Cottage Works helps prepare cottagers for winter.

Julie VanDyke.

Today, we feature one of our great advertisers, Cottage Works of Amber Township. 

AMBER TOWNSHIP — Although summer doesn’t officially end until September 22, the summer tourist season comes to an end this weekend. Despite that, there should still be plenty of nice weather to enjoy the lakes during the “shoulder” season.

Dann and Julie VanDyke, owners of Cottage Works LLC, know much about that shoulder season. The couple owned a cottage on Lost Lake for five years before deciding to move here permanently from the Grand Rapids area. They loved lake living so much they decided to start a business that revolved around it.

“Though we cherish those long summer days, we also look forward to the change of season into fall,” Julie said. “There’s just something really special about it, especially on the inland lakes. Watching the leaves turn from green to the brilliant colors and feeling the temperatures grow crisper is just an amazing experience.”

While Ludington is well known as a tourist destination because of the Lake Michigan beaches and the Ludington State Park, Mason County sees a large increase in population annually because of seasonal home and cottage owners. A large portion of those visitors own homes on inland lakes.

Cottage Works exists to help those cottage owners.

“We provide full service to cottage owners,” Julie said. “Dann and his crew are experts at installing and removing docks and lifts. Our winterization services go beyond the dock though. We provide services for maintaining the cottage as well.”

Cottage Works was started seven years ago. This year, the business expanded to include a retail outlet on U.S. 10-31, between Ludington and Scottville. The retail outlet sells large items such as docks and lifts but also sells furniture and decorative items.

“We call it cottage chic,” Julie said. “The retail outlet has been a great addition to our business and has been well received in the community. We are looking forward to the Christmas season because we have lots of great gifts for everyone.”

Cottage Works will continue to be open through Christmas, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The retail store will then close for the winter and re-open in April.

The store is located at 1795 W. U.S. 10-31.  You can find out more information on their website www.yourcottageworks.com or on FaceBook.