Stay warm inside or step outside & sled down to the lake, ice fish, skate or ski
Location: Central Lake, Northwest, Michigan, USA (Bellaire/Charlevoix/Traverse City/Torch Lake/Lake Mich/Alden)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 8)
Keywords: Family and pet friendly retreat, secluded lakefront all-season cottage, sunny guest home, country house with walls of windows, Hanley Lake Hideaway; up north cabin
Loads of snow! Come skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, tubing...or napping, snacking and gazing out floor-to-ceiling windows.
Relax at our year-round, deliciously-warm, peaceful cottage with European-style featherbeds in every room. Plan ahead for spring and early summer, glorious times up north!
(We're full in July and August except for a weeknight special Sunday, July 15 through Friday, July 19, and the Sunday through Sunday week of August 19-26.)
Tucked into a glacial valley and nestled in the hills of northwest Michigan , we're located on a 75-mile chain of beautiful lakes. Halfway between the Equator and the North Pole on the 45th Parallel:
• Wander a mile into the friendly village of Central Lake for great food and drink, a playground and a little shopping.
• Get a great massage or facial at a lakefront spa just two miles from home.
• Minutes away, visit Bellaire's restaurants, cafes, a brewpub, Shanty Creek's championship golf courses and ski slopes; enjoy indoor putt-putt, a movie theatre and a bowling alley.
•Dine at a renowned gourmet restaurant a few miles north of us.
• Enjoy the nearby quintessential up-north "cities" of Charlevoix, Petoskey, Traverse City, and Gaylord.
• Play at Michigan’s largest indoor water park.
Or relish the peace at home! Drink a cappuccino or share a bottle of complimentary up-north wine, wander, ski, fish...Enjoy our amply stocked kitchen and an overflowing collection of books, movies, CDs, toys and games for young and old.
Roast your marshmallows on an indoor s'mores maker or use the chocolate fondue kit. Get cozy in freshly laundered robes and lounging-around socks (for kids AND adults) and go to sleep with flannel sheets and soft, warm blankets.
Enjoy your own:
--master bedroom with sliding glass doors leading to a private deck overlooking the lake;
--second bedroom with two sets of double-single bunk beds;
--light-filled open-plan design, with a breakfast bar (ideal for sharing company, whether cooking, reading, or playing);
--fully equipped and well stocked kitchen, from an espresso machine, French Press, crock pot and bread machine to condiments, (brand new) spices, and basics to get you started before you run to the store down the block;
--single and double kayaks, a canoe, and floats (for swimming AND sledding right down the back lawn onto the lake);
--and many, many more ideas of where and how to play, found in our 28-page welcome letter and an overflowing file box.
Each season has its joys. In spring, summer and fall, bike, drive or meander along winding country roads. Fish for bass, pike, perch, walleye and more. Rent a pontoon or motor boat right down the road or bring your own. At night, roast marshmallows on a campfire by the lake.Delight in a winter stay in our supremely well-insulated home-away-from-home. Enjoy nearby downhill and cross-country skiing and tubing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.
In 30-45 minutes, you can be eating, shopping, and playing in Charlevoix, Petoskey,Traverse City or Gaylord, or closer by in the sweet towns of Alden and Elk Rapids. Wineries, art galleries, Michigan's largest indoor waterpark, good food and more await you. Depending on the season, go hot air ballooning, tearing down a zip-line, fruit picking or hitting yard sales. Visit charming shops and restaurants.
In the spring and summer, relish your own peaceful, quiet lake right outside your door. Doze in the hammock or on the tree swing, play in the sand, fish, swim, or appreciate it from indoors. Drive just ten minutes to Lake Michigan and Torch Lake--stroll along the sandy beach, swim and sunbathe. Pick Morel mushrooms, listen to the birds and enjoy the lush flowers and trees.
We have a file box literally stuffed with articles, brochures, maps, and still more resources. Don't miss the guest reviews below for their cool ideas. Just below the "dates available" section below, you'll find a link for additional photos on our facebook page too.
Here’s a quick summary. Remodeled in 2007, the light-filled single-level open-plan design includes a:
• Master Bedroom: New queen and an antique headboard; sliding glass doors leading to a private deck and the lake beyond; ceiling fan; TV and DVD player, and a comfy chair. Linens included.
• Second Bedroom: Two sets of bunk beds each with a double and single bed (featherbeds for the doubles); Xbox/DVD player & games, toys and children's books.
• Living Room: Three sets of sliding glass doors stretch across the lakefront wall. They lead to a deck w/a gas grill, picnic table, and a glorious view of the lake a few dozen steps away; two full couch/sofabeds and an overstuffed chair; ceiling fan; TV, DVD, stereo, movie, music, book, toy and game collections.
• Dining Room: Sliding glass doors; queen couch/futon; dining table(s); ceiling fan and a library.
• Kitchen: Open to the living and dining rooms with a lake view and a breakfast bar with seating. Fully equipped and well stocked
• One and a half bathrooms: ceramic tile floor; shower/tub & double sinks in primary bath, second small bath. We supply towels.
• Garage: for storing bikes, fishing rods, snowmobiles, and extra stuff we provide your pets and children (plus a few adult and child-sized bikes you can use at your own risk).
Come on up to what our son lovingly named "Our Hanley Lake Hideaway" and a repeat guest calls "Our Little Slice of Heaven!"
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : In the home.
- Dryer : In the home. (Outdoor clothesline too.)
- Linens Provided : (Linens recently updated. Down comforters & cozy blankets for winter!)
- Garage : Available to store bikes, supplies, extra pet and kids' supplies, toys, etc. A few bikes for guests too.
- Off Street Parking : A few steps from the front door.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2) : With foam cushion/mattress pad on antique bed in master bedroom. Also queen futon (with a queen featherbed to put on it) in the dining room.
- Double Bed (2) : Two doubles are the lower bunks on the second bedroom's bunkbeds plus two sofabeds in the living room (with two double featherbeds for added comfort where needed).
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : Two twin beds on top of the bunkbeds in the second (bedroom with featherbeds).
- Bunk Bed (2) : Doubles below on both bunkbeds in the second bedroom; twins above. One double can be converted into a couch instead.
- Convertible Bed (3) : One queen and two full sofa beds--the queen in the dining room and the doubles in the living room. Four featherbeds to place on top.
- Child Bed : Pack 'n Go playpen for baby or toddler. Bunkbeds.
- Crib : Pack n' play portable crib/playpen available.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (2) : In the living room and master bedroom.
- DVD
- Video Library : Many DVDs for children and adults. (More available at the Corner Store a 1/2 mile down the road.)
- Video Game Console : XBox/DVD player and games in second bedroom.
- Video Games : Xbox games for kids and adults.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Large collection of CDs for children and adults--pop, folk, jazz, rock, classical, holiday music and more.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Fully equipped (the usual, plus a small convection/toaster oven; microwave; toys for foodies (regular and French Press coffeemakers and an espresso/cappuccino maker; waffle griddle; KitchenAid mixer; crock pot; juicer; breadmaker, snow cone maker, etc.) and well-stocked with coffee; tea; cocoa; staples, spices, condiments and lots of other basics to get you started.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Everything you'd expect plus some extras to make cooking here easy (from a garlic press to new knives). Plastic-ware also available for eating on the deck, by the water, or going on a picnic.
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Four-burner gas grill on deck overlooking lake.
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : Two BBQ pits, one with a grill, by the lake.
- Deck/Patio (2) : Deck out the sliding doors of the master bedroom; another deck out the sliding doors in the living room w/ picnic table and deck chairs.
- View/Location
- Lakefront : Private, sunny and secluded stretch of 110 feet; 30-second walk down a grassy slope to the dock, small sandy beach, and water. The fresh, clear water in Hanley Lake flows 75 miles through a chain of 14 lakes. All-sports lake without the usual traffic of one!
- Other Amenities
- Dock, small sandy beach, shaded hammock inches from the water; 2 fire pits and a porch swing hanging from a tree by the water's edge; two double kayaks; single adult kayak and single child-sized kayak; canoe; pedal boat; life jackets and water toys; outdoor/beach chairs; several bicycles. Spa (massages, facials, waxing, hair styling and more) three minutes down the road serves you on its outdoor deck overlooking the lake when weather allows and treats our guests well. Pontoons, motor boats, jet skis, sun fish and ice shanty can also be rented down the road. Ceiling fans in the master bedroom, living room, and dining room. Freshly-laundered robes and cozy socks available for adults and kids!
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Well-behaved dogs allowed; they love the lake! Small dog bed, water and food bowls, and a portable dog crate/"tent" available.
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : Ranch house, all on one floor. A step onto the porch, and then another to enter the house. Both the decks require stepping over the sliding glass door floor frame. There are a handful of steps down from the decks to the lawn and a short walk to the water's edge; hammock, and swing, or you can walk around from the front, where your car is parked.
- Kid Friendly : Two bunkbeds, Pack 'n Go playpen; indoor and outdoor (beach, water and sledding) toys, high chair & booster seat, youth-sized kayak; children's life jackets, floating noodles, kickboards, and blow-up rafts (for water or snow!), XBox and games; art supplies, books, DVDs and music. Toddlers and young children will enjoy the little beach; water shoes recommended for the lake. We've also filled a crate with additional toys for your use. Freshly laundered kid-sized robes and warm, cozy socks available!
- Smoking Not Allowed : No exceptions.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Horseshoes
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Rafting
- Shelling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Rent an ice shanty, pontoons, sunfish and motor boat minutes away, right on the lake. You can canoe, kayak or motor along for hours or days along our 75-mile chain of lakes; you're minutes from Torch Lake, Grand Traverse Bay's sandy beaches, championship golf courses, downhill ski slopes and groomed cross-country trails and a great spa/salon; short drives to the tourist attractions of Petoskey (36 miles); Charlevoix (19 miles); Traverse City (39 miles); and Gaylord (36 miles); downhill and cross-country skiing, zip-lining and mountain biking at nearby Shanty Creek and Boyne Mountain (with Michigan's largest indoor water park). Nearby Bellaire (10 minutes) has a movie theatre, bowling alley, indoor miniature golf, and nice restaurants and pubs. Gourmet restaurants and family diners minutes away.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Winter (Oct. 30-Apr. 27, '12 nonholiday): $109/night, or stay 7 days, pay for 6!
Winter ski weekends: late Sunday checkouts.
Spring (Apr 27-June 11, '12): $129/night; or stay 7 days, pay for 6!
Summer(June 12-Sept. 4): $1,195/week. Sunday through Sunday. 7/1-7/8: $1,345/week.
Summer weekday special: Sun., July 15-Thurs., July 19: $139/night.
10% off for multi-week rental. $75 cleaning fee. Pets: $10/day per dog; 6% MI tax.
Reservations held with a $200 refundable security/damage deposit.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2005
Your hosts are two self-employed parents and a sweet 12-year-old boy. We live full-time in Ann Arbor and visit up north whenever we can sneak in between guests (and our schedules!). One of us adults is originally from Great Britain and the other is originally from New York (and the small person is a native Ann Arborite who speaks American English with a few Britishisms slipped in!) For many years now we've been permanent Michiganders, enjoying the joys of our glorious retreat on Hanley Lake.
Why the Owner Chose Central Lake
We love the gentle beauty of this northwestern Michigan chain of lakes. We were ecstatic to find a tranquil lake we can see from almost every room in the cozy year-round house. (My gold standard for vacation heaven was a place where I could take a cup of coffee out onto the deck and see--and be in--the water within seconds.) We can draw or eat breakfast on the dock or in the dining room, play in the sand, take out a canoe or kayak, swim in warmer waters (instead of waiting until the end of August for the chill to subside in the big lakes), and fish. We can sled right out the back doors to the lake and cross-country ski nearby. We wander into a welcoming village to play and eat without being swarmed by overdressed tourists and overpriced food. We were delighted to find this peaceful little retreat, which offers the pleasures of an all-sports lake without the noise and chaos of one. The passing "traffic" is generally kayaks, pontoons, and people fishing (including ice fishing in the winter). We were thrilled to discover we're just a few miles from the long sandy beaches and waves of Lake Michigan, which are great fun in every season. We're glad to do day trips to fudgey towns like Charlevoix and Petoskey, to wander Traverse City or even more nearby Bellaire. But we love coming home, whether it's raining, snowing, or blazing hot: to play outdoors, or hang out inside doing jigsaw puzzles, playing games, making soup or brownies, or drawing the changing colors of water, sky and trees. We love going out on the placid water (our son can steer his own kayak) and paddling past kingfishers and great blue heron, turtles nestling in the tall grasses, and weeping willows along the shore, or watching the water from our comfortable home. It always refreshes us to get away here.
The Unique Benefits of this House
Thanks to our 2007 renovation, we love the fresh, open-plan kitchen with views outside almost everywhere. We went window-crazy, creating four sets of sliding doors in the connected living and dining rooms. We added a a new, private deck we can step out onto from the master bedroom with another set of sliding doors. Last spring we bought new curtains and linens, set up a big picnic table for the deck and added more lawn chairs. We're having a blast adding CDs, DVDs, games, kids' toys and books, and a host of comforts for our guests--and for us! We're in heaven in the summertime, but we also keep discovering treats during the other three seasons. In winter our son loves sledding down the back lawn onto the frozen lake; I like sketching the winter scenes from a deliciously warm, light-filled living room, we've discovered the wooded hill right across the street is ripe for hiking, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing, and we finally went tubing, downhill and cross-country skiing at nearby Shanty Creek. Springtime brings Morel mushroom hunting and a lush landscape; fall leaves are stunning.
Property Photos
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- Stay warm inside or step outside & sled down to the lake, ice fish, skate or ski - Central Lake Vacation House with Great Lake Views
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- Kayak or canoe just minutes into town or for days on the 75-mile chain of lakes! - Central Lake Vacation House with Great Lake Views
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- Sip cappuccino inside or on the deck-enjoy the tranquil lake from indoors & out - Central Lake Vacation House with Great Lake Views
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- Boys fishing early on a brilliant morning.
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- A guest sends her dog leaping off the dock...delicious. Kids & adults do it too!
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- Gaze out the wall of windows from the living room to the deck & lake beyond
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- Cook, dine,and relax together in the sunny, open-plan cottage
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- Enjoy privacy, comfort and a wall of windows leading to your deck & lake beyond
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- Hundreds of kids' and adult CDs, DVDs, games, toys, cards, books, toys, cable TV
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- Your second bedroom gives you four comfortable beds--two doubles and two twins!
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- Follow our guests' lead: fish all four seasons for perch, bass, walleye & more!
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- Relish a sunset thru floor-to-ceiling windows in the iving room & master bedroom
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- Relish the sunset from a boat, the dock, the decks, the bedroom or living room
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- Laze in bed gazing at the lake (or drink a cappuccino on your private deck).
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- Laze on the hammock & hang out while the others enjoy the beach, dock and lake!
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- Soak up the sun, enjoy the lake, and sip a glass of complimentary up-north wine
Traveler Reviews (30)
Great location and lovely view
Guest: Marilyn and Paul
(Dexter Michigan)
Date of Stay: 12/24/11
Review Submitted: 01/04/12
Just a note to say "thank you" once again for providing such a nice place for us to enjoy on our trip up to Central Lake. The view is beautiful, and, as you said, everything we could have needed was right there. We took your Welcome Letter with us and found new places to enjoy. It holds a wealth of information. Kathy bailed us out, as you may have heard, by providing us with Bill's phone number to pull us back up the driveway after we got stuck. That was, I believe, the second paragraph of your letter. Ooops!
Owner response:What fun that you found new adventures nearby. Come back soon--now you'll know where to park!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great Place
Guest: Fulch1104
(Ann Arbor, MI)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11
Review Submitted: 11/30/11
We had a great time up at your place. We were a multi generational group. The place was perfect for everyone - grandparents, middle aged, teenager, tween and toddler!!! The place had all the comforts of home without the headaches of home! We arrived the first weekend of November and were pleasantly surprised to see the foliage still brilliant. We made a trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes with a lunch over stop in Traverse City. The tween’s quote of the weekend was “Even the outdoors is event fun here!” We would all go back in a heartbeat anytime of the year!!!
Owner response:Judging from the photos you sent, even the dog had fun! Come back for skiing and tubing, or Morel hunting in the spring!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great Place
Guest: Jer
(Rochester)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11
Review Submitted: 10/18/11
Your place is terrific and we enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate as well as we had hoped, but we had a wonderful relaxing time at your cottage. Thanks and I'll definitely recommend it to friends!
Owner response:Wish the gorgeous weather had stretched another couple of days for you but we're so glad you were able to enjoy our retreat indoors! You mentioned in your email that you plan to come back; we'll try to work some magic and get the sun to shine for you next time!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Colorado Visitors
Guest: Pete
(Colorado)
Date of Stay: 09/14/11
Review Submitted: 09/29/11
We spent a week in September at the lake house and loved it. Having traveled a lot we appreciated the homey feel, lots of good books and music, and a very adequate kitchen. We took advantage of the kayaks and also the lounging areas down by the lake. Also, the surrounding area is great fun whether gallery hopping or beach combing on Lake Michigan. A favorite thing was reading in bed looking out at the lake. Sometimes the swans were drifting by. I still hold that peaceful feeling now back at work.
Owner response:Wonderful that you can still feel that peacefulness long after returning home. In an email you described the picture of the lake that you carry around still. Lovely.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great end of summer vacation
Guest: happycampers
(Pinckney, MI)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11
Review Submitted: 09/09/11
We had a great time at the property with our 3 kids and small dog. The amenities were so nice and welcoming. The cottage was very clean and well maintained and had just about everything one could ask for. We also enjoyed the kayaks and fire pits. Thanks for a great end of the summer vacation.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
January Stay
Guest: Barry11
(Michigan)
Date of Stay: 01/28/11
Review Submitted: 02/02/11
Second time renting just as great as the first time. Very nice and comfortable and WARM!!! Already looking forward to next year.
Owner response:You were the first guests to enjoy the house-wide insulation improvements recommended by our energy audit, and we're glad they made it even cozier than before! (Hope you all also got to use the robes and warm socks for guests.)
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Christmas Season Stay
Guest: MP Norton Shores
(Norton Shores, MI)
Date of Stay: 01/25/10
Review Submitted: 01/03/11
Your place is a gem. It’s perfect for our family and we definitely enjoyed our time there. We skied Boyne Highlands Tues and Wed, and also did the tubing as Schuss on Thurs. I loved the meal at the side bar (under Blue Loon). We also ate one night in Charlevoix. Cooked breakfasts in the cottage. Thanks so much. We’ll definitely be back.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Ideal Michigan Cottage Experience
Guest: Mike P
(Norton Shores)
Date of Stay: 07/18/10
Review Submitted: 07/25/10
This is our second stay at this lovely cottage. The first was in winter. It is extremely nice, very clean and all you would want from a Michigan Summer Cottage Experience. Loved the views of the lake, and quiet setting. The kids had a great time fishing, kayaking and swimming. Campfires were very nice as there was little lake traffic. Much to do within a short drive as well. We spent time at Boyne City, Bellaire and Charelvoix. Will definately be back.
Owner response:Can't wait for you to see our updates when you return over the Xmas holiday and next summer!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Felt like home!
Guest: Karen
(West Bloomfield, MI)
Date of Stay: 07/11/10
Review Submitted: 07/19/10
What a great place to spend with our family and just a bonus that our 2 labs could join us!!! The owners thought of everthing and we really felt like guests not renters. The area the cottage is at is convenient to everything yet quiet. Enjoyed our view from the deck and sitting in the beach chairs in the warm water. Boys loved kayaking around the connecting rivers and seeing all the wildlife up close.
Owner response:Thanks for the compliments--we add a little something every time we come up so we hope you can come back and see what else we've come up with!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
July Visit 2010
Guest: Nancy
(Ann Arbor, Mi)
Date of Stay: 06/27/10
Review Submitted: 07/13/10
My daughters, husband, dog and I had a wonderful time at the cottage. It is very up to date and clean. Lots of books on the area and an entire file full of local information collected by the owners and guests. DVDs for late night movies. We loved Shorts brewery in Bellaire. One of the best micro-breweries you will ever visit. Moka in Bellaire had fabulous stone cooked pizza and a good wine list, good coffee bar as well. We drove the Old Mission Peninsula and visited the lighthouse, the general store (got a pastie and a glass bottle Faygo!) Don't miss Grocer's Daughter in Empire, one of the best artisan chocolate makers around. There is a really nice public beach there as well. Hanley lake is beautiful and quiet. The boats provided by the cottage are in great shape. We had a lot of fun paddling up the "chain" to the next lake. The yard at the cottage is big and great for sitting out and watching other boaters go by. We watched shooting stars at night on the deck. If you drive as far as Petoskey, go to Jeffords for pie. It is 107 year old restaurant with one of the best cherry pies I have ever had. New York Times wrote about it. We picked cherries at Shooks (really close to the cottage, family owned and very friendly with delicious cherries!). If you can't tell I am a chef by profession and I was really impressed with what the area had to offer. I work 12 to 16 hour days and this is just a wonderful place to let it all go, stop checking email and turn off the cell phone.
Owner response:Can't beat food recommendations from a chef for one of Michigan (and the country's) finest, so we'll be following in your footsteps!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #204414
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