Camp Squid

There’s much to see and do round the shores of Lake Michigan: head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (40 minutes’ drive) for coastal walks, or exercise the dog on Otter Creek’s pet-friendly Esch Beach (half an hour). Other waterside sporty pastimes include kayaking down the Platte River (20 minutes) and hiking the Pyramid Point Trail (50 minutes) for views to the North and South Manitou islands on the lake. Turning inland, sample artisan whiskeys and gins at Iron Fish Distillery (10 minutes), while St Ambrose Cellars (15 minutes) has a choice of home-produced meads as well as live-music nights. Crystal Mountain Resort (10 minutes) is a popular hangout for ski-ing in winter and golf all year – and if you’re keen to improve your handicap, there’s a cluster of golf courses within 15 minutes’ drive. Historic Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre (15 minutes) opened in 1953 and is one of only a few drive-ins left in Michigan – it’s fun for all the family with a snack bar, kids’ play areas, beach volleyball and a run-around area for your canine pals.