February 2016
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Stem the Tide
Invasive aquatic plants are the bane of lakefront property owners. They crowd out native plant species, often forming dense mats that hinder boating, fishing and other recreation and can cause dissolved oxygen levels to drop, which affects water quality.
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Lloyd Flanders Legacy Furniture
It was the height of the Victorian era — those romanticized turn-of-the-century days when sipping a cold beverage on a graceful porch was not just a pastime but an art — when inventor Marshall B. Lloyd developed a revolutionary process for loom-weaving wicker.
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Trails to Self-Discovery
For 20 years I’ve walked this same trail once or twice a week, in every season and in all kinds of weather. Say 60 times a year — 1,200 excursions.
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Great Lake Story 2016: Chapter One
The rolling hills on the western shore of Spring Lake have long been host to those searching for a serene landscape. Originally a fruit farm, the area that locals refer to as St. Lazare, was once a summer retreat for the Bretz family from Chicago.
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Backyard Bliss
Regardless of the season, backyard bird watching is a popular pastime for people of all ages, for cabin folks or cottage owners, city dwellers or suburbanites.
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Steelhead Streams
Michigan is among the steelhead-fishingest states in the Union. The plentitude of cold-water rivers and the presence of Great Lakes on six sides make the marriage of Michigan and steelhead blissful.
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Rock Hound
Artist Randall Libby never thought he’d be making a living by reworking Petoskey stone into intricate, custom-made creations. It started as a hobby seven years ago when he made a few small Michigan-shaped pieces for friends.
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Peeking Inside Some of Michigan’s Vintage Cottages
It is fairly uncommon to find interior scenes of cottages. Almost all that we have are “real photo postcards” — black and white photos from the 1930s to 1950s, usually printed in small quantities.
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Protected Class
Michigan’s most imperiled species can be elusive to find, much less photograph, which makes capturing a great image all the more rewarding.
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Cottages 2016: Contributors
Contributors, Cottages 2016
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Savor Winter’s Last ‘Grasp’ and Anticipate a Return to the Lake
’Tis the season of new plans for cottage renovations, labors of love like landscaping and anticipation of seeing seasonal neighbors in lake communities.
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It Takes a Village
Summer vacationers and seasonal cottage owners were milling about Glen Arbor last August when the Leelanau County community was struck by a storm that left it in shambles.
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Michigan Wildlife Council
We live in a fast-paced, increasingly urbanized world. From our climate-controlled homes and offices, surrounded by smartphones and laptops, it’s easy to overlook the importance of nature and the critters that live among us.
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Make Your Mark
Stripes are frequently used for outdoor fabric and décor, but this classic style can work throughout the home or cottage because stripes mix with florals, paisleys and plaids.
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Liquid Assets
Outdoor rooms have gone mainstream, and Michigan is no exception. The increasingly popular trend often includes at least one water feature to set the tone, whether it’s in smaller form like a fountain or as posh as an inground pool.
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Homemade Memories
McNamara started her blog, Simply Scratch, in February 2010 with a mission to get back to her rural Michigan roots and revitalize her home kitchen by swapping canned goods and prepackaged mixes for wholesome, healthy ingredients.
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Cruising into Michigan’s Boating History
By the time Walstrom Marine launched its operations in 1946, Harbor Springs was a well-established resort community stretching along the shores of Little Traverse Bay.
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Indulge & Escape
Whether you’re looking for a cozy setting to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your sweetie, are in need of a romantic weekend, or are longing for an early spring retreat, here are three quaint dining destinations with delectable food, fine wine and an intimate ambience.
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Naturally Gifted
It’s early March and a stout nor’easter is howling across Suttons Bay. Although duck season has been closed for months, artist Chris Smith has waterfowl on the brain.
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Cottage Daze
Laurie McNamara, author of the new cookbook “Simply Scratch”, shares her favorite breakfast meals for easy weekend entertaining at the cabin or cottage.
