Disclosure: Thank you to Backcountry and ShopStyle Collective for sponsoring today’s post. All products were selected, worn, and loved by yours truly!
Shawn and I just returned home from New Buffalo, MI for a two-night getaway and while it’s always been a fun place to visit, I don’t think I ever truly appreciated just how special this place is until this recent trip. New Buffalo is a charming town that sits along the coast of Lake Michigan in the Southwest part of the state. Luckily for us, it’s only an hour drive from our house, making it an easy staycation every once in a while. Not only is it a beautiful spot to visit, but there is so much to do and enjoy while you’re there — it’s one of those places where you can be as busy or as chill as you like to be [I’ll take a mix of both, please]! Today I thought it’d be fun to share all of our favorite spots in New Buffalo, MI in case you ever visit, which hopefully by the end of this post you’ll be convinced you need to!
Before we dive in, I’ll be covering the major highlights: where to stay, where to eat, and what to do — but of course, when you’re traveling anywhere another big question to ask is “what to wear?!” Whenever Shawn and I go on a trip that I know is going to be a little more on the active side, the first place I shop is Backcountry for both Shawn and me [proof in our Iceland post here]. They have such a large variety of brands we love along with exclusive brands for whatever our day brings – from biking to dining, they have it all! Add in their stellar customer service [seriously, it’s unmatched] and fast free shipping for orders over $50 and it’s one of those retailers you will find yourself shopping at time and time again once you start! Bonus: If you’ve never shopped with Backcountry before, be sure to use the code LIVING15 for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com [exclusions apply]!
We have two hotels that we love in New Buffalo — Marina Grand and Harbor Grand, which is where we stayed on our most recent trip. They are sister properties that are located just around the corner from each other. Both sit along the marina and have so many fun touches. Here’s a glimpse of our time at Harbor Grand!
Cotton Shirt- Stripe – Basin and Range [true to size, wearing in small] // Cotton Cardigan – Basin and Range [size down one, wearing in small] // Carson Jean – Carve Designs [size down one, wearing in 2] // Kipe’a ‘Olu Slide Sandal – OluKai [true to size]
One of my favorite parts – they bring you breakfast in a picnic basket to your door every morning! It’s as charming as it sounds!
Camper Henley Long-Sleeve Top – Z Supply [true to size, wearing in small] // Mia Camper Short – Z Supply [true to size, wearing in small]
The sundeck is the perfect spot to sit and soak up the sunset or relax mid-day with a book in hand! It’s located right outside of the indoor pool and jacuzzi and is a magical little place to spend any amount of time!
Have no fear, there is no shortage of delicious food here. Because we were only there for two days we didn’t get to eat at all of the places we’d like, but I’m dropping a list of additional spots we’ve had in the past and would absolutely recommend!
The Stray Dog is one of our favorite places because of the rooftop which is an awesome spot to eat and catch the sunset over the lake!
Church Brewing is another must for either a drink or a great pizza! The atmosphere is fun and they have a large outdoor dining area!
Terrace Room is located at The Harbor Grand, here you can expect delicious Italian food while taking in the sights of the water and boats. Definitely one of my favorites!
Several others to try:
- Brewster’s Italian Cafe
- Bentwood Tavern
- Hummingbird Cafe
- Oinks Ice Cream
- Beachside Scoops Ice Cream
- Ghost Isle Brewery
- Staymaker Restaurant [located at Journeymen Distillery in Three Rivers, just a few miles away!]
I’m telling you, there is so much to do here. From soaking up the sun at the beach to hittin’ the slots at the casinos, to shopping around town, the list goes on!
- Rent Bikes To Ride Around Town
On The Go Dress [true to size, wearing in small] // Explorer Defy Low Shoe – Sorel [true to size]
- Rent a Boat or Jet Ski [we use Oselka’s Marine for this!]
The Beach Bum T-Shirt – Chubbies [true to size] // Global 7in Short – Topo Designs [true to size] //
Cloudflow Running Shoe – On [size up .5]
- Walk around downtown New Buffalo and take in all of the shops, farmers’ markets, and wall murals!
Capilene Cool Daily Tank Top – Patagonia [true to size] // Derby Short – Varley [true to size, wearing in small]
And so much more —
- Shop Red Arrow Highway for antiques and fun finds!
- Rent Kayaks or Paddleboards
- Visit a local Casino: Four Winds or Blue Chip
- Get a Massage at one of the many spas around town!
- Shop at the Michigan City Outlet Malls
- Go Wine Tasting: Round Barn, Tabor Hill, Dablon, Gravity Vineyards
- Visit Breweries: Greenbush, Watermark, Tapestry
As a note – if you are flying, the closest airport would be South Bend, IN [SBN] which would be a 30-40 minute drive!
As you can see, New Buffalo, MI is a hidden gem and a place I’d tell anybody to visit if you like being near the water! My favorite times to go are between May – October [those winter Michigan months are c-o-l-d]! If you’ve been before, drop your favorite spots, I’d love to hear ’em for my next trip back!
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
