Lake Affected

What a Grand (Beach) Setting: Just returned this weekend from a quick weekend in Grand Beach, Michigan for Derrick Gingery's bachelor party. Because Derrick wanted to be near Blue Chip Casino, we looked into staying at the hotel. They wanted $180/night per room plus tax. I instead went the cottage route. We'd have a central location, a larger "living area" and have more options in terms of cooking out, drinking, etc., etc.

And we wouldn't have to camp out at the casino! It worked out beautifully. First, let me plug Vacation Home Finders, the company through whom I booked this weekend. (I also looked at VRBO -- vacation rentals by owner) We had the Grand Beach Cottage, and it was magnificent. Short walk to the beach. Beautiful wooded lot. Perfect weather.

Often, I forget about what a resource the Lake is. It's sort of ironic for a guy who has owned (although rarely, it seems, posts) at a blog called Lake Affected. But we take so much that is practical about the lake (its moderating effect on temperatures, its drinking water, etc.) for granted. Sometimes we get so busy with life (at least I do), that we forget how magnificent the lakefront is. I've been blessed to have lived all of my life (save my college years) within 15 miles of Lake Michigan.

Labels: Michigan, The Lake, Travel