Harbor Springs, Michigan is a typical Northern Michigan town with the distinct advantage of lying directly on the shores of Lake Michigan. You can stroll the downtown area in search of some delicious fudge, rent a sailboat and skip along the sparkling blue water, or hit the links on one of the championship golf courses. Rest and relaxation are the order of the day, so sit back and let the day come to you naturally.

If you can imagine yourself sitting on a deck, watching the lake gently creep onto shore as a slight breeze rustles the trees that surround you, then you can envision a typical day in Harbor Springs. Serenity abounds when you stay in a Harbor Springs cottage rental that sits directly on Lake Michigan and has a private beach located just a few feet from the comfort of your private deck. Take in the breathtaking views at sunset as you enjoy a delicious, home-cooked barbeque dinner, and let the subtle sway of the trees and the soft rustling of the leaves put you to sleep after a busy day on the water.

A view of the lake is quite a sight to behold in the morning, but you also want to be close to the unique food and boutique shops that the downtown area has to offer. Fortunately, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in a Harbor Springs home rental. With cottages available that provide panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the lights of Bay Harbor and Petoskey, you can enjoy your morning coffee to the calming sound of the waves and then venture into town at your leisure for some deli sandwiches at Gurney's Bottle Shop or a beautiful, hand-crafted keepsake from one of the numerous upscale shops.

While the lake is one of the biggest reasons individuals travel to this area, other outdoor activities are still plentiful and up to par with other northern areas. Hike and bike trails can be found throughout the area at any of the nearby state parks, with Petoskey State Park being the most popular. However, the close proximity to Boyne Highlands and Nubs Nob allows for some excellent golf in the summer and some of the best downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter. By staying in a condo rental that sits amidst beautiful trees, hills, and ponds and provides spectacular views of the ski slopes and golf courses, you are a short shuttle ride away from these exciting recreation areas.

While this area can soothe away the stresses of a hectic lifestyle, activities are a must when you need to entertain a family. Even though you may prefer to sit back and enjoy the fresh air, your kids are going to need some excitement if you want this to be a memorable trip. To get the most out of your vacation, try a condo or home rental with a private pool so everyone can take advantage of the beautiful outdoors even if the lake is a bit too cold. In addition, look for a home that has indoor activities such as a game room or pool table in case it happens to rain during your trip. When you have a variety of activities at your fingertips, your children will be content as you enjoy the brilliant landscape and abundant wildlife that surround you.

For the comfort and convenience most accommodations simply cannot provide, begin your search today for a Harbor Springs vacation rental. There is sure to be an ideally situated house or cottage that gives you the privacy of home and allows easy access to all the outdoor adventures of this visually stunning area.