Harbor Springs, Michigan Is the Best Small U.S. Town for a Lake Vacation in 2024

"A recently restored roadside boutique resort set among meadows and horse farms on the edge of town, this property was once a farm estate and later a corporate retreat. The 31 quietly appointed guest rooms favor high-quality, midcentury-inspired basics—low-slung chaises, custom beds and oversized Noguchi-style orb lamps—while the main lodge centers on an original stone fireplace and a curated collection of salvaged midcentury furnishings. The food program, led by chef Shane Abe, emphasizes seasonal, farm-to-table cooking with Mediterranean leanings and local producers (KK’s Farm, Beckon Hill Farms) supplying fresh meats and vegetables; standout details include daily handmade pastas such as tagliatelle with long-simmered duck ragù and agnolotti filled with ricotta and charcuterie “ends,” reflecting a waste-not-want-not philosophy. Guests also flock for clever, well-executed cocktails (including a smoky margarita called About Last Night and a playful, beer-based signature) and a design-forward yet relaxed lodging experience guided by Michigan’s midcentury design heritage." - Leilani Marie Labong Leilani Marie Labong Leilani Marie Labong is a San Francisco-based journalist who focuses on food, design, and travel. Her work has been featured in Elle Decor, Travel + Leisure, House Beautiful, Sunset, Food52, Food & Wine, The Kitchn, and Architectural Digest. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines