OTIS Harbor Springs is the adult summer camp of your dreams
"Set at the end of the famed Tunnel of Trees along scenic M‑119 in Harbor Springs, MI, this reimagined nearly 100‑year‑old property—originally the Birchwood Farm Estate and later the Birchwood Inn—pairs preserved mid‑century stonework and beams with a fresh, warm sensibility. Brought to life by a small team including Israel Hernandez, Ty Humpert, and creative director Daniel Caudill, it feels like an elevated adult summer camp: relaxed, nostalgic, and thoughtfully designed. The Fireplace Lounge serves cocktail-forward dinner and drinks (don’t miss the beet hummus), while the on‑site Birchwood General offers pastries, La Colombe coffee, regional beer and wine, and staples like smoked whitefish dip. About 31 rooms and suites keep the mid‑century vibe with brushed‑gold keys, front and back doors, simple unfussy furnishings, soft pink/yellow/blue palettes, restored vanities, upgraded lighting, and Flamingo Estate bath products. Expansive grounds include a courtyard with bocce, outdoor seating and stone pits, plus a lively patio under bright red umbrellas where locals and visitors gather for expertly crafted cocktails. With five‑star service (staffers like Ty, Liam, and Laura earn repeated praise), nearby nature and waterfront attractions, and rooms starting around $275/night, it already feels worth the trip even as planned expansions are underway."
