Sleigh bells ring...
OTSEGO COUNTY — Winter activities are the best activities. Maybe it is because I grew up in warm weather climates, but there is something untouchably magical about snow-covered sceneries. For an experience that is stunning, relaxing, and potentially romantic consider taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through some of Northern Michigan’s enchanting landscape. Here is a list:
• Starting Thursday, Dec. 27, Treetops Resort’s sleigh rides will transport you to another realm with a lit hearth, hot drinks, horses and a sleigh await to whisk you away through a woodland journey. It’s the perfect scene for lovebirds and close families alike. You can also choose to experience day-time majesty or bathe in the ambiance of a night ride. We suggest you book in advance as this fill up quickly. Cost is $19 for those age 13 and up and $5 for those 12 and under.
For more information, contact https://treetops.com/activities/sleigh-rides/?nck=gaylordmichiganweb or call (877) 386-9535.
Also at Treetops, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, the sleigh ride in the winter wonderland includes food. A four-course meal highlights an already amazing venture. Call for details.
• Cook Family Farm’s Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides glide over the hills and through the woods at their location at 4282 Hayes Tower Road. Take in the majesty of ringing sleigh bells, crunching from the horse’s hoofs and the peace of a crisp winter day. Enjoy an old-fashioned winter treat. A team of beautifully matched Belgian horses takes you through a winter wonderland. To end your ride, come back to the country cabin and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies.
Call (989) 731-1332 to reserve the date and time for your family, friends, employees or any group. Rides are approximately 40 minutes long. Blankets are available so you can stay toasty warm. Cost is $150 per group.
• Northern Michigan Equine Therapy’s Sleigh Rides to the North Pole will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Take a sleigh ride to the North Pole on a horse-drawn sleigh to meet Santa! Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and pictures with Santa. Come to meet therapy horses and get into the holiday spirit. The goal of this event is to raise funds for those in need of therapy scholarships at Northern Michigan Equine Therapy. Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased before the day of the event. Call (231) 881-5590 to reserve your spot. All ticket purchases are done through PayPal.
• Enjoy a 25-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride throughout the majestic snow-dusted wonderland that is Garland Lodge and Resort in the winter. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29 and Sunday, Dec. 30, there will be ice skating, sledding, sleigh rides, fish camp, an indoor movie, kids arts and craft station and concessions. This is a classic Northern Michigan style adventure and fun for all ages. Call (989) 786-2211 for details.
