Yep, we've got gas stations (check out the Blarney Castle), and we've got a municipal building (check out the library if you're spending the summer), and all that stuff. But Onekama is also home to a few things you might not expect to find in a small village in northern Michigan:

People drive from amazing distances to eat at The Glenwood Restaurant on Main Street (M-22). Stop in for dinner, and you'll understand why. This is no greasy spoon -- the quality of food stacks up with the best of Traverse City, Suttons Bay or just about anywhere else you can think of.

Down the street you'll find Creative Expressions, offering excellent bread and coffee to go with it. Order up a tasty sandwich (eat your heart out, Starbucks!), invite someone to join you in one of the board games provided, chat or oogle the international goodies lining the shelves. You can also find exceptionally thick and well-made Onekama sweatshirts here, with properly done embroidered letters instead of the more common heat transfer or air brushed versions.

Don't miss Chippewa Trails, the bulk foods store, right next to Ceative Expressions. Run by and for the Mennonite community, it's full good things you might not expect in small village. Pick up bulk spices and herbs here at excellent prices, and a variety of grains and other pantry items. Look for a clever metal cooking spoon that has a liittle catch for hanging inside the cooking pot -- a clever way to keep your counters clean.

The Portage Point Inn has had quite a past, but it endures at the west end of Portage Lake. It's an amazing sight, looming at the edge of the water. Lodging is generally available as are tennis courts and boat slip. Be sure to continue the drive just past the Inn; curve around to the right and find Lake Michigan and the inlet to Portage Lake. A stunning spot at sunset!

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