Testimonials

Flower Garden Cabin

2023

"We just fell in love with Torch Lake! Oh my gosh, it is so beautiful! Exceeded our expectations. We had such a wonderful time here. Thank you so much For everything. It’s been a perfect getaway. We will be back!" July, 2023

"Thank you for the sweetest accommodation ever. We really needed this vacation. We loved visiting the nearby towns- especially Elk Rapids. We loved coming back to the cabin in the evenings to relax. So beautiful and peaceful. Your flower gardens were a highlight. Hummingbirds every morning with coffee! We had a wonderful time and hope we can come back next summer. Thanks again!" July, 2023

"Such a charming place! We really enjoyed our time here. Love how the cabin is Stocked with just about everything- and decorated so cute. Since this our first time in the area, we spent the first few days wearing ourselves out with non stop fun activities! We hiked, cycled around, and finally had several days swimming and boating in beautiful Torch Lake! Outstanding! Thank you for the beautiful memories we are taking home with us. Can’t wait to come back!" August, 2023

"Thank you Barbara for the beautiful cabin and gracious hospitality. Everything was perfect! We did check out the awesome ice creme place in Alden. So glad we did! So good! Hope to return next year!" August, 2023

2022

"Came for a week of hiking natural areas and plain air painting. Beautiful area! So so many special spots! The map Barbara provided Was great and a big help for exploring. Barbara is a wonderful hostess and has thought of everything. I will be coming back. Thank you!" Benton Harbor Mi June, 2022

"Barbara, Thank you for your every kindness and for showing us such wonderful hospitality! This peaceful Haven you have created is such a welcoming space. So many joyful memories of joyful \family gatherings have filled my mind over the past few days. The Antrim Co commission should have you as the official point of contact- your connection to the community is felt. We will be back, and next time with our Pickleball paddles! Thank you again. So very grateful." MaryAnne and Joe Maine, July 2022

"Barbara, What a beautiful peaceful place. Thank you for opening up these adorable. Cabins so travelers like myself can relax and rejuvenate. Absolutely love the grounds- so pretty and so close to the Lake! Perfect location. Can’t wait to visit again one day. Ive told everyone I know to come pay a visit!" Sarah, Ohio, July 2022

"Well the week went by far too quickly. Thank you for allowing its to stay in your cozy cottage. The weather was beautiful, the cottages peaceful, And we truly enjoyed the hummingbirds, and th3e chipmunks regular visits. Thank you again for everything." Mike and Sherry, July 2022

"Matt and I enjoyed our stay at your beautiful Flower Garden Cabin. This was our first time at Torch Lake.Crystal clear!!! We enjoyed our kayak ride around the sandbar and other parts around the lake. We also used our rafts the next day. Fun! The water temperature felt great and refreshing. Thanks for all the info and great map you gave us. We really appreciate all Your recommendations!" Lynette and Matt, Aug 2022

"I truly enjoyed my stay here at this sweet cabin. Your cabins are so beautiful. I love the way you have decorated them. You made our stay so wonderful. Thank you for everything." Linda and Debbie. Aug 2022

2021

"We came to Torch for our Honeymoon and had the Best time! We went to the DUNES, saw a lighthouse, and visited many beaches. The best day was renting a pontoon and enjoying beautiful Torch Lake.” Definitely will be back. Thank you Barbara for everything.” Wisconsin June

"Barbara, Thanks for a great vacation!!! Your place and hospitality are amazing!!! All the best to you and Molly! Thank you!" Ohio July

"We came up to Michigan to meet up with some friends nd to enjoy the Crystal clear lake! Elk Rapids is a great little village with alot of great stuff going on. We went to; The Flour Pot Bakery - (fresh donuts, danishes, cookies, pastries) The Farmers Market next to the Chamber of commerce has some good finds! If going out eat, definitely go to "The Local”. We went for brunch and the food was excellent! We walked down the beach at Veterans Memorial Park as per Barbaras recommendation and it was so so so nice. Beautiful beaches, quiet area, informative maps, playgrounds, all so nice. We also rented a double kayak, (Barbaras recommendation) and they were great. They dropped off the Kayak right at the cabin and picked it up the next morning. Awesome! My friends rented a pontoon. The website said you cannot tube from them, but you can, and we did! Our last night we ordered out from Pearls and the food was really good. Excellent. I almost forgot that we also went cherry picking at King Orchards. The gentleman working there was wildly friendly and knowledgeable! They also have great homemade breads and other produce as well. Would highly recommend! Barbara and Molly are both wonderful hosts and we loved staying here! Cant wait come back. from PA."

"Dear Barbara, Thank you so much for the Anniversary card and the yummy bottle of Merlot- very good. 22 years of marriage, and hubby surprised me with a trip here! We enjoyed our ride to Grand Traverse bay, Mission Point lighthouse, peninsula grill, Bonobo Winery, ride around Torch lake, and around Old Mission Peninsula. Good eats were found at Micos and the Muffin Tin. Yum. A rain day of rest and movies was also well needed before we head home to our 5 kids!!! Thank you. Blessings on you." Mattawan Mi.

"Barbara, Thank you for your great hospitality. Your cabin is just what we needed to re-boot. Your card and gift made our 35th Anniversary perfect ." Sandy and Leroy

"Barbara & Molly, Thank you so much for such an amazing time- and for all the knowledge you shared. We cannot wait to return! Thank you for everything." Ken and Leann.

"Barbara, Thank you for your hospitality! My boyfriend and I had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday. Although the weather didn’t cooperate we still found plenty to do and would love to come back to your beautiful cabin again." Brook and Jack WI

2020

Celebrating 20 years of friendship! The weather was crappy our 1st 2 days but we made the best of it. Had a hike in the woods, It was tins of fun. On our 3rd day we rented a triple Kayak. They dropped it off, let us keep it overnight and picked it up the next day. Super! So many nice beaches! The Birch St. beach and the beach on Crystal Beach Rd let you walk right out to the sandbar. If you kayak, head down “the channel”. So beautiful. Heres to another 20 years of friendship!! Thank you! Ohio

28 years together! Thank you Barbara for all the great tips. We loved; -Sitting on the porch watching the hummingbirds, -Special swimming spot in Elk Rapids -Shorts! -Glacial Hills hiking -Sailboating all day! Gorgeous! Bloomington, Illinois

Kayaked for the first time ever! Hung out on the famous sandbar. Hiked at Glacial Hills Said hello to Shorts Brewery, Enjoyed nightly campfires, Celebrated my beautiful wife birthday, Discovered a gem named Barbara who has a heart of gold! Thank you for having us! Clarkston Mi

Oh My! We had a wonderful Anniversary weekend! Quiet, peaceful, we had alot of great conversations. Dinner at the boathouse, highly recommended. We kayaked for the first time - but not the last! We visited the sandbar, went antique shopping, met new friends. Can’t wait to come back- a new favorite vacation spot. Thank you!! Charlotte MI

We came up for a little getaway for my 30th birthday and our 1 year Anniversary. This place was so beautiful and quiet. Leaves on the trees are starting to change color, so beautiful! Day 1 we went to Alden, the Shorts which was amazingly good beer and food! Then we went to Meads cider bar and tried all kinds. Dont be afraid to try the spicy ones! They are actually great! Day 2, We went to the Elk Farm in Gaylord. Pretty cool! From there we headed to the Sleeping Bear Sandunes. Highly recommended! We are not in that good of shape to climb those hills but it was SO worth it. The views! Went to the Riverwalk Grill for dinner. A bit pricey but good food. We also went a couple of times for dinner at Pearls. Cute and interesting place, great drinks ! Day 3 Hiked in Glacial Hills. Really pretty and so many paths to take. From there is was Macinaw City. A must do! Lots more to do around here- Wish I would have known about beforehand. We didn’t have time to do it all. We had a great time but will have t come back. Barbara was so informative. And we love Molly. Everything was so thoughtful and so quiet. We will be visiting again. Thank you! Youngstown, Ohio

2019

We had a wonderful time at the cabin. We managed to find plenty of things to do since it was in the 50’s the whole time. We travelled out to Traverse City.. Went to Shorts in Bellaire, Had a great hike in Glacial Hills. From the Dockside restaurant there is a beautiful view of Torch Lake- a must see. We will be back! Go Blue! – June 2019

We had a great time! We loved hanging out at the campfire! We went t every beach access it seems. We rented a boat for the day- TOTALLY worth it! We also went antique shopping at every lace possible! Thank you for letting us stay at this lovely cabin. Until we meet again. A bientot! – June 2019

This cabin is perfect! Ryan and I couldn’t have been more blessed for our birthdays! You made us feel right at home. You were very informative with best beach suggestions, shops etc. Thank you again for this beautiful cabin! We will definitely be back! God Bless you! – June 2019

Our stay was wonderful! the cabin was perfect, so cozy and very comfortable. We enjoyed everything! Thank you for being an awesome hostess! – July 2019

A Million thanks for such a wonderful stay. The cottage is perfect! You are very special and we appreciate your hospitality. Everything that we could have needed was here. We enjoyed it so much up here. It was a great Anniversary. Thank you for all the information and tips. It was SO helpful. Blessings to you! – July 2019

Thank you , thank you, thank you for sharing a little slice of your heaven with us. Its great to see people still take pride in their home. What a great few days we had here. “The Local was great for breakfast, then we got a chance to get lunch up at the Torch Lake Cafe in East Port. The food and service was 5 star! Thank you again. This place is truly one with nature. Peace be with you. – July 2019

This cabin is the perfect retreat! Your advice on local things to do and see eat, drink was SUPER helpful. Wish we had the same everywhere. Torch Lake is just awesome and just sitting on the patio amongst the flowers- so so peaceful . Many thanks – August 2019

Beautiful place to visit. Beautiful weather for the whole week. Torch Lake is great! Sunsets, great! Thank you for a quiet cozy place to rest our heads after long days of exploring the area. – August 2019

Beautiful weather, cozy cabin, ideal location. We recommend “ The Local” in Elk Rapids for lunch. Hikes are abundant and beautiful kayaking on the lake is definitely a must. Can’t say enough good things. Thank you! – August 2019

Thank you Barbara for all your kind hospitality and letting us stay in your Flower Garden Cabin. This was our first time at Torch Lake.Wow. The water is just so beautiful! We will be back! – September 2019

The Flower Garden Cabins was nice and cozy. Everything was clean and the extra special touches were so nice. Barbara is a great hostess and a wealth of knowledge about the area. Thank you!! – September 2019

Great little cabin. Good times. Beautiful Torch Lake, and Trails. We’ll be back next year. ;-) Thank you!!! – September 2019

Barbara was a great hostess. The cabins are very cute and cozy. We loved Torch Lake!!! This place is so peaceful, anyone would LOVE it here! Wonderful place to stay. Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. – September 2019

2018

Thank you so much! The Flower Garden Cabin was perfect for a relaxing and peaceful stay. – Ohio, 2018

Thank you Barbara for being the perfect host. The cabin is beautiful and we loved the coffee choices and fire pit. Its definitely worth it to rent a boat for the day to explore Torch Lake! We went to many of the nearby restaurants and now have our favorites! Sleeping Bear dunes is a must do day trip! The Hills are amazing! See you again next summer! – July 2018

Amazing little cabin and great beaches!  My lady and I had the best time ever.  Thank you. We will see you again! – July 2018

We had the best time! This is our 2nd year here and it was even more amazing than our first visit! The beac was just gorgeous and we just RELAXED! We went Kayaking this time and to the Torch Riviera restaurant which we highly recommend! We cannot wait to come back next year to the Flower Garden Cabin. Its our favorite!  And we love Molly!  Sincerely and much love. – July 2018

As all have written, this cabin and Barbara are marvelous!  We prefer the Severance Ave beach to all in the area.  The sandbar was a ton of fun. Elk Rapids and Alden have such cute shops and good food!  Thank you! – August 2018

Thank you so much for your warm welcome! We enjoyed it here SO MUCH! The Flower Garden cabin is so cute and had everything we could possibly need. We enjoyed sitting on the porch and hearing the birds! The garden is so beautiful! Thank you for all the tips on where to go around Torch Lake. The lake is a jewel!    God Bless – Aug 2018

Thank you for your gracious hospitality for our belated Anniversary vacation. Torch Riviera had the best gluten free pizza I have ever found- homemade crust! We enjoyed visiting all the shops in Elk Rapids. Rain put a damper on some of our plans but we were able to enjoy the beach area at Veterans Park before the rains came. The cottage is very cozy and in such a beautiful location. Thank you again! – Aug 2018

We have had a BLAST! We visited Shorts, the Harbor Cafe (our favorite), the Dockside, Blues, and The Local. We adore this location and the BEAUTIFUL lake. We only got in the water once due to the weather but it was worth the wait! We immediately felt welcome in our cozy clean cabin. Barbara has done a wonderful job. Hope to come back for a future Anniversary. Thank you again SO much! – Sept 2018

2017

Thank you for sharing your Flower Garden cottage. What a joy! As soon as we arrived, back home was forgotten. Torch Lake is so beautiful!  We rented a boat at Butches Marine for 2 days. We went to Lake Bellaire where we fished. Loved it! We had to grill the walleye we caught  fresh from the lake for dinner one night. What a treat! Dockside was great for lunch and at Pearls we had such a nice dinner. Highly recommended! Last but not least, Barbara you have been a great host. Privacy was great. You had the cabin stocked sonicely. Molly is such a good dog and well trained. Thanks for everything! Grand Haven.  – Aug 2017

We  loved our stay at the Flower Garden Cabin! It was everything we hoped for -and more. You’ve thought of everything! The maps and restaurant list you gave us were especially helpful. We loved eating at “the Local”, and dinner at Shorts Brewery - excellent. We drove one day to Charlevoix to see the “mushroom houses”. We also drove the Leelanau Peninsula to visit 5 wineries. Coming back here each evening to relax on the porch, reading or playing the guitar was the perfect way to enjoy the wine we purchased in Leelanau! We will be back! Thank you so much! Farmington Mi. – July 2017

What a cute cabin!  We had busy days scouting about the area, fishing, found great place to eat and swim…and each night we would come back to a cozy cabin to rest. We loved it! – July 2017

What an amazing week in your beautiful Flower Garden Cabin. The cottage offered us so much peace and tranquillity from our busy lives. Loved all the nature around us! We saw so many birds and a faux ran thru the woods as we were enjoying our coffee on the porch. The weather was incredible. We boated all of Torch Lake, Lake Bellaire, Elk Lake,Clam Lake, Clam river and grass River- even Grand Traverse Bay! Loved all the nearby restaurants and local wine tasting. We loved the quaint feel of your cottage and all the special care taken to ensure we had everything we needed. We would love to stay another week and will share our memories created for a lifetime!  Thank you! Grand Rapids Mi. – July 2017

Thank you for sharing your Flower Garden Cabin with us. We had a WONDERFUL weekend. This was our 29th Anniversary weekend getaway! We spent the weekend on Torch Lake- rented a pontoon- loved every minute. – June 2017

Thank you for allowing us to stay in the Flower Garden Cabin for our “baby moon”. We really enjoyed our stay here!  We could not have asked for better hospitality! You really went out of your way to make us feel welcome. All the information on the area around us that you provided was very helpful. We hope to return to the Flower Garden cabin again in the future and will definitely be recommending it to all our family and friends!  Thank you!  Waterford Mi. – June 2017

2016

This was the perfect cabin for our weekend getaway. You have everything that we needed and we felt right at home. Time flew!  We will have the Flower Garden Cabin in mind for our future “up north” adventures. Thank you!  – Oct 2016

This cute little cabin was exactly what I was looking for. We enjoyed every minute of our stay- and you thought of everything! We only wish we had more time; there is so much to see and do. We will definitely rent this sweet cabin again. Sad to leave.  – Sept 2016

This cabin is MAGICAL!  It was so great to wake up to the sound of birds and the sunlight coming in thru the windows!  Thank you for all of your insights.It made our trip so much more special. We will be back.  – Aug 2016

We throughly enjoyed our stay! The place is just beautiful and cozy. We enjoyed watching the bees and hummingbirds while relaxing on the screened in porch. After spending the day PaddleBoarding on Torch Lake it was so nice to come back here to cuddle up in the comfy bed.  Thank you for your hospitality. – Aug 2016

Thank you so much for letting us stay in the beautiful Flower Garden Cabin! We cannot get over how amazing it and your whole property is! We will definitely be coming back in the future!  Thank you for all your helpful tips and suggestions. We loved eating at the Dockside overlooking the water. We explored Old Mission Peninsula and tasted wine on the Bay as the storms rolled in. We appreciate your hospitality so much and can’t wait to come back. – Aug 2016

We truly enjoyed the days we spent in the Flower Garden Cabin. We admired your plantings and were amused by the regular, punctual and daily visits of all the hummingbirds. The location is excellent; quiet and provided our base camp for us to wander throughout the area.  Thank you for looking after the details and for making our stay comfortable and quiet. Wishing you continued success.  – July 2016

Thank you for helping my husband and I find this special place to stay! I enjoy flowers and birds so much and the “stillness” here as well. Your recommendation of renting a pontoon on Torch Lake was PERFECT.  We had an awesome experience on this gorgeously clean clear Lake.Well worth the money as was this cabin rental. Thank You!  – July 2016

Thank you for everything! The moment we arrived you made us feel so welcome! We were welcomed by a cute cozy&clean cabin. Made us feel right at home.  Thank you so much for being so kind. If you are ever in Scottsdale, please look us up! Thank you again for such a wonderful vacation!  – July 2016

We had a wonderful stay at the Flower Garden Cabin.The weather didn’t turn out so great for the lake so we went to Traverse City for some shopping and visited some wineries along the way. The location is wonderful; it s so quiet and peaceful. Despite the rain we did have a small fire last night. What a wonderful way to spend our Anniversary. Thanks for being a wonderful host.    – July 2016

The cabin is very cute and cozy. We had a fire and spent a ton of time on the sandbar. We really enjoyed our time here and this will be our annual trip from now on. – July 2016

Barbara and Molly were gracious and helpful hosts. Loved relaxing by the water.I magining  the possibilities with natural beauty as our guide. Sitting by the fire and on the porch. Sharing laughter and making memories…  – June 2016

2015 - 2010

We had the PERFECT stay for our Honeymoon!  We came last summer and knew we had to return.  Love the beautiful scenery! Went kayaking this time on Torch Lake. It was AMAZING! Thanks for everything. – June 2015

First time I spoke to you on the phone in April about your place I knew right then I was going to love this place. After many calls to try to find a place for this particular weekend, I was so so excited when you said your cabin was available!  You were so wonderful about explaining your place and the area, and when we arrived it was everything you said it was- AND MORE!  We booked a charter fishing trip. We highly recommend this inexpensive day out on the water- learning different fishing techniques on the Bay and Catching Fish!!!!  We caught Lake Trout, Cisco White fish and so many we had to throw some back!  The day was so amazing!  Then to top it all off we came back to the cozy cabin and grilled our fish with a glass of wine out on the porch!  We did so many fun things, and took leisure walks. The sounds of Nature on the porch will stand out most though. Thank you!  – June 2015

We spent a lovely Honeymoon here! Couldn’t have asked for more! Thank you for your incredible hospitality and thoughtfulness. We loved the atmosphere and great location.  Keep your eyes open for hummingbirds!  Severance Beach is a great beach and swimming spot!  – June 2015

We had an absolutely wonderful and relaxing time staying in the Flower Garden Cabin. We loved waking up here, sitting in the porch, and listening to Nature. Torch Lake is GORGEOUS! We can’t wait to make this an annual trip, and return next summer as a newly married couple. Thanks for everything! – Aug 2014

We had a great stay here at the Flower Garden Cabin We moved away several years ago and came back for a visit to enjoy the beauty of the area. Very peaceful. We slept in and woke to the birds chirping! Went to Pearls- our absolutely FAV restaurant.  The Village market in Elk Rapids has a fabulous selection of wine. Am sad to leave but we will most definitely be back. Thanks for such a wonderful stay. – Aug 2014

What a beautiful and relaxing cabin! This has been a great Honeymoon for the two of us. Thank you!  – July 2014

We enjoyed our stay in your cute, cozy cabin in the woods. It was fun to explore all the little towns around the area. We especially enjoyed Elk Rapids and the Palmer-Wilcoc Gates preserve is awesome!  We also went to the Grass River Natural area- twice- to walk the boardwalks- very nice. Dinner at Siren Hall, Pearls and Lulu’s twice!  All delicious! Beautiful Lake, beautiful area. Thank you!  – June/July 2014

Thank you for the fantastic stay at Torch Lake! We had a great time exploring Northern Michigan. Great hiking, great food, awesome hospitality. This is such an amazing part of the country. We especially enjoyed boating out on Torch Lake.  The water is so crystal clear that you can see 20 feet down! We made it all the way around the lake and even had time to relax on the sandbar. Great visit. We will come again. Thanks@!  – June 2014

You have such a beautiful place here! We loved staying in the Flower Garden Cabin; enjoying time on the screened in porch. We had the opportunity to visit Alden, Elk Rapids, and Bellaire. Your recommendations were spot on! We couldn’t think of a better place to spend our Anniversary! Thank you. We look forward to doing this again.  – June 2014

So happy we found this adorable place. We were up in Traverse City for a wedding, then came here to be close to friends in the area. Such a unique place! We love it!  Thank you!  – May 2014

"The cabin was so warm and cozy. So quiet and peaceful! We appreciated all the amenities and the extra added touches made it an even better stay.  Loved the beautiful gardens, porch and fire pit. Very close to beaches- which we enjoyed greatly.  You are a great host. Thank you! We would love to come back. Our stay was too short!  Thanks again." – Sept 2013

"My boyfriend and I have had the best weekend together in 5 years!  "Shorts" in Bellaire is the best!  You have to be stealthy to get a table! Chateau Chantal is excellent for wine tasting. The vineyard is so beautiful!  Thank You!" – Sept 2013

"This place is all I expected and more. No words can express how truly lovely it is and how beautiful you keep it here!  Love it here and can't thank you enough." –  Aug 2013

"This cabin has been a huge blessing for my wife and I. Thanks for everything! It has been a cozy, quiet, and peaceful place to rest. We enjoyed the lake, local dining and the surrounding sights. Definitely a worthwhile stay. We'll be back!" – Aug, 2013

"What has  so far been for us a very challenging year, this place has been a much needed getaway. Being in nature with all the beautiful flowers, hummingbirds, bees, woodpeckers etc, as well as the simple elegance of this place- the cabin and the area has helped us to re-connect and to recognize what is truly important.  Thank You!" – Aug 2013

"We loved our time in this wonderful cabin! The location is perfect - close to so many places. We really enjoyed wine tasting! We can't wait to come back next year! Made for a great Honeymoon!" – July 2013

"What a beautiful quaint cabin in the woods! We came here often when growing up and have come back after 45 years! Torch Lake is still as beautiful!  Barbara (and Molly) are the sweetest hosts! Wonderful little getaway! Thank you!" – July 2013

"We loved it here and can't wait to come back! We went into Traverse City, swimming in Torch Lake, We fished; caught our own bass and perch for dinner! What a great place to stay!" – June 2013

"Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful Flower Garden cabin with me and all the other travellers in this world. All the flowers are in bloom with hummingbirds buzzing in and out. The lilies smiled up at me each morning! The hammock, paths, trees, seem to be perfect places for the fairies to reside.  Swimming in Torch Lake's splendor was just wonderful. This little place is very special. Thank you for a wonderful getaway." – Aug  2012

"Torch Lake is BEAUTIFUL!  We really enjoyed discovering the area. We spent alot of time just hanging out at the cabin. It was so quiet and peaceful. The porch is a great place to relax and read. We took the jet ski out, had great ice creme at Higgins Country Store, awesome dinner at Dockside. Thank you for everything. It was perfect." – Aug 2012

"We feel so lucky to have found your sweet comfortable, lovely cabins. Our first Anniversary was ALMOST perfect. PERFECT would have been staying a week longer (or more!) Thank you for being such a gracious host. All the beaches you recommended were amazing.  And so much more. Thank you again." – July 2012

"Thank you for the privacy and seclusion of the cabin. Everything was so thoughtful and accommodating. The flowers are so beautiful as well as the rest of the scenery. It was so nice to renew our vows and our love for each other- and get to know each other on a deeper level in a stress-free environment.  God Bless you!" – July 2012

"I must say you have quite a little "home away from home". We have fallen in love with this place. Its the perfect location for two lovebirds to escape the big city- to relax and enjoy nature. We especially enjoyed hiking, taking in the splendor of Torch Lake, and roasting marshmallows at the fire pit. You have really thought of everything. We will be back!" – June 2012

"Wow, so beautiful! No one needs to wonder why Torch Lake is the 3rd most amazing Lake in the world! Just relax and enjoy... The Flower Garden Cabin makes it easy!  Rent a pontoon and have a great day on the lake! Barbara also helps to make everything possible!" – Waterloo IN

"Wow, we are so lucky to have found this place for our Honeymoon. This is such a beautiful place to stay. We love everything about it and we want to come back! The cabin is perfect for us. The woods, nature, the breathtaking lake, shops, Old Mission peninsula and especially the cabin was all more than amazing. You are an awesome host, available when we needed you, and gave us perfect privacy. We rented a pontoon for Torch lake and had the most beautiful day! Everything was perfect and we thank you for everything." – Aug 2011

"We have had a wonderful stay here. The cabin is cozy and comfortable & has all the amenities you need. We loved the flowers, the hummingbirds, and visits from Molly.We really enjoyed the Old Mission Peninsula, the wineries- discovered how really good Michigan wine is! We also enjoyed shopping in Old Town Traverse City.
Our last day we hiked the Grass Valley Nature Trails, swam and had a picnic at Torch Lake.  Wonderful!" – Aug 2011

"I am enchanted with this lovely cabin! I feel my body unwinding in the serenity of the remarkable splendor. It feels like I've been transported to another era... maybe 20's or 30's. Torch Lake is exquisite! Thank you for all the details that made our stay perfect." – Aug 2011.

"My cousin and I had a lovely time. So nice to take a break from our busy city lives. You have a sweet set up and we loved our time kayaking and paddle boating on the beautiful lake! Thank you!" – Downers Cove, Ill. July 2011

"We had a wonderful week & Honeymoon at the Flower Garden Cabin! It was a perfect home base to explore the area and so adorable and comfortable!  For day trips we ventured up to the U.P, to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, (Awesome!)  Mackinac Island, Leelanau Wineries, (highly recommended) especially Black Star Farms. and we also went to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park!  Torch Lake is so beautiful. We had a very relaxing time on the beach, wading, swimming, kayaking. We even picked our own cherries at King Orchards!  We had everything we needed in the cabin. Thank You!" – July 2011

"We had a wonderful time in the Flower Garden Cabin! We found this location to be a perfect home base for exploring the Torch lake area, surrounding towns, sites and activities. Thank you for a wonderful, memorable stay." – 2010

"We loved this adorable cabin!" – 2010

"We love it here! Torch lake is so beautiful and our cabin is just adorable. We spent a full day on the boat, then docked in Alden for a picnic and shopping. We will be back!" – 2010

Hidden Oak Cabin

2023

"This place is so magical! We are so happy we found this place! Its the perfect blend of peace Quiet, plus all the fun things to see and do in the nearby area. Our stay could not have been better. We loved every minute and are sad to leave! Next time we hope to come for a longer stay. Time flew by! Thank you so much. We love it here!" July 2023

"Barbara, Thank you so much for everything. It’s such a beautiful place! We would love to return For our Anniversary. See you again next year!" July 2023

"Barbara, this vacation was just what we needed. Four whole days of rest and rejuvenation from our busy lives. We kept our daytime adventures close by; visited Alden, Elk Rapids and the Leelanau Peninsula. We walked long on the beach. We found a few beautiful Petoskey stones which are amazing and fascinating ! We just loved being here. Thank you so much. So beautiful. Especially loved the fresh flowers in the cabin. So homey and welcoming! Well be back!" August 2023

"Thank you for your kind hospitality in this Hidden Gem! We really feel we got so lucky to find this place. Just perfect for us. We had such a good time! Wasn’t hard to fill the days with scouting about the nearby towns, checking out the local eateries, walking the beaches. We also lucked out with perfect weather. So blessed! This place is very special. Gave us the R&R we needed to go back to our busy lives. Thank you so much!" August 2023

2022

"We really enjoyed our stay - once again. We brought friends this time and they also had a great time! We can’t wait till the next time. Barbara was great to help with anything we needed. Till next time, Thanks again." Luke and Melissa July 2022

"Barbara, Thank you for all the amazing hot[pitality while we were here for my daughters 15th Birthday. Thank you for the chocolates and card you gave her. We had so much fun exploring the nearby towns and kayaking Torch Lake. We even swam in Elk River. Checked out the boomers ice cream place. Awesome! Also we went rock hunting win Petoskey, and along the lake shores. Your cabins are definitely the best kept secret around here! Thank you again!" Lindsey and Lilly July 2022

"So glad we finally made it up here! Your place is so beautiful! Had such a great 3 days! The cabins are awesome, and then some! We are really looking forward to coming again next season now. You really can’t beat “Up North”!!!!" Thank you! August 2022

2021

"We had a great time! Thank you Barbara!” Ohio

“We really enjoyed our stay at the Hidden Oak Cabin! Super cute, inside and out. Loved your deer- and total “up north” look. We rented a pontoon and had a really great time on the water. Micos is a great place for dinner. The whole area is beautiful- we took several long walks and everyone is so friendly. Went to Traverse City for golf at Elmbrook- beautiful course. Right Brain Brewery great place too- video games, pinball…. Traverse City is great for shopping, - then drinks at U&I Bar! Enjoyable time exploring these places! Thank you Barbara” Kevin and Michelle

"Barbara Thank you for the lovely stay in your cabins! We had an amazing time and Im so happy I spent my Birthday here. Last night my Aunt and I had a bast dancing to live music at Micos. Thank you for being such a lovely host and for the special gift." Krista and Debbie

"We were so fortunate to book this cabin only 4 weeks before arrival. Thank you so very much Barb. All of the info and direction you provided was extremely helpful and appreciated. We feel our stay was too short and we only scratched the surface of this beautiful area. We definitely enjoyed every minute and we hope to come back next year for a much longer stay. Barbara , you have a beautiful place up here. Thank you for having us. We wish you all the prosperity and happiness life can offer." M&K

"We were so fortunate to book this cabin only 4 weeks before arrival. Thank you so very much Barb. All of the info and direction you provided was extremely helpful and appreciated. We feel our stay was too short and we only scratched the surface of this beautiful area. We definitely enjoyed every minute and we hope to come back next year for a much longer stay. Barbara , you have a beautiful place up here. Thank you for having us. We wish you all the prosperity and happiness life can offer." M&K

"Thank you for letting us stay in your pretty little cabin. The Lake was just perfect. Very relaxing , CLEAN and so perfect. We will be back next year. Already looking forward to it. Blessings to you. Thank you!” M&S

"Perfect place to get away and enjoy the sun and the water. Great hospitality and beautiful little cabin. Will be back with the wife soon.” Thank you!” T&L

2020

Thank you so much for the stay in this beautiful cabin in the woods. Torch Lake is a GREAT spot and we enjoyed all of it! Best part was having an evening swim while the sun went down. This was a very relaxing trip and we will be back again. Thank you!

What a great stay! Our cabin was perfect and we loved having meals out on the deck! Thank you for all your recommendations. We were new to the area but plan to come back. What a beautiful lake! Alot of exploring to do. We got so lucky to have a super nice neighbor in the other cabin we got to meet and have stores with by the campfire! Thank you for such a special greeting , knowing we were here to celebrate our 10th Anniversary .

What a great place! Thank you so much!

Covid-19! We had a great time, tho no extra visitors were allowed. This little cabin was perfect for us. I would recommend Dewitts Marina if you have a boat you want to keep in the lake. They were an amazing help. Thank you Torch Lake Cabins, It was really fun. 6 year Anniversary!

First night of good sleep in 17 months since our son was born! Thank you so much! Beautiful!

Thank you for such a wonderful time at Torch Lake. This cabin was perfect for everything we wanted for our getaway. It was a very special 5 year Anniversary . All the best!

Thank you so much for your hospitality. Beautiful spot for a little cabin. We did not have good enough weather for our planned boat rental, but we did have fun checking out all the craft breweries instead!

Such a great place after months of quarantine . This is exactly what we need to rejuvenate our relationship of 8 years together. With kids, this is our first vacation. The amenities provided were great.Lake access is wonderful. All the things you could need, close-by. We had a great time with the folks at the other cabin by the fire! I want to thank you for making us feel right at home. It was so nice to see all the flora and fauna scenery around. WE had an amazing time trying to dodge the acorns coming down from the big old Oak tree. Playful squirrels! We really appreciate the care and concern that was shown to us. We would really like to come back for our next vacation, birthday, Anniversary!

Spent the week at Torch Lake Cabins with my husband, and good friends, in the other cabin. Wow, we had a packed week of fun! Went to Torch Lake beer company in Alden to watch the Lions game. they lost but we won with great food, brews and service. Cajun rub wings, 5 star! We took a trip to Traverse City and rode bikes around town. Stopped for apps and drinks along the way. Next day was sunny and warm so we enjoyed the lake. Water really wasn’t as cold as we expected. Us GIRLS, swam but the guys were too chicken! lol! The next day we took a trip to Mission Point and did some wine tasting and buying and ended the day at MOomers for ice cream. DElishious!!! The following day we went to Charlevoix and Petosky, ate at Beards, stopped at the Casino. The stars are AMAZING! Saw Pisces and Orion. We rented a pontoon on Friday. It was chilly as we took off but the sun shining made it a beautiful day. Sat, time to go. Our friends made us all breakfast at the cabin. Something about eating /cooking outdoors makes the tummy happy. Clear sunny skies, perfect fro the drive home. Great vacation, Thank you!

We stayed 5 days in the Hidden Oak cabin. We had a beautiful time here. TC Charlies and “The Local for breakfast in Elk Rapids were our most favorite places to eat. Shorts brewery was the best . It made me enjoy beer again! We also enjoyed Traverse City. We fished Bass Lake, which was AWESOME. We caught several NOrthern Pike there. We went to several farmers markets. We also made the short drive to see the Elk at the Elk farm in Gaylord. All and all, we had an amazing time and will return back again! Thank you. Canton Oh.

2019

Ben and I had a wonderful time here at the cabin. We kayaked, biked, rented a boat, drove around and visited such great little towns all around. Thank you so much. Everything was great! Can’t wait to come back soon! – June 2019

We had the best little vacation here! The cabin was just what we needed. We spent most of our days out exploring. Great fun! This location is adorable. We loved the butterfly house museum. So much fun! We will be back. We love northern Michigan! – June 2019

Torch Lake has such amazing views! We love this quiet and private cabin; such a beautiful place to spend our 20 yr wedding Anniversary. Alden has some cute shops to visit. Took a trip to Pyramid point overlooking Maple City. Traverse City is a great drive with Lake Michigan shoreline along side. Turtle Creek Casino did not make us rich but was a good time. So much to do! We’ll be back! – July 2019

The cabin is so comfortable and close to everything! We had many great experiences taking our boat on Torch Lake thru the river to Elk Lake. Just amazing. We had brisket for lunch at the Riverside Grill and then dinner at Siren Hall. The Whitefish! Fresh caught local- today! Awesome! "The Local" restaurant for breakfast and lunch is the best around. Fresh food. Omlettes to die for. The best meal by far was “Pearls”. The walleye cooked bronzed style was out of this world. They have live music Thurs-Sat. Guy with a guitar was so good. The best adventure was taking a “fishing trip” from Jim Outfitters”. A 4 hour trip. Pontoon was rigged for fishing- nice guy comfortable boat. My husband and I both caught large steelhead. We took the fish to the smokehouse in Bellaire to be smacked. My husband enjoyed most all of the many ce cream shops around! We did adventure to Traveserse City but a bit crowded for us. We like it around here so much better. The Lake speaks for itself on beauty. Thank you Barbara! – July 2019

We came here to relax and explore the area. We Kayaked and tubed the Lake. We rode our bikes into Alden. We enjoyed the campfire and the wind whispering across the treetops. We rode all around the orchards, and enjoyed just sitting out on the deck. This was a very relaxing long weekend for my husband and I. Thank you for the well stocked coffee and calamine lotion! – July 2019

Thank you so much for all your recommendations and just for everything. We had an amazing time. Thanks so much! – July 2019

Thank you for an awesome stay! You made our 20th wedding Anniversary very special! We will definitely be back! – August 2019

What a quaint slice of heaven. Quiet, alone, and perfectly what I needed to renew and refresh. Solitude and beauty. Thank you. I’ll be back when I am lost again so I can find myself, yet again. I’m leaving here remembering who I am , why I am here and where I am going. Wonderfully grounding vacation. – August 2019

Every time I came in the door I noticed something different! So beautiful. Love the color of the bedding and the silverware and dishes. Most of all we fell in love with Barbara&Molly the minute we met them. Came with my best friend since we were 6 years old and now we are 61! We enjoyed ourselves immensely! – September 2019

What a beautiful weekend in the woods and at the Lake! We had such a marvelous, restful weekend. Torch Lake soothes the soul!!! Love it, love it, love it. Thank you! – September 2019

2018

Thank you again Barbara for such a great stay!  The cabin was perfect and so beautiful! We absolutely loved the deck the best! It has been so peaceful staying here- just what we needed in a relaxing long weekend getaway! – Memorial Day 2018

Thank you so much for helping us celebrate our 1 year wedding Anniversary! We loved the cottage and what a great spot!  I have to say, our last day was our favorite. We went to the Water Fire Vineyard- absolutely amazing!  The wine was great and talk about an amazing view!  We did some shopping in Alden and came back and jumped right in the Lake.  Thank you so much! – June 2018

Thank you for hosting us in your cute little cabin with lots of charm! We had a wonderful time relaxing here and exploring the area on our Honeymoon! We hope to come back someday. Our favorite part of the trip was renting the pontoon on Torch Lake. Fabulous!  Thanks again. – June 2018

Thank you so much for sharing your little cabin with us. We had a great time !he back deck was perfect and LOVE the hammock!  We hope to see you again next summer! – July 2018

When my husband told me we were staying in a cabin in the woods I thought we would be camping somewhere with barely a roof over our heads! I was so wrong! This cabin is filled with charm. We were relaxed & truly on vacation as soon as we walked in the door.  We loved the lake and did a little shopping in the near town of Alden. We will certainly be back! – July 2018

We came here for a wedding in the area and it was more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. Thank you for the charming, warm space. – July 2018

We came for our Anniversary and Barbara, you made it a very relaxing and memorable trip. Thank you for opening up your cabin to us. We went down to one of the beaches and saw fish and snail trails. It was so cool! The public access at Cedar st was perfect for dropping our kayaks in the lake. We followed the shoreline to the sandbar for a relaxing swim. The clarity of the water is stunning. We even found Petoskey stones!  Alden has the cutest shops as does Elk Rapids. We would love to come back. – July 2018

We had the best time celebrating our 1st wedding Anniversary!  We LOVED the cabin, the town, Siren Hall& Blue Water Bistro, Kayaking. Paddle boarding to the Sandbar was absolutely beautiful & simply THE BEST! What a lil slice of heaven you have here in the Hidden Oak! We will definitely recommend it and be back in the future!  Thanks so much for your hospitality. –July 2018

Thank you Barbara for making our experience at Torch Like so nice! This was our first time here and we LOVE IT! The Hidden Oak Cabin is so cute and cozy. Perfect for our trip. Thank you for all the suggestions. Dewitts was the best marina to accommodate our boat! You have been a great host. The cute little paths to the cabin are the best. A very peaceful location- really helped us to disconnect from reality! We really can’t put into words the beauty of Torch Lake. A touch of paradise in the middle of USA. Truly an amazing place! – Aug 2018

Going to Northern Michigan in the fall has been on our “list” for years. Staying in this sweet little cabin made our weekend away all the more special. ;-) We definitely recommend a fall stay here. Not only were the colors of the leaves something to be seen, Barbara made sure we stayed cozy warm with extra cozy blankets- Perfect night’s sleep!  Thanks for everything! – Oct 2018

Thanks for everything Barbara!  From the helpful messages once we had booked to thinking of everything kitting out the cabin! We came up here for a relaxing 3 nights and it has been perfect. The sunrise coming through the windows was a perfect start to each day. This has been the ideal fall getaway! – Oct 2018

2017

Thank you so much for helping us celebrate our 6th wedding Anniversary! This surprise trip is something my husband will never forget. He was in shock all weekend that I pulled something like this off. We had such a great time- and we loved everything about the cabin. We had everything we could possibly need! We went to dinner on Friday at Pearls and it was fantastic. Saturday we went into Alden and then decided to take a drive around Torch Lake since it was raining. We stopped in at Dockside, and from there headed to Charlevoix to explore a bit. We stopped at the beautiful Fishermans State Park and found some Petoskey stones for our daughter. We were thrilled to downtown had an arts and crafts festival going on so we had a nice walk thru that and had whitefish for lunch at the Villager. Delish!  After that we headed back to home base and took the folding chairs down to the beach to relax. Finished off the night with pizza. Yum! What an amazing stay! We hope to be back many times. Thank you again for everything! – Aug 2017

Thank you Barbara for a magical stay in this adorable cabin! Time was too short but we made the best of it. What a beautiful day of kayaking we had.We spend about 4 hours relaxing and visiting the sandbar. We couldn’t get over how clear it was!  I’m so sad to leave but we would love to make this our annual trip. It was the BEST way to celebrate my 35th birthday!  Columba’s Oh. – August 2017

Thank you so much! The Hidden Oak cabin is such an adorable little cabin! We absolutely loved staying here!
Unfortunately the weather wasn’t on our side but hopefully next time it won’t be raining! Again, thank you so much for this great cabin. We will miss it!
 – Aug 2017

Torch Lake is so Gorgeous!  We went to the Dockside and the food was delicious! We enjoyed seeing all the beautiful houses
on the way to Alden. The closest beach, (Stover Ave) was our favorite!  Barbara&Molly were very gracious! 
We will be back ASAP! Indianapolis In.
– July 2017

We had a wonderful time at this cabin, Kayaking and biking around Torch Lake was a blast! 
We were also able to see a little bit of Traverse City. Time went by too fast!
– July 2017

This cabin and it’s location are AMAZING! We had a wonderful and romantic weekend for our 18th Anniversary.
The casino was also good to us!   Thank you!
– June 2017

We greatly enjoyed every minute here!  Thank you for being such a sweet and gracious host.
We truly wish we could spend every year right here.
– June 2017

2016

Thanks again Barbara for a wonderful and peaceful stay at the Hidden Oak Cabin. This is our 2nd time back and it is just enough space for us to relax and enjoy our vacation.  This time around we visited Shorts Brewery, Traverse City, The Local, Pearls, Cellar 152, Leelanau Peninsula, And Veterans Park in Elk Rapids. Many new adventures for us. The reason we visit Torch is for the Lake and it is the most beautiful we’ve seen& of course a stop at the sandbar is a must. We had a wonderful trip swimming, kayaking, &exploring. There is never enough time here but we will be back next year for our 3rd Anniversary!  
– Aug 2016

What a great stay! We absolutely loved your cabin and it was the perfect retreat. We ended up getting pizza from the cone coral and went back again the next night because it was THE BEST PIZZA EVER!  We Kayaked all day and relaxed back here all night. We will be back without a doubt. Your hospitality is second to none. Torch Lake is heaven on earth. Best wishes to all who stay behind us!  
– Aug 2016

Torch lake is considered a gem. Let us preserve it that way! The water is so pristine! During our stay we loved going into the water on a daily basis.  Food wise, we mainly grilled on the BBQ. We bought muffins at the Muffin Tin in Alden. Simply the best! Lastly, thank you for your your hospitality; i.e. taking the time to tell us about the “ins and outs “ of beautiful Torch Lake. Also the owners and staff at the local businesses are so nice!  PS. The bike ride from here to Alden is FABULOUS! Barbara, expect us back in the near future. We have already recommended your lovely place to the whole family!  Thanks again for everything! 
– Aug 2016

We really enjoyed our stay! Your hospitality is awesome! Beautiful place that we hope to come back to again very soon.
Thank you and God Bless!  
– July 2016

You are a very fortunate soul to be able to live among such beauty. We enjoyed our stay. It was exactly what we needed.  
– July 2016

Thank you so much for being so accommodating. We really enjoyed our stay and can’t wait to be back. Hopefully next year! 
 – July 2016

We had a wonderful few days here. If you have a boat, the sandbar is a great place. It was fun to paddle the kayaks out there.  Very much appreciated all of the things the cabin is supplied with. Your suggestions were great and appreciated.  
– June 2016

2015 -2011

It was such a blessing to stay at your wonderfully “quaint” cabin in the woods. My husband and I were looking for a “retreat”, and this was it. We loved sending time on the deck drinking coffee, enjoying the wildlife and scenery of the woods. We also rented a boat for a day on the lake and getting to see the whole lake that way was spectacular!  The sunset over the Lake was picture perfect!  – June 2015

Really relaxing weekend at Torch Lake.  We Hiked Coy Mountain and really enjoyed the ice cream from Alden’s Higgins store. Oh and thanks for having “Shawshank Redemption" in your dvd library. “Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'.” The cabin was so cozy and full of everything we could have possibly asked for.  – June 2015

We came here to celebrate our 1 yr. Anniversary. The cabin is perfect. I love being tucked away the woods. We really enjoyed our stay here and wish we cold stay longer.  We kayaked out to the sandbar. Water was pretty chilly but this is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen!  No wonder that it is in the top 10 most beautiful lakes in the US!   I could stay here forever. This place is just right. I love sitting on the deck and just relaxing. I can’t wait to come back. I’ve been sending pictures to my friends telling them how great it is here. Thank you so much for everything. – Sept. 2014

Thank you for providing a wonderful retreat in the woods for both of us to gorge on all things Northern Michigan. We loved watching the sunrise over Torch Lake, grilling on the back deck, riding our bikes to Alden and so much more!   By far our favorite thing to do was taking a swim in beautiful Torch Lake!  Thank you for the cozy nook and movie library for the couple of rainy afternoons! This vacation was a great way to relax after my Masters exams. We look forward to returning!  ps. We also loved having the “french press” for coffee!  – Sept. 2014

We had a wonderful, peaceful and relaxing time. Although we were only here a few days, it was so nice. Very quiet and a great place to get away. The cabins are wonderful and very cute. Thank yu so much. – Aug. 2014

As soon as we saw the photos on-line, we fell in love with them. Once we got here and saw them, we fell in love all over again! They are PERFECT!  You have everything we needed. We had such an amazing time.  We can’t thank you enough. – July 2014

We absolutely loved or stay here. What a perfect slice of paradise. We love the area and all the attractions, but most of all love hanging around the the cabin, reading and the great deck out back and campfires we the highlights for us. Love the atmosphere you have created here.  I have a feeling that if it were in anyone else hands it would not be half as lovely. Thank you so much for having us. – June 2014

Thank you so much for a wonderful stay! This is the perfect place to take a break and leave the work stress behind. We can’t wait to come back. – May 2014

"Thank you so very much for giving us such a wonderful place to stay! There is truly a peace and serenity here on the land and we felt it. I LOVE the smallness of the cabin and it's contents. Who knew you could be so comfortable in a small cabin!   We had great dinners at both LuLu's and Siren Hall in Elk Rapids. Walked to the lake, bit rainy, but still lots of fun.  It all made for a great Birthday. We look forward to coming back next summer!" – Oct 2013

"My stay here was exactly what I needed.  The Hidden Oak Cabin was the destination and it turned out to be perfect." – Sept 2013

"What a delightful place. It is everything a person needs to wash off the world." – Aug 2013

"Thank you for all your accommodations! We LOVED your cabin! Torch Lake is so beautiful!  I wish we didn't have to leave." – July 2013

"We loved your cabin! We hope to be back next year to stay longer! Thank you for everything" – July 2013

"Thanks for the peace and quiet. We loved it here and will be back." – July 2013

"Your cabin was a wonderful retreat for me. Is/was everything I hoped it would be and more. So much attention to detail. I love the colors of the bed quilt. It makes the cabin so "happy". I really enjoyed the lake in the mornings, reading, relaxing, sketching on the deck, lunch in Elk Rapids, dinners with friends in Traverse City. Thank you for your warm hospitality." – July 2013

"Thanks for a wonderful vacation - It was just what we were looking for. We're sorry that we can't stay longer. You really thought of everything! Thank you." – July 2013

"Thank you for a great place to stay. We had a wonderful time. We wish we could stay longer." – July 2013

"We had a great time staying here! We loved grilling on the deck and making smores!  We had a great dinner at Sirens Hall and enjoyed exploring Elk Rapids. We rented a boat and somehow did not get a drop of rain! "Shorts", Yum!  Thank you for your hospitality!" – June 2013

"Your lot and cabins are cute, quaint, nicely decorated, and most important of all, for me, CLEAN! We have enjoyed our stay fully.  We stopped in Elk Rapids to lay on the beach and watch the sun go down and that is where we found  Petoskey Stones!  SCORE! Mostly though, relaxing at your cabin was our favorite part of this vacation. We're so glad we found you! Thank you for being a great host.  P.S. Love the fresh flowers on the window sill!" – Sep 2012

"Thank you for a wonderful, relaxing vacation. The cabin is lovely. We enjoyed renting a pontoon boat and jet skiing on the lake. Anchoring at the Sand Bar was a fun experience. We also had a great dinner at LuLu's in Bellaire, followed by ice cream of course! Our soon to be born son needs his ice cream!  Thank you again!" – Aug 2012

"Many Thanks for providing us with your wonderful accommodations! Your thoroughness and thoughtfulness is quite exemplary! We were able to successfully (?) kayak 15 miles of Torch Lake, which left our thirtysomething bodies a bit toasty. The sandwiches and beer at "Shorts" Brewery were outstanding - a highlight. The cabin is cozy and charming. We really appreciate the use of the grill, hammock, and delicious coffees and teas! Thank you!" – Aug 2012

"Had a wonderful stay at the Hidden Oak - Secluded, but not too secluded, a little rainy, but cozy rainy, and overall the perfect base camp for Traverse area adventure. Really a magical little spot tucked away in the woods. Thank you!" – July 2012

"We had a GREAT time! Thank you so much for everything. Can't wait to come back again. This is my fiance's first time up here and I must say Torch Lake is a great place to start new memories! This trip was one of the best for us. P.S. Your flowers are gorgeous!  Really enjoyed the butterflies and hummingbirds!" – July 2012

"Thank You! The Hidden Oak is a quaint and cozy cabin- very relaxing! Loved sitting on the deck hearing the songbirds, being surrounded by all the trees. Enjoyed walking across the road to the lake to watch the sunrise. On the 4th we saw the great fireworks show! We went to the Leelanau winery's, Sleeping Bear Dunes, visited with friends in Charlevoix... Had a wonderful week!" – July 2012

"Thank you Barbara for providing such a precious little escape cabin to celebrate our 9th Anniversary! You have every welcoming detail covered.  We loved taking naps in the cool cabin, enjoyed the "Starbucks" on the deck, cooking on the grill, and swinging in the hammock. Molly is a sweetheart. We hope to come back this way and stay again!"  – Mason Mi June 2012

"The Hidden Oak Cabin captured my heart and imagination. Its hard to recount
all the treasures and wonder here around me. A deft and loving hand created this remarkable place to rest, think, dream and love. What a joy this place is-  near the majesty of the bluest, cleanest, clearest lake I have ever seen! Thank you for such a wonderful time. Leaving here is hard but it will stay with us for a long time - until we can come back!"
– Homewood Ill.  Sept 2011

"Thank you so much for such a nice "30th" Anniversary spot. Such a nice place to relax and enjoy the outdoors! The perfect spot to relax and unwind from all the stresses at home. Found a little bit of heaven at Torch Lake! Love the cabin and "Molly". Hope to visit again." – Palos Park Ill.  Aug 2011

"Thank you for sharing your lovely little cabin in the woods. You have thought of every detail and have obviously poured plenty of love and imagination in the decorating.This trip was a homecoming for me, and a new adventure for my friend.  We visited some of my favorite places. The only downside was not being able to stay longer! I definitely want to come back here to enjoy the serene woods, coffee on the deck, and to bike around the area to discover amazing little secrets about this part of Michigan I love so much."  – Aug 2012

"Thank You! We had such a special and wonderful vacation at your cabin!
We packed in so many activities during our stay; hiking, swimming in gorgeous Torch Lake, shopping local markets, tubing down Platt River, too much to mention it all. We will long remember this special place and look forward to when we can return." 
– Rena and Caspar

"We have had a wonderful time staying in the Hidden Oak Cabin! The pictures do not do the place justice.This is such a nice place to relax.  We spent some time in the nearby towns of Charlevoix and Petoskey and it was just so great to come back to this cabin to rest from a long day.Our many walks along Torch lake made this vacation very special". – July, 2011

"We had a blast at the Hidden Oak Cabin!  We spent one of the days doing the Leelanau wine tour and came back to the cabin to grill a delicious dinner!We were so happy that the cabin provided all the needed kitchen utensils!   We went to the Torch Lake sandbar, Lulu's in Bellaire, and to Shorts Brewery.On the way home to our cabin we saw the most beautiful sunset over Torch Lake!  We will be back! "  –  July 2011

"We just can't say enough good things. We love it here!" – July 2011

Torch Lake was ranked as “the third most beautiful lake in the world” by National Geographic.

Within thirty minutes to an hour from common destinations of Traverse City, Charlevoix, Gaylord and Petoskey, it is Michigan’s longest inland lake at 18 miles long, and covers an area of 29 square miles! One of the things that makes this lake so unusual is its’ amazingly beautiful color. It is a mixture of light green, blue and turquoise -- very similar to colors seen in the Caribbean.