There's a lot of charm that comes with living in a small, fun-loving community like you'll find in Northern Michigan. The close-knit and inclusive environment you grew up in still exists, and like the events in Elk Rapids this month, they're still an absolute treat. 

Up North, there's always something going on. We're taking a look at some of the family-friendly events on the calendar for March in the small town of Elk Rapids. The Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce has a very up-to-date calendar t...

Small towns, quiet nights, close communities...there's a lot of charm to living in a village like Elk Rapids, Kalkaska, Rapid City, or somewhere in between. And in Northern Michigan, you're still never far from the action. 

Twenty-seven minutes. That's all it takes to get from the village of Elk Rapids to the very heart of downtown Traverse City. Entire life dilemmas are solved in sitcoms in less time, if you count commercials, and you'll be able to enjoy views of East Bay. Many families we w...

When you buy a new home, you're welcomed into a new community. New faces, new places, new schools, it's can be overwhelming and even just a little scary. 

Luckily, villages like Elk Rapids are thriving thanks to an inclusive, friendly and small-town atmosphere that's sure to make your new home feel exactly like home in no time at all. Elk Rapids still gives its residents easy access to nightlife, events and a thriving shopping epicenter in Traverse City, but villagers can always tuck away to...

My son, a senior at Elk Rapids High School, just returned from a 2 week Spring Break, that took he and a friend over 6000 miles, through 12 states, and 3 time zones. They had wonderful adventures and they saw places they've never seen before. They crammed as much as they could into those 13 days. The California Coast, Hollywood, Havasu Falls, Vegas.... They saw a lot!!

Of course as a mother I was excited for them to arrive home, but much to my surprise, I think my boy was just as excited (or mo...

It's supposed to reach 56 degrees in Elk Rapids today! That's nearly 70 degrees to our advantage, from two weeks ago. It's quite remarkable! That's how Northern Michigan gets you, and why when you get here you stay. As spring starts blossoming and your soul is rejuvenated, you quickly forget the past few months of repeated Artic Blasts.

You take note of the different sounds. I was thrilled to hear the dripping of melted snow off of the roof!!! How long has that been? Birds are chirping. I'm not...

Spring is finally showing it's face to Northern Michigan, and today the sun is shining bright in Elk Rapids! I can feel it's rays hitting on my face through our door here at Exit Northern Shores. There IS hope!!!

With the temperatures expected to rise rapidly this week, the snow is going to be melting and looking for places to drain. (Thank goodness, good riddance!) But you need to remember that water damage can happen quickly!! Here's some tips to keep your home flood-free.

• Keep catch basin...