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Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location

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Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
TV, books
2 bedrooms, internet, bed sheets

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4950 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

Map
Empire, MI
  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Empire Bluff Trail
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Empire

Lake Michigan is a short stroll from this vacation home, and other popular attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are within a mile (2 km). The vacation home includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.
View more Vacation Homes in EmpireOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 2 min drive - 0.7 miles
  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 7 min drive - 4.5 miles
  • Little Glen Lake - 9 min drive - 5.8 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Food For Thought - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Friendly Tavern - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Tiffany's Ice Cream - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location

Carol's Cottage

Our calendar is updated in real-time & our nightly rates are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'

With charm to spare and a great location within walking distance of Empire Beach, hiking and biking trails, quaint local restaurants and shops, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you’ve chosen wisely with this adorable cottage. The kids and family dog will love the fenced back yard, and you’ll love the cozy firepit, perfect for roasting marshmallows at the end of the day.

Inside, you’ll find a colorful, open space, ideal for reconnecting with family and friends. Use the full kitchen to prepare snacks for the beach, or sit down for a meal together at the sunny dining room table. After a day of exploration, grab a board game for some more together time, stream the latest release on either TV, or use the free WiFi to post pics of the day’s dune climb to your social media. End the day with a family cookout, and drift off to sleep dreaming of the next day’s adventures.

THINGS TO KNOW
There is no dishwasher in the kitchen.
This property is managed by Vacasa Michigan LLC

If you are bringing a dog on your trip, the pet fee is already included in your quote when selecting ‘Yes’ to pets. If you would like to add more dogs, please contact us. The pet fee is per stay and ranges between $150 and $200, depending on the bedroom count, and will apply for each additional dog.

Parking notes: There is free parking available for 2 vehicles.



Damage waiver: The total cost of your reservation for this Property includes a nightly damage waiver fee, plus tax if applicable (the “Damage Waiver”). (A discount may be applied for stays of 28 nights or longer, if permitted.) The Damage Waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the Property or its contents (such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances) as long as you report the incident to the host prior to checking out. The Damage Waiver fee eliminates the need for a traditional security deposit.
More information can be downloaded from the "Rental Agreement" on the checkout page.

Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 21 years of age to book. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.
The vacation home is heated and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and a coffee maker.

Property manager

Vacasa of Michigan

Languages

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.

Location highlights

  • In a village

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 950 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Dogs only. Max of 2.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Property is also known as

92079

Frequently asked questions

What can I see around this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Empire, a short 10-minute walk from Lake Michigan and also 16 minutes on foot from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You'll also find Empire Bluff Trail and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer parking.

Is this vacation home next to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location?

Couples staying at this vacation home will value amenities like a kitchen, kitchens in some accommodations, as well as a garden.

Are there hot tubs at Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home include breakfast service?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is about 24.3 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location?

Yes, every accommodation at Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location comes with a deck.

Dog-friendly cottage with fenced yard, firepit, W/D, & WiFi - walkable location Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lisa K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quiet, clean great location

Great location to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes, walkable to local beach and a couple of local eateries.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Heather N.

Great location

Great place to stay if you have 1-2 kids or a dog like we had. Great location to walk to grocers daughter chocolate! The place is outdated and busy with decorations, but if you can see past that, it’s a comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Dolores A.

Disliked: Cleanliness

High Fees and Needs a Thorough Cleaning

I don’t understand the fee structure between, VRBO and VACASA. A 253.87 fee is charged for what purpose? There is a 98.00 fee for customer service? Why charge so much? The cottage wasn’t super clean, crumbs on the coffee table and mouse poop in the kitchen drawer from a packet of Parmesan cheese. The cob webs need to be cleaned from the corners of each room.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Our stay

A cozy cottage with all the essential amenities. It felt very “Empire” in ambiance. Conveniently located close to all the best of the Natl. Lakeshore
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Love this cottage!!!

So cozy!!! Will stay here again!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

LeAnn F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Empire

It’s such a nice little town!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location. Dog friendly.

The property worked well for us. We enjoyed being able to have our dog in the fenced yatd to chase balls. The location was great. Close to the beach, trails and a restaurant. Just a note - there is no air conditioning which was probably stated. There are fans.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Comfy cottage great location in Empire MI

For a visit to Empire this is a great cottage Well equipped with everything needed. Towels plentiful and thirsty. Quiet neighborhood. Regular basket style coffee maker, toaster and microwave. Best of all fire pitans back patio to relax
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becca M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Spot for a Michigan Getaway

We loved our stay in Empire. The house is very close (walking distance) to one good restaurant (Joe’s) and an ice cream shop. Driving distance to two more good restaurants (shipwreck cafe and pizza place). The house has adequate space to relax, good beds, a nice laundry room, and a great backyard with a fire pit. We were very comfortable and would stay here again. The beach is incredible, it’s 4 blocks away and the water and sand are beautiful. We enjoyed our daily trips to the beach very much. Make time to spend a day exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Stop in the visitor center first and learn more about it all. Love our National Park Service so much. The ONLY complaint we have is there were a LOT of spiders in the house. We are fairly thick skinned people who are mostly pacifists when it comes to bugs in our house. This, however, tested our ability for tolerance. I’m not exaggerating when I say we “eliminated” at least 100 spiders in our week there. A few were very large and we found them within inches of where our heads were on our pillow just moments before. It was… a lot. They were under the beds, in every corner of every room, under the bathroom counter. I did let the management know via text when they checked in on how we were doing but I didn’t want any fumigation while we (and our dog) were there. That was our choice. I don’t know what they normally do to combat this issue but hopefully they will see this review and address it. A partial refund? :)
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachael Z.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Little Getaway

We loved staying at this cozy little cottage in Empire. It had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Katherine M.

Great location, needs some work

We are return guests and love this spot, although the house could use some maintenance since our visit last year. As someone noted in Aug 2023 the front door is very hard to open from inside when it’s locked. We are landlords ourselves and this is a major fire hazard. The loose cabinet door for the cupboard under the sink, which was noted in a review last fall, has simply been removed, leaving household chemicals open to small kids. The house inside was clean but the outside porch and deck were filthy and covered with leaves, dirt and spiders, which may explain the thriving indoor earwig population (not present last year). Aside from that, the house is cozy, the beds are comfortable and the location is perfect. Vacasa is based in Oregon and texts to mgmt are answered with sincerity and no action, as are these reviews.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice place to stay

Great location quiet neighborhood. Loved the fenced in backyard. I did a 4 out of 5 stars for cleanliness because i think the outside of the house should be cleaned a little better get the webs and bugs off the house especially since theres no AC and you have to rely on windows being opened for air flow. The inside of the house was clean no problems there. All in all great place to stay especially if you have a dog with you.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Eric C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

My wife and I had an enjoyable trip. A few comments on our stay and the reason for not giving a 5 star rating. This is admittedly some of my fault. This is a pet friendly place, not being a pet owner, I should have considered that there would be remnants of pet hair. I had to vaccum the living room furniture prior to sitting on it. Also cleaned up the the throw rug. House could use some updates. Either way, not a horrible experience. I can say its in a perfect location for taking part in the area attractions and close enough to Traverse city if you want plenty of options for dinner
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Dolores A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cute Comfy Cottage

Spacious rooms, walking distance to Front Street. Quiet residential area. Close to beachfront at Lake Michigan. Dog friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely cottage with all we needed!

Nicely furnished with high quality. Comfty beds. Good location for visiting Frankfort to the peninsulas.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Traveling with 2 dogs

This was the perfect place to stay as we traveled with 2 adult golden retrievers. So grateful that property owners allow pets. The dogs and humans had a wonderful stay and we will book again next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kremena

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine M., Ann Arbor

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely getaway

Close to everything, very homey. Waze and google sent us down a dead end so be aware there is a gap in this street. Everything else was wonderful.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shawn B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice little house

The place was exactly what we expected, super clean, and had everything we needed. A great home base for exploring the northwest lower peninsula!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023