8446 W Elder Rd, Alden, MI 49612

"Torch Lake is one of the most beautiful, relaxing places in the world. If you're looking for small town charm in a fabulous setting, you've come to the right place. In the summers, the lake is crystal clear and the weather is just perfect (warm days and cool nights). Though the sandbar at the southernmost end of the lake is a weekend party from July 4th until Labor Day, the towns along the lake are much more low-key. Alden has several shops, galleries, parks, a dock for loading/unloading boats, restaurants and HUGE scoops of ice cream at Higgins. The primary industry in the area is tourism, so the town is quiet, to say the least, in the off-season (Oct-June). Summers (and autumns) in northern Michigan are just beautiful but winters, it probably goes without saying, are harsh. (Though if you're into snowmobiling and ice fishing, you can partake in both). In the summer, you can pick cherries and strawberries at local farms and visit area farmers markets for your produce needs. Alden is a (very) small town and the nearby towns of Bellaire and Elk Rapids are both slightly larger (Alden's 'downtown' of consists of one block of shops and restaurants) and boast restaurants that are slightly more upscale than what you'll find in Alden. If you're looking for more/better shopping and nightlife, try nearby Traverse City. Overall though, Torch Lake provides great low key, lake living and is perfect for families, retirees, and people looking to get away. "