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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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June 16, 2025
Let’s face it: planning a group getaway—whether it’s your extended family, a company retreat, or your old college crew—can feel a little like herding cats. Different personalities. Different schedules. That one person who always forgets their toothbrush. But here’s the good news: the magic doesn’t happen despite all that—it happens because of it. And when you host your next big gathering at Sunny Side Cottages , it’s less stress, more s’mores. Whether you’re reuniting the whole clan, rallying the office team, or celebrating something special with your favorite humans, Sunny Side delivers all the charm, comfort, and character you need to make memories that actually stick. 🌟 Why Group Getaways Are So Good for the Soul (and Sanity)  1. Time to Reconnect (Without WiFi Battles) Let’s be honest—when was the last time your family or team had real quality time together? No Zoom calls, no deadlines, no “I’ll get back to you next week” emails. Just uninterrupted time to laugh, relax, and have actual conversations not involving emojis. Whether it’s catching up with cousins you haven’t seen in a decade or bonding with coworkers outside the break room, group trips foster connection like nothing else. 2. Shared Experiences = Shared Joy There’s a reason inside jokes, late-night card games, and paddleboard wipeouts stick in our memory bank. Shared experiences build trust and strengthen relationships—whether you’re related by blood, business, or bunk beds. 3. It’s Good for Mental Health, Period. Science says stepping away from the daily grind and immersing yourself in nature actually reduces stress, improves focus, and increases creativity. Add in sunshine, laughter, and a cozy lakefront view? Now that’s what we call team building. 🏡 Why Sunny Side Cottages Is a Total Group Gathering Win Now that we’ve got you craving a group getaway, let’s talk venue. Because location matters—and Sunny Side Cottages doesn’t just tick the boxes, it decorates them with fairy lights and a side of sass. Here’s why we’re the dream destination for reunions, retreats, and all your “we-should-do-this-more-often” moments: 1. Cabin Cluster Vibes With multiple cozy cottages grouped on one property, you get the perfect mix of togetherness and privacy. Grandma and Grandpa can enjoy peace and quiet in their own space, while the kids run wild (respectfully!) with cousins next door. And if it’s a corporate retreat? Assign teams their own cabins for breakout time that doesn’t involve a whiteboard. 2. Common Areas Made for Connection From our game room where competitive Uno thrives, to the campfire circle where marshmallows and stories flow freely, Sunny Side was practically built for bonding. Morning coffee chats on the porch? Check. Evening sing-alongs under the stars? You better believe it. 3. Private Beachfront = Instant Memory Maker A private resort beach means no crowds, no chaos—just your group making splashy memories. It’s ideal for sunrise yoga, lakeside ceremonies, or just throwing on your swimsuits and letting the kids live their best lake life. 4. Quirky, Charming, and Instagrammable AF Let’s be honest—we all love a good photo op. Sunny Side Cottages delivers with wood-clad interiors, pops of nature and beachy décor, and just enough quirk to keep things interesting. It’s rustic-meets-playful, and the vibe? Pure personality. 5. Close to Adventure, But Feels a World Away Located near the beauty of Lake Huron (and not too far from Michigan vacation rental hotspots), Sunny Side is easy to get to but feels delightfully off the grid. Plus, it’s just a hop, skip, and a scenic drive to day trip gems like Manitoulin Island or nearby fishing and hiking spots. 🥂 Reunions, Retreats & More: What Can You Host Here? Glad you asked! Sunny Side is the perfect backdrop for: Family Reunions (yes, even if Uncle Bob snores) Company Retreats and remote team gatherings Small Weddings or vow renewals (lakeside “I do’s”? Yes please.) Friendcations —those friend groups that became family Birthday Bashes, Anniversaries, Retirement Parties —if it’s worth celebrating, it’s worth celebrating here. And if you want to rent the whole property for a more private, curated experience? Let’s talk. We love helping guests turn the entire resort into their own personal lakeside playground. Final Word: Don’t Just Get Away—Gather Somewhere That Gets You Sunny Side Cottages isn’t just a pretty place to crash—it’s a backdrop for your best group memories. It’s where grandma teaches the grandkids to fish, your team finally feels like a team, and friends toast to ten more years of friendship over firelight and waves. So whether you’re planning a grand reunion or a mini retreat, bring your people, your sense of adventure, and maybe a few extra marshmallows. We’ll handle the rest—with lake views, cozy cottages, and plenty of that “you just had to be there” magic.
May 23, 2025
Let’s be real: life gets busy. Between work emails, school lunches, endless laundry piles, and trying to remember if you already watered the plants (again), the idea of a getaway sounds less like a luxury and more like a necessity. And guess what? Science agrees. Packing up the crew and heading to a place like Sunny Side Cottages, with its laid-back vibes, lakefront views, and s'mores-friendly fire pits, isn’t just fun—it’s actually good for your health. No, seriously. Let’s dive into why swapping screen time for lake time might just be the best decision you’ve made all year. 🌲 Nature: The Original Mood Booster You know that feeling when you step outside, take a deep breath of fresh air, and suddenly life feels 10% less chaotic? That’s not just you being dramatic—that’s nature working its magic. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower stress hormone levels. Source: Frontiers Now imagine what a whole weekend (or gasp a full week) surrounded by trees, waves, and chirping birds could do for your mental state. At Sunny Side Cottages, you're steps away from Lake Huron and immersed in Michigan’s rustic beauty—hello, peace and quiet, we missed you. ☀️ Sunshine = Instant Happy Vibes Michigan may be known for its four seasons, but summertime here? Absolute gold. Sunshine isn’t just good for your tan—it’s essential for your mental health. Exposure to sunlight boosts your body's production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. According to the National Institutes of Health, natural sunlight helps regulate your mood, improves sleep, and even strengthens your immune system. Source: NIH So when you're lounging on a deck chair with a cool drink in hand while the kids build sandcastles? You're basically giving your brain a hug. Bonus: Sunny Side Cottages’ private beach is practically built for soaking it all in. 💦 Water Has Serious Healing Powers There’s a reason they call it water therapy. Being near water—whether it’s swimming in it, kayaking on it, or just listening to it gently lapping the shore—has been linked to a drop in cortisol levels, improved mood, and better overall well-being. Author Wallace J. Nichols even wrote a whole book about it called Blue Mind, which explores how water helps us relax, recharge, and reconnect. Source: Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols And let’s not forget: swimming is also a low-impact, full-body workout that wears kids out just enough to guarantee a solid night’s sleep. You're welcome. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Time: The Real MVP Between school drop-offs and soccer practices, it’s easy for quality family time to get bumped down the list. But studies show that vacations help strengthen family bonds, reduce behavioral problems in kids, and create lasting memories that beat anything a TikTok trend could offer. A report from the Journal of Travel Research found that shared family experiences increase communication and satisfaction within families—especially when nature and play are involved. Source: Sage Journals At Sunny Side Cottages, there’s no shortage of memory-making moments: morning pancakes on the porch, scavenger hunts in the woods, board games in the common room, and marshmallow roasts that turn into storytelling marathons. It’s a tech break and a bonding bonanza. 🧘‍♀️ A Reset for You, Too Let's not forget about you, dear grown-up. Getting away gives your brain a chance to reboot, reduces burnout, and can even boost creativity (so you can finally solve that “what’s for dinner” dilemma with fresh ideas like grilled lake perch with lemon, perhaps?). According to Psychology Today, vacations improve your cognitive flexibility and resilience, helping you return to daily life with more patience, more presence, and—let’s be honest—a better attitude. Source: Psychology Today So go ahead. Book that cozy vacation house in Michigan, toss the phones in a drawer, and let yourself breathe again. Final Thoughts: Your Prescription? One Dose of Sunny Side, Stat. There’s no magic cure for stress, but a lakeside escape with people you love, surrounded by trees and waves and fresh air? That comes pretty close. Whether you’re looking for the best cabin rental in Michigan, a full-on vacation house for the whole family, or just a place to hit the pause button and feel like yourself again—Sunny Side Cottages has got you. Now go grab your sunnies, your crew, and your comfiest hoodie. Health and happiness are waiting—and they come with a side of s’mores.
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 😉).
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