Southwest Michigan is built for family trips. The beaches are close together, the towns are walkable, and most of what kids love, water, ice cream, playgrounds, is a short drive or a short walk from wherever you’re staying. The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo and The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach sit right in the middle of it, so this guide covers what’s actually worth your time nearby: where to eat, where to hike, and where to let the kids run.
Book a stay 90 minutes from Chicago and use this as your itinerary.
The Southwest Michigan Shoreline
New Buffalo isn’t the only stop worth making. Lakeside, Michiana, Harbert, Union Pier, Grand Beach, and Sawyer all line the same stretch of lakeshore, each with its own small-town character. Plan a full day to drive the coast, or pick one or two towns and go slow.
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
Farmette [New Buffalo]
A farm, marketplace, bakery, and cafe just south of downtown, with a courtyard for sipping coffee or wine while the kids wander. Stocks local produce, cheese, bread, prepared foods, and house-baked sourdough, plus beach-day grab-and-go snacks. Leashed dogs welcome outdoors. Open Thursday–Monday, 8am–4pm ET. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
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]
Just a block from The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo, this 10,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor space from chef James Galbraith and entrepreneur Ben Holland is a place you won’t want to leave. The New American menu, patio with fire pits, and regular live music makes for a great time! Open daily, 11am–10pm.
KNOWLEDGE [+ sun break]
New Buffalo Township Library [New Buffalo]
Strong kids’ programming year-round, from story time to concerts to LEGO building sessions. Check the events schedulebefore you go. Open Monday–Saturday (closed Sundays), generally 9am–8pm ET, with a 5pm close on Wednesdays, a 1pm opening on Thursdays, and a 2pm close on Saturdays.
NATURE
Turtle Creek Preserve [New Buffalo]
A trail network connected to New Buffalo Elementary’s trails, easy enough for a range of ages. Good for bird-watching, and shaded enough to be a comfortable midday walk in summer heat.
Psst: Checkout the Chikaming Open Lands Storywalk that runs from March-June!
Fire Pits @ The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo & Grand Beach!
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.
Dreamy 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, New Buffalo, MI and Grand Beach, MI.
Read about us in Architectural Digest, Midwest Living, and CN Traveler at the link here: Media
