As a stressed-out covid scaredy cat, I feared that our first foray beyond our carefully constructed bubble in Chicago would be a disaster. Well I'm happy to report that we had a splendid time at this Creekside Cottage in Berrien County, MI.
The cottage is lovely, with plenty of space for our 4 adults and 2 dogs. My favorite place is next to the large table on the screened-in porch overlooking the hill down to the creek, where there's lots of space for folks to sit and listen to the forest, commune with friends and dogs, practice yoga, nap, whatever :-)
Our farm-to-table breakfasts were delicious. Our walks through the woods (with and without dogs) were slow and healing. There's a bike in the shed to fit most frames, and lots of watercraft down by the river.
Remember to bring your favorite bug spray and use it liberally. Sure, we saw some ticks, but they were woozy from our multi-layered defenses --> for human skin and dog fur: natural repellent; for human outerwear: we used the spray bottles of permethrin that were placed all about the property. For dogs: we gave them one of those systemic anti-tick/flea medicines. And one dog is on chemotherapy for cancer. The ticks had no chance against us.
Make reservations for restaurants - not all are open yet, so the lines can be long on any day, especially if you want to be outside. And bring sun block! I saw a lot of sunburned people out there. I think they would have eaten inside if it weren't covid times.
While there, we actually ate at our first Indoor Restaurant post-pandemic in New Buffalo -- all in our group are vaccinated -- and it was amazing! So freeing to eat together indoors without fear. When we ate outside, it was because that's what we chose.
Long story short, Julie and Eric are exceptional hosts, and Creekside Cottage within Goldberry Woods is spectacular. Great time had by all.