Sandyside: Winter Wonderland Awaits at SandySide – Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing, and Cozy Fires

SANDYSIDE

SLEEPS: 4(6 with sleeper sofa)
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1

*On Thomas Lake
*There is one Camera mounted on a tree facing the garage and front door.

Sandyside is a charming vacation rental located on Thomas Lake, just outside of Grand Rapids, MI. With two cozy bedrooms and a sleeper sofa, it comfortably accommodates up to six guests. The property boasts a beautiful sandy beachfront, perfect for relaxation or enjoying water activities. Guests can take advantage of two single-person kayaks to explore the lake at their leisure. Pet owners will love that the property is pet-friendly, allowing one dog to join in the fun!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Air Conditioning: There is an AC Window Unit

ATV's: Not allowed for use on property.

Animals: Deer, Raccoons, Squirrels, and various birds are common

Bathrooms: There is one full bath with a shower.

Beach/Swimming: This property sits on Thomas Lake. In 2025, the water levels are lower, producing a growth past the traditional ending of the sandy beach.

Bedroom Configurations:
*Bedroom #1: Queen bed
*Bedroom #2: Queen bed
*optional sleeper sofa available as well

Boats: There are two single-person kayaks!

Boat Launch: There is not a boat launch on Thomas Lake

Bugs: Mosquitoes are common in the summer

Cable: There is no cable, but instead streaming TVs.

Cell Phone Service: All cell carriers have good reception here.

Coffee Maker: 10 cup drip with filters & coffee provided

Distances:
*Grand Rapids: 45 minutes (31.2 miles)
*Traverse City: 2 hours & 18 minutes (133 miles)
*Detroit: 3 hours (161 miles)
*Chicago: 3 hours & 21 minutes (208 miles)

Dock: There is a 22ft dock with a water depth of 32 ft at the end.

Drinking Water: Well water with a reverse osmosis system.

Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.

Fireplace: The fireplace is electric

Fire-pit: Bring your firewood! There is a firepit for guest use

Fishing: Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, Bass, Walleye, and Pike

Fishing License: A license is required to fish in Michigan.

Golf: Brookside Golf & Grill: 12 minutes (8.7 miles)

Grill: There is a propane grill & charcoal grill (Propane & lighter fluid provided)

Grocery Store: Aldi is 8 minutes (4.5 miles), and Walmart is also 8 minutes away! (4.1 miles)

Handicap Friendly: There is one step into the home.

Heat: Electric baseboard heating system

Hunting: Not allowed on property.

Internet/WIFI: Yes, 100 mbps

Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.

Parking: 3 cars

Pets: 1 Dog under 40 lbs. is welcome! Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.

Privacy: There are neighbors on one side

Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
- Flat River State Game Area Trails: Located about 10-15 miles away
- Montcalm County Snowmobile Trails: Around 15-20 miles from house
- Kent County Snowmobile Trails: About 20-25 miles away
- Newaygo County Trails: Located about 25-30 miles away
**Guests must trailer to trails**

Space: Single level home

Seniors: There is one step into the home, which is single level.

Televisions: 55" Smart TV

Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!

Washer and Dryer: Stackable washer & dryer located in bathroom.

Winter Activities:
* Snowmobiling
- Flat River State Game Area (10-15 miles away): Offers trails for snowmobiling through natural landscapes.
- Montcalm County Snowmobile Trails (15-20 miles away): Trails winding through forests and rural areas.
- Kent County Snowmobile Trails (20-25 miles away): Snowmobiling trails in parks and wooded areas.
* Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
- Silverside Nature Preserve (about 10-15 miles away): Great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.
* Ice Fishing
- Baldwin Lake (around 10 miles away): Offers ice fishing opportunities during the winter season.
* Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
- Cannonsburg Ski Area (around 20 miles away): A popular location for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
* Sledding/Tubing
- Local parks in Gowen and nearby Greenville (around 10-15 miles away): Provide hills for sledding and tubing.
* Winter Hiking
- Gerald R. Ford Nature Center (around 20 miles away): Offers winter trails for hiking and exploring nature in the wintertime.

Wood: Firewood is not provided.