Gaylord

Gaylord is situated at the center of the northern Lower Peninsula, putting the city in the heart of northern Michigan and its scenic beauty. The area's shimmering lakes and flowing rivers were sculpted by glaciers millions of years ago and are now surrounded by beautiful, mature forests and lush valleys.

With such an ideal location, the city serves as the perfect base camp for a variety of outdoor activities. Developed as an "Alpine village," Gaylord's city center is reminiscent of an old Swiss village, offering not only skiing but also plenty of dining and shopping options.

Though it's a bustling ski destination in the winter, during the summer Gaylord is a golf mecca. There are a variety of courses available, some of which boast famous designers including Tom Fazio, Tom Doak, and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

One of Gaylord's most popular courses is the Loon Golf Club, which has been voted one of the most women-friendly designs in the Midwest. It's a challenging but playable course surrounded by natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The Wilderness Valley Resort, which offers two championship courses -- Valley and Black Forest -- is also a top-rated resort that is popular among locals.