The Inn thing! Spend a relaxing weekend at Canfield House in Onekama, the 2022 Red Hot Best first place winner for the Bed & Breakfast and Place for a Wedding categories.
A historic home in Onekama—once the summer residence of lumber baron Charles Canfield and rumored to have welcomed Al Capone for a night—now channels its charm as the Canfield House B&B. Built in 1900 and dubbed the “inn on two lakes,” this getaway sits on Portage Lake with access through a nearby channel to the endless expanse of Lake Michigan. It’s a win-win, to say the least.
This summer marks the first full year of ownership for Kyle Miller who, along with his parents Nancy and Stefan Miller, bought it last year from Paul and Jane Mueller, the owners who established it as a B&B in the late 1990s.
The Millers are from Indiana and have vacationed in Onekama since 1985, starting back when Kyle was just a kid. “I was about ten and our friends owned a cottage on the same road as the Canfield House,” he says. “Even then, I dreamed of someday owning this home because it was so unique. Now, here we are!”
Photo by Canfield House Bed & Breakfast
Here’s a sneak peek at what the Millers have done to refresh Canfield House—plus a look at what’s for breakfast.
Guests can rent a room (there are six bedrooms, all with private baths) or the entire home. Upgrades this year include three rooms entirely renovated, and air conditioning added throughout—an unimaginable luxury when the home was built 122 years ago.
Kyle says “The Moorings” suite is their biggest and most popular room, with a king-sized bed and sitting area overlooking the lake.
Guests can (and will, without a doubt) enjoy the 200 feet of private frontage on Portage Lake, relax on the huge wraparound porch with rocking chairs and partake in the inn’s complimentary bikes, kayaks and SUPs. And everyone loves the comfort of the giant fieldstone fireplace in the main room, plus, breakfast in the shared dining area.
Photo by Canfield House Bed & Breakfast
Breakfast at Canfield House
“One of the biggest hits with guests is our blueberry French toast soufflé,” Kyle says. “It’s made in a ramekin with cream cheese, blueberries and bread and served with local maple syrup.”
Other favorites include omelettes with fresh eggs from local farms, and a multitude of quiches. “Our most popular is our sausage and cranberry quiche,” Kyle says. “It’s an unusual combination, but wow, is it good!”
Kyle and his mom, Nancy, divvy up the cooking. They have an impressive recipe roster they rotate through, and guests are promised new choices every morning of their stay.
Photo by Canfield House Bed & Breakfast
Onekama Favorites
In town, Kyle recommends these two spots for a meal…
Anytime: The Blue Slipper. “Think the perfect small-town bar,” he says. “They have a great selection of food and drink.”
Dinner: The Glenwood. “This place has white linens, so it’s a little nicer but still casual,” he says. “Get their almond-battered shrimp, it’s wonderful!”
When You Go…
This B&B is a sweet spot to explore the little-known (and well-known) gems of Northern Michigan. The location is perfect for day trips to nearby Manistee, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Frankfort, and Traverse City is about an hour away.
Photo by Canfield House Bed & Breakfast
Kandace Chapple is a freelance writer and founder of the Michigan Girl Bike Club. Reach her at kandacechapple.com