The Best Local Dining Near Sunny Side Cottages

February 20, 2025

Nestled along the shores of Lake Huron, Sunny Side Cottages in Greenbush, Michigan, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite after a day on the lake or a cozy sit-down meal, there are several fantastic dining options within a 15-mile radius. Here’s where to go for great food near Sunny Side Cottages.

1. Red Fork (4 miles south)

📍 3228 S US Highway 23, Greenbush, MI 48738
🍽 American | Casual Dining | $$

A local favorite, Red Fork serves up fresh, flavorful dishes with a menu featuring burgers, pasta, and seafood. Their beer-battered fish and fries is a must-try, and their rotating specials keep things interesting. If you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere with great food, this is your spot.

💡 What to Try: Beer-battered fish and chips, hand-crafted burgers, and creamy pasta dishes.

2. Harbortown Pizza (10 miles south)

📍 100 S State St, Harrisville, MI 48740
🍽 Pizza | Casual Dining | $

When the craving for pizza strikes, Harbortown Pizza is the go-to spot. Their hand-tossed crusts and homemade sauce set them apart, and they offer a variety of specialty pizzas, including BBQ Chicken and Veggie Deluxe. They also serve subs, salads, and appetizers, making it a great choice for a relaxed meal with the family.

💡 What to Try: BBQ Chicken Pizza, Garlic Cheese Bread, and Italian Sub.

3. The Flour Garden (10 miles south)

📍 422 W Main St, Harrisville, MI 48740
🍽 Café | Bakery | Breakfast & Lunch | $$

For a cozy breakfast or fresh-baked pastries, The Flour Garden is a must-visit. This charming café offers freshly brewed coffee, homemade quiches, and sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick pastry on the go or a leisurely brunch, it’s a perfect morning stop.

💡 What to Try: House-made cinnamon rolls, quiche of the day, and fresh sandwiches.

4. Shotmakers Sports Bar & Grill (12 miles south)

📍 103 N State St, Harrisville, MI 48740
🍽 Bar & Grill | Casual Dining | $$

If you’re in the mood for classic bar food and cold drinks, Shotmakers Sports Bar & Grill offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere with great burgers, wings, and an impressive beer selection. With live music on weekends and TVs for catching the game, it’s a great place to unwind after a day at the lake.

💡 What to Try: Jalapeño Bacon Burger, Boneless Wings, and Loaded Nachos.

5. Greenbush Market (3 miles south)

📍 US 23, Greenbush, MI 48738
🍽 Deli | Bakery | Grab-and-Go | $

More than just a market, Greenbush Market offers fresh deli sandwiches, homemade baked goods, and grab-and-go options that are perfect for a picnic by the water. Their freshly baked bread and house-made cookies are especially popular among locals.

💡 What to Try: Turkey Club Sandwich, Homemade Cookies, and Freshly Baked Bread.

6. Cedar Lake Grocery & Deli (4 miles south)

📍 3448 S US Highway 23, Greenbush, MI 48738
🍽 Deli | Convenience Store | $

For a quick meal, Cedar Lake Grocery & Deli is a convenient stop offering sandwiches, salads, and daily specials. Their made-to-order deli sandwiches are great for grabbing a meal before heading out on the lake or enjoying a picnic on the beach.

💡 What to Try: Roast Beef & Swiss Sandwich, Chicken Salad Wrap, and Fresh Deli Meats.

7. The Alcona Brew Haus (14 miles southwest)

📍 676 US-23, Harrisville, MI 48740
🍽 Brewpub | Casual Dining | $$

For those who enjoy craft beer and elevated pub fare, The Alcona Brew Haus is the place to be. Their locally brewed craft beers pair perfectly with dishes like soft pretzels, gourmet burgers, and fish tacos. With a welcoming atmosphere and a rotating beer selection, it’s a great stop for a relaxed evening.

💡 What to Try: Fish Tacos, House-Made Soft Pretzels, and Craft Beer Sampler.

Final Thoughts

Dining near Sunny Side Cottages offers a mix of local flavors, fresh ingredients, and laid-back atmospheres—all within a short drive from your stay. Whether you’re in the mood for casual pizza, homemade baked goods, a hearty burger, or craft beer, these local gems have something for everyone.

So go ahead—explore, indulge, and enjoy the best food Lake Huron’s shoreline has to offer!

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Manitoulin Island: A Day Trip That’s Big on Adventure (and Yes, It’s the World’s Largest Freshwater Island!)

April 15, 2025

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 😉).

Wildlife and Nature: Exploring the Beauty Around Sunny Side Cottages

March 18, 2025

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!

Why Lake Huron is a Hidden Gem for Vacationers

February 28, 2025

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!