Valentine's Weekend And The Homestead Are The Perfect Pairing

When it comes to celebrating amour over the upcoming Valentine’s weekend I can’t think of a better location than The Homestead perched among dunes along Lake Michigan’s shoreline overlooking the Manitou Islands.   

The resort sits in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which viewers of ABC's "Good Morning America" recently voted the "Most Beautiful Place in America," edging out such better-known spots as the Grand Tetons, Sedona, Newport, Cape Cod, and Hawaii.  It’s just as beautiful in winter.     

The Homestead has lift and lodging packages that fit the bill for those looking to get away and ski or snowboard over Valentine’s Day, and if you prefer to just stay in and snuggle, they have packages for that as well.

Winter Stay And Dine packages, perfect for a romantic getaway, start from $94 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Two nights' lodging is required for this package, which includes a “welcome” bottle of wine, breakfast buffet each morning, a fondue tasting dinner at Nonna’s, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, and a gourmet dinner the other evening.  There are cross-country and snowshoeing trails that lead into the national park from the resort.  Houseguests receive a discount on lift tickets, which are $30 for a full day on Saturday and $23 for a half-day.  Sunday the cost is respectively $26 and $20. 

A popular romantic winter delight is their Taste The Passion, Wine & Art package that takes place weekend after next, Feb. 3-5.  The weekend includes tickets to the Michigan Wine Coast art exhibit at the resort on Friday evening and tickets to Leelanau Peninsula Vintner’s Association “Taste the Passion” wine tour on Saturday.  The tour includes up to 18 wineries, special wines paired with savory foods and chocolate.  Lodging package rates start from $69 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.  A two-night stay is required.  Add a weekend of skiing to the package and the price is $92 per person, per night.

Lift and lodging packages available all winter long start from $70 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. 

It's one of few Midwest ski areas to limit lift ticket sales, which allows you to experience the wonderful view without worrying about overcrowded slopes.  The ski area offers a 375-foot vertical drop, three chairlifts and 16 runs.   The resort is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   

You can trace the gentle curve of the shoreline far below.  A broad expanse of steely blue water, often filled with ice floes, fills the view and the Manitou Islands seem to bob on the horizon.  It’s one of the best views around the Great Lakes from a ski resort.