From Shore to Shore: What Michigan’s Lakes Taught Me About Travel
I didn’t plan to build a lake house portfolio—but Michigan had other ideas
This past week, I found myself traveling across the coasts of lower Michigan — from the quiet beauty of the “sunrise side” along Lake Huron to the breezier, bustling energy of West Michigan’s lake towns. Today, to round out the trifecta, I’ll be popping over to The Green Jewel — our lakeview retreat just moments from the heart of Ann Arbor.
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