Cottage am schönen Lake James

I'm a semi-retired oral & maxillofacial surgeon. I grew up in Detroit, went to school at the University of Michigan, the Michael Reese Medical Center, and the University of Pennsylvania (residency). During the summer I live in the cottage next door to this rental property. During the winter, I am a snowbird and live in Naples, Florida.

Growing up in the city of Detroit I always wanted to live on a freshwater lake. Lakes were plentiful in the suburbs and throughout Michigan. Lake James was my favorite lake while living in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We used to rent dock space until finally a perfect opportunity came up to buy my home lot; firm sandy beach, walking distance to restaurants, private street with backlot, lot is flat. The next door (rental property) became available a year later, in 2004.

Lake James is rated as one of the cleanest lakes in Indiana. The lake has three basins and connects to two other ski lakes, Jimmerson and Snow Lake as well as Big and Little Otter lakes. Our beach is fairly firm, not mucky. The flat lots are convenient, especially as people age. We are within walking distance to Paradise Cafe, Brewskies, Tom's Donut's, Acapulco Grill, Waterfront Bistro, and Yoyo's. Pokagon State Park and the Potawatomi Inn are also on Lake James. Great surrounding golf courses and Angola, Indiana is listed as one of the best small towns, hosting Trine University, The Thunder Ice Arena (indoor ice skating) and The Furth Center for the Performing Arts. Rural King, my favorite store, gives free coffee and pop corn. The fishing is great on Lake James. Plus we are near Interstate 69 and the Indiana Toll Road (I-80 and I-90) near the Michigan and Ohio borders.