If “coffee on the porch, toes in the sand, kayaks at the ready” sounds like your kind of morning, bookmark Traverse City Vacation Cottages on Silver Lake. This small, family-run spot sits on 70 feet of flat, sandy shoreline—no stairs—just a quick 10-minute drive to downtown Traverse City. Guests share docks, a swimming raft, kayaks, paddle boards, hammocks, swings, and a stack of beach toys. The resort is open May–October, and the owners (Marian and Tom) live on site to share local tips—exactly the kind of insider help Cabintimers love.
Willow Cottage is the cozy 800-sq-ft, 2-bed/1-bath cutie just steps from the water. It sleeps up to 4 adults, has lake views from the living and dining room, and a covered porch that turns into the family hangout on warm evenings. Inside: two queen bedrooms with TVs, a gas-fireplace living room, central A/C, Wi-Fi, cable, and a full kitchen with dishwasher. Outside: your picnic table, charcoal grill, and a shared fire ring with wood. Summer weeks typically run Saturday–Saturday (June–late August) with weekly rates noted on the site; spring and fall add shorter stays.
Maple Grove Cottage bumps the space to 1,100 sq ft with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It accommodates 8 (no more than 6 adults), including a fun bunk-style room with four stacked twins—great for kids and cousins. You still get the lake views, porch time, gas fireplace, central A/C, Wi-Fi, and a proper kitchen plus an 8-seat dining table for big pancake mornings. Outside, it mirrors Willow’s beach setup with grills, fire rings, and all the shared waterfront toys. Weekly summer stays are Saturday–Saturday, with posted shoulder-season options.
A few friendly house rules keep the vibe relaxed for everyone: no pets, no smoking, and no extra day or overnight guests. Book directly with Marian and Tom to keep it simple and fee-free. Cabintimers, that’s the way.
Why Silver Lake is such an easy win
Silver Lake’s clear, spring-fed water and pine-lined shores invite all-day lake play—morning paddles, mid-day swims, sunset cruises. Anglers can target bluegill, bass, walleye, and perch, and there’s a nearby public launch for boaters. When you’re ready for town, Traverse City’s food, coffee, and gelato are minutes away.
Day-trip magic for your itinerary
Set aside a day for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—climb the Dune Climb, cruise the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, hike a bluff-top trail, and cool off at a sugar-sand beach. It’s a showstopper for first-timers and repeat Cabintimers alike.
Prefer wheels to sand? Roll the 10.5-mile TART Trail through town and along the bay—great for a sunset spin from Clinch Park Marina.
Wine time? Spend an afternoon on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail. Ten tasting rooms pour cool-climate favorites with big views of Grand Traverse Bay—easy to string together for a casual flight-and-snacks crawl.
Timing a summer visit? Keep an eye on Traverse City’s events calendar—food and wine happenings, live music, and the beloved National Cherry Festival fill the season with extra fun.
How Cabintimers book it
Skip third-party markups. You’ll chat with Marian or Tom, get honest answers, and lock in your dates without service fees. Peek at availability, current rates, and more photos on their rental website and book directly with the owners.
Happy lake days, Cabintimers. See you on Silver Lake.
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