12 Fabulous Vacation Rentals a Day’s Drive from Columbus
Discover these isolated escapes sure to capture your curiosity and imagination (even during a pandemic).
Ellen Creager, Suzanne Goldsmith, Marlie Griffith, Emma Frankart Henterly and Dana Randall
It’s not so much where you go anymore. It’s where you stay.
Though COVID-19 vaccines offer hope for a return to normalcy in the coming months, isolated, road-trip-friendly accommodations remain a must for travelers seeking safer respite and relief. Here are 12 fascinating, secluded and one-of-a-kind vacation rentals in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Indiana and Kentucky.
Polymath Park: Spend a Night in a Frank Lloyd Wright Home
How to get a free DNR campsite or boat slip for the summer
Updated Mar 08, 2021;
Posted Mar 08, 2021
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to host its campgrounds and harbors this summer.Kayla Renie | MLive.com
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Campground and harbor hosts volunteer for 30 hours a week. In exchange, campground hosts can camp for free for up to a month at 122 state parks and state forest campgrounds. Harbor hosts receive a free harbor slip. There is also a similar program hosting the Hartwick Pines Memorial Building.
All volunteers must be at least 18 years old, provide their own camping or boating equipment, be available at least five days a week, and pass a background check.
How this tiny village made its local bar the Best Outdoor Dining spot in Northern Michigan
Updated Feb 16, 2021;
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Along with friend Julie Saunders, they took over ownership of the bar on Oct. 28.
After some remodeling, painting and cleaning, they reopened it on Nov. 14.
Then, four days later, they had to close for indoor dining like all Michigan restaurants to adhere to health department guidelines because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“But it was a fantastic four days,” Jeff Lay said.
“The locals were all pouring back in, and they were happy what we had done with the place, and excited we didn’t change the name or get rid of any of the artifacts or history that’s in the bar.”
2020 Travel Highlights from LTV Owners
At the close of each year, we ask you, our LTV family, to tell us about your favorite travel moments from the past 12 months. 2020 was a different kind of year, and your stories reflect that.
Many explored closer to home this year. Many found a new level of appreciation for their self-contained home-on-wheels; a safe way to retreat to the outdoors while being able to distance and isolate. A few even found a unique type of refuge in their LTV, sheltering during or even escaping from challenging circumstances. More than ever, we are honored to have been a part of your stories this year.
Credit Department of Natural Resources
The Michigan History Center is looking for stories on local history from the public for a trail that will go through Grayling.
It will connect North Higgins Lake State Park with Hartwick Pines State Park.
Daniel Spegel with the Department of Natural Resources and Michigan History Center says this program began in 2013 when the state was looking for ways to expand recreation.
“[They got] a number of recommendations. One which included the integration of heritage with outdoor recreation, with trails in particular.” he said.
“What they can do is raise awareness of places of history to both local residents and visitors.”