Ten years ago, my husband and I sold
our house, quit our jobs, said goodbye to family and
friends, and left Chicago. After spending many summers
vacationing in Pentwater with our children, we finally
decided to make this idyllic resort community our year-round
home.
We’ve never regretted our complete
lifestyle change – and we’re not alone.
With spring’s arrival, the sky
turns cerulean, reflecting off that big patch of
water to the west. Buds awaken. As the snow fence
comes down along the beach at Charles Mears State
Park, Pentwater awakens as well, preparing for its
annual influx of cottage owners, boaters, campers
and day visitors.
Nestled between Muskegon and Ludington,
this scenic escape is just over an hour from Grand
Rapids and a tank of gas or less away from all of
Michigan’s other big cities. For those coming
across the lake by boat, Pentwater is also only a
jog from neighboring car ferry docks.
E.R. Cobb and Andrew Rector may be
noted for settling Pentwater in 1853, but it was
lumber baron Charles Mears who turned this village
into a thriving port. While his sawmill helped rebuild
Chicago following the “Great Fire,” he
built Pentwater’s channel to Lake Michigan.
Shipping has always had an important economic impact
on Pentwater; remains from many prematurely ended
journeys rest off this memorable shoreline, adding
intrigue to its rich history.
Today, boaters enjoy easy access to
three marinas: Charlie’s, Snug Harbor and the
public marina each offer excellent views and accommodations.
All are conveniently located within a few steps from
the town’s restaurants, clothing and jewelry
boutiques, home and garden stores, art galleries
and specialty stops including an ice cream parlor
and candy emporium.
Some of the best fishing in Michigan
can be found on the Pentwater River, Pentwater Lake
and, of course, Lake Michigan. If you like to fish,
hop on a fishing charter and trust your captain to
take you to where they’re biting. The public
marina operates a state-of-the-art fish station where
your catch will be weighed and measured, and the
day’s bragging rights begin.
Often referred to as “the Nantucket
of the Midwest,” Pentwater blossoms in the
summer: Flotillas of small boats, yachts, canoes,
kayaks and fishing charters cruise in and out of
the channel. Campers book a year in advance for sites
in Charles Mears State Park and the chance to be
lulled to sleep by lapping waves. Cottages are rented
in town and on the lakes. Many guests return the
same time every season to their favorite bed and
breakfast, and visitors who drift off U.S. 31 discover
a village so pretty and friendly they scramble to
get a room so they can see more.
The full article can be enjoyed
in the March/April ’08 issue. Former Chicagoan
Jane Lemme writes from Pentwater.
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