Guidebook

Sleds, Ice Skates, Snow Boots, Traction Cleats (YakTrax) are great things to pack to fully enjoy Empire Winters! You can rent XC skis, snowshoes, and fat tire bikes from Crystal River Outfitters. https://crystalriveroutfitters.com/winter-rentals They are located in Glen Arbor (about 8 mi from Empire) and are great to work with. If their staffing allows, you can often arrange for them to pick up your rented gear from the Blue House on your departure date. Good site for Heritage Trail Conditions: https://friendsofsleepingbear.org/sleeping-bear-heritage-trail/winter-trail-report

The Blue House has a Wagon and 2-beach chairs for your use at the beach. Bring your own beach towels, beach blankets, coolers, additional beach chairs, and beach toys. In town, there are shops to rent bikes, ebikes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks.

Coffee Drinkers: There is a 10-cup Krupps drip coffee maker, filters, coffee grinder, whole bean coffee, powdered creamer, sugar. Cooking Staples: There is mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, salt/pepper, lots of herbs and spices. Cookware: Lots of pots and pans, bakeware, measuring cups, cutting boards, utensils

In the Blue House, you will find a Pak-n-Play with 2 sets of sheets, electrical outlet covers, night lights, 2 sets of toddler plates/utensils/bowls/sippy cups, high chair, step stools near the bathroom sinks, a child safety gate, Johnson's Baby Shampoo

In the Blue House you will find 2 bowls, a dog bed, and lots of treats! The lower deck is gated so your pet can enjoy time with you outside without being "tied up". The yard is not fenced. Bring a leash and your own Pet Waste bags for your hikes. If it is over 32 degrees, you can bet there will be ticks on the trails. Make sure your dog is up to date with its tick preventative. And please make sure you clean up the yard of any pet waste before you depart.

Laundry: There is a Washer, Dryer, Detergent, Dryer Sheets, Iron and Ironing Board Linens: There are blankets, sheets, extra blankets, extra pillows. Towels: There are plenty of bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths. Bring your own beach towels. Note: Everything is washed prior to your arrival, including all blankets.

Blue House amenities include: Shower Gel, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion, Hand Soap and Hand Sanitizer. Hair Dryer and Blood Pressure Monitor.

Outside: The Blue House has Bocce Ball and Corn Hole sets for play on the lawn. There is also a basketball to play on the court at the beach. Inside: Lots of board games and puzzles for young and old.

Empire has very limited grocery options. Best to do your major food shopping en route. Near Empire, I would recommend either Meijer in Traverse City or Shop-N-Save in Benzonia.

The WiFi is excellent at Empire Blue House. It is Cable Internet: 100 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload.

If you have an Annual "America the Beautiful" or Senior Lifetime National Park Pass, bring it to your Empire getaway. It will provide access to the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore trails and sites. No worries if you don't have one. A 7-day pass can be purchased at the Visitor Center in Empire for $25.

Deliveries via FedEx and UPS: 10342 W. Niagara, Empire, MI 49630 Deliveries via USPS: c/o Donna Haiderer, PO Box 147, Empire, MI 49630