The Feel of Lakeside
Lakeside feels peaceful and understated. There’s no rush here, no crowds to navigate, just tree-lined streets, lake air, and the sense that time moves a little more gently.
It’s a place that invites reflection. Mornings often begin with quiet walks or coffee enjoyed outdoors. Afternoons stretch comfortably, filled with reading, swimming, or simply being present. For many visitors, Lakeside becomes a favorite precisely because it asks so little of them.
Things to Do in Lakeside
Lake Michigan
& Quiet Beaches
Lakeside’s shoreline offers a more relaxed alternative to busier beaches nearby. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or sitting with a book while waves roll in. The atmosphere is calm, making it easy to spend hours without noticing the time pass.
Nature Walks
& Outdoor Time
Tree-lined roads and nearby natural areas invite slow walks, bike rides, and moments of pause. It’s a place where being outdoors feels restorative rather than active.
Simple
Local Pleasures
Small cafés, local markets, and seasonal stands provide just enough to explore without overwhelming the experience. Lakeside encourages visitors to enjoy what’s nearby rather than rush from place to place.
A Day in Lakeside,
the Petite Acres Way
Days in Lakeside tend to unfold quietly. Guests often begin with coffee enjoyed outside, listening to the sounds of the morning and watching the light move through the trees.
Late mornings might include a walk to the beach or a leisurely bike ride through the neighborhood, followed by time in the sun or a quiet swim as the shoreline slowly fills in. There’s no schedule to follow, just space to move at your own pace.
Afternoons are often spent reading, napping, or taking in the natural surroundings, sometimes with the windows open to let in the lake air. Some guests venture out briefly to explore nearby towns, while others are content to stay close and enjoy the calm.
Evenings settle in gently. A simple dinner, shared conversation, and the soft glow of sunset over the water create moments that feel unhurried and unplanned.
How Visitors Experience Lakeside
Most visits unfold at an easy pace. Mornings begin with lake air and coffee. Afternoons are spent on the beach, exploring nearby towns, or wandering through local shops. Evenings revolve around good food, conversation, and long sunsets.
New Buffalo works especially well as a home base — close enough to explore the region while offering plenty to enjoy on its own.
Local Favorites in Lakeside
Lakeside is about simplicity and quiet pleasures. When guests do head out, these nearby spots tend to shape an easy, satisfying day.
- Spend the morning at Lakeside Beach, enjoying calm water and a quieter stretch of shoreline
- Grab a coffee from Red Arrow Roasters nearby, known for some of the best beans in the area in Sawyer
- Take a relaxed walk or bike ride along the Red Arrow Trail
- For dinner, head just down Red Arrow Highway to The Historian in Sawyer for thoughtfully crafted cocktails and memorable food
These small outings pair naturally with the slower rhythm Lakeside is known for, adding texture without disrupting the calm.
Why Visit Lakeside
Lakeside invites you to slow down and settle in. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing less, with intention. For those seeking calm, simplicity, and space to breathe, it offers exactly what’s needed.
Getting to Petite Acres
Many guests find that the drive itself becomes part of the experience, gradually shifting from city pace to open space and quiet surroundings.
Petite Acres is easily reached from several major Midwest cities, making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways, group stays, and retreats — without the feeling of a long journey
- Chicago: Approximately 90 minutes by car
- Detroit: About 3 hours
- Indianapolis: Roughly 3 hours