Seasonal Charm: What to Expect at Sunny Side Cottages Year-Round
websites • December 14, 2022
What to Expect at Sunny Side Cottages Year-Round
Sunny Side Cottages offers something unique in every season, making it a year-round destination for travelers seeking the beauty and tranquility of Lake Huron. Here’s what you can expect during each season:
Spring: A Time for Renewal
As the snow melts and the landscape begins to bloom, spring at Sunny Side Cottages is a time of renewal. The lake comes alive with birds returning from migration, and the surrounding area bursts into color with wildflowers. This season is perfect for quiet walks along the beach, fishing for early-season trout, or enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer: Peak Lake Life
Summer is the busiest and most vibrant time at Sunny Side Cottages. Guests flock to the private beach to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Families take advantage of the putting green, volleyball courts, and fire pits, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Local events and festivals add to the excitement, offering opportunities to explore the nearby towns of Harrisville and Oscoda. With long days and warm nights, summer is the perfect season for outdoor fun and relaxation.
Fall: A Colorful Retreat
As the leaves change, the area around Sunny Side Cottages transforms into a breathtaking display of fall colors. This is the ideal season for hiking, photography, and cozy evenings by the fire. The crisp air and quieter atmosphere make it a favorite for couples and small groups seeking a peaceful getaway.
Winter: A Quiet Escape
While the cottages are closed during the colder months, winter transforms the surrounding area into a serene wonderland. Snow blankets the beach, and the lake’s icy shores offer a unique, peaceful beauty. It’s a great time for those seeking solitude or a scenic drive along Lake Huron.
No matter when you visit, Sunny Side Cottages provides a welcoming retreat and unforgettable experiences. Plan your stay today and discover the magic of Lake Huron in every season.
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Okay, Michigan vacationers, let’s talk about an island so cool it’s practically a personality trait—Manitoulin Island. If you’re staying at Sunny Side Cottages (aka your new favorite cabin rental in Michigan), then buckle up because this charming, offbeat destination is a scenic hop, skip, and a ferry ride away—and it’s so worth the detour. Wait, what’s Manitoulin Island again? Let’s get one thing straight: Manitoulin Island isn’t just an island. It’s the largest freshwater island in the entire world. That’s right—Lake Huron said, “Go big or go home,” and Manitoulin delivered. This Canadian gem sits just north of the Michigan border, and while it’s in Ontario, it’s easily accessible for U.S. travelers looking to level up their getaway with a little international flair. Passport, please! ✈️🇨🇦 How to Get There from Sunny Side Cottages Sunny Side Cottages is already the perfect hub for a Michigan vacation rental—but why not make your trip even more memorable with a day (or overnight!) trip to Manitoulin? You can drive up the scenic coast to Tobermory, Ontario (about 3.5 hours from the cottage), then board the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry—a floating mini-cruise, if you will. The ferry runs from spring through fall, and it's part of the adventure, offering onboard amenities and jaw-dropping views of Lake Huron. 🚗 Drive to Tobermory 🚢 Hop on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry 🏝️ Arrive on Manitoulin Island—cue the magic For ferry schedules and bookings, check out: ontarioferries.com So… What’s There to Do? Short answer: A lot . Longer answer: enough to keep the whole crew smiling, whether you're wrangling kids, corralling your BFFs, or sneaking away with your sweetie. Here’s what we recommend: 🥾 Go Chasing Views on the Cup and Saucer Trail Do you want epic Instagram pics? This one’s for you. The Cup and Saucer Trail is one of Ontario’s most famous hikes, with panoramic views, dramatic cliffs, and enough wow-factor to make you forget your legs are tired. 🌿 Visit Bridal Veil Falls Cue the oohs and ahhs. This dreamy waterfall in Kagawong is straight out of a fairy tale—and bonus, there’s a swimming hole at the bottom. Pack your suits! 🛶 Paddle or Fish the Day Away Manitoulin is surrounded by water, so obviously kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are all major players here. Bring your gear or rent locally and enjoy a peaceful day on the lake (or brag-worthy bass if you’ve got the skills). 🧑🎨 Get a Taste of Local Culture The island is home to a vibrant Indigenous Anishinaabe community, with art galleries, cultural centers, and experiences that offer a deep, meaningful connection to the land and its history. Visit Ojibwe Cultural Foundation or browse the M’Chigeeng art scene to add a little heart to your trip. 🍦 And Don’t Forget the Ice Cream Yes, we’re serious. Small-town Canada knows how to do sweet treats right, and no day trip is complete without a stop at a local scoop shop. Tips for the Trip Pack snacks and layers. Ferry rides and hiking trails don’t wait for hangry humans or surprise breezes. Charge your phone. Trust us—you’ll want pics of everything. Start early! It’s a full day of fun, especially if you're coming back to your cozy vacation house in Michigan at Sunny Side Cottages. Make Sunny Side Cottages Your Home Base While Manitoulin Island is the star of the day, your stay at Sunny Side Cottages is the main event. After exploring waterfalls and trails, there’s nothing like returning to your lakeside haven to kick back by the firepit, grill up some fresh fish, or just sink into a hammock and exhale. Our resort is the ultimate spot for families, couples, and friend groups looking for vacation house rentals in Michigan that are anything but ordinary. With quirky touches, cozy interiors, and all the charm of the Lake Huron coast, it’s the kind of place where memories practically make themselves. Ready to explore the world’s largest freshwater island—then come home to the best cabin rental Michigan has to offer? Manitoulin Island + Sunny Side Cottages = the vacation combo you didn’t know you needed. Pack your bags, passport, and sense of adventure. We’ll see you on the sand (and maybe the ferry deck too 😉).
Discover the stunning wildlife and nature near Sunny Side Cottages, a top cabin rental in Michigan. Spot eagles, deer, and more on your perfect getaway!
When travelers think of the Great Lakes , destinations like Lake Michigan and Lake Superior often come to mind. But Lake Huron , with its pristine shorelines, maritime history, and outdoor adventure opportunities , remains one of the most underrated gems in the region. Whether you’re looking for secluded beaches, scenic drives, or fascinating historical sites , Lake Huron has something special to offer. Here’s why this lake should be at the top of your travel list. 1. Unspoiled Natural Beauty Lake Huron boasts the longest shoreline of all the Great Lakes , stretching over 3,827 miles . This expansive coastline offers a mix of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush forests , making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. A must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts is Tawas Point State Park , often called the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." This scenic destination features sweeping sand dunes, hiking trails, and a historic lighthouse perfect for an afternoon adventure. For those who love kayaking and paddleboarding, the clear, shallow waters near Oscoda and Harrisville provide calm, picturesque paddling routes with incredible views of the lake. 2. A Deep Maritime History Lake Huron’s waters hold centuries of maritime history , making it a fascinating destination for history buffs . The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary , located off the coast of Alpena, Michigan, is home to one of the world’s largest collections of shipwrecks . Over 200 well-preserved wrecks rest beneath the surface, making this area a prime destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours . Visitors can explore the eerie remains of sunken steamers and schooners dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries , offering a glimpse into the region’s rich nautical past. Another must-visit historical site is Mackinac Island , where visitors can step back in time with horse-drawn carriages, historic forts, and stunning Victorian architecture . The island, nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, has remained car-free for over a century , preserving its 19th-century charm and tranquil atmosphere . 3. Stunning Beaches Without the Crowds While Lake Michigan and Lake Erie tend to draw large crowds in the summer, Lake Huron’s beaches remain peaceful and uncrowded . For soft sand and clear, shallow waters, Harrisville State Park is a top pick. This family-friendly beach offers picnic areas, walking trails, and breathtaking sunset views . If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, Rockport State Recreation Area is an off-the-beaten-path spot perfect for fossil hunting, kayaking, and exploring rocky coves . With fewer visitors than Michigan’s more famous beaches, it’s a hidden paradise for nature lovers . 4. Outdoor Adventures Year-Round Lake Huron isn’t just a summer destination— it offers adventure in every season : Spring & Summer: Boating, fishing, and hiking along scenic coastal trails. Fishing enthusiasts will find world-class opportunities for walleye, bass, and northern pike . Fall: The shoreline comes alive with brilliant fall foliage , making the Huron Shores Heritage Route one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest. Winter: Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing transform Lake Huron into a winter playground. The frozen landscape offers breathtaking scenery, and snow-covered trails provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. 5. Affordable and Family-Friendly Compared to more commercialized destinations like Traverse City or Mackinac Island , Lake Huron offers an affordable getaway without sacrificing breathtaking scenery or unique experiences. Smaller lakeside towns like Oscoda, Harrisville, and Tawas City provide cozy cabin rentals, locally-owned restaurants, and free nature-based activities , making it the perfect spot for families looking for an affordable vacation with plenty to explore . 6. Unique Island Getaways While Mackinac Island is the most well-known, Lake Huron is home to several lesser-known islands that offer unique escapes: Drummond Island: Known as the "Gem of the Huron," this island features off-roading trails, kayaking routes, and incredible wildlife viewing . Bois Blanc Island: A quiet alternative to Mackinac , this secluded island is perfect for hiking, fishing, and unplugging from modern life . For those seeking an adventurous island experience , these lesser-visited destinations offer a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration . Final Thoughts For travelers looking for stunning scenery, rich history, and outdoor adventure without the crowds and high prices of more tourist-heavy destinations , Lake Huron is an underrated paradise . Whether you’re drawn to its maritime heritage, pristine beaches, or endless outdoor activities , this Great Lake is a hidden gem worth discovering . And if you’re planning your visit, Sunny Side Cottages offers the perfect lakeside escape —conveniently located near Lake Huron’s best beaches, hiking trails, and small-town charm . Book your stay today and start exploring!
