Glen Lake

I'll never forget the first time I went to Glen Lake. It was 2008. Larry invited me to spend a week at Glen Lodge with his daughter and friends. He had been vacationing in this area for more than 20 years and his kids grew up feeling as if Glen Lodge was their second home. Over the years, different relatives and friends would join Larry and his family. Some have continued this summer tradition and some have popped in and out of the picture. Now it was my turn to experience this magical place.

I didn't grow up visiting northern Michigan. My family isn't much for vacationing or traveling to destinations, although my 81 year old father spends most summer days driving his Harley for hours but he returns home every night. My parents prefer sleeping in their own bed rather than in far off places. Some how I got the travel bug and my Aunt Gloria is the only one I can think of in my entire family who loves traveling. 

My first glimpse of Glen Lake happened as we were traveling along 677; Larry and Stacie were in a contest to see who could spot the lake first as we started down the steep decline. If you look far enough into the distance, you can see spots of turquoise water peeking through the canopy of trees. It's thrilling to coast along and see this Caribbean-like water spreading out before my eyes. At the bottom of the road, I see the sign directing us towards Glen Arbor. We continue along a winding road beside the lake and not too far away is Glen Lodge, my home away from home for the next seven days. 

We park in the driveway, fill our arms with some of our belongings, and walk down a terraced set of stairs that leads to a patio and a lawn that continues right up to the waters edge of Glen Lake. I have been traversing this staircase every year (except 2023) since 2008 and it still takes my breath away as I smell that intoxicating northern Michigan air and see the turquoise water. 

I remember looking around at this new place and feeling as if I couldn't comprehend what I was seeing.  I don't ever remember feeling this way before and it took a few days before I relaxed and immersed myself into being here. Larry and I immediately settled into our morning routine of sleeping in until 9:00, changing into bathing suits while the coffee is brewing, and then carrying our mugs and books out to the bench at the end of the dock. Larry is always the first one to go for a swim and when I'm brave enough, I'll follow but I'm very content to be still and watch for the water diamonds across the surface of the lake. Over the years, we look forward to the most important questions that come up during this week. "Are we swimming in the lake first or bike riding into town?" "Are we going out to dinner or cooking?" "Did you put enough sunscreen on?" "Who's going shopping and who's going to golf?" "What day are we kayaking?" "Did you go to Cherry Republic yet?" "What day are we going to Fish Town?" 

This place. These people. These traditions. They are my life. They are in my heart and soul and I know I'm not alone being in love with and transfixed by the tranquil waters of Glen Lake. See my new Glen Lake collection that I just began designing with the intention of creating much more. May it spark your own beautiful feelings that are uniquely your connection to this magical place in Northern Michigan.

Glen Lodge

Morning coffee overlooking Big Glen Lake

Water diamonds