I’ve read that travel is influenced heavily by social media, and this was certainly true for us. Our inspiration? A list much like this recent one from Awesome Mitten of the best ice cream shops in Michigan.

Of course we felt like the cool moms: Let’s road trip and eat ice cream all day!

What could go wrong?

The Reality of the "All Ice Cream, All Day" Itinerary

If you’ve ever removed the guardrails from ice cream for a day, you may appreciate that our ambitious 300+ mile itinerary — from Ann Arbor to Whitehall — didn’t quite go as planned.

I say this as a gal who has eaten ice cream for breakfast a time or two.

The reality of our trip? By stop #3, most of the crew had bowed out of the tasting.
We definitely opted out of anymore ice cream that day.

Lesson learned: Don’t build an entire day trip solely around eating ice cream. Even the most enthusiastic ice cream lovers have their limits.

Sweet Moments Along the Way

That said, it was a day full of wonderful moments:

• Mooville in Nashville offered a chance to visit cows and play outside.

• Jersey Junction in Grand Rapids ice cream shop - a historical landmark in the area — was a delight for the senses. Plus we learned the owners son wrote and illustrated The Polar Express!

• Pekadills in Whitehall fed most of us food vs ice cream. It was charming and perfect. Bonus was my SIL was posting our adventures and a friend met us here having learned on social we were in the area!

• We made an impromptu stop at Lake Michigan, where two brave kids plunged into the chilly water.

And while our ice cream enthusiasm waned temporarily, recovery was swift. Clearly. Because we’re about to do it again; at least - I am with the two youngest. The teens from the trip 10 years ago are now adults with busy lives (so glad we have this memory!)

The Comeback Tour: Ice Cream Adventures, Part 2

Recently, a list of the best ice cream shops by state crowned Blank Slate Creamery in Ann Arbor as Michigan’s top spot.

I’m embarrassed to admit that, even as a local, I’ve never been.
But that’s about to change.

This summer, we’re reviving the concept — a little older, a little wiser — and focusing our ice cream adventures closer to home - and not all in a day. Ha.

• We’ll play tourist in our own town and visit all the charming ice cream shops around Ann Arbor.

• We’re also close to completing our long-standing goal: visiting every ice cream shop along the Standish to East Tawas route — we’ve checked off all but one! This goal is part of our joy when we travel to our cottage in East Tawas, which available to rent and start your own ice cream adventure! (I’ll send you the list if you want, so you can check those spots off too!)

Why We Keep Coming Back

That road trip years ago may have temporarily cooled our enthusiasm for ice cream, but the joy of the experience stuck with us.

Because in Michigan, summer is about so much more than the destination:

• It’s about the drive.

• It’s about the small town stops.

• It’s about the cold, creamy treat enjoyed on a sunny afternoon — whether at the start, middle, or end of your journey.

So here’s to another season of stories, stays, and ice cream along the way.
I’ll be sure to report back — in moderation, of course.

Here’s to an ice-cream filled summer in Michigan! Whether its trying a place you haven’t been close by, a day trip, or an adventure on your vacation - may the ice cream be delicious and the moments spent with loved ones memorable.

Early in my hosting journey, a woman booked Bareboat Bungalow to visit family nearby. The house is clean, comfortable, and a few steps from the lake— not a fancy place, but thoughtfully outfitted. We spend time there, so its really set up for us! So when she messaged me the very next morning raving about the stay, I was curious.

“I’m already telling all my friends—they have to stay here.”

Now, this wasn’t a review left out of politeness. This was enthusiastic! What sparked it?

She forgot her toothbrush.

At 10:00 PM. In a small town. On a trip.

But instead of panicking about a late-night drugstore run, she found my labeled basket:

🧺 Forget Something? Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors—take what you need!

And just like that, she felt cared for. Seen. At ease.

Why This Matters

We think of vacation rentals as a place to sleep. But really, they’re a place to exhale. Anyone who knows me knows I like data and research, and in today’s world the data is clear - reducing friction (be it key strokes or steps to get something done) is the key to delivering great customer service.

As a mom and frequent traveler myself, I know the mental load of going on vacation—especially when you’re the default planner. What guests really want when they arrive isn’t a home tour or a stranger meeting them at the door; it’s relief. So here are a few ways hosts can create that… and what guests can look for when booking to ensure their stay is top-notch.

🪞 1. Sundries Save the Day

For Hosts:
Stock a small basket of essentials—think toothbrushes, floss, deodorant, travel-size Advil, tampons. These cost you very little but earn you raving reviews.

For Guests:
Look for listings that show or mention thoughtful touches. Hosts who think about the “what ifs” tend to care deeply about your comfort overall.

🍕 2. First-Night Dinner = Handled

For Hosts:
Include a list of nearby places that deliver, especially pizza joints with late hours. Bonus if you note your favorite order (builds trust and feels personal). Leave disposable plates, napkins, and a note like:
“We always do pizza on night one—feel free to do the same!”

Some folks appreciate insights to grocery delivery, and if you are in a market that is more remote - this information is even more helpful!

For Guests:
Peek at the welcome guide or listing details—if the host offers first-night suggestions or food recs, they likely get what it means to arrive ready to relax - not cook.

🧺 3. Laundry Without the Lecture

For Hosts:
Leave detergent pods, a simple washer/dryer guide, and a stain stick. Nobody wants to play “guess the settings”.

For Guests:
Photos of the laundry space—or any mention of clear instructions—can be a clue that the host is organized and thoughtful.

📱 4. Simple, Thoughtful Instructions

For Hosts:
Wi-Fi codes on a card, light switches labeled, a QR code for your digital house manual. Bullet points > novels.

For Guests:
Screenshots or notes in the listing showing user-friendly tips (instead of just rules) suggest the host is focused on making your stay smooth.

💛 5. The Soft Landing

For Hosts:
Whether it’s a light left on, a local treat, or just a warm message—set the tone right away.

For Guests:
Scan for language in reviews like “welcoming,” “thoughtful,” or “felt like home.” That’s code for: you’re in good hands.

🍰6. Well-Stocked

One time we stayed at a “family friendly” place without a single “kid-friendly” dish in kitchen, and I spent meal times nervous one of my toddlers would drop a heavy glass or chuck stonewear on to the floor.

Another time, our travels encompassed a birthday and went to make a cake - with not a single implement for baking to be found - not even a 9 x 13 casserole dish.

As a Host, I don’t assume just because I don’t use it that no one will - so I take “well stocked” pretty seriously. As a Guest, if I know I need something specific - I ask before hand. But I’m always delighted when a Host has obviously thought it through - wares to store leftovers, plenty of options for cooking many different foods, pizza pans, and even a rolling pin (because you never know when you might be called upon to whip up some pac-man shaped pizza).

It feels like that’s part of the fun of renting a private home!

Final Thought

Hospitality isn’t about how fancy a place is. It’s about how easy it is to feel at home there.

Pizza menus. Rolling pin. Toothbrushes. Ease. That’s what turns a stay into a story.

And if you’re the one traveling soon?
Order the pizza. Everything else can wait.

^⬇️What “green” flags or thoughtful amenities do you look for/leave that make a stay special?

Warmly,

Kate

While the University is often the the hub - we ARE a college town after all, real Ann Arbor life lives in the details:

Saturday mornings at the market, coffee spots with stained wood tables, and little detours that somehow turn into traditions.

This guide isn’t the “Top 10 Must-Dos” - not really my vibe; it’s a blend of memory, ritual, and lived experience. It’s how to spend one perfect day in A2.

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8:30 AM – Farmers Market Magic

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown is more than just a produce stand—it’s a sensory immersion. The first time I came here as a child, I was mesmerized by the colors, the bustle, the serious business of tomatoes and heirloom crafts.

Today, it’s still one of my favorite places in the city. Grab a lavender latte or a hot cider, chat with vendors, and let yourself be pulled into the rhythm of the morning.

Open year-round on Wednesdays & Saturdays

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10:00 AM – Dixboro Detour

(If you’re staying at The Green Jewel, you're already there!)

Just east of downtown, the little borough of Dixboro is easy to miss—but full of charm. Locals know:

Moonwinks Café: A favorite for coffee, pastries, and quiche. Bonus: outdoor seating with cozy blankets.

The Boro: Modern, seasonal dinner fare in a gorgeous space. In fact, they offer a bit of something at all times of the day, from brunch to hanging out with cocktails.

Dixboro General Store: Once an antique store where my grandparents had a booth, today it’s a home goods wonderland with a nod to the past. Come for the candles, enjoy the squeaky, patina'd old floors.

As a child, I helped mind the booth or played across the street on the old merry-go-round that is still there, along with the church building that reminds us that community is still the heart of it all; if thats your vibe, this little hidden gem is for you.

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1:00 PM – Art, Nature, and Wandering

Spend your afternoon soaking up some A2 culture, your way:

Nichols Arboretum (The Arb): Stroll the wooded trails, rest under the trees, or (in spring) marvel at the peony garden in full bloom.

Graffiti Alley: Ever-evolving, always a surprise—perfect for photos and people-watching.

Kerrytown Shops: Pop into Found for quirky gifts or Spun for local fiber arts. Don't skip Zingerman’s Deli if your stomach starts growling, but the Detroit Filling Station is the true foodie destination in the area.

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5:00 PM – Dinner, Townie Style

You can go classic, quirky, or cozy in this town. Here are a few I recommend:

Spencer: Wine-forward and ingredient-driven. Small plates, big flavors.

Frita Batidos: Cuban-inspired street food. Get the garlic-cilantro fries. Trust me.

Sava’s: Crowd-pleaser with excellent cocktails and broad appeal.

Metzger’s: Looking for a traditional spot for German? Metzger’s is an older gem worth the drive to West Ann Arbor.

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7:30 PM – Music, Books, or Ice Cream (Pick Your Vibe)

Live music at The Ark – Ann Arbor’s iconic acoustic music venue, I've enjoyed this intimate venue immensely every time I've had opportunity to go.

Literati Bookstore – Local is where it's at, and what's better than meandering a local bookstore?

Blank Slate Creamery – Homemade scoops (try the Munchie Madness or Basil Lemon Sorbet)

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One Last Thing…

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Ann Arbor always has something new to show you. It’s both humble and hi-brow, offering world-class art - and the best donut you’ve ever had.

If you’re staying with us at Pure Mitten Escapes, let us help you build your own perfect itinerary. But if you only have one day? This one’s a pretty magical place to start.

---

P.S. Got a favorite Ann Arbor spot I missed? Hit reply and let me know—Townies and visitors alike, I’d love to hear what makes this place yours.

-Kate

Yes, I own or help manage three vacation rental properties.
And yes, they all happen to offer water views or lake access.

But I didn’t set out with a plan for that. It just… happened.
Then again, in Michigan, how could it not?

They say you're never more than six miles from a body of water here — and never more than 85 miles from a Great Lake. That simple truth has shaped our summers, our family rhythms, and, in hindsight, the homes I've chosen to own or care for.

Lake Huron: The Sunrise Side

For years, my family has camped on the shores of Lake Huron — a northern Michigan tradition that includes four or five campsites full of extended family, kids running barefoot, campfire meals, and the kind of chaos that somehow resets the soul.

My youngest still counts the months and days until our annual trip. Even as the older ones grow into their own lives, this ritual remains a thread of stability — a rhythm we all come back to. Rituals are… important. They anchor our lives.

But if I’m honest? For me, the real treat is the week after camping — when I tuck into our home in East Tawas.

That second home wasn’t a grand plan. I knew the area. I loved the pace — the sunrise side. And, to be fair, I nudged my husband into the idea. But what a gift it turned out to be — especially the surprise of having the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Tawas Point State Park, just a short walk away.

Sure, we knew it was there when we bought. But we didn’t know how it would become the fulcrum of our time there.

Quiet mornings with the sun rising over Lake Huron and leisurely family walks to watch the sunset over Tawas Bay — these moments bookend days that are often slow and simple. Bike rides in bathing suits. Hikes through quiet, snow-covered woods. It’s been our happy place from day one. Every time I show up, I feel like I’ve landed exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Lake Michigan: Projects & Play

Hidden Haven in South Haven was a different kind of adventure — part dream, part challenge. It was a chance to renovate, to create something thoughtful and fun. Originally an artist’s retreat from the ’70s, the home is wrapped in windows that bring the outdoors in from every angle - and a short walk to Lake Michigan. And yes — it came with a pool

(Which was not something I planned for. Having grown up with a pool, I swore I’d never do it again — too much work, not enough use.)

But there it was. A compromise, maybe — but one that’s brought us and countless vacationing families a lot of joy. Sometimes the best features of a home aren’t what you expect — they’re what your kids beg for. And what you come to appreciate, later.

The true draw of Hidden Haven, though, is the serenity — so close to the energy of South Haven, yet so removed. While we can’t quite see Lake Michigan, often the roar of the waves is audible - and its a nice postprandial walk to the beach to watch the sun go down.

Our guests' most frequent compliment that really surprised me? The firepit area. Nothing fancy, just it turns out - the perfect backdrop for memory-making. No neighbors in view. A wooded, hidden oasis that invites you to drop everything except what really matters.

The Green Jewel: Rest in the Everyday

Ann Arbor is our everyday. Our hustle. Our routine.
But The Green Jewel — nestled just outside of that — feels like a pause button. It’s tucked away, but not too far. Lakeview included. That kind of space matters, especially when it’s close to everything.

It’s always a treat to visit. Not just because it’s beautiful — but because it’s a reminder: peace doesn’t have to be remote. Stillness can exist just beyond the edge of your normal.

This home is a passion project for its owner, and I’m lucky to be its caretaker. It’s now hosted so many special occasions — including retreats for business owners doing deep, meaningful work. I remember one group texting me photos and sharing how the space elevated their experience.

It’s a testament to how a home can smooth over the edges of our lives, create opportunity, and elevate our sense of purpose.

You truly feel away from it all — and yet Michigan Stadium, packed with thousands of fans on a Saturday, is just seven miles down the road.

It lives like a statement of how we can balance our lives beautifully.

I didn’t set out to build a portfolio of Michigan lake homes.
But looking back, it’s no surprise.

Each home reflects a piece of how we travel, how we gather, and what we crave when we leave home: time, space, and water.

And maybe that’s why I keep doing this.
Not just to offer a place to sleep — but a place to remember.

Thoughts? What’s your vibe? Would love to hear! ⬇️Drop a comment

Warmly,

Kate

P.S. Want to see more about these homes?
You can explore them here → puremittenescapes.com

Sunday drives were boring.

At least, that’s what I thought as a kid — staring out the window for what felt like hours (even though it was probably one or two, with snack stops tossed in). But no matter how long they lasted, there was always this quiet sense of anticipation:

Where are we going? What might we find?

Especially as a child, it felt just a bit magical, too. Like maybe — just maybe — we’d turn a corner and discover a mythical toy shop, an epic candy store, or a new place to explore. In reality, the “destination” didn’t matter. It was about something different. Something together. Some small adventure that punctuated the day’s entire purpose.

I still feel that pull today — the joy of loading up the car, of choosing a direction without an agenda, of simply going. The anticipation. The chance to experience something new and unknown, or at least familiar in a fresh way.

Back then, I’d scan the woods for deer, the small towns for bookstores, the lakes for the perfect stretch of sand.

Now, I do the same — except I’m often the one driving.

And life has changed - screens pull at my kids (and me) 24/7 - but we’ve taken Sunday drives enough that even my kids can watch the scenery pass by for long period of time screen free - provided an audiobook is involved! (Which is now a favorite feature of road trips for me!)

My best friend says I’m her favorite road trip partner because I never miss a brown sign (State Park ahead?) and I’ll pull a U-turn just to go see what’s down that road. We’ve found some amazing spots! If my family reads this - I know there will be smiles — because they know how true that runs in my blood (Hey Dad! Grandma! Auntie!)

And today, after careers, kids, housework and bills... my husband still knows the fastest way to my heart is a Sunday Drive — especially if there’s a drive-through coffee stop involved.

🛣️ What This Space Is About

Welcome to The Sunday Drive — a travel - and life, journal from me, Kate, the host behind Pure Mitten Escapes. This isn’t just a newsletter about places. It’s a space for the stories behind the places — slow getaways, local gems, board games, evenings by the fire, and lake breezes through open windows.

You’ll find:

• Reflections on what makes travel meaningful

• Road trip stories and ideas worth detouring for

• Seasonal tips and favorite spots across Michigan for inspiration

• Behind-the-scenes moments from hosting vacation homes

Whether you’re planning your next escape or just dreaming from your inbox — I’m so glad you’re here.

The Sunday Drive is about stepping back and enjoying the small - and big, moments in life through travel and connection. Let’s go for a ride.

Warmly,

Kate

✉️The Sunday Drive posts twice a month! Join me for more stories and stays -

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