We love a cozy, winter get away to New Buffalo and/or Grand Beach, but can’t help feel a little giddy as day light starts to last a little longer along with fresh buds and less freeze. These are the spring activities that we’re excited about – hooray for spring break!
FUN SPRING EVENT ALERT @ THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOTEL GRAND BEACH!
Mother’s Day Weekend Pancake Breakfast brought to you by the Chef of Zingerman’s Cornman Farms
@ The Neighborhood Hotel Grand Beach!
WHEN: Sunday, May 12th from 9:30am-11:30am ET
RSVP: Breakfast Sign Up Link Coming Soon + BOOK your suite now! Open to guests staying at New Buffalo and Grand Beach!
Executive Chef Kieron Hales of Zingerman’s Cornman Farms
Chef Hales has lived/cooked in 27 different countries and has cooked for three U.S. Presidents & the British Royal family along the way. After a few years as Executive Chef of Zingerman’s Roadhouse, he opened Zingerman’s Cornman Farms. Kieron’s zest for life, and specifically for food, is contagious.
FLY FISHING & CASTING W/ CAPTAIN TONY ON THE GALIEN RIVER!
**Captain Tony also offers 2 hour drift boat excursions that depart from the New Buffalo Harbor.
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!
Don’t miss the 48-acre farm that’s home to an array of animals, like Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs! According to orchard folklore, their spots are said to be bruises caused by apples falling from the trees in the orchards where the pigs grazed.
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.
CLIMB @ GALIEN RIVER COUNTRY PARK
Climb the 60 foot tower and take in breathtaking panoramic views of gorgeous fall foliage!
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.
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.
SWIM!
Embrace the lake (brrrr) or take a quick dip in TNBHD Grand Beach’s delightful pool!!
WINERY and/or BREWERY HOP!
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.
–River Saint Joe: A farmstead brewery/restaurant on Flatwater Farm, a 180-acre certified organic farm w/ a lovely beer garden!
–Hickory Creek Winery: Hickory Creek’s iconic red barn houses their cozy tasting room. Owner/winemaker, Adam McBride, is often there welcoming guests.
– Round Barn Winery, Distillery and Brewery: Great place with a cool lineup of concerts and festivals May-October.
–Dablon Winery + Vineyard: This is a beautiful and vast vineyard that features wines crafted in the styles of Burgundy/Bordeaux.
–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!
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:
–The Woodlands Course @ Whittaker
–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!
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
Camp Fires & S’Mores @ TNBHD = the ideal way to end a vacation day, everyday!
PSST: THE EASTER BUNNY WILL HOP ON OVER W/ A BASKET OF GOODIES WITH ALL 2-NIGHT STAYS BETWEEN MARCH 18-31!
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.
