[SusanHH]

am on the hunt for a summer home (maybe even a little use over the holidays!). I understand there are some beautiful properties outside of Chicago area.

I an running from the bugs and heat/humidity, not to mention the overdevelopment that we have in the FL !

Would like around 5 acres, with a small house or converted barn near a charming small town with access to golf and water (fly fishing......). I don't know Michigan at all, but the photos look green and beautiful. I am wodering if this state meets my criteria and where to start my research..

I am open to some suggestions.
thanks

[cjbailey]

We have many florida people up here for the summer in Bay Harbor (a resort community on Lake Michigan) and in Petoskey and Charlevoix. It is the most beautiful summer place you have ever seen.The water is so blue, even aquamarine on some days and very clear. Jet service is available in Pellston and from Traverse City. It's a 4 hour drive up I 75 from the Detroit area.

[deslok]

What do you enjoy doing for fun, what sort of people do you like to be around?

[katie565]

Michigan is full of wonderful places for this sort of thing; more specifics about your preferences would help narrow it down. The northern areas of Petosky, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Traverse City etc. are wonderful, each offering its own distinct feel. If you prefer something closer to Chicago, I know several people who enjoy New Buffalo, which is in southwest Michigan about 2 hours from the city. Further up the west coast is South Haven, and past that is Grand Haven. Both are charming little towns. You mentioned fishing, which I don't know anything about except that Ludington and the surrounding area (even farther up the west coast) is supposed to have amazing fishing.