Vacation Home Rentals Big Enough For The Whole Family, Near Chicago

A pervasive feeling of making up for lost time lingers, even as more folks are vaccinated and able to hug friends and family once again. Spending quality time with one another, without too many outside distractions, is the modus operandi as we slide into summer. What better way is there to connect with loved ones than to stay together, all under one roof? Vacation rentals provide the ideal setting for cooking with grandparents in the kitchen, playing boardgames with kids at the table, roasting marshmallows in the backyard, and staying up late to watch movies while nestling on the couch.

“It was very apparent after the first few months of COVID that people were wanting a change of scenery,” says Jason Milovich, co-owner of Bluefish Vacation Rentals. “After months of being inside the same four walls, the demand to get away to a place that felt safe was overwhelming.”

Stand-alone rental homes have become a refuge for the travel-starved, humans who want to safely socially distance themselves from crowds, yet still want to enjoy a new destination with their family in tow. And, while tourism is slowly and cautiously coming back online, many sightseers are still apprehensive to get on airplanes. Road trip travel, with a focus on outdoor experiences, is having its day in the sun.

“Many of southwest Michigan's main attractions are outdoor based (beaches, woods, parks, etc.) so it was the perfect destination for travelers,” says Milovich. “Most of our guests could drive one to two hours from their home and come to us for their vacations and getaways. We have seen this demand continue all through fall and winter too.”

For Chicagoans, getting away with the family to experience Harbor Country, along the shores of Lake Michigan, couldn’t be easier. Bluefish Vacation Rentals, the largest vacation rental company in southwest Michigan, facilitates vetted rentals for over 85 distinctive properties, located just 90 minutes from Chicago.  

Wheel Tree Cottage, located in Sawyer, Michigan, is one such property that is big enough to host your entire family. Room for 12, this home is near Lake Michigan and Warren Dunes State Park. Your family will have plenty of space to spread out—there’s a fire pit in the backyard and a large screened-in porch for socializing over a glass of wine. Kids will love the bunk room with six beds and a couch. There’s an outside shower as well. Fully stocked with everything you might need, all you have to do is show up.

“To me the shift from hotels to private rentals had already begun even prior to COVID,” says Milovich. “The pandemic only amplified this change. The idea of a family or a group of friends to be able to stay in one central location all to themselves was especially appealing during COVID. Guest's felt safer knowing they could enter a property without having to meet anyone and they would be the only guests staying at their destination. With a hotel you have staff, cleaners, maintenance, and other guests coming and going throughout shared spaces. You do not have these worries with a private rental.”

Whether you want a charming beachside bungalow, a sprawling and luxurious lakefront estate, or something in between, the sizable portfolio of homes throughout New Buffalo, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, Grand Beach and Union Pier will most certainly suit your family’s needs.

“We can put together experiences for our guests like private chefs, yoga teachers, sunset cruises, equipment rentals, and much more,” says Milovich. “Our team can pick up your groceries and put them in your property, prior to your arrival. We can have your car detailed while you soak up the sun. Whatever request our guests have, we work at fulfilling their needs.”

If you’re not familiar with the area, lean on Bluefish Vacation Rentals to help you out—this is where they shine. The team knows exactly where to find the best restaurants, farmers markets, antique and boutique shops, wine tasting rooms, ice cream shops, and secluded spots to watch the sun dip below the horizon. If you’re interested in local events and festivals, like live music in the parks or independent film showings, or if you’d like to set up a winery or brewery tour, they will be your resource throughout your family retreat.

“Our mission statement is "Creating memories one guest at a time" and we mean every word of it,” says Milovich.

Warren Dunes State Park, which has three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and a 260-foot sand dune, is a nearby draw. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for swimming, standup paddle boarding, fishing, picnicking and hiking. Warren Dunes-Blue Jay Trail, Warren Dunes-Mt. Randall Trail, Warren Dunes-Nature Trail or Warren Dunes-Yellow Birch Loop are great choices for hikers of all ages who love to explore the outdoors and experience the natural landscapes and ecosystems.

“We don't just give you a key and call it a day,” says Milovich. “We are here for all our guests before, during, and after their stay.”

Where to Grab a Bite to Eat: A Few Nearby Suggestions

Breakfast:

David’s Delicatessen: 30 N. Whittaker St., New Buffalo

Black Currant Bakery: 9911 Town Line Ave., Union Pier

Oaks Eatery: 8 South Elm St., Three Oaks

Joe’s Coffee Market: 600 West Water St., New Buffalo

The Peasant Pantry: 12856 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer

Jackie’s Café: 801 West Buffalo St., New Buffalo

Viola’s Café: 102 North Elm St., Three Oaks

Luisa’s Café and Harbert Swedish Bakery: 13698 Red Arrow Hwy, Harbert

Lunch:

Stray Dog and Grill: 245 North Whittaker St., New Buffalo

Bentwood Tavern: 600 West Water St., New Buffalo

Brewster’s Italian Café: 11 West Merchant St., New Buffalo

Villa Nova Pizzeria: 134 East Buffalo St., New Buffalo

Dinner:

Terrace Room: 111 West Water St., New Buffalo

Beer Church Brewing: 24 South Whittaker St., New Buffalo

Hummingbird Lounge: 9 South Barton, New Buffalo

Timothy’s Restaurant: 164 Red Arrow Hwy., Union Pier

Tabor Hill Winery: 185 Mount Tabor Rd., Buchanan