Spring has SPRUNG! The pregame to summer — a time to get outside post subzero temps and mentally and physically prepare for the glory of full blown summer fun!
Checkout our bucket list for spring in Southwest Michigan! Every place/activity listed is less than 45 minutes from The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach and The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo — most things are less than 15 minutes away!
Book you spring/summer vacation now!
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EXPLORE FERNWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN
Stroll through towering trees on the half mile Wilderness Trail which offers access to some of the most undisturbed wilderness in the area!
*30-ish Minutes from the Hotels
HIKE THE WARREN DUNES
Aside from the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, this park offers majestic sand dunes that rise 260 feet above the water. From the top, enjoy views of the glistening horizon and vibrant, tree-lined dunes.
*15 Minutes from the Hotels
CLIMB @ GALIEN RIVER COUNTRY PARK
Climb the 60 foot tower and take in breathtaking panoramic views of gorgeous fall foliage!
*10 Minutes from the Hotel
PADDLE W/ THIRD COAST PADDLING!
The three-mile Galien River Marsh Trail is a relaxing journey with a kayak or stand up paddle board. Hourly and daily rentals are available May-September. Reservations aren’t required, but highly recommended to ensure availability
*15 Minutes from the Hotels
TOUR SHULER DAIRY FARMS
This family run farm is super interesting (especially for city folks) and very well run. The animals (and people) are treated with love and care, making their process even more fascinating to witness. Plus, the baby cows will make your heart melt.
*30 Minutes from the Hotels
BEACH WALKS!
So many lovely options. Beaches around here are always changing! Year-to-year/day-today, new landscapes of wide or narrow shores arise. Go to the explore section of our Field Guide for beach highlights.
*Each Hotel has a beach that’s a 5 Minutes walk
SWIM!
Embrace the lake (brrrr) or take a quick dip in TNBHD Grand Beach’s delightful pool!!
WINERY & BREWERY HOP & GOOD EATS
We love…
–Shady Creek Winery: This is the go-to spot to enjoy family/friends in a place that’s beautiful with delicious wine that’s approachable.
*10 Minutes from the Hotels
–River Saint Joe: A farmstead brewery/restaurant on Flatwater Farm, a 180-acre certified organic farm w/ a lovely beer garden!
*30 Minutes from the Hotels
–Hickory Creek Winery: Hickory Creek’s iconic red barn houses their cozy tasting room. Owner/winemaker, Adam McBride, is often there welcoming guests.
*30 Minutes from the Hotels
– Round Barn Winery, Distillery and Brewery: Great place with a cool lineup of concerts and festivals May-October.
*30 Minutes from the Hotel
–Dablon Winery + Vineyard: This is a beautiful and vast vineyard that features wines crafted in the styles of Burgundy/Bordeaux.
*30 Minutes from the Hotel
–Beer Church Brewing: Housed in a former Methodist church (which is beautiful) you’ll enjoy great beer and awesome food (like wood fired pizza) inside or in the garden!
*10 Minutes from the Hotels
–PostBoy is your spot for family friendly delicious & fresh food (go healthy or calorie splurge), wine/beer/cocktails & a bumping patio scene.
*10 Minutes from each Hotel (walkable from New Buffalo)
–Farmette is the sweetest, roadside spot! It’s a small farm, marketplace, bakery + cafe — the ultimate one-stop sustainable shop featuring all the best stuff. Go for local produce, flowers, coffee, cheese, bread, wine, beer, prepared foods, home goods + more.
**10 Minutes from each Hotel.
–Cafe Farina is situated in the heart of Michigan City’s historical district and is the ultimate, cool yet cozy spot for delicious Italian food.
*20-30 Minutes from each Hotel.
–Rocco’s features more delicious dishes from the owner’s of Cafe Farina. Another great reason to checkout the vibrant area of Michigan City! Go for a great, relaxed atmosphere and tasty Italian food.
*20-30 Minutes from each Hotel.
GOLF!
You might need to layer as some days can be chilly, but spring golf can bring some pretty ideal temps! Golf Digest ranked Michigan as the T-2nd best state in the country for public golf! These are our recommendations for courses near our SW Michigan hotels:
*3-5 Minutes from each Hotel
*10 Minutes from the Hotels
–The Woodlands Course @ Whittaker
*10 Minutes from the Hotels
–Welter’s Folly @ Journeyman Distillery
This is a super cool putting green named after the distillery’s founder. At 30,000 square feet, (Bill) Welter’s Folly is believed to be among the ten largest putting greens in the world!
*15 Minutes from the Hotels
Camp Fires & S’Mores @ the Hotels = the ideal way to end everyday!
About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded in 2020 by travel enthusiasts who enjoy 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, Little Italy, West Loop (2025 opening) and Southwest Michigan: New Buffalo and Grand Beach.
Read about TNBHD in: Architectural Digest, Midwest Living and CN Traveler!
Connect with @the.neighborhood.hotel on Instagram and LinkedIn!
