One of the great things about where I live in Northern Michigan is there is always a place to explore. With an abundance of water, dirt roads and enviable sunsets summertime in Northern Michigan is what keeps people coming back.
As you head South on 31 toward the small town of Manistee, a short side trip to the village of Onekema is always a lovely drive. Portage lake is the anchor of tourism for this little resort town. The lake itself is 3 miles long, 1.5 miles wide and approx. 60 feet at its deepest point. At the end of the lake, majestically towering over the blue waters lies the Portage Point Inn. Years ago I used to deliver weddings to the Inn but it had fallen into disrepair and it had been some time since I’d been there. How wonderful to see it come to life again!
The shuffleboard courts, the worn piano, 100 year old butterfly bushes dotted with monarchs. Settling into the large wrap around force on a lovely summer day my friend and I enjoyed a tasty beverage as we gazed out onto the water.
The crisp white paint of the 118 year old resort contrasts sharply with the vibrant blues of the turquoise waters. I secretly looked for Rhett Butler because the columns of the front of the inn command attention and I was sure he was there somewhere.
But yet another secret to this wonderful point on Portage Lake lies just around the bend. Just passed the inn, the road turns and leads to a lovely beach on Lake Michigan. Sandy beach, fire rings, summer sunset evenings, picnics. Northern Michigan in the summer time. How lucky those of us that live here are.
Beautiful!!