Bachelor Parties, Drafts, and Offsites: A Group Guide to New Buffalo, Michigan - The Neighborhood Hotel
Bachelor Parties, Drafts, and Offsites: A Group Guide to New Buffalo, Michigan

Harbor Country bachelor party. Fantasy football draft. Southwest Michigan corporate retreat. Friends gathering to celebrate any occasion. Different reasons to get the group together, one New Buffalo group hotel that works for all three: The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo.

Seventy-five miles from Chicago, Harbor Country trades the usual venue (a basement, a boardroom, a bar you’ve all been to before) for golf, clay shooting, a private hotel, and food nobody will complain about.

Where should the group stay?

The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo. Buy out the property and your group gets ten suites, a shared kitchen, grill & and communal fire pits. The four-seasons room is the real headquarters here, big enough to run a draft, a strategy session, a toast, or all three! The Smart TV is already set up if you need to get serious. The hotel is steps from downtown New Buffalo and a short walk to Lake Michigan so no car, no problem!

What if the group needs more than ten suites?

Combine it with The Neighborhood Grand Beach ten minutes away for a full Harbor Country takeover (14 additional suites here!).

Where should my large group go out for dinner in New Buffalo?

Walk over to PostBoy, a chef-driven restaurant on Whittaker Street from James Beard semifinalist James Galbraith. The menu draws on nearly 40 local farmers, wineries, and breweries, and the kitchen and bar handle groups of any size, indoors or on the patio. It’s a four-minute walk from the hotel, so nobody’s the designated driver. Click here to learn more about why Southwest Michigan is one of the most exciting food destinations in the country! And here for more info on all of the local “good eats.” The Neighborhood Hotel also has a field guide that breaks down the best food in the area.

What about transportation for a larger crew?

Harbor Country Adventures runs coach buses so logistics aren’t anyone’s problem.

Where does the group play golf?

Whittaker Woods, a public 18-hole course a mile from downtown with wooded fairways and tee options for every skill level, including whoever hasn’t swung a club in years. The clubhouse restaurant and banquet facility can handle groups well beyond your headcount. Call ahead and they’ll block tee times for the whole crew.

Or, check out Grand Beach Golf Course for a casual 9-holes.

Welter’s Folly at Journeyman Distillery is another option for some putting practice. At 30,000 square feet, Welter’s Folly is believed to be among the ten largest putting greens in the world! Plus, you can enjoy a great drinks and food!

Where does the group go for a clay target experience?

Deer Creek Hunt Club in Three Oaks is about ten minutes from the hotel. Deer Creek runs three sporting clay courses for beginners through advanced enthusiasts. Every group starts with an introductory lesson, and has hosted outings and team events for years. The clubhouse, built with Amish furniture and a warm cabin feel, includes a conference room, so a short session before or after a target experience is easy to fit in. Deer Creek’s staff will gladly help build a group package — everything from lessons to lunch!

Group and corporate event packages → · Pricing →

Is there anything else to do – how about things like fishing and live music?

Fishing – heck, yes! Salmon Hunter Charters is operated by United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain Tony Hoftstetter. Captain Tony began his Charter experience First Mating in 1980. It wasn’t long before First Mate Tony aspired to be Captain Tony obtaining his U.S.C.G. Captain’s License in 1985. With over 30 years on-water experience there are few who can equal Captain Tony Hofstetter when it comes to guiding Lake Michigan waters!

Up for some tunes? Check out Four Winds Casino — you’ll find a full casino floor and live entertainment, for a group that wants a lively night out!

For something slower, Journeyman Distillery in nearby Three Oaks/Buchanan runs tastings and tours of its small-batch whiskey, gin, and vodka inside a restored historic building. Either one works as an easy detour before or after dinner.

Where is a good bar in New Buffalo for food and drinks?

Casey’s, a 200-year-old New Buffalo landmark with an Art Deco bar, hand-cut steaks, and a menu that shifts seasonal in the fall. The dining room carries the same easy pace that makes the patio a summer favorite, just moved indoors.

What if the group would rather stay in?

Grab prime meats from Drier’s Meat Market in Three Oaks (which has been in business since shortly after the Civil War), and fire up the grill at the hotel. Barney’s Market down the street covers burgers, dogs, and beer in a pinch. Whittaker Wine Merchants and Farmette both carry strong selections, including local and natural wine.

Does it matter what kind of group this is?

No! Groom’s crew, fantasy league, or the team that’d rather be outside than in a conference room, the weekend runs the same way: golf, clay target experiences, real food, and a hotel built to hold everyone in one place.

How do we book it?

Reach out and we’ll make a plan.

About The Neighborhood Hotel

The Neighborhood Hotel was founded in 2020 by Jonathan Gordon — a travel enthusiast who enjoys spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchens, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel transforms old buildings with compelling history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh and fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The hotels provide a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill. The suites are simple and clean, punctuated with accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park and Little Italy and in Southwest Michigan: New Buffalo and Grand Beach. 

Read about us in Architectural Digest, Midwest Living and CN Traveler!

Connect with @the.neighborhood.hotel on Instagram and LinkedIn

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Coming Soon:
The Neighborhood Little Italy
Where welcome drinks come in the form of bold espresso + crisp prosecco. We can't wait
Chi? [Who]
The Neighborhood Hotel
Cosa? [What]
Warmth, bellezza, history. The cornerstones of Italian culture that The Neighborhood Little Italy captures in its third + largest location with 35 suites (Studio - 2 bedrooms).
Quando? [When]
Spring/Summer 2023
Dove? [Where]
In the heart of Little Italy! Here, you're nestled in a neighborhood with an old world feel that seamlessly welcomes the new and modern. Plus, the most bustling parts of the city are just a stone's throw away and easily accessible on foot/public transit! Places like: The Illinois Medical District + Fulton Market + West Loop + UIC + The United Center + the Loop.
Perché? [Why]
To experience fun, adventure, and comfort!
Come? [How]
Our buildings have stories ingrained in the walls (in a non-creepy way) - stories that are meant to be told and shared. The Neighborhood Little Italy was formerly the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame which honored the greatest Italian-American athletes, broadcasters, and sports workers to benefit athletics in the United States. Once again, we've fallen for a space outfitted with cool history + architecture. Grateful to all of the hard workers and supporters who are turning another NEIGHBORHOOD HOTEL vision/dream into reality!
The Neighborhood Little Italy building design
Rebel House is nailing the design. Soaring ceilings give way to chic urban lofts with sophisticated Italian villa vibes. the top floor's outdoor terraces feature captivating views of the city and the piazza across the street. La vita é bella.
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