Notes from the host
Lake Michigan Beach Cottage
Located approximately 1 mile north of scenic Arcadia, 3 miles from world renowned Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course and 10 miles south of charming Frankfort. A true Michigan Log Cabin which has been recently updated with a new kitchen and bathroom - all the ‘Up North’ feel with modern amenities! This unique cabin is literally steps from crystal blue Lake Michigan. Enjoy cozy bonfires, unsalted waters for swimming and unmatched sunset views all right outside your door. This unique section of Lake Michigan shoreline sports surf-able waves and unspoiled walks along over 3 miles of preserved, undeveloped beachfront owned by the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy. As you relax indoors in the cabin you can still take in the lake view through expansive front windows – an excellent backdrop for catching a movie on the Smart TV equipped with Netflix, or relaxing to some music via the Bose stereo. The lake-view lofted bungalow bedroom has a queen sized bed – sleep with the sounds of the waves and a waking view of the lake. The lower level bedroom includes a full sized bed and there is also a full sized futon in the great room. The kitchen is equipped with all cooking amenities, all new appliances and Keurig coffee maker. Linens and towels are provided, and you’ll also be equipped with a gas grill for outdoor cooking and firewood for bonfires. Check out below for what there is to do and see during each season here at the ‘Big Lake’!
NOTE : Lake Michigan is an ever changing force so currently levels are are at an all-time high. There is currently no beach. Water levels cycle over the years, but for now it's up close and personal! If lounging in the sand is more your speed, there are many options a short mile or two away from the cabin for public access beaches.
WARNING!!! I am not listed on craigslist - if you find this listing there - it is a scam. Communicate only through VRBO!!
Food and Fun: Every little town seems to have a great restaurant or two. The Red Apple in Arcadia just about a mile away serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Cabbage Shed in Elberta is our FAVORITE with good food and live bands most nights – grab a pint of Guinness and enjoy! Frankfort has several great places to eat and see bands plus the Crescent bakery for breads and baked goods which you just have to check out – delicious! All the little towns have something going on all the time from food, music, festivals, shopping & antiquing – Up North has it all. The Elberta Farmer’s Market is great on Thursdays and Frankfort Farmer’s Market takes place on Saturday for fresh, home grown stuff. Local fruit & vegetable farmers have great produce stands along M-22 and elsewhere for anything from famous Michigan cherries, to apples, blueberries and asparagus. Take the kids to the Cherry Hut in Beulah or an actual retro drive-in experience at The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater between Beulah and Honor. A fall visit to Old Mission Point's wineries is a great day trip as is St. Ambrose Cellars in Beulah for a selection of wines, meads and ciders. The area has a lot to offer, check it out!
Outdoors: Just plain paradise!
Spring / Summer - Water-sports galore with unsalted big surf on wave days, or kayaking and paddle boarding on calm days - unspoiled beach and nature walks on the preservation lands. Some of the nation’s most treasured trails, dunes and scenery to seek out and sunsets to die for. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are about a half hour north along scenic M-22 if you want a workout and view you will never forget. Golf courses, hiking and bike trails galore. Bring your fly-rod for the Betsie, Platte, Big & Little Manistee and Bear Creek rivers - or any of the other nearby trout streams and have a blast. Charter services for the big lake and rivers are available or bring your boat for the inland lakes if you like. Manistee National Forest is open to hunters within a half hour, and May is morel month if you know what to look for.
Fall – Nothing beats fall in Michigan! Relax at the cozy cottage with the wood burning fireplace glowing. There’s cable for catching a football game with a view of the lake, or take a day trip to wineries, scenic trails, local festivals and apple orchards galore. The fall colors are the real star of the show – a leisurely drive along M-22 to take it all in is worth a trip on its own!
Winter - Just less than 20 minutes away is luxurious Crystal Mountain for skiing, snowboarding and lodge life- hit the slopes during the day and return to the cabin for a cozy fire in the wood burning stove (firewood is provided). Caberfae Peaks is just less than an hour away for variety. There’s trails for snowmobiling, and fun for the whole family sledding at the hill at Onekama high school, just 10 minutes away. Up North Michigan is a tranquil place in the winter often with stunning frozen lake views (keep an eye out for ice balls that form and create a fascinating frozen landscape), and usually quite a bit of snow. There’s a reason it got the Winter Wonderland moniker!
