Travel and Leisure

Welcome to Chateau Fontaine, in Lake Leelanau, MI, where Dan and Lucie Matthies, together with their son Doug, began winemaking in 1989! It first started when horticulture expert Dr. G Stanley Howell from MSU visited their land and was impressed by the topography, slope and aspect of the land. Southern-facing slopes, temperature buffering from the lakes, and perfect soil pH combined for excellent grape-growing conditions. Planting their first vineyard by hand, those Chardonnay grapes became the anchor of the vineyards and the shoulder on which the rest of the farm rested. Followed quickly by Pinot Gris and Riesling, they rounded out their plantings with an additional 13 varietals, including Viognier, Auxerrois, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Their farm now includes three distinct vineyards across 75 acres, each with its own carefully selected varietals to maximize the potential of each variety. In 2000, they opened their tasting room. Accolades quickly followed from wine competitions across the US, including Best of Class, Best White Wine and innumerable Double Golds and Golds, a tradition that continues today. The Leelanau Peninsula AVA is known for creating unique, delicious wines of all varieties, and Chateau Fontaine is proud to have been a part of the community of Leelanau County winemakers for over 20 years. Come visit us and experience what Chateau Fontaine and the Leelanau Peninsula have to offer. We offer both wine tastings and wine by the glass, as well as a variety of charcuterie and accompaniments, including our famous Garlic, Herb and Chardonnay Cheeseball. Sit and have a glass while you enjoy views of our original vineyard, planted almost 30 years ago. We look forward to welcoming you!   https://www.chateaufontaine.com/    

The Bentley House Bed & Breakfast in Vermont, is elegantly poised along the outskirts of Poultney, VT. Bentley House Bed & Breakfast has graciously extended its hospitality as a bed and breakfast since 1980. Guests are invited to commence each day with a hearty breakfast before venturing out to explore the abundant outdoor activities the region has to offer. Whether seeking the thrills of winter sports at nearby ski resorts, the serenity of scenic lakes for fishing and boating or the invigorating experience of biking or hiking trails and local parks, our storied residence provides the perfect base for year-round adventure. If you desire a tranquil respite, Bentley House offers refinement, repose, and the dandy comforts of a bygone era. We offer a variety of amenities including private bathrooms in each of our five rooms, free cable and WiFi, air conditioning during the summer months, blow-dryer, and iron. We also offer a varied breakfast menu including fruit, pastries, cereal, and a selection of hot drinks as well as a main entree prepared by owner. The front parlor and upstairs lounge are available for guests to relax with a good book or the local paper; tea and coffee are available 24/7.  Since 1980, we have provided our home and hospitality to all who walk through our doors. Our elegant and well-appointed rooms are cozy and comfortable! We want you to feel safe, comfortable, and right at home. Planning a longer stay? Get 10% off when you book seven nights in a row. When you are ready for a relaxing, quiet vacation this year in Vermont contact the Bentley House Bed & Breakfast for your next stay! 802-287-4004 - Look at us online:  https://thebentleyhouse.com/

Looking for Estes Park lodging? A stay at Aspen Winds on Fall River provides you the opportunity to experience the splendor of the Rockies as you have only imagined possible. Conveniently located 3 miles west of central downtown Estes Park and 1½ miles from the Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen Winds provides a comfortable lodging experience with many amenities and outdoor activities including excellent fishing on Fall River right behind our property!  We offer spa suites and one or two-bedroom condominium suites on the river that appeal to every vacationer. The rushing waters of Fall River, full of rainbow trout, provide frontage to Aspen Winds where elk, deer, and other wildlife wander freely through a lush setting of willows and mature aspen, spruce, fir, and pine trees, which can be seen from your condo and deck. From the deep greens of summer, luminescent golds of autumn, and glittering whites and crystal blues of winter and spring, Aspen Winds’ lodging on Fall River is beautiful year-round. At Estes Park, there are many things to do each season throughout the year. Numerous attractions and activities are just waiting to be enjoyed. Rocky Mountain National Park is open 365 days a year. In winter, Bear Lake Road is plowed as is Trail Ridge Road to Many Parks Curve. All other major park roads and all roads in Estes Park are open. Most of the nearby scenic byways are plowed all winter. Enjoy experiencing travel inside a snow globe landscape. Winter, spring, and fall are the best times to view wildlife in their natural habitat. There are all-season hiking trails in the Estes Park area while others become snowshoe trails. Snowshoes are inexpensive to rent, and the sport requires no special skill or prior experience. Closed side roads and both Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park are perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or “walking in a winter wonderland.” Golfing, horseback riding, biking, fishing, and rock climbing are some of the Estes Park attractions and activities that know no season. Downhill skiing and snowboarding near Estes Park are about an hour away at Eldora Mountain. There is plenty to see and do at Aspen Winds and Estes Park, come check us out and make Aspen Winds your next vacation spot any time of the season! https://www.aspenwinds.com/