Dyer Lake Vacation Home | Traverse City, Michigan
Email: thefancys@dyerlakevacationhome.com

Fancy Family Favorites

Traverse City Area Festivals

From Cherries to Comedy The Traverse City area is a treasure trove of unique festivals, offering something for everyone year-round. From indulging in local flavors to experiencing world-class entertainment, these events highlight the vibrant culture and community spirit of the region. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out, Traverse City has a festival for you! Traverse City Restaurant Week (February/March) Website Savor Traverse City’s rich culinary scene during Restaurant Week! Enjoy specially crafted multiple-course menus at $25, $35, or $45 per person from the area’s top eateries. This is your chance to… Read More »


Celebrate the National Cherry Festival

Friends at concert at Cherry Festival

Eight Days of Cherry-Picked Fun It’s never too early to start planning—and booking—for this year’s National Cherry Festival! The town fills up fast, so secure your stay today! This beloved tradition has deep roots in Northern Michigan’s history. Around 1910, local cherry growers began hosting informal “blessing of the blossoms” ceremonies each May. By 1925, the first Cherry Queen, Gertrude Brown, was crowned during the newly established Blessing of the Blossoms Festival, marking the start of a rich legacy. The following year, Hawkins Bakery crafted an impressive 3-foot cherry pie with 5,000 cherries, which was presented to President Calvin Coolidge…. Read More »


Northern Michigan’s Love Affair with Fudge

Michigan’s iconic fudge culture Atlantic City has saltwater taffy, Maine has lobster, and New Orleans boasts beignets. In Northern Michigan, we have cherries, pasties, and wine. But let’s be real—when it comes to sweet decadence, Traverse City has fudge! This creamy confection is more than just dessert; it’s a tradition. Found in nearly every Up North tourist town, fudge shops invite visitors to watch the mesmerizing process of its creation, sample its decadence, and take a piece of Northern Michigan home. The Origins of Fudge and Its Journey North Fudge wasn’t always a sweet treat. In the late 18th century,… Read More »


A Perfect Summer Week in Traverse City

There’s no better place to embrace summer than Traverse City, and Dyer Lake Vacation Home is your ultimate retreat to soak up all the season’s charms. Nestled on a serene no wake lake and just a short drive from downtown Traverse City, this home offers comfort, privacy, and easy access to Northern Michigan’s best attractions. Let’s plan the perfect week at your summer getaway! Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation Unpack, breathe in the fresh lake air, and settle into the cozy comfort of Dyer Lake Vacation Home. Enjoy the ducks on the lake and when evening comes sit out on… Read More »


Discover the Magic of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Adventures for Everyone Looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Northern Michigan? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is calling your name! This natural treasure sits on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, just a short drive from Traverse City. It’s packed with jaw-dropping scenery, from towering dunes and sparkling lakes to lush forests. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to unwind, there’s something here for everyone. Hike the Iconic Dunes Ready for a workout with a view? Sleeping Bear Dunes has hiking trails for every skill level, but the Dune Climb is the real showstopper. This 3.5-mile round-trip trek… Read More »


Frequently Asked Questions

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is a captivating destination that invites visitors year-round to explore its stunning natural beauty and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of summer festivals, the breathtaking colors of autumn foliage, winter sports, or the fresh blooms of spring, there’s always something to experience in this charming town. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Traverse City, from top attractions to outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities. What is the best time of year to… Read More »


The Legend of Michigan’s Dogman

Gather ’round, friends, as the night deepens and the fire crackles, casting dancing shadows on the trees. Let me tell you the spine-tingling tale of Michigan’s elusive Dogman—a creature born of mystery and folklore. Under the moonlit sky, in the dense forests of our beloved state, whispers of this legendary being roam just as freely as the winds. Our story begins in 1887, when two lumberjacks in Wexford County first laid eyes on this seven-foot-tall beast. With a head resembling that of a dog and a powerful torso like a man, it stood upright, haunting the woods with its eerie… Read More »


Why Stay at Dyer Lake Vacation Home

Sunset view at Dyer Lake Vacation Home from the living room

Your Perfect Northern Michigan Getaway Looking for a serene escape where you can unwind, enjoy nature, and make lasting memories with family and friends? Dyer Lake Vacation Home is the perfect spot! Nestled about 10 minutes outside of downtown Traverse City, this charming retreat offers everything you need for a peaceful getaway while still being close to all the excitement Northern Michigan has to offer. Lakefront Living at Its Best Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the lake right outside your window. With 75 feet of private water frontage on beautiful Dyer Lake, our vacation home offers a… Read More »


Pet-Friendly Adventures Near Dyer Lake Vacation Home

When you book your stay at Dyer Lake Vacation Home, your furry friend is always welcome! Traverse City is a fantastic destination for both you and your pup, offering pet-friendly attractions, trails, and dining spots. From beachside strolls to wine tastings with a view, there are plenty of ways to enjoy northern Michigan together! Explore the Great Outdoors Sleeping Bear Dunes: You and your dog can enjoy the Pyramid Point and Empire Bluff trails for breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The Empire Village Beach Park is another great dog-friendly spot. Just remember, dogs must be on a 6-foot leash, and… Read More »


Top 5 Hidden Gems Near Dyer Lake Vacation Home

Annabella and Brayden on a local beach in Long Lake Township Michigan

Annabella and Brayden on a beach on Long Lake When staying at Dyer Lake Vacation Home, you’re perfectly situated to explore some of Northern Michigan’s best-kept secrets! Whether you’re looking for hands-on fun, scenic outdoor adventures, or unique local art, there’s something for everyone just a short drive away. From rail bike rides through the woods to sandy beach days and interactive science exhibits, we’ve rounded up our top 5 hidden gems that you won’t want to miss. Let the adventures begin! Cognition Cognition is an exciting, hands-on science playground where both kids and adults can dive into interactive exhibits… Read More »


Find your Trail!

Swans on Boardman Lake

The Traverse City area offers hundreds of hiking trails, some easy and great for the family and some that only an experienced hiker should take. There are trails that are stroller friendly, bike friendly and some that offer accessibility options. It would be impossible to list all of the available trails in the area, so we are going to share some of our favorites as a family and some that were part of Patrick’s childhood. All worth visiting. Most of the trails are dog friendly on a leash and offer parking. Many are accessible, have picnic areas and restrooms. Almost… Read More »


Cognitions – A Family Favorite!

Annabella with a dove sitting on her finger.

Annabella showing us the Dove (I think it is a dove) that was hanging out on her finger. Last year while we were visiting Traverse City. We along with some of the cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandma visited Cognition in Beulah. Cognitions website says they are Science and Discovery Center, although true, they offer so much more. There are animals you can touch and hold, play structures, science centers, art centers, games centers and more! Everyone loved Cognitions. Uncle Alex even got to pretend to drive a plane. LOL Cognition is relatively new to the area, having opened in 2017…. Read More »


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