Lake Michigan Golden Hour Getaway

Welcome to my home! I purchased this cottage in 2017 to spend more time on Lake Michigan and to create memories with family and friends. I enjoy all seasons here: swimming and sun in the summer, changing leaves and warm breezes in the fall, watching ice formations and sunsets by the fire in winter, and blooming flowers and roadside asparagus in the spring. I’m now happy to share this space with you.

I named this cottage “Lake Michigan Golden Hour Getaway” because there’s nothing quite like the golden hour here — when the setting sun warms the water and sky with a soft pastel glow, and everything feels still and timeless. It’s the kind of light that makes you pause, reflect, and savor the moment.

Don’t hesitate to contact me via the Airbnb app (preferred) or phone:

House Rules:

  • Limit 6 guests (including day-visitors) unless pre-approved.
  • No smoking
  • No fireworks
  • No beach fires
  • Pets only as pre-approved with pet fee

Check-out Instructions:

  1. Check-out time is 11 a.m. (may be flexible in the off-season).
  2. Place any dirty dishes in the dishwasher and start it. Hand-wash anything that doesn’t fit.
  3. Put trash outside in the trash can next to the shed.
  4. Place used towels in the basket between the washer and dryer.
  5. Ensure the slider door and front door are closed and locked.
  6. Close windows and set air conditioning to 75°F in summer or heat to 60°F in winter.
  7. Let me know if anything needs attention.

Internet and Cellular Signal:

Wifi SSID: lake_effect
Wifi password: WhitePine

Cellular signal is often poor in this area, so it’s a good idea to enable Wi-Fi Calling before your stay:

Activate Wifi Calling
  • iPhone
    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Scroll down and tap Apps.
    3. Tap Phone > Wi-Fi Calling.
    4. Turn on Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.
    5. You may be prompted to enter or confirm your address for emergency services. (On some devices, you may see Phone listed directly in Settings.)
  • Android
    • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Wi-Fi Calling.
      (Menu names may vary slightly by device.)

Thermostat:

Use the touch-screen slider on the right of the thermostat to adjust the temperature. The system is optimized to control humidity and may cool up to 2°F below the set point if indoor humidity is above 60%. If you prefer a warmer temperature, just raise the set point a degree or two.

Trash:

Kitchen trash bags are in the left pantry cabinet on the wall behind the sink. Place full bags in the outside can next to the shed. If the can is nearly full, please take it to the road by the mailbox Wednesday morning (or the night before) and bring it back later that day. There is no recycling service.

Septic and Well:

  • Don’t flush wipes or non-toilet paper items (even if labeled flushable), and avoid sending food down the drain.
  • The small faucet at the kitchen sink dispenses reverse osmosis filtered water — great for drinking, coffee, and cooking.
Please park to the side of the house

Do not park in front of the front deck, as this area covers the septic drain field. Driving or parking on the drain field can damage the system.

Grills:

You may use the gas grill, charcoal grill, and smoker. Clean the grill after each use. Grill mitts, rib racks, and a digital meat thermometer are in the entry closet. Smoker grates can be hand washed or placed in the dishwasher, and the water basin should be sprayed out with the hose.

A spare propane tank is between the two charcoal grills.

For local meats check out:
  • Country Dairy – 3476 S 80th Ave, New Era, MI
  • Mac’s Meats & Country Store – 8730 S 88th Ave, Rothbury, MI

Supplies:

Cleaning supplies are under the master bath sink. Plungers are under both bathroom sinks. Broom and mop are in the entry closet. Extra toilet paper is under bathroom sinks or the kitchen pantry or master bedroom closet.

Basic condiments and spices are in the kitchen pantry. Operate under a “use and replace” policy — feel free to contribute something for future guests.

For lake adventures, the cottage includes beach towels, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, a Lilly Pad floating mat, and boogie boards — perfect for a day on the sand or in the surf.

Safety:

A fire extinguisher is in the entry closet. Each bedroom has smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Spare 9V batteries are in the kitchen utensil drawer.

Lake Michigan can be dangerous, especially in high waves. Winter ice formations are hazardous — do not walk on them.

Wood Stove / Fire Ring:

Firewood is available near the blue shed. An axe and fire starter are in the entry closet.

For the wood stove: - Pull the top knob out and bottom knob in to start. - Use small kindling first. - Once burning well, push the top knob in and adjust the bottom knob as needed. - After use, clean out ashes into the metal container next to the stove (once fully cooled).

For the fire ring in the yard: - Only use if no burn ban is active. Check: Michigan DNR Burn Permits: www2.dnr.state.mi.us/BurnPermits/Search.aspx?OCEANA - Don’t use on dry, windy days.

Bathrooms:

Use the fan in the main bathroom during showers. The master bathroom fan runs continuously as part of the home’s ventilation system — it’s a code requirement for continuous air exchange in energy-efficient homes. The thermostat for the heated tile floor is on the wall to the left of the bathroom door — turn it down at check-out.

TV & Music:

The main TV includes YouTube TV and Apple TV+. You’re welcome to log into your own streaming accounts. The TV can swivel from the wall — please return it to its position before check-out.

The stereo receiver supports Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay — use the “Net” button on the Onkyo remote to connect.

Generator:

In a power outage, a gas generator can power everything except the air conditioning. Contact me for instructions. Outage status: Great Lakes Energy Storm Central: gtlakes.com/power-outages/ site.

Restaurants:

Top Picks
  • Oh Brother’s (Montague, 14 min) – BBQ, pizza, burgers, bar food. They’ve delivered in the past — call to confirm.
  • Farmhaus Kitchen & Market (Shelby, 20 min) – Stylish market café with locally sourced meals, craft beer, and artisan products. Outdoor patioi overlooking Benona Shores Golf Course, stop by for a post-golf drink!
  • La Probadita (Hart, 25 min) – My favorite Mexican spot — hidden in the back of a Mexican grocery store. Take-out only. The La Probadita Combo is excellent. Kitchen closes early (5 p.m.) and is typically open Wednesday through Sunday — closed Monday and Tuesday. Check their hours or call ahead.
  • Stony Lake Inn (Stony Lake, 11 min) – Neighborhood bar and grill with fried perch, steaks, and broasted chicken to-go.
  • Rico’s Tamales (Rothbury, 10 min) – Closest Mexican takeout, known for tamales and tacos.
  • Pekadill’s (Whitehall, 18 min) – Great lunch stop with sandwiches and ice cream in a garden setting.
  • Big John’s Pizza (Whitehall, 17 min) – Closest pizza option.
  • Hart Pizza (Hart, 25 min) – Great pizza with craft brews. Worth the drive.
  • Hanson Hill Restaurant (Whitehall, 18 min) – Upscale American dining with lake views. Highlights include Great Lakes Perch, Pasta Bayou, and a dry-aged Prime Ribeye.
  • Old Channel Inn (Montague, 14 min) – Laid-back lakeside tavern with burgers, local fish, and a casual atmosphere. A reliable spot after a round at Old Channel Trail Golf Course.
  • Brown Bear (Shelby, 20 min) – Known for their massive “Bear Burger” and classic American comfort food. A rustic tavern with hunting lodge vibes, neon beer signs, and local regulars — fun and welcoming for all ages.

Local Pies & Baked Goods:

  • The Garden Shed (Montague) – A charming seasonal farm stand right around the corner offering homemade pies, local produce, jams, and more. Call ahead to ensure the pie you want is available. Just 5 minutes away! (231) 894-4922
  • Woodland Farm Market & Bakery (Shelby) – A step back in time with fresh-baked pies, donuts, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal fruit.
  • Cherry Point Farm & Market (Shelby) – A seasonal gem with fresh produce, pies, local goods, and the Lavender Labyrinth. They also host traditional Great Lakes fish boils — a unique and tasty summer experience.

Breweries & Wineries:

  • Fetch Brewing Company (Whitehall, 18 min) – Fantastic local brewery inside a restored bank — the vault’s still there. They don’t serve food, but you can bring takeout. A couple growlers are above the fridge if you want to bring some home.
  • Oceana Vineyard & Winery (New Era, 13 min) – Small boutique winery with outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard. Great variety from dry to sweet.
  • North Grove Brewers (Montague, 17 min) – Laid-back atmosphere with a wide tap list, full kitchen, outdoor seating, and live music events.
  • Sawyer Brewing Company (Montague, 17 min) – Local brewery with rotating small-batch beers and a cozy, rustic vibe. No kitchen.

Family Activities:

  • Lewis Farms (New Era, 13 min) – A family-run orchard and farm market with a bakery, petting zoo, and seasonal attractions. It’s my nephew’s yearly tradition — they’ve graduated from their favorite part being the zoo (with kangaroos, sloths, and lemurs) to the big kid thrills like the bouncing pillows, giant slide, and the delightfully chaotic Corny Barn.
  • Country Dairy (New Era, 16 min) – Working dairy farm offering tours, sandwiches, ice cream, and a store with milk, cheese, and meats. A great value for families — kids’ meals come with unlimited chocolate milk and a scoop of ice cream. Be sure to pick up some fresh cheese curds while you’re there.
  • Mac Wood’s Dune Rides (Silver Lake, 35 min) – Classic open-air dune rides — scenic, entertaining, and family-friendly, complete with sweeping views and a healthy dose of dad jokes. Beat the crowds (and the heat) by arriving close to their morning opening time.
  • Little Sable Point Lighthouse (Mears, 35 min) – A 115-foot historic lighthouse you can climb for panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Located in Silver Lake State Park, it’s surrounded by dunes and lakefront. Great for photos, a breezy stair workout, or just soaking up the scenery.
  • Stony Lake Stables – Horseback riding for all ages.
  • Jazz U-pick Blueberries (Shelby, 17 min) – U-pick farm with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and flowers.
  • Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery (Montague, 22 min) – Canoes, kayaks, tubes for floats on the White River.
  • Double JJ Resort (Rothbury, 14 min) – Indoor waterpark, mini-golf, restaurants. Good for a rainy day.

Golf

  • Benona Shores Golf Course (Shelby) – My favorite area course. An 18-hole par 3 and par 4 course through wooded, hilly terrain and apple orchards; perfect for a relaxed and scenic round.
  • Old Channel Trail Golf Course (Montague) – 27 holes adjacent to Lake Michigan with a great practice area, including a driving range, putting green, and three practice holes.
  • Thoroughbred & Grand View at Double JJ Resort (Rothbury) – Two scenic courses at the Double JJ Resort. Thoroughbred is a championship 18-hole course, while Grand View offers a more relaxed 18-hole experience.

Bicycling:

  • Hart-Montague Trail State Park – A 22-mile paved trail connecting Hart and Montague, great for biking, walking, and running. Smooth and shaded with scenic farmland and forest views along the route. Closest access to the trail is at the Rothbury Village Hall Park — just a short drive from the cottage.
    • WaterDog Outfitters (Whitehall) – Located near the southern end of the trail. Offers bike and e-bike rentals.
    • Country Dairy (New Era) – Offers rentals along the trail. Great place to combine a ride with ice cream or lunch.

Hikes & Nature Walks:

  • Otto Nature Preserve (New Era, 10 min) – Easy trails through woods and wetlands. Great for birding and peaceful walks.
  • Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve (Montague, 8 min) – Quiet, scenic preserve accessible by walking north along the beach from Meinert County Park, or by a longer beach walk south from the cottage (requires fording Flower Creek — feasibility depends on water levels and will generally be thigh high). The trail runs along the top of the dune and includes a loop with a scenic overlook of the Flower Creek wetlands.
  • Clear Springs Nature Preserve (Montague, 12 min) – Boardwalk paths and forest trails. Great for families.

Shopping:

  • Claybanks Pottery (New Era, 6 min) – A family of artists nestled in the forest along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, creating stunning high-fire stoneware pottery inspired by the textures and tones of their natural surroundings — think tree bark, feathers, and the cool blues and greens of the landscape. Wander the peaceful grounds, take in the artistry, and if you’re lucky, you might even meet one of their resident golden retrievers.
  • Downtown Whitehall & Montague – Highlights include Artisan Market Village next to the Montague Farmers Market, Pitkin Drug for unique gifts and an old-fashioned soda fountain, Dune Grass Gallery for local art and jewelry, Figgs Boutique for women’s clothing, and WaterDog Outfitters for outdoor gear and bike rentals.
  • Book Nook & Java Shop (Montague) – Independent bookstore and cozy café offering coffee, light meals, and a wine bar. A great spot to unwind with a good read or glass of wine. Check their Facebook page for live music events and performances.
  • Abundant Blessings Gifts & Art (New Era) – A primitive log cabin watercolor art studio, gift shop, and market tucked along beautiful rural roads. Check their Facebook page for upcoming watercolor classes and events.

Essentials:

  • Montague Foods (Montague) – Best local grocery store.
  • Walmart (Whitehall) – Everything you might need. They now deliver groceries to the cottage for a small fee — or free for Walmart Plus subscribers — if you’d rather do your grocery shopping with a laptop and a view.
  • Dollar General (Rothbury/Montague) – Closest for basics.