Looking for the perfect family vacation spot this summer, but don’t want to travel far, or break the bank? Want to flee with your best girlfriends? Or maybe you and your husband are looking for a weekend getaway? I’ve got just the place! New Buffalo, MI is a modern, but quaint shoreline resort community on Michigan’s west coast, just north of the Indiana border. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Chicago, and is the first stop for many visitors coming from Indiana on eastbound I-94.
I was here for a women’s leadership retreat in May, and although the weather wasn’t the warmest, (that’s Illinois for ya) it was still a great time! Follow along and I’ll let you know where to stay, what to do, where to eat AND most importantly, what to wear while you’re there.
ACCOMMODATIONS –
We stayed at Marina Grand Resort, and it was seriously the cutest! From the blue and white candy stripe curtains, to the yummy artisan Bentwood Tavern on site, this place is sure to delight! With it being right on the water, every view is beautiful! The marina with the boats docked is seriously something out of a magazine. The coffee market and rooftop deck are just some of the other luxury amenities about this hotel. It’s also close to downtown, the local shops and restaurants.
Photo from Marina Grand Resort
Top: Jcrew (similar) | Jeans: Gap (similar) | Bag: LV | Shoes: Converse | Neck Scarf: Kohls
Other fun activities provided through the hotel:
• Evening S’mores: gather around the fire pit for cocktails, good conversation and the Michigan sunset. The hotel’s sister property provides s’more kits and blankets to their guests.
• Ben & Jerry’s Hotline: you specify the flavors and how many spoons…they’ll deliver straight to your doorstep!
• Oselka Marina: it’s a full-service marina with full access to Lake Michigan. You can wave runners, boats, yacht cruises and finish quarters.
• Both and indoor and outdoor pool
• Wellness room
THINGS TO DO –
New Buffalo offers lots of activities no matter which season you visit. The possibilities are endless! Here are just a few of the most popular outdoor things to do:
• Beaches: New Buffalo, Warren Dunes State Park
• Fishing: Steel-N-Time Fishing Charters
• Hiking: Chikaming Park & Preserve, Galien River County Park
• U-Pick & Farmer’s Markets: New Buffalo Farmer’s Market, The Blueberry Patch, Williams Orchard
• Other: Captain Mike’s Fun Park, Stateline Stables, Whittaker Woods Golf Club
Indoor options:
• Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries, specifically Round Barn Winery, Greenbush Brewing Co., and Journeyman Distillery
• The ever so popular Four Winds Casino
DINING –
My favorite spot between the two places we ate was The Stray Dog. If it wasn’t the ship lap walls, and adorable nautical motif that made me swoon, it was definitely the food and drinks. They have the cutest rooftop patio and bar, too! I’d highly recommend any of the tacos, salads or even the Nachos Verde…yummo! As for drinks, get the Cucumber Cooler. It was so refreshing!!
Photo from The Stray Dog
Photo from The Stray Dog
The second night we ate at was Timothy’s. It’s your quintessential supper club, but a bit more upscale! I ordered the Lemongrass Chicken. It was marinated chicken breast sautéed in sesame oil served over Jasmine rice in a Thai coconut sauce amongst mushrooms and seasonal veggies…SO good!
Top: Anthropologie | Jeans: Gap | Shoes: DSW | Clutch & Jewelry: Stella & Dot | My friends: not for sale 🙂
Happy vacationing!!! xoxo
Laura