Bookending the summer with trips along the Michigan lakeshore is wonderful. It is one of my favorite places to visit. What I find interesting is how the small tourist towns along Lake Michigan are dealing with homes being converted into rental properties. The concern is legitimate. The popularity of spending summers along the lakeshore in Michigan continues to rise, especially for those of us who live in Chicago the rest of the year.
My suggestion to these towns is to find a way to meet demand. Some towns like St. Joseph do not have many options when it comes to traditional hotels. The hotels that do exist close to downtown are in dire need of rehab. It’s no surprise that people are seeking out nicer short time rentals on AirBnB.