90 miles)
               * Shel-Haven Canoe/Kayak Livery on M-72 is 3 minutes (1 mile)
               * Traverse City: 1 hours away (44 miles)
     
Dock: There is no dock at this property. There is a scenic deck behind cottage, on the river side with a patio table and chairs to sit and take in the beauty of the river. There are also stairs to wade into the Manistee River for those wanting to fly fish. 

Drinking Water: Well water is used at this property. Some guests may want to bring bottled water for their stay.

Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.

Fireplace: The fireplace is currently out of service. 

Fire-pit: There is a chimenea. Please be vigilant with fires, this area is heavily wooded with pine trees.

Fishing: Fly fishing is the only fishing allowed on the property. If you wish to fish in a lake, Lake Margrethe, Bear Lake, and Otsego Lake have a variety of fish, including trout, bass, perch, and walleye. Hanson Hills - 9 min drive west off of M72 has a child's fishing pond (catch and release). 

Fishing License:  A license is required in order to fish in Michigan.

Fishing Poles: Bring your poles, this property does not provide fishing gear. 
 

Golf:  
Grayling Country Club - 14 minutes (8.8 miles)
Fox Run Country Club - 17 minutes (13.1 miles)
Black Bear Golf Club - 46 minutes (46.6 miles)

Grill: There are 2 grills provided, one is propane and the other is a Weber charcoal grill. Both are located in the garage. A spare propane tank is provided, however you will need to provide charcoal and lighter fluid for the charcoal grill. 

Grocery Store: Family Fare Supermarket is 14 minutes away (8.6 miles), it is located on I-75 Business almost as soon as you exit I-75 for I-75 Bus. There is also a Save-A-Lot right across the street from Family Fare. 

Handicap Friendly: This property is not handicap friendly

Heat: Boiler system with baseboard heating. 

Hiking/Bicycle Trails: There are many hiking and bicycle trails near this cottage, including the Grayling Bicycle Turnpike which takes you to Hartwick Pines and is highly rated. Hanson Hills off of M-72 has miles of mountain bike trails. 
 

Hunting: Not permitted on the property. Please follow all state and local guidelines. 

Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.

Parking: 2 vehicles can fit in the drive way, with one additional spot in the garage. 

Pets: Pets are not allowed at this property. 

Privacy: There are neighbors on both sides. 

Space: A-frame style home.

Seniors: Seniors are welcome, but please be aware that there are front steps, a staircase to access the bedrooms, and steps down to the waterfront. 

Televisions: There is a 32" TV with cable at the property

Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. This cottage also provides Beach towels in case you forget yours!

Washer and Dryer: Yes! There is a washer and dryer for guest use, detergent is provided. 

Wi-Fi: There is internet at this property

Wood: Please bring firewood for your stay.

Favorite local attractions

Hartwick Pines State Park- 4.8/5 Stars

3612 State Park Drive in Grayling, MI 

This is the largest State Park in lower Michigan. Offers historical logging museum, acres of pine forestry, the famous Kirtland Warblers, freshwater paddling, hiking, mountain biking, hunting.

 In town-

Goodale’s Bakery and Deli- 4.7/5 Stars

500 Norway St. in Grayling, MI

Fresh, delish baked goods, donuts- all kinds, fudge and some ready-made lunches, pasties, gluten free offerings.

Paddle Hard Brewing-  4.6/5 Stars

227 Michigan Ave. in Grayling, MI

House made and regional craft beers, hard ciders, upscale food, outside and inside dining. Right downtown near art/jewelry/craft stores.

Our sister city to the North Gaylord - (I75 N, 30 minutes drive)-

Gaylord is a larger city with chain stores like Lowes, Home Depot, Target and restaurants like Olive Garden.

Bennethum’s Northern Inn- 4.7/5 Stars

3917 Old 27 North South in Gaylord, MI 

Long time gourmet dining establishment - Offers classic steaks, sea food, appetizers, diverse menu.

Amenities