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Motel Bear Lake Press

  • A swimming pool area with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a fence, with a building and trees in the background.

    From Schitt's Creek to Bear Lake: A retro-modern motel restoration

    Motel Bear Lake, whose tagline is “A Nice Place to Stay,” Schitt’s Creek’s themes of love, acceptance, and hospitality “immediately connects with our community and ideal guests”…

    Northern Express
  • Two women standing outside a brick house, smiling and talking to each other, surrounded by green bushes. One woman has curly gray hair and sunglasses, wearing an orange T-shirt and denim overalls. The other has short dark hair, sunglasses, and is wearing an orange Kawasaki T-shirt.

    My Wife and I Have Traveled All Over the Midwest—Here Are My Top Picks for LGBTQ+ Friendly Romantic Getaways

    When it’s time for a little R&R with your partner, these luxurious hotels, artsy stays, cozy B&Bs and retro motels make for excellent queer-friendly getaways.

    Midwest Living
  • Page from a magazine or book featuring an article titled 'The secret discoveries we tell our friends about,' with a subheading 'Motel Reno with Flair,' and a paragraph describing the transformation of a motel at Bear Lake, previously called Bella Vista Inn, purchased by Marta Turnbull in 2023, highlighting its inclusive and artistic approach.

    The Secret Discoveries We Tell Our Friends About

    In the same spirit that draws international art lovers to Marfa, Texas, Motel Bear Lake has maintained a mindful nod to its roots while unapologetically letting its freak flag fly.

    Traverse Northern Michigan Magazine
  • A building with colorful mural art on its exterior walls, situated next to a grassy area and a sidewalk, under an overcast sky.

    Motel Bear Lake partners with local artists for mural wall

    A showcase of art, culture and community spirit is unfolding in Bear Lake this month, with new murals set to infuse the village with added color and character.

    Manistee News Advocate
  • Webpage header for Pure Michigan, promoting LGBTQ-friendly shops and stops across Michigan during Pride month and beyond.

    Great Lakes Pride: LGBTQ-Friendly Shops and Stops Across Michigan

    Not only during Pride month but all year round, we are proud of Michigan’s long history of standing up for and supporting LGBTQ-owned and operated businesses across the state. Now, it’s your turn.

    PURE MICHIGAN
  • People playing bingo at a table, celebrating during a pride event.

    Up North Pride events include ‘drag bingo,’ sleepover at retro-modern motel

    MANISTEE COUNTY, MI – “Drag bingo” and a sleepover at a retro-modern motel are two ways this Northern Michigan community is celebrating Pride Month.

    MLive
  • A woman sitting on a white bench outdoors in front of a brick building with a large window and a sign that says 'Office'. There are pumpkins and red flowers on either side of her, and yellow leaves scattered on the ground.

    Q&A with Community Faces: Marta Turnbull - Motel Bear Lake

    The Betsie Current caught up with Turnbull as she was preparing for the busy summer season with a calendar full of community events and a never-ending list of renovation projects. 

    The Betsie Current
  • A young girl with long blonde hair wearing a purple top and colorful skirt standing on a sandy path surrounded by green grass, looking out at the ocean.

    Unveiling West Michigan's Hidden Gems

    Nestled in rural Northern Michigan, Motel Bear Lake is a retro-modern motel redefining the roadside lodging experience and revitalizing its local community.

    West Michigan Tourist Association
  • Exterior view of Motel Bear Lake in Manistee County with a sign, holiday wreaths, and leafless trees in the background.

    Motel Bear Lake gets $4,500 grant

    The Motel Bear Lake in Manistee County is one of the several northern Michigan businesses to receive a $4,500 grant.

    It’s through a partnership between 20Fathoms and Venture North in Traverse City.

    Up North Live
  • A woman in a red dress and necklace holding an award standing next to a man in a suit at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Broadcasting Awards event on April 6th, with a large event banner in the background.

    S6,E41: Motel Bear Lake and Manistee Fall Festival

    Located just minutes from Manistee and Arcadia Bluffs, the motel is retro cute, has a seasonal pool, and is both cannabis and LBGTQ-friendly.

    Amy recently stayed here for a few nights while she explored Manistee, and has awarded the property five million stars. She can't wait to return.

    Behind the Mitten (on Spotify)
  • Screenshot of a news section from 20 Fathoms website, dated December 17, 2024, showing a headline about $45,000 awarded to Northwest Michigan small businesses.

    $45,000 Awarded to Northwest Michigan Small Businesses

    Marta Turnbull, Owner of Motel Bear Lake, is one of the entrepreneurs who received a grant. She purchased the motel in 2023 and has been working with a “women-powered” team to update the motel over the past 18 months

    20Fathoms
  • Interior of a renovated guest room at Motel Bear Lake with a large bed, white bedding, a pink decorative pillow, a wooden side table with a white lamp, a wooden armchair, and a wall hanging behind the bed.

    Motel Bear Lake thrives under new ownership

    BEAR LAKE — Nearly two years into its revival, Motel Bear Lake — once a neglected property along Bear Lake's shores — has become a thriving community cornerstone under the ownership of Marta Turnbull.

    News Advocate
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