I have been before, but it was Mr. Magpie’s very first visit.  In true Lindsey form she planned the most lovely visit to experience everything the area has to offer.  If you are wondering where on the Michigan “mitten” we were exactly, here is a visual:

The name of the town we visited is called Onekama.  It comes from a native word (“oneka-ma-engh”) meaning “portage”. The correct pronunciation is oh-NECK-a-mah. Based on how it is spelled, people call it “one comma” and there is lots of signage with the logo 1,. This two lake town surrounded by Portage Lake and Lake Michigan makes for an unbeatable summer vacation spot.  Here are some some recommendations and highlights from our short trip.

Airport

• Manistee Blacker Airport (We flew from DCA to MDW to MBL.  MBL is the cutest little airport you ever did see!  And about 15 minutes from Onekama.)

Stay

• Portage Point Inn (We were lucky enough to stay at Lindsey’s lake house, but the beautiful and historic Portage Point Inn would be a great place for a few nights.  Located right on Portage lake, this place is undergoing some renovation in hopes of becoming again a world class resort.)

Restaurants

• The Glenwood (Serving dinner featuring fresh fish, steaks, chicken, pasta and locally grown fruits and vegetables + homemade desserts!)
• M22 Grill (Brunch!  Enough said.)
• Laheys Bar (Located at Portage Point Inn, this bar is great for a nightcap and serves Michigan craft beer, wine, and craft-cocktails.)
• Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course (With spectacular views of Lake Michigan, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the world.  Grab a drink at the bar inside and sit in the adirondack chairs outside listening to the bagpiper who plays as the sun sets!)

Great outdoors

• Lakes: Onekama is a town with two lakes to love:
  • Portage Lake 
  • Lake Michigan 
• Merry Mountain (We anchored the boat and had lunch near these sweeping sand dunes.)
• Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course (This was recently ranked the #13 golf course in the US!)

Stores

• Inn Style at Portage Point Inn (Cute and quirky Michigan themed gifts + local foods.)
• MacBeth + Co.  (We didn’t visit this trip, but have in the past.  This store has adorable home goods and apparel and lots of 1, themed gifts.)

Sights:

• House Boat (This house looks like a boat. See for yourself!)
• Lighthouse on Lake Michigan (Great place for an Americana inspired photo opp.)
• Enchanted Fairy Forest (Take a visit to an art installation-esk forest across from the top of Merry Mountain.  Someone has taken the time to create these little intricate fairy houses in the stumps of trees.)