A few months ago, we posted about why traveling with your kids is great for their development [and for the family unit as a whole]. Now, let’s hone in on all of the adventures that you can do with your kids around New Buffalo, MI! Southwest Michigan is full of activities that are fun and easy for the entire family. The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo and The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach are situated in prime locations for accessing all that the area has to offer! From nature to food [treats too], there are so many ways to be active while enjoying the delightful calm.
Book now for a dreamy family vacation that’s just 90 minutes from Chicago!
The Southwest Michigan Shoreline
Besides New Buffalo, there are a bunch of towns that line the lake, all with lots to offer! Lakeside, Michiana, Harbert, Union Pier, Grand Beach, Sawyer & New Buffalo are all lovely and very much worth exploring. HAVE FUN!
NOURISH
Rio’s Burritos [New Buffalo + Michigan City]
Gotta love a good tagline: it’s not easy bring fresh! This small, outdoor only restaurant is on Red Arrow Highway on the south side of New Buffalo (they also have a Michigan City location). Menu highlights: quesadillas, the burrito with chipotle chicken & delicious chips, salsa & guac! Open 11am-8pm ET
The Stray Dog [New Buffalo]
This is a classic New Buffalo spot that has been around for over 20 years! Menu highlights: tacos, salads, sandwiches, half-pound burgers all made fresh. **No Reservations // Open 12pm – 10pm ET Everyday.
Brewster’s Italian Cafe [New Buffalo]
Directly across the street from the The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo! Stop here for a modern twist on traditional Italian fare with a variety of fresh, innovative ingredients. Open for breakfast/lunch/dinner! Enjoy: antipasti, salads, wood-fired pizza, pasta and homemade desserts. Plus, tasty egg concoctions for breakfast. Locals love hanging on the patio! **Reservations Accepted // 9am-9pm ET // Open Thursday – Sunday
David’s Delicatessen & Coffee [New Buffalo]
David’s has an outstanding breakfast & lunch menu. Seriously good sandwiches made from premium and locally sourced ingredients. Great veggie sandos and a strong Reuben are a few highlights. Don’t miss the solid coffee and blueberry muffins. **No Reservations // 7:30am-3pm ET // Closed Tuesdays
Issa Vibe Cafe [New Buffalo]
This place is vibrant and fun — an excellent option for breakfast or lunch. Lots of great eats like: paninis, wraps, toasts, salads & desserts plus plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices. Don’t miss third wave coffee and brews from Onyx coffee lab! **No Reservations // Open 8am-3pm ET (9am Sundays) // Closed Wednesdays!
Black Currant Bakehouse [Union Pier]
Scratch made baked goods utilizing high quality, fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. We love the muffins and donuts but seriously, it’s all awesome. Solid vegan and gluten free options too! **Open Thursday-Sunday // 8am-3pm ET
Whistle Stop Grocery [Union Pier]
This is an excellent breakfast/lunch destination with delicious fresh pies + breads. Gourmet packaged foods, coffee, sandwiches and rotisserie chicken too. Mostly a pick up spot, but they do have a small patio in the warm months. FYI: the tuna salad is outstanding. Best to order ahead on their website — very popular spot so it’s kind of a rule to pre-order! **Open Everyday // 8am-4pm ET
Oinks Dutch Treat [New Buffalo]
If you need a sweet, cool-down treat with a side of kitsch, Oinks is the spot. For 30+ years, Oink’s has served up 53 flavors of Ashby’s ice cream. A separate entrance leads to Oink’s candy store, filled with old-school hits. On the Sunday before Halloween, Oink’s gives everyone in costume free Blue Moon ice cream. **Open Everyday // 12pm-9pm ET
PostBoy [New Buffalo – coming fall 2024]
A great spot for solid food + drinks with a side of live music! Plus, it’s around the corner from The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo which makes things super convenient. The vibe will be fun and relaxed with an indoor/outdoor open concept, complete with fire pits. The owners both have strong connections to New Buffalo – Ben Holland grew up visiting his family’s NB lake house while James Galbraith grew up close by in Benton Harbor, MI! **Hours TBD!
KNOWLEDGE [+ sun break]
New Buffalo Township Library [New Buffalo]
This is a very awesome library with lots of fantastic kids programing. Check their events schedule for all kinds of things ranging from story time to concerts, even special lego building sessions! **Open Monday-Saturday (Closed Sundays) // 9am-8pm ET with a 5pm closing on Wednesdays, late opening on Thursdays @ 1pm and early close on Saturdays 2pm
NATURE
Turtle Creek Preserve [New Buffalo]
This preserve is lush and beautiful! Turtle Creek offers a trail network that is connected to New Buffalo Elementary’s trails. The hiking is lovely yet not too technical so works for a range of ages. Don’t miss bird-watching, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing here too!
Psst: Checkout the Chikaming Open Lands Storywalk that runs from March-June!
Fire Pits @ The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo!
S’mores, stories & laughs surround these fire pits! And don’t miss the tree swing under the sun and dreamy blooms!
New Buffalo Beach & Playground
This is a GREAT beach + playground next to the iconic lighthouse! Plus, it’s just a quick 1/2 mile from The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo!
Robinson Woods Preserve [Three Oaks]
Another great option for all ages! The preserve consists of a mature forest and pretty, seasonal streams. The wetland areas are super cool and support an array of plants and wildlife including several rare plant and animal species!
Harbert Community Park [Harbert, MI]
This is a great family park! Here you’ll find: a regulation size Little League baseball field, bleachers, a dining pavilion with grills and picnic tables plus a playground, fishing pond, two sand volleyball courts and a dog park. In the winter, check out the ice skating rink and the newly added Dinky Rink for young children. Bonus: skate rentals are free!
Dreamy New Buffalo Beach Sunset [which sometimes includes a distant backdrop of Chicago]
About The Neighborhood Hotel
The Neighborhood Hotel was founded by travel enthusiasts who enjoy spaces that inspire, comfort and fuel. Each suite is well equipped for short and longterm stays (i.e. kitchenettes, laundry, etc.). The Neighborhood Hotel aims to transform old buildings with cool history into well outfitted apartment style hotels that honor the old while representing the now. The vibe is fresh + fun with rooms that are stocked to support everyone from the homebody to the adventurer. The Neighborhood Hotel serves as a basecamp for the explorer and a sanctuary for the traveler who needs to recharge, reset or just chill.The suites are simple + clean punctuated by accents that bring the right amount of pop. The Neighborhood Hotel has locations in: Lincoln Park, Little Italy, West Loop (2025 opening), New Buffalo, MI and Grand Beach, MI.
Read about us in Architectural Digest, Midwest Living, and CN Traveler at the link here: Media
