Ice Fishing in Onekama and half price lodging.

Ice Fishing Season has started a bit early here thanks to all the cold weather we have been experiencing. There are quite a few shanties out on Portage Lake. I will post as soon I hear what they are catching. Mention this blog and stay at half price!
Offer expires January 10.

Fall in Onekama

Just wanted to share a beautiful picture I found on Flickr. This picturesque view is just down the road. I am so lucky to live near such breathtakingly beauty.No matter what season. Come check it out!

Deer hunting doing well in Northern Michigan.

After I published my last post advertising our discount special I started getting calls the next day. Mostly from deer hunters looking for a nice place to stay near The State hunting land near Bear Lake. Two of our guests so far have bagged their deer already. One four point and one 6 point! So now they are off to the Casino!
Hunters love our large one bedroom kitchenette suite which has 3 beds plus a comfortable pull out sofa.(See top photo) Four men can sleep comfortably for two nights at a cost of only $36.25 per person.Price includes tax.We also have a smaller kitchenette suite (second and third photo) that sleeps 3 - 5 .
We will be running our special discounts through out the gun hunting season. Hunting Widows love it here too. With the casino shuttle service it is easy as well as safe to have a fun night and not have to drive.
Ice fishing season is just around the corner.Some folks don't realize it but the ice fishing season starts earlier up here as the ice freezes sooner due to the channel to Lake Michigan.
Last year the ice fishing was spectacular! Many happy fisherman gladly gave us some of there catch. The perch was, of course, my favorite.
I will post as soon as I see the shanties out there so keep checking my blog for updates.
Have a great Thanksgiving!

Visit Manistee Michigan and stay in Onekama at 50% off!

Things are really slowing down right now everywhere. Bad for us but great for our guests! We are offering a 50% discount right now to motivate you to come to Onekama and stay at Travelers Motel.
Don't forget the complimentary $5.00 Little River Casino coupon per guest as well as free shuttle service.
With the discount + coupon the cost for one night for two guests is only $17.00!( one double bed room, regularly $45.00- 50% =$22.50 - $10.00(2 coup0ns)=$17.00.)
Can't beat that anywhere. Gas prices are down, so what is stopping you? We need your business up here. Hurry and take advantage of this special offer while it lasts.
Reservations only.Discount applies to single(one double bed) rooms only. All other rooms discount applies on second night stay.

The Lighthouse Cafe

Last Sunday Mike and I decided to take a ride up beautiful Highway M22 . Although the weather was not perfect ( even a little hail on the way there) it was still a gorgeous display of color through the rolling hills 9 miles up to Arcadia. Arcadia is another quaint little village along the Lake Shore. It boasts great beaches, cute shops and of course the famous Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course.
We went a little further up M22 and
we decided to try out a little cafe in Elberta, another little lake shore town, called The Lighthouse Cafe. This was a great choice. From the outside it looked like maybe a small "greasy spoon" type place. But we were pleasantly surprised when we entered. The first thing I noticed was how clean the place was. I always check the bathrooms out before I order. I know if the bathrooms are not clean then it is a good possibility that the kitchen isn't either. The bathroom was spotless. I peaked into the kitchen..spotless as well. I mean everything shined.There is even a smoking section for us smokers. Imagine that. There is beautiful mural on the wall painted by the owners mother.
The menu had a lot of great choices. We decided to go with the Special of the day, baked chicken. For $8.95 you get a huge salad, 4 pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and dinner roll. It was delicious. Can't wait to go back and try their homemade soups.

Fishing At Tippy Dam

Grampa and Lucy had a great time fishing at the Dam last Sunday. Lucy caught a brown trout.(Left)
Fisherman staying at Travelers Motel were catching Salmon in Bear Creek, where the creek meets the Big Manistee.(below)

The fall colors are still alive and well. Especially near the lake shore.

The Travelers Motel is the place to stay during your M22 Circle Color Tour!

Check out previous blogs for maps and info on the M22 Circle Tour.
The autumn colors are at their full glory right now. The weather is a little "crispy" just the way I love it. What a perfect time for a week-end get-away!
Don't forget your sweatshirts!
FYI:We still have some rooms available for this week-end so call soon to make your reservation.

Beautiful weather for a fall color tour!

What beautiful weather we are having this week-end! A great time to take a ride up north and stay with us at Travelers Motel.Colors are not peaking right here near the Big Lake but I am told they are further east and north up Highway M22.
Friday we still have quite a few rooms left. Saturday we have 4 rooms left, including 2 queens and 2 singles.

Onekama Fall Festival

Be sure and get your room reserved before coming up this week-end for the Fall Festival.
The Bear Lake Autumn Glory Days and the Douglas Valley Fall Fest Kids Day is this Saturday as well.
Coming next month: Deer Widows Special: Second nice half price!
Time to get the girls together and have a good time up here at The Travelers Motel. Sit out by the camp fire with all your friends or call the shuttle for the Little River Casino. Don't forget the great dinning experiences like The Blue Slipper and Shays Chop House. We still have some available week - ends next month in our kitchenette suites.The larger suite can sleep up to seven guests. Get your reservation in now because that room is a favorite for the hunters too!

Availability up-date at The Travelers Motel

Sorry, we do not have any rooms available for this week-end Oct. 3 & 4. We do have 6 rooms left for next week-end Oct 10 & 11. Call soon to reserve!
FYI:The colors are not peaking yet, another week maybe.
Steelhead fishermen are getting lucky at Bear Creek and the Big Manistee River.

Second night half price at Travelers Motel

There are patches of color changes here and there along Highway 31. Still a beautiful drive now.
The weather is exceptionally warm this week end. We still have rooms available. Mention this blog and receive the second night half price!

Michigan's M-22 Color Tour Route

(NORTHWEST MICHIGAN) – The changing of the leaves to brilliant shades of gold, amber and garnet is an invitation to head north and explore the magnificent fall season among the rolling hills and coastal villages of Northwest Michigan

The premier route, which follows M-22 through Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau Counties, has been rated one of the top five greatest driving tours in America by Rand McNally. Officially designated as a State of Michigan Scenic Route, this spectacular scenic byway is now featured online at www.M22ColorTour.com.

“We’re a four season destination, but there’s no question that autumn is a personal favorite of many locals and visitors alike,” said Judy Ball, Executive Director of Manistee County Convention & Visitors Bureau “There’s just something special about the changing of the seasons in Northwest Michigan and we hope people will visit us to experience it for themselves.”

Traveling through quaint harbor towns, such as Manistee, Onekama,Frankfort, Beulah and Glen Arbor, the M-22 Fall Color Tour route skirts the Lake Michigan shoreline and the bluffs, dunes and beaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Along the way, visitors are introduced to unique galleries, vintage antiques, world-class restaurants, award-winning wineries and historic orchards and farms.

Visitors are welcomed by the sound of rustling leaves and the crispness of the autumn air, where Michigan’s most colorful season awaits with open arms. Recreational opportunities, such as championship golf, biking, paddling, fishing and even soaring the skies above the trees, are available to visitors looking to experience the fall color season from a different perspective.

Pure Michigan Travel - State of Michigan Tourism Information

Visitors can also expect to find value-filled packages and special seasonal lodging rates, as well as a cornucopia of fall festivals and harvest celebrations that the whole family will enjoy. What’s more, the M-22 Color Tour is a one tank trip for many in the Midwest, making it an affordable day-trip or weekend get-away for those wishing to escape to escape to this quite Northwest Michigan refuge.

“Visitors will find interesting shops, galleries, wineries, exquisite dining, superb recreational activities and comfortable accommodations along the way,” says Jamie Jewell, Representative of the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau. “It’s a wonderful way to enjoy fall color in northern Michigan.”

The Salmon Fishing is Fantastic here at Portage Lake/Onekama

Just wanted to share an email from one of our favorite guests and a great fisherman
This guy really know how to catch the salmon!

Jane & Mike,

As always we felt like we were coming home when staying with you guys this summer. The only problem was that two weeks is never long enough!!!

We thought you might enjoy this image of a good sized (19 lbs) Salmon. In fact, I believe that you might be eating this one soon. It's in your freezer!!!

Gary

Great Comedy in Onekama at Shays Chops House

Just in case you haven't heard, Shays Chop House right here in Onekama is not only a great dining experience, it also is THE place to go for comedic entertainment. Check them out for upcoming events.

WOW! What a summer!

Labor Day Week-end is here already. FYI: We still have vacancies for Sunday and Monday.
I can't believe the summer is coming to an end.
The summer just flew by so fast. We had 100% occupancy for July and August, except for last week we had a few rooms go vacant.
Yes, things are slowing down and I can finally catch my breath! ..Maybe.. The calls are already coming in for the fall color tours. More information on that at M-22 Michigan's Most Scenic Highway - Color Tour Home Page
I will keep everyone posted as the colors change up here.

Wine tasting at Organic Vineyards in Manistee County

There is a new place about 3 miles from Onekama, half way between the motel and the casino, it is the "Douglas Valley Organic Vineyard" It is quite an amazing place, or will be when it is finished. They are now open for wine tasting, shopping and hay rides.
Check them out . While your in the mood for wine tasting and shopping, don't forget "Linebacks" right here in the Village of Onekama.

Calling all fishermen(and fisherwomen) to Portage Lake!

The word is out! The salmon fishing here in Manistee County is more that fantastic...a 31 lb salmon documented by The DNR caught last Sunday by Netminders Charters in Onekama.
And its not just the salmon..walleye, perch, and bluegills are coming in record numbers and so are the fisherman. Call soon to get a reservation, we are getting filled up already for fall.

Having a great time at Travelers Motel!

Everyone is having a great time this week-end at the Travelers Motel. The weather here has been great and of course the fishermen are happy. Lots of Coho and Steelhead are keeping the fish cleaning station busy and my freezer full!
We also have a delightful group of women staying here. They are a "mother& daughter" group. Every year they get together for a week-end get-away. Part of their outing includes getting dressed up and then going out for a great time. This years theme was the "Roaring Twenties" (see photo). I bet the folks in Onekama are getting a kick out of these ladies!

Manistee County Fair in Onekama

Just a reminder that the Manistee County Fair starts Tuesday, Aug 19. and runs through the week-end. Check out the fun. Mention my blog and get a 10% discount on any room during the fair.
We still have a few vacancies during the week and 3 queen rooms for this week-end

Also, for any bird watchers out there, the Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary and the Michigan Audubon Society will be joining forces to create the first ever Migration Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 23.They are planning a series of activities that will be of interest to people of all age groups. They are located at 2890 Lakeshore Rd , just north of the Orchard Beach State Park.

Salmon Fishermen at Travelers Motel

Our fishermen love it here. The salmon fishing is great right now, plus we have a large parking lot to accommodate any size boat and a convenient fish cleaning station.
A couple of our favorite return guests, Richard and Gary, always catch a lot of salmon.
.They often leave us some of there catch and Gary has given me some great recipes for preparing salmon. Feel free to post your recipes!

Labor Day Week-end filling up

We still have a few availabilities for the Labor Day Week-end. For that Friday and Saturday the large one bedroom kitchenette is still available as well as 3 single rooms. For Sunday and Monday we have several to chose from,including our "lighthouse room" pictured here. There is a two night minimum for that night.

Travelers Motel; The hidden gem

Since we acquired the motel in 2004, our goal was to provide guests with a unique, comfortable,"home away from home" experience. The hospitality and family feeling that you would find at a bed and breakfast, yet the privacy of a motel. The next thing was to get the word out.
Of course the " Up North" charm has really made Travelers Motel a destination spot. The cleanliness of our rooms is top priority.Our guest compliments are what keep our job so fulfilling.
Every year more and more travelers to this area have discovered our "hidden gem ". This year, we feel that we have met our goal.
Thanks to all of our wonderful guests. A lot of you return time after time and we look forward to your next visit.
One of our recent compliments came by way of her blog at http://fire-n-sand.blogspot.com

Summer is almost sold out

Our single rooms (center photo) are the best value in the area. Rates are: Sun-Thurs only $54.00 per night. Fri - Sat just $69.00. Full bath, cable television, air conditioning and small fridge is included. Don't forget the free coffee and danish to get your day started.

We also have free casino shuttle service as well as $5.00 coupons

We still few opening left for the kitchenette suites.
Larger Suite:
August 3-4
August 11-14

Smaller Suite:
August 11-13
Both suites are available after August 17

I will update these as soon as they change.

Film makers coming to West Michigan!

One of the many reasons West Michigan is flourishing is because of the film industry coming to this area. The following is a press release with all the info:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWLY FORMED WEST MICHIGAN FILM OFFICE EXPECTED TO LEAD REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH IN EMERGING INDUSTRY

A number of film companies are already inquiring about West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. (July 15, 2008) – The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) announced today the official opening of the West Michigan Film Office (WMFO), which will work to bring filiming and production of feature films to communities throughout West Michigan. The announcement was made from the set of the feature film, “Tug,” which will star Sam Huntington and Haylie Duff, being shot by Hopwood DePree at his TicTock Studios in Holland. Three other films are set to be shot in West Michigan pending approval of the state incentives.

The WMFO is led by Rick Hert, executive director of WMTA. Hert has more than 25 years of experience recruiting all size film projects and has put together more than 100 different successful projects in his previous work.

“The new incentives from the state of Michigan have really opened a lot of doors for both filmmakers and Michigan businesses,” said Hert. “With the eyes of many of these filmmakers now on Michigan, we need to be proactive with our efforts and be ready to assist as necessary. The economic impact of a large film project will do great things for the region, and our office plans to be a leader in bringing this business to West Michigan.”

The formation of the WMFO is related to the WMTA’s mission, and the hope is that bringing filmmakers here will benefit West Michigan’s tourism industry. WMFO is already working with 55 different CVBs, Chambers and other economic development organizations from around West Michigan.

As part of the WMTA, the WMFO can also offer a great value to filmmakers through the numerous WMTA members, linking film prospects with the many available locations and resources. West Michigan offers a wide array of locations from the skyscrapers of downtown Grand Rapids to the sand dunes of Silver Lake.

- more -

WMFO/Page 2

“Having the WMFO and personnel ready on the west side of the state is going to present Michigan as being very film-ready,” said Janet Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office. “We look forward to excellent cooperation, communication and sharing of all information as it comes into either office. Production companies will be very happy to work with a regional film office. The bottom line results in more economic impact for West Michigan, more industry jobs and more tourism.”

The WMFO will work closely with the MFO that is based in Lansing, identifying film leads that would work well in a West Michigan setting. The Michigan film incentives legislation, which took effect in April 2008 has already brought in more than $200 million in film revenue to Michigan.

Founded in 1917, WMTA is the oldest continually operated regional tourist association in the nation. Representing 41 counties from the Michigan-Indiana state line to Mackinac Island and covering the entire west half of the Lower Peninsula, WMTA is dedicated to proving that “Nobody Knows West Michigan Like We Do!” For more information, visit www.wmta.org.

Update for Onekama Days

Sorry, the last room for Onekama days was just taken.Check back here again in case there are any cancellations. I am so glad people visit my blog.
Thanks Karen.

Onekama Days Coming Soon!

We have been so busy here I have not had a chance to post. This area is experiencing record breaking tourism numbers this summer. The weather has been fantastic and the fishermen and boaters have been filling up all the area motels from Ludington to Arcadia.

Onekama has been discovered !!

FYI:We have one room left on Saturday Aug 2nd for Onekama Days.Sorry, the suites are all taken until the 3rd week of August. We have a few availabilities for double and single rooms during the week.

Up date

Just a few opening left for the kitchenette suites. We still have some opening for the regular rooms. All rooms have a small fridge and 24 hr access to microwave. Hope everyone is having a great summer!
Larger Suite:
August 3-4
August 11-14

Smaller Suite:
August 11-13
Both suites are available after August 17

I will update these as soon as they change.

Stay at the Travelers Motel during The Manistee Salmon Splash Pro/Am

July 24-29 is Tournament week featuring The Manistee Salmon Splash Pro/Am
For more information go to http:// www.salmonsplash.com

Now taking reservations for 2009

We are accepting reservations for 2009 at this time. When making your reservations a year in advance we call every one in April of that year and confirm. Up untill then there is no cancellation fee.
FYI: We are starting to fill up for next years Energy Fair, even though we are not sure what the date is, we will have that confirmed by April 09.
After this coming week-end we will be getting the reservations coming in for next years 4th of July week-end, so you may want to think about reserving ahead of time for then too.
Have a great week-end everyone!

Update on Available rooms for the 4th of July week-end

Sorry, we do not have any vacancies for the 4th and 5th of July. We do have a few for the 3rd and the 6th.
Please make your reservations early next year!
Thanks!

Looking for accomadations over the 4th of July ?

There is a nice motel up M22 in Arcadia about 10 miles from here that still has a few opening on over the 4th of July week-end. The motel is "Pleasant Valley Resort" Give them a call at 231-889-4194.

Kitchenette Suites are almost filled up for the summer

We are having a wonderful summer here. The GLREA Fair was a great success.
The following are available dates for the one bedroom kitchenette suites.

Larger Suite:

August 3-4
August 11-14

Smaller Suite:

August 11-13
Both suites are available after August 17

I will update these as soon as they change.

Guests love it here!

Just wanted to share a previous comment from one of our guests.

"We are looking forward to returning to beautiful Onekama, MI. Coming from Chicago to vacation here is a tradition we will keep in family for years to come. My husband and I married in Onekama close to 2 years ago and many of our guests stayed at the Travelers and everyone enjoyed it immensely! It’s clean convenient and you can’t beat the price & location. Take the few extra hours on the road and come to Onekama. Leave the polluted Chicago air behind."
April Drury

Manistee County Fair in Onekama

The Manistee County Fair will be held August 19-23. What a great way to end the summer!
Check out this site for more info http://www.manisteecountyfair.com
We are conveniently located just down the road from the fairgrounds.

Availability for July 4th

As of today, we have one single room available for the 4th. The 5th is now filled up. For the 6th of July we have many rooms still available.If you would like to sign up for the cancellation list let me know!
Hope everyone is enjoying the summer!

Governor Granholm to attend the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Fair in Onekama

Governor Granholm is expected to arrive in Onekama at 2 pm on Friday, June 27 to attend the 3rd Annual Energy Fair. At 2:30 pm she will address the public.For more info on the Fair visit http://www.glrea.org/
FYI: We do not have any vacancies for the week-end of the Energy Fair.

Fish Report: Portage Lake, Onekama

Memorial week-end is finally here. We kicked off the season with fantastic weather, full occupancy and very happy fisherman. Walleyes and small mouth bass were in abundance this weekend in Portage Lake.
Many of our guests are regulars here and it is so great to see all of them again!

Memorial Day Week-end in Onekama

The weather report says we are going to have a great week-end. We still have 2 single rooms left for Fri and Sat. On Sun add two double rooms to that. By Friday all the rooms in the area will be filled so hurry and book your room now.

Free Canoe Trip on the Big Manistee River!

Be the first to mention this blog when you reserve your room here at Travelers Motel and receive a coupon good for a free 2 hour canoe trip( any day excluding Saturdays in July and August)
At Wilderness_Canoe_Trips.
Hurry ! This offer won't last long.

Fun at the Travelers Motel

Just wanted to share a few photos of our guests having a great time






Swimming , fishing,or just hangin out playing cards( and drinking a beer or two!)There is always something to do.

Those tax rebates will be coming soon. Treat yourself and take a drive and see the most beautiful scenery in Michigan. Boost your spirits and the economy!

Morel Mushroom Season is here!

Reports are coming in that this week end is a good time for hunting morel mushrooms. With the rain expected later this week, along with the ton of snow we got this winter, there should be a good crop coming up. Mention this blog and get 10% off your stay here at the Travelers Motel.
Good Luck!

Filling up fast for Memorial Week-end

We still have a few opening left for Memorial Week-end . The small kitchenette suite is still available, and 2 single rooms and 2 double rooms. There is a two night minimum stay.

Also the week end of the Michigan Energy Fair is starting to fill up. We have 2 doubles, 2 queen/futon and 3 singles left. Sorry the suites are already taken. We have a two night minimum on this week-end as well.
Get your reservations in now!

Lake Michigan Perch Crop

Here is the link to the article in the Grand Rapids Press about the great perch population
http://Abundant perch crop seen for Lake Michigan - mlive.com
This link is for info on the Portage Lake/Lake Michigan Channel
Portage Lake channel

Pet Friendly rooms filling up fast

Just wanted to let all of our guests who travel with their pets that we have made some changes .We now have only two pet friendly rooms available. One is a double room with 2 double beds and the other is a queen/futon room. Both of these are smoking rooms. Two of our previous smoking/pet friendly rooms where remodeled from floor to ceiling and changed to non-smoking. Due to the fact that many of our guests are allergic to pets as well as cigarette smoke we felt this change was needed. A $10 pet fee is also charged at check in. We hope this does not inconvenience any of our guests. We have grown to love our return pets and can't wait to see them every year. Please reserve early so we can accommodate both you and your pet.
Thanks

Wish again for Michigan!

That is my new slogan. We Michiganders are a tough lot and we are not going to give up on this beautiful wonderland.If everyone would go for a week-end road trip this summer it would help to fuel our economy and get Michigan back on track. For those that are not from Michigan, you owe it to yourself and family to experience all that Michigan has to offer. Michigan is the new "destination" hot spot! I could blog all day about all the things to do and see here but instead I have included some links to help you with your travel plans.
Let's hit the road and WISH AGAIN FOR MICHIGAN!
Michigan Energy Fair 2008
This is a re-cap of last years Energy Fair:
www.glrea.org/events/MichiganEnergyFair2007/index.php
Also check out these sites for more info about our Great State of Michigan
http://www.absolutemichigan.com
http://www.michigan.org
http://www.wmta.org/
We have some of the greatest restaurants here in Onekama
www.shayschophouse.com
www.blueslipperbistro.com
www.glenwoodrestaurant.com

Spring Cleaning & Newly Remodeled rooms

Spring Cleaning has begun here at Travelers. That means that all the rooms get a full clean.
A full clean basically means that every square inch from floor to ceiling.of each room gets a scrub down. Every item is taken apart and cleaned.I know not all motels are this thorough, but for those that know me, as well as the guests that have been here, know that I am close to neurotic about the cleanliness of my rooms. I think this is a good thing and as I say in my profile; I am in the right business!
Speaking of rooms, we had some damage due to an ice and wind storm in January. Rooms #7( our large kitchenette suite, above photo), 8 and 9 were damaged. But all is well now, after 3 months of having contractors here, we have a new roof, new walls, ceilings and carpet in the rooms!
Those of you who wanted these specific rooms while they were down , the special discount I promised you has no expiration.
We will also be doing some painting and re-decorating in the breakfast/check in room.

The Michigan Energy Fair is here in Onekama

The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Fair will be here again this year on June27-28 The fair is expected to bring 6000 people to Onekama this year! As we are the closest lodging facility (just a half a block from the fair grounds) our rooms are getting reserved fast! For a re-cap of last years fair check out my Michigan links.

Spring is here and before you know it the Summer season will be upon us.
Get your reservations in early. We are getting filled up for mid July through the first week end of August(Onekama Days)

Morel season is coming soon. Every year we are happy to greet our return visitors who love this sport. They come back with bags of mushrooms. I ask them every year to tell me where they go to find them , but unfortunately, the location is top secret. I do know they go North on M22 . I will let you know when the morels are coming up in a future post.

Michigan Rivers and Portage Lake Fishing Report

The ice fishing season is winding down here on Portage Lake.We had a great season this year and few shanties are still out there. Lots of nice big perch(my personal favorite) for a change this year made for lots of great fish dinners.
Reports tell me that the perch population will be doubled what it was last year.

Last week a group of fisherman stayed here.They had a great time fishing at Tippy damn catching Steal head(photo) Way to go John! The steal head were dining on shrimp and spawn.