Hardy Dam

Hardy Dam, located in central Newaygo County, is one of those special Michigan places.
Located on the Muskegon River, Hardy Dam was completed in 1931. The Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture of the powerhouse and the intake tower is outstanding. The dam is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.The Hardy Dam backwater boasts of [...]

Loda Lake

There are many treasures located on Michigan’s back roads. While driving in western Michigan, you will come across just such a treasure, just off the corner of 6 Mile and Fletch in Newaygo County.
The Loda Lake Wild Flower Sanctuary is one of our recommendations to explore.
Loda Lake, formerly known as Bass Lake, was at one [...]

Sunset

No matter how many times you visit Lake Michigan at sunset, you never tire of watching the sun go down. You also find that, like snowflakes, are no two the same.
Some sunsets are brilliant oranges and reds, some pinks and purples.  Some have wispy clouds, some billowing clouds.  And some sunsets are cloudless, with the [...]

Did You Loose Something?

This morning as I looked out over the lake I noticed a lonely jet ski floating out on the water, with no one onboard to help it find it’s way home. Apparently it’s owner did not secure it properly and it took off on it’s own.
I have seen this happen before, not only with jet [...]

Grand Mere State Park

Michigan is home to a number of wonderful state parks. Grand Mere State park is on of those parks. Located in Berrien Township in South Western Michigan near the Indiana border,  this park boasts 985 acres of land and one  mile of Lake Michigan waterfront. Natural sand dunes, deep blowouts and unforgettable Lake Michigan views [...]

Lake Macatawa

It’s Summer. It’s Sunday. It’s time to enjoy a Michigan Lake
Lake Macatawa is located along the Park and Holland Township line in Western Ottawa County.  The 1780 acre lake generally reaches depths of only10 feet, but there are some reported depths of up to 20 feet. A channel is maintained for navigation of deep ships [...]

Dean Lake

At one time Dean Lake was a day trip into the countryside from the small, but growing city of Grand Rapids.
Today, the city of Grand Rapids completely surrounds this 110 acre Michigan lake. The northeast Grand Rapids neighborhood is home for shopping, schools and work. Year-round homes with year-round residents line the lakefront of Dean [...]

Rehabing the Cottage on a Budget

So you found it, a one in a million view, a place to retire, the weekend getaway. The land is what you were after, but the waterfront cottage is, shall we say not exactly ‘home sweet home’. You have dreams and plans for the site. You may be planning on tearing it down and building [...]

Renting Your Cottage, A Few More Thoughts

You have decided you are going to rent your cottage out, or your are going to buy a second cottage nearby as an investment. A few suggestions to attract and retain a return clientele of guests. Some simple things go a long way.
Be friendly.  Guests are customers and they like to be welcomed and pampered.
Any [...]

Renting Your Cottage: A Few Thoughts

People looking for a good vacation lakefront cottage to rent would look for the same things you would find appealing.
A lumpy or well worn mattress that is no longer providing you a good nights sleep at your home will not improve by being at the rental cottage. A shower that quickly runs out of hot [...]

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