2010 Owner Profile - The Argyles

Young family heads north year ‘round

With four young girls who love a good adventure, the Argyle family of Freeland wanted a northern getaway where nature’s playground was always open.

When lots became available for purchase at Hearthside Grove, they were quickly in line to buy.

“It was really a decision that made immediate sense to us,” said mom Laura, VP of finance and CFO for the Midland Center for the Arts. “The year ‘round availability, combined with the many years we have to enjoy the community, as well as its location in Northern Michigan, really made the decision an easy one.”

When they’re in town, the Argyles make the most of all the area has to offer. Daughters Victoria, 12, Kaylee, 10, Alyssa, 8, and Sophia, 6, take to the trails with mom and dad on their motorcycles and bikes, head out on the water on both the Great Lakes and the meandering Inland Waterway, with golf ranked high on the list for dad. “He has started taking the girls a bit, too!” added Laura.

Because Hearthside Grove is open year ‘round, the family also brings ski gear to take advantage of the nearby wintertime resorts. Within a half-hour drive of Hearthside, three large destinations — Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and Nub’s Nob — offer dozens of runs from bunny hill to black diamond, plus tubing areas, snowboard terrain parks and cross-country trails.

With young kids in tow, the Argyles present a perfect example of a trend in motorcoaching, and particularly the appeal of service-oriented, luxury RV communities like Hearthside.

“We have enjoyed RVing for the past 12 years with our travel trailers and fifth-wheel prior to purchasing the motorhome,” said Dennis, VP of finance and CFO of Knight Facilities Management, adding that the family travels now in a 38-foot Fleetwood Bounder. “We have really enjoyed the friends we have made over the years, as well as the many different parts of the country the kids have experienced.”

For the Argyles, packing in as much sightseeing as possible is tops on the itinerary. Day trips from Petoskey typically include a two-plus hour drive to the spectacular Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula, or to Sault Ste. Marie to watch the ships travel through the famed Soo Locks.

But many times, they find they don’t need to leave the immediate Petoskey area, Laura said. “Our favorite eating spots are Pancake House for breakfast, Northwoods and Hidden River’s Friday night seafood buffet, as well as the Bob-In Again for custard,” she said. “The Taffy Barrel in Charlevoix is a favorite, too!”

When they’re not out visiting the many treasures of the North region, they’re parked back at their lot at Hearthside, which includes a standard 12-by-16-foot bungalow. “It includes sleeping quarters for all six of us. Therefore, we will be using it several weekends in the winter months to spend time in Petoskey,” said Dennis.

The amenities at Hearthside, such as the bungalows, its newness and the fact that it is owned and developed by the Roses of Petoskey, were all “key ingredients” in the family’s decision to promptly purchase a lot.

“(The Roses’) commitment to customer service is second to none — even Disney,” said Laura. “They are always looking for ways to better the RV environment, to make the resort literally a second home vs. ‘just a campground.’

“For us, since we are a younger generation, we really have enjoyed ‘growing up’ with Craig and Kirk (Rose). Their children are the same ages as our kids, which adds to the fun and excitement.”

Motorcoach Living » Owner Profile: The Argyles