I've fantasized about having my own cottage/lodge in northern michigan for a long time. Now I'm looking at lots trying to find a good mix of seclusion and accessibility. On that regard I'm really conflicted. I love the thought of a deep woods retreat, but at the same time, being able to walk into town would be sweet, especially in a place like traverse city. But I only know a teeny bit about real estate and next to nothing about construction.
My entire extended family is from the Keewenaw! It's certainly attractive, and Copper Harbor is like a 10 minute drive from where my Grandpa was born. The U.P. would be ideal if I wanted to live a more monkish existence. But there's something about the area around Traverse City. It feels like an optimal mix between wilderness and civilization.