My Pandemic Accommodations: A Review

I’ve been staying at this lovely house in a quaint little town in southeast Michigan during the COVID-19 shutdown. My husband and I have the place to ourselves, of course, shared with 3 cats and some backyard chickens.

The house is nicely situated a few miles from grocery stores and fast food places, and even has a few local spots that have been open for takeout. Fifteen miles away or so - if you want the drive, and who doesn’t these days? - are more grocery store choices, including a Costco.

Plenty of parking in the driveway and on the street. The neighborhood is nice, friendly and suitable for walks - walking downtown is not out of the question, if only it were, you know, open. A rails-to-trails system is also just a short distance away, and offers a beautiful walk, run, or bike opportunity. A short drive takes us to a state recreation area and a metropark with additional trails. These have definitely been a highlight during a stay-at-home order that seems never-ending.

The house itself looks recently renovated and has plenty of space, with a spacious deck and patio to enjoy when the weather is nice. Good internet that only seems to have issues on holidays; cell service is good (Verizon anyway). Comfy beds, fluffy towels. Kitchen is huge and well-equipped - really well, I mean, they even have an InstantPot here, and a mandoline that I have not sliced my hand on (yet), and every type of baking tin known to humankind. And over 30 cookbooks. Of course, this all great now that there is all this time on our hands, right?

The chickens are entertaining, and there are eggs every day. The yard is huge, lots of garden spaces for growing veggies, and a few fruit trees - all of which will be great for upcoming $10 tomato crisis, or whatever will happen with the food supply chain this summer.

I have to say, the meals are fantastic. And the wine pairings - well, wow. Last night was grilled blackened salmon with french fries (roasted, not deep fried, healthy and delicious!) - and Aperol Spritz for happy hour, and a rosé with dinner. The night before was a lovely asparagus (right from the yard!) and mushroom risotto, paired with a very nice Michigan - I know, right? who knew? - fumé blanc. Tonight I hear the menu includes grilled T-bones, roasted asparagus with cheddar sauce, a Caesar salad, and homemade baguettes. Rumor has it this will be served with an affordable but excellent California Zinfandel that just arrived.

Thank god for the running trails or I will have to be rolled out the door when this is all over. And it’s possible I would not even fit out the door.

The only downside is that the cleaning crew has been absent - understandable during the shutdown, of course. Even with just the two of us - it’s amazing how much housework we generate now that we are both home, all the time, eating all our meals here. I think we run the dishwasher every other day. I feel like I vacuum all the time. I almost understand the toilet paper panic now.

All in all, I would give this place 5 stars - maybe 4 if this were normal times and there was still no cleaning crew. But as a place to be stuck for a time during a pandemic? I’ll take it.