Area Guide

Discover the best of Oceana County. From local restaurants and wineries to family activities and nature preserves, there's something for everyone near the cottage.

Restaurants

Top Picks

Oh Brother's

Montague14 min

BBQ, pizza, burgers, bar food. They've delivered in the past — call to confirm.

Farmhaus Kitchen & Market

Shelby20 min

Stylish market café with locally sourced meals, craft beer, and artisan products. Outdoor patio overlooking Benona Shores Golf Course.

La Probadita

Hart25 min

Hidden gem in the back of a Mexican grocery store. Take-out only. The La Probadita Combo is excellent. Check hours — typically Wed-Sun, closes early.

More Options

Stony Lake Inn

Stony Lake11 min

Neighborhood bar and grill with fried perch, steaks, and broasted chicken to-go.

Rico's Tamales

Rothbury10 min

Closest Mexican takeout, known for tamales and tacos.

Pekadill's

Whitehall18 min

Great lunch stop with sandwiches and ice cream in a garden setting.

Big John's Pizza

Whitehall17 min

Closest pizza option.

Hart Pizza

Hart25 min

Great pizza with craft brews. Worth the drive.

Hanson Hill Restaurant

Whitehall18 min

Upscale American dining with lake views. Great Lakes Perch, Pasta Bayou, dry-aged Prime Ribeye.

Old Channel Inn

Montague14 min

Laid-back lakeside tavern with burgers and local fish. Great after golf.

Brown Bear

Shelby20 min

Known for the massive "Bear Burger" and classic comfort food. Rustic hunting lodge vibes.

Local Pies & Baked Goods

The Garden Shed

Montague5 min

Seasonal farm stand with homemade pies, local produce, jams. Call ahead: (231) 894-4922

Woodland Farm Market & Bakery

Shelby15 min

Fresh-baked pies, donuts, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal fruit.

Cherry Point Farm & Market

Shelby15 min

Fresh produce, pies, local goods, the Lavender Labyrinth, and traditional Great Lakes fish boils in summer.

Breweries & Wineries

Fetch Brewing Company

Whitehall18 min

Fantastic local brewery inside a restored bank — the vault's still there. No food, but bring takeout. Growlers available above the cottage fridge.

Oceana Vineyard & Winery

New Era13 min

Small boutique winery with outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard. Great variety from dry to sweet.

North Grove Brewers

Montague17 min

Wide tap list, full kitchen, outdoor seating, and live music events.

Sawyer Brewing Company

Montague17 min

Local brewery with rotating small-batch beers. No kitchen.

Family Activities

Lewis Farms

New Era13 min

Family-run orchard and farm market with bakery, petting zoo (kangaroos, sloths, lemurs!), bouncing pillows, giant slide, and the Corny Barn.

Country Dairy

New Era16 min

Working dairy farm with tours, sandwiches, ice cream, and a store. Kids' meals come with unlimited chocolate milk and ice cream. Get fresh cheese curds!

Mac Wood's Dune Rides

Silver Lake35 min

Classic open-air dune rides with sweeping views and dad jokes. Arrive at opening to beat crowds.

Little Sable Point Lighthouse

Mears35 min

Climb the 115-foot historic lighthouse for panoramic Lake Michigan views. In Silver Lake State Park.

Stony Lake Stables

New Era14 min

Horseback riding for all ages.

Jazz U-pick Blueberries

Shelby17 min

U-pick farm with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and flowers.

Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery

Montague22 min

Canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes for White River floats.

Double JJ Resort

Rothbury14 min

Indoor waterpark, mini-golf, restaurants. Great for rainy days.

Golf Courses

Benona Shores Golf Course

Shelby

18-hole par 3/4 course through wooded, hilly terrain and apple orchards. Perfect for a relaxed scenic round.

Old Channel Trail Golf Course

Montague

27 holes adjacent to Lake Michigan with driving range, putting green, and practice holes.

Thoroughbred at Double JJ Resort

Rothbury

Championship 18-hole course at Double JJ Resort.

Grand View at Double JJ Resort

Rothbury

More relaxed 18-hole experience at Double JJ Resort.

Hikes & Nature

Otto Nature Preserve

New Era10 min

Easy trails through woods and wetlands. Great for birding and peaceful walks.

Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve

Montague8 min

Scenic preserve accessible by walking north from Meinert County Park or south from the cottage (requires fording Flower Creek). Trail along dune top with wetland overlook.

Clear Springs Nature Preserve

Montague12 min

Boardwalk paths and forest trails. Great for families.

Hart-Montague Trail State Park

VariousVaries

22-mile paved trail connecting Hart and Montague. Great for biking, walking, running. Bike rentals at WaterDog Outfitters (Whitehall) or Country Dairy (New Era).

Shopping

Claybanks Pottery

New Era6 min

Family of artists creating stunning high-fire stoneware pottery inspired by nature. Meet their golden retrievers!

Downtown Whitehall & Montague

Various

Artisan Market Village, Pitkin Drug (old-fashioned soda fountain), Dune Grass Gallery, Figgs Boutique, WaterDog Outfitters.

Book Nook & Java Shop

Montague

Independent bookstore with coffee, light meals, and wine bar. Check Facebook for live music.

Abundant Blessings Gifts & Art

New Era

Primitive log cabin art studio and gift shop. Watercolor classes available.

Essentials

Montague Foods

Montague15 min

Best local grocery store.

Walmart

Whitehall18 min

Everything you need. Delivers groceries to the cottage (free for Walmart Plus).

Dollar General

Rothbury / Montague10 min

Closest for basics.