COAST IN TO HARBOR COUNTRY
COAST IN AND CLOSE BY
Harbor Country, Michigan is known for it's relaxed coastal vibes and easy pace that let's you breathe in the goodness of life and nurtures the soul. With roads to roam, wide open beaches to wander and top-class dining and small cafes to discover - the fall and winter is the best time to take it all in. During fall its virgin forests are splashed with stunning color and in the winter the solitude of her dressed in winter white is rejuvenating.
Harbor Country is just around the bend, one hour from Chicagoland, 30 minutes to South Bend Indiana, and two hours to Grand Rapids Michigan.
Aaah... A HARBOR COUNTRY REFRESH
Recharge your mind and body in places that allow you to take a break from routine. Experience that "Aaah" sigh as you pass into Harbor Country. Rekindle your spirit near a fire, follow paths in quiet repose, savor the 5 course gourmet meal. Gather the besties for a wine tour getaway to remember. Reconnect your relationship away from the noise. Collaborate with your team in an idea incubator close to nature. Retreat away for a weekend where eating breakfast in bed is suggested. The slower heartbeat of a Harbor Country winter let's you soak in every minute.
A MICHIGAN BESTIE GETAWAY
TOP SUGGESTIONS FOR A BESTIES TOUR
Harbor Country offers the best ways to laugh, bond, share memories and make new ones. What makes it so special? The stunning coastal scenery along the easy drives to boutique shopping, craft classes to share and choosing which wines to taste from 15+ wineries.
The central reunion spot sits on the Lake Michigan shore - 1 hr - Chicagoland, 30 min - South Bend, 2 hrs Grand Rapids. Easily travel Amtrak to New Buffalo.
A COZY PLACE TO CHAT AND JAMMIE
Quaint inns surround you with warmth and a scrumptious breakfast in the morning. Or gather in a cottage and giggle. Sunset Dunes Vacation Villas offer a trolley ride for up to 14. Vacation Rental LIST
COFFEE, BAGELS & BOUTIQUE STROLL
Shop along New Buffalo's Whittaker Street for fabulous fashion while sipping on that latte or espresso. Take a drive to Hearthwoods Custom Furnishings to sit around the firepit and shop to your heart's content.
A WINE TOUR WITH A TWIST
Book a wine tour with an expert. 20+ wineries in the region are open year round LIST
LOUNGE & LAUGHTER
The BarnDogg and Union Pier Social are neighboring lounges with fun vibes just a sidewalk apart
SSSH! THE PASSWORD IS . . .
Karaoke and dance away the night at Sonny D's Speakeasy down under if you say "please"
BRUNCH FOR THE BUNCH
Brewster's Italian Cafe was started over a cup of really really good coffee. The brunch is soulfully satisfying. Or make your way to Three Oaks to the Journeyman Distillery for a rustic spread and take a tour afterwards.
ANTIQUING & ART LIST
Whimsical antique shops and bougie art galleries line the streets of Three Oaks, inviting you in with a warm smile.
HARBOR COUNTRY'S BEST SLED HILLS
Bring an inner tube, board or sled to the top of the 260 foot dune at Warren Dunes State Park. No snow? No problem - sand sled
A tons of fun gentle sled hill with with a parking lot overlook is at the Friends of New Troy Community Center
Sled the hill adjacent to the Oselka Park playground
Ice Skating Rinks & Rentals
Rent a pair of skates at Harbert Community Park RENT
OVER THE RIVER ... THRU THE WOODS
Harbor Country Winter Outdoor Adventures
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoe
Ski the trail that follows frozen creeks to a crossing bridge Warren Woods State Park - Warren Woods Road Trail Head
Snowshoe to discover Chikaming Open Lands. Animal and tree identification signs.
Snowshoe & Cross Country Ski Rentals - Tower Hill Camp (269) 426-3881 towerhillcamp@ilucc.org
Fat Tire Biking
Find the exhilaration of biking a snow-bound trail around a lake at Chikaming Township Park and Preserve.
WORK OFF THE WINTER BLUES
INDOOR & OUTDOOR IDEAS TO GET MOVING
INDOOR PICKLEBALL COURT PLAY
The Friends of New Troy Community Center on Monday evenings, hosts a drop in indoor Pickleball game! Beginners to pros are welcome. Also available for private rentals and open gyms. Rentals Page
TAKE A LAP IN AN INDOOR POOL
The indoor Bridgman Aquatic Center pool. Public hours Sat 2 pm - 3 pm (EST) INFO
TREK IT OUT ON THE TRACK
The New Buffalo Area Schools hosts an open public gym. With a weight - cardio room. Keep an even pace on the upper track oval overlooking activities below. CALENDAR
STEP IT UP ON WEKO BEACH DUNEWALK
Take the steps to atop the dune walk at Weko Beach in Bridgman Michigan. The view of an icy blue Lake Michigan below is worth the effort and reward. No parking pass needed
POWER WALK AT FOUR WINDS CASINO NEW BUFFALO
We bet you will get in your steps while taking in the excitement and action on the 124,000 foot gaming floor
STARGAZE AT WARREN DUNES STATE PARK
The crisp night air allows for clear constellation viewing atop of the 3 story tall sand dune
PUMP IT UP - EQUILIBRIUM FITNESS
New Buffalo & Three Oaks 24/7 Facilities
Long term, Short Term, Weekend Pass Memberships
HARBOR COUNTRY WEEKLY MEAL SPECIALS
Find a great meal at a great price any night of the week in Harbor Country Michigan. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience at restaurants, taverns, and breweries.
Whether you want to dive into a rib night, crave a taco Tuesday or find your traditional Midwest Friday fish fry, there is a special that you can count on to be delicious and affordable.
A BED FOR EVERY HEAD
Kick off the festive spirit with friends, family, and maybe a distant cousin or two you only see once a year.
Harbor Country offers plenty of lodging options for groups great and small
CHEERS FOR BEERS
A HARBOR COUNTRY BEER HOP
Michigan ranks eighth in the nation for craft breweries totaling 418
Harbor Country is a master hub boasting 10 breweries within it's borders. Master brewers consistently win acclaimed national awards. They draw from hops grown near the Lake Michigan shore making for a true rich flavor.
Here are our seasonal recommendations for a visit
Lake Time Brewing & Spirits - Bridgman
Round Barn Brewery & Public House - Baroda
Round Barn Tasting Room - Union Pier
"TOP" 7 KIDDO HITS
Harbor Country exciting adventures for the family
1.) Explore the railcars New Buffalo Railroad Museum grounds. Take a pic with a giant Santa.
2.) Sledding at Warren Dunes State Park. Snow or sand sledding!
3.) Rent skates - Harbert Community Park Skating Rink or the "dinky rink" for little ones. RENT
4.) Pick out a board game at The Kids Stop - New Buffalo
5.) Climb & Slide New Buffalo Township Park map
6.) Take a swim indoor Bridgman Aquatic Center pool. Public hrs Sat 2 pm - 3 pm (EST) INFO
7.) Become An Air Hockey or Lego Pro Friends of New Troy's Activities Room is open 6 days a week. Free Wi-Fi and loaner Chromebooks. Interactive wall games, air hockey, Lego tables.
THE ULTIMATE "I DO" WISH LIST
PLANNING A HARBOR COUNTRY WEDDING
Every bride begins with a vision of that first breathtaking step.
From the Lake Michigan beach to pastoral fields, vineyards, floral gardens, rustic barns or a stately hall, your dream can effortlessly happen in Southwest Michigan
Wedding Venues
Event Spaces
Caterers
Rehearsal Dinner 4-30
Religious Ceremonies
Elopements
Honeymoon Runaway
BUSINESS REFOCUS AND RECHARGE
TEAM BUILDING IN HARBOR COUNTRY
Everyone can tap into their creativity and collaborate in these idea incubators. The relaxed atmosphere of Harbor Country is designed to foster open thinking and allow your minds to wander freely.
Meeting Spaces
The Sisken Room - Marina Grand Resort
The Sora Room - Marina Grand Resort
Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach
Up to 50 Guests - 14 Suites - 24 Bedrooms - Common Room
Luxury Estate with 3 homes
JUMP OFF THE BEATEN PATH
THE "ROUGH SAWN" COMMUNITY OF SAWYER
The town of Sawyer has it's origins as a lakeshore lumber town and train stop. Now known as the gateway to the majestic Warren Dunes State Park. Quirky Sawyer is just inland and gaining attention for inventive lounges, upscale dining, the first area brewery, a Michigan-based wine bar, Coastline Children's Film Festival, craft coffee and a vintage shop that hosts "Free Fridays"
OUR CHECK IT OUT LIST
Before you set out- tune your radio to 106.7 WRHC FM - Radio Harbor Country. A locally produced, nonprofit radio station. The DJ's spin every genre under the sun
Easily find Solasta Winery on Red Arrow Highway by spying for the blue classic cruiser parked in front. This new winery embraces the grapes that grow so fervently here and produces Michigan favorites including Ice Wine
Select a custom cut of prime rib to make later at the homey old-fashioned butcher shop Falatic's Meat Market. Orders are built from scratch. With a wide range of homemade brats too.
Vintage Finds is a pickers dream. The store sells donated antiques from art to furniture to sports memorabilia to support the non-profit organization.
Whether by the bottle or glass, Local Pour encourages wine, beer and spirit lovers to find their new Michigan favorite. They specialize in only mitten state products.
Shop a collection of historic stores with well-curated goods in town with a 5 star cup of craft coffee from Infusco. Their roast coffee will bring you back each morning. Across the street, peruse the Window Shopping boutique for home decor which the owner carefully selected relying on her experience as a personal buyer.
Around the corner is the uber-large Sawyer Home and Garden Center. Their "Fresh Is Here" message is evident from their produce, flowers, and gourmet foods. Buy here for a person who has everything. They fill their shelves just that one step beyond with impeccable taste
Take a time out at the Side Yard lounge where fun events are always afoot. Inventive cocktails, local beer finds and small bites are the perfect cap off to your spending spree.
When the day is done and it's time to slip into the night, savor an elevated dinner small plate with a refined cocktail at The Historian Lounge. They honor late-night hours to linger.
HARBOR COUNTRY CARRY OUT PIZZAS
Take a prep break to catch up with your guests. Here are our top-rated recommendations.
- Brewster's Italian Cafe - Detroit style, sourdough hand tossed or thin. Traditional & elevated toppings such as truffle oil and garlic confit.
- D'Agostino's Navajo Bar & Grill - Dough is handcrafted and made fresh daily. Italian specialties since 1955.
- Villa Nova Pizzeria - Sicilian-style pizza with freshly prepared toppings made from a secret Chicago recipe. New Buffalo delivery available.
- Patellie's - With an honest approach to ingredients, they have been called one of the top pizzerias in Michigan.
- Haymarket Taproom - a true wood-fired thin crust pizza.
- Staymaker Restaurant - Journeyman Distillery - Detroit-style pizza with a Featherbone Bourbon Crust reflecting the Featherbone Bourbon Whiskey Mash Bill.
- Union Pier Social - Creative pizzas made with hand tossed dough. Cauliflower crust option.
6 SPOTS FOR YOUR FRIENDS REUNION
That instant connection - the smiles, inside jokes, the memories re-lived
1.) Shoot darts by the fire - Lake Time Brewing & Spirits Back Room
2.) A tradition - Casey's New Buffalo warm vibes & live music
3.) Easily hang at The Stray Dog centralized bar & fireplace
4.) Bingo! Tuesday nights at 6 pm - Union Pier Social gastropub
5.) Karaoke Sundays. Win a prize for your version of Sweet Caroline! Sonny D's
6.) Take A Whiskey Distillery Tour Journeyman Distillery
7.) Trivia Thursdays Sideyard in Sawyer. 5 Rounds, visual, music and final jeopardy. Free to play. No team limit.
Green & White? Maize & Blue? Leprechaun Green?
Catch the college football action in Harbor Country
Michigan State University Basketball
University of Michigan Basketball
Notre Dame Football
Harbor Country Sports TV Spots!
Go Lions, Pistons, Tigers, Red Hawks!
Go Bears, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls!
Harbor Country has a split personality when it comes to professional sports.
We root for the state favorite Detroit teams. AND Harbor Country is within the Chicagoland viewing area.
Special Events
SMALL TOWN CHARMS & CHEERS
Full of nostalgia and friendly smiles, Harbor Country checks all of your most wanted wish lists for a holiday that brims with memories and heart-warming experiences. The sounds and sights of the season are celebrated in true tradition while offering first-class personal service and curated goods for the best gift-giving.
POP THE BUBBLY!
Local wineries and shops offer sparkling wines for your Harbor Country celebration
Neighboring tasting rooms at Exit 6 I-94
- Round Barn Tasting Room
- St Julian Tasting Room
Tabor Hill Winery Classic Demi-Sec - President Ford's favorite
Shady Creek Winery Bubbling Rose - delightful to see & sip in a colorful outdoor igloo. Reservations
Local Pour A bar specializing in only Michigan wines, beers & spirits.
Solasta Winery A small niche vintner near Warren Dunes
The Wine Sellers A treasure-trove packed with select wines
P&E Bottle Shop - Holiday Tasting events - wine, beers & ciders
Whittaker Wine Merchants curated collection of worldly wines
Barney's A full aisle with large beverage center to explore
STROLL THE HOLIDAY POSTCARD
The movie Prancer was filmed in this picturesque postcard town.
Street lamps adorned with holly.
Store fronts beaming with jolly.
Celebrate!
Prancer Palooza - a 3 day festival with a meet and greet with original actors and the Director - John D Hancock to mark the place where the beloved movie was filmed - Three Oaks, MI
Wander on the Snowflake Stroll - small shops and cafes bring warm smiles.
HARBOR COUNTRY HOLIDAY SPARKLE
Festive ideas for a holiday weekend VIEW REELS
- The Holiday Postcard Village of Three Oaks
- Holiday shopping in New Buffalo
- Peppermint Mocha @blackcurrantbakehouse
- Santa’s Speakeasy @sonnydsnewbuffalo
- Hotel Lobby @theharborgrandhotel
- Lights at Fernwood @fernwood.botanical
Find the family Christmas Tree at the local U-cut farms
BEST HARBOR COUNTRY HOST GIFTS
Ideas for a thoughtful "thank you"
Build your own gift box at Farmette - the organic wine, market, bakery.
Flower arrangement delivery - local City Flowers & Gifts
A homemade soy candle w/ cotton wick from The Grace Effect
A reclaimed wood cutting board - Hearthwoods Custom Furnishings
A fresh poinsettia - Sawyer Home & Garden
Fun humorous kitchen towels - Froehlich's Kitchen & Pantry
Room sprays & jar candles - Sherwood Forest Rustic Log Furnishings
Lake Michigan Beach Glass Coasters - The Sandpiper Fashion Fiber & Gifts
A lucky elephant for the New Year - Accents Himalaya Textiles
HERE'S TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY
Make long-lasting memories at a Harbor Country feast of local foods & drink
WINE & SPIRITS
For the perfect toast select a local vintage
SPIRITS
CHACUTERIE
Feeling Grazey - Bougie Boards
Bring your crowd together with a delicacies
Feasts can be prepared by well-known chefs
PRIVATE CHEF
Create the most intimate evening at your home
COFFEE & COCOA
Baristas carefully brew the finest coffee roasted by talented Harbor Country roasters.
- Biggby Coffee - Sawyer
- Biggby Coffee - Bridgman
- David's Deli - New Buffalo
- Infusco - Sawyer
- Red Arrow Roasters - Harbert
- Starbucks - New Buffalo
- Whistle Stop Grocery
Hot cocoa & sweets create visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads
- Black Currant Bakehouse
- Farmette
- Froehlich's Bakery
- Luisa's Swedish Bakery
- Milda's Corner Market
- Whistle Stop Grocery
FALL IN LOVE WITH HARBOR COUNTRY
Enjoy the bountiful beauty of Harbor Country. Take the leisurely drive up the Lake Michigan sunset coast. Stumble upon a new favorite brunch spot, warm up at a cozy inn, catch the stunning vistas in the treetops, explore wide-open beaches, enjoy a craft beer or wine paired with a meal prepared with fresh produce harvested locally from farms and vineyards.
COAST INNS
WARM UP AT A COZY GETAWAY
Stay at the historic Inn At Union Pier with a woodburning fireplace in each room & warm breakfast each morning
Roasted Marshmallow Treats
The Harbor Grand Hotel - New Buffalo
The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach
Sip & graze around a campfire - Farmette
Stay at the rustic The Barn of Three Oaks
Inns with in-room hot tubs
SEASONAL BEACH GLASS HUNT
Fall is a great time to hunt for colored beach glass on the wide open beaches of Harbor Country, MI
Tips By Kelly Gampel
- Tip 1: Focus your attention on beaches that have pebble patches.
- Tip 2: Lowlight is your friend - sunrise or sunset will make glass glow.
- Tip 3: Gaze a few feet in front of you - not just at your feet
- Tip 4: Walk with the sun at your back
VIEW A full list of Harbor Country Beaches
BUCKET LIST FALL HIKES
Galien River County Park Easy 1.4 mile trail - boardwalk, 60-ft observation tower
Warren Dunes State ParkSAWYER
Warren Woods State Park
HARBOR COUNTRY HARVEST
Colorful squash & bright orange pumpkins line the Sawyer Home & Garden Center aisles
The freshest of produce is grown on the expansive Granor Farm.
Farmette specializes in organically grown produce and wines.
Goldberry Woods - A Modern Farm Resort. Stay on the 30-acre secluded organic micro farm and fruit orchard. Help to harvest, hone culinary skills and gather fresh eggs.
FALL VIBE COCKTAIL LOUNGES
The gathering of friends at a craft cocktail lounge on a chilly evening warms the soul. These hot spots have star mixologists who pour their magic into every sip. All in the comfy confines of a very cool environment.