The goods and guide featured here are inspired by the simple rhythms that exist in the lake towns that dot the defunct intercoastal known as the Red Arrow Highway in southwest Michigan. Close enough to Chicago to tune into a Cubs game, yet far enough away to feel like you’ve stumbled upon an uncharted isle, this stretch of departed dune offers year round pleasure thanks to the freshwater magnificence of Lake Michigan.

New Buffalo + Union Pier + Lakeside + Harbert + Sawyer + Bridgman + Three Oaks*

Red Arrow Goods & Guide is the creation of Ryan Maconochie. As a curiosity seeker, map maker, coastline admirer, graphic artist and all around foodie, he finds endless inspiration in everything from the area's summertime blueberry bounty to winter's endless onslaught of lake effect snow. The area served him well on countless pit stops between Detroit and Chicago in the 90s during college, then became a go-to summer retreat for many a family vacation in the 2000s, and now serves as a no-place-he'd-rather-be-residence whenever he can escape Chicago with his wife and three kids who also speak fluent lake.

* Three Oaks may not be a lake town, nor is it located along the Red Arrow Highway, but it shares the same spirit as the other mentioned towns in the Red Arrow guide.