Explore the best beaches, restaurants, wineries, and hidden gems!
❤️ = Personal Favorite
Culver’s
2.2 miles away
4537 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville, MI 49127
Midwest fast-food chain and local staple known for ButterBurgers, cheese curds, and fresh frozen custard, offering a casual, no-frills dining experience.
Tosi’s ❤️
2.4 miles away
4337 Ridge Rd, Stevensville, MI 49127
Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizzas, classic pastas, and decadent desserts in elaborate, Madonna Inn-esque décor, featuring Saturday-night “Roving Singer” performances that add a lively, romantic flair.
Cracker Barrel
2.5 miles away
2525 W Marquette Woods Rd, Stevensville, MI 49127
American chain serving classic comfort dishes like pot roast and grilled entrees in a rustic, kitschy old-country setting.
Papa Vinos
2.6 miles away
1332 Hilltop Rd, St Joseph, MI 49085
Italian restaurant known for pastas, pizzas, and classic dishes with a robust wine list in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Ban Thai
2.8 miles away
2936 Niles Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085
Takeout-only Thai spot known for flavorful curries, pad thai, and noodle dishes, perfect for enjoying a casual meal at home or on the go.
Neon Grill
3.2 miles away
2650 Niles Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085
New American grill featuring creative burgers including the local “Olive Burger,” in a roadside/drive-thru space topped with a vintage 1955 seafoam green Chevy.
Dogslinger
3.4 miles away
5664 St Joseph Ave, Stevensville, MI 49127
Hidden gem serving Chicago-style hot dogs and a variety of gourmet franks with inventive toppings in a casual, fun setting.
221 Main
4.7 miles away
221 Main St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Upscale American steakhouse and seafood restaurant known for prime cuts, fresh fish, and craft cocktails in a lively, elegant downtown setting.
Bistro on the Boulevard ❤️
4.7 miles away
521 Lake Blvd, St Joseph, MI 49085
Refined American bistro with fancy yet approachable ambiance, excellent cocktails, and a prime lakeside location ideal for date night.
Chan’s Garden
4.8 miles away
310 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Chinese and Asian fusion restaurant with a broad menu of familiar favorites in a comfortable, understated setting.
Ryebelle’s ❤️
4.8 miles away
518 Broad St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Seasonal American cuisine with one of the best lakefront sunset views, rooftop live music in summer, excellent cocktails, and a great downtown vibe.
Azul Tequila
5.2 miles away
105 Main St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Mexican kitchen and tequila bar with super kitschy décor, including light-up fake palm trees, fresh tacos, and vibrant margaritas.
Silver Beach Pizza ❤️
5.2 miles away
410 Vine St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Hands-down our favorite restaurant in the area, featuring fantastic pizza, great cocktails and beers on tap, and a rooftop 21+ bar; closest spot to the lakefront where you can grab a pizza to go and enjoy it while walking along the water.
Planks Tavern on the Water
5.4 miles away
800 Whitwam Dr, St Joseph, MI 49085
Waterfront tavern serving elevated pub fare and craft drinks with scenic views, perfect for a sunset dinner or cocktails by the water.
Houndstooth
6.3 miles away
132 Pipestone St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Eclectic gastropub with inventive plates, craft cocktails, and a lively Benton Harbor vibe.
Emma Hearth & Market
9.1 miles away
9709 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106
Italian and artisan market serving wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked breads in a rustic, communal setting.
Redamak’s
23.9 miles away
616 E Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Classic American restaurant known for hearty comfort dishes in an eclectically decorated space.
PostBoy
24.5 miles away
207 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Trendy gastropub with elevated twists on classic dishes and a strong cocktail program in a chic, contemporary setting.
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill
24.5 miles away
245 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Casual bar and grill serving regional favorites, burgers, and hearty mains in a lively, energetic space.
Rios Mexican Grill
24.8 miles away
901 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Authentic Mexican restaurant with fresh tortillas, bold flavors, and generous portions in a colorful, roadside setting with outdoor seating.
Bit Of Swiss Bakery ❤️
2.4 miles away
4333 Ridge Rd, Stevensville, MI 49127
Our favorite local bakery, known for excellent European-style pastries, fresh breads, and breakfast treats perfect for an easy morning stop.
Base Bowls St Joseph
2.8 miles away
2024 Washington Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085
Café specializing in smoothie and açaí bowls, fresh fruit toppings, and light, health-focused breakfast options.
Hareloom Cafe
3.7 miles away
5729 St Joseph Ave, Stevensville, MI 49127
Farm-to-table café known for creative breakfast and lunch dishes using locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, rustic-modern space.
Infusco Coffee ❤️
4.7 miles away
301 Main St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Coffee shop located inside The Market in downtown St. Joseph, serving quality espresso drinks within a collection of small shops and eateries that make a great indoor stop for browsing and killing some time.
Caffe Tosi’s ❤️
4.8 miles away
516 Pleasant St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Popular downtown café known for fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee drinks in a lively European-style corner spot.
Evermore Juice Bar
4.8 miles away
319 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Juice and smoothie spot offering fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and light healthy fare in a bright, modern downtown space.
Thorntons Home Town Cafe
4.8 miles away
613 Pleasant St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Classic hometown diner serving generous breakfast plates, omelets, and comfort food favorites in a casual, old-school roadside atmosphere.
Forte Coffee
5.4 miles away
222 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Locally loved coffee shop known for quality espresso drinks and pastries in a cozy, relaxed downtown hangout.
Verde Juice Box
6.2 miles away
70 W Main St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Health-focused juice and smoothie bar offering fresh juices, bowls, and light vegan-friendly options in a clean, modern space.
Mason Jar Cafe ❤️
6.4 miles away
210 Water St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Our favorite breakfast spot in the area, known for hearty farm-to-table plates and consistently excellent, flavorful brunch dishes.
Sourdough House
6.5 miles away
234 Territorial Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Artisan bakery specializing in naturally fermented sourdough breads, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches in a simple, bakery-focused environment.
Luisa’s Swedish Bakery
16 miles away
13698 Red Arrow Hwy, Harbert, MI 49115
Charming Scandinavian bakery known for Swedish pastries, cardamom breads, and traditional baked goods in a quaint, cozy roadside setting worth the short drive.
Red Coach Donuts
3.6 miles away
5811 St Joseph Ave, Stevensville, MI 49127
Classic local donut shop known for fresh-made donuts, fritters, and sweet breakfast pastries that regularly sell out early.
Dairy Korner ❤️
4.2 miles away
1605 Lakeview Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085
Our favorite local ice cream spot, a classic retro roadside ice cream stand serving generous soft-serve cones and classic frozen treats near the lake.
Cabana’s Ice Cream ❤️
4.8 miles away
512 Broad St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Fun downtown ice cream shop offering a wide variety of flavors and specialty treats, perfect for a casual post-dinner stroll stop.
Chocolate Cafe
4.8 miles away
300 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Cozy café and chocolate shop known for handcrafted chocolates, desserts, and rich hot chocolate drinks in a relaxed downtown setting.
Kilwins Ice Cream & Fudge ❤️
4.8 miles away
217 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Popular national sweets chain famous for house-made fudge, caramel apples, and creamy ice cream, with the scent of fresh confections filling the downtown storefront.
Black Currant Bakehouse
20.6 miles away
9911 Town Line Ave, Union Pier, MI 49129
Highly praised small-batch bakery known for artisanal pastries, seasonal desserts, and beautifully crafted baked goods worth the short drive.
Neon Moon Gelato
20.6 miles away
16090 Red Arrow Hwy, Union Pier, MI 49129
Stylish retro-inspired gelato shop serving creative small-batch flavors and excellent espresso drinks in a fun, neon-lit space.
Oink’s Dutch Treat
24.2 miles away
227 W Buffalo St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Beloved New Buffalo ice cream stop known for huge scoops, dozens of flavors, and a playful pig-themed interior that has become a local tradition.
Meijer ❤️
2.6 miles away
5019 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville, MI 49127
Our go-to grocery store in the area, offering the widest selection nearby, including groceries, household essentials, and a well-stocked beer, wine, and liquor section. It’s very close to the house, open later than most options, and usually keeps firewood indoors, making it dry and easy to light in the fireplace.
Martin’s Super Markets
3.2 miles away
2121 S Cleveland Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085
A solid grocery option with slightly smaller selection but typically good produce and everyday essentials. This location includes an in-store Starbucks. There is also a slightly closer Martin’s location (5637 Cleveland Ave - about 2.4 miles away) with a similar selection that features a Caribou Coffee instead.
Glenlord Beach Park Lookout
2.3 miles away
3000-2986 Glenlord Rd, Stevensville, MI 49127
Convenient park with parking and elevated views of Lake Michigan, perfect for catching a sunset or enjoying a pastry from Bit of Swiss just a block away. No beach access, but ideal for a quick scenic stop.
Grand Mere State Park
4.8 miles away
7337 Thornton Dr, Stevensville, MI 49127
Renowned for its adventurous trails and beautiful hike down to the lake, this state park offers sand dunes, forested paths, and a more secluded beach experience.
Silver Beach ❤️
5.5 miles away
Silver Beach, St Joseph, MI 49085
Our favorite beach in the area, featuring a scenic pier, volleyball courts, boardwalk, kayak rentals, Wally + Gertz food stand, and a nearby vintage carousel. Walkable to downtown and Silver Beach Pizza, with stunning sunsets.
Weko Beach
10.1 miles away
5239 Lake St, Bridgman, MI 49106
Wide sandy beach with ample parking, picnic areas, and lake access. A good mid-length drive for a peaceful day on the water.
Warren Dunes State Park ❤️
13.8 miles away
12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125
Large state park with massive sand dunes, scenic hiking trails, and a giant beach. Food trucks often on-site, and a beachside shop for essentials.
Galien River County Park
22.5 miles away
17424 Red Arrow Hwy, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Quiet riverside park with trails and access to the Galien River, ideal for a peaceful nature escape or short hike.
New Buffalo Beach
24.8 miles away
200 Marquette Dr, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Adorable vacation town with walkable shops and beaches, popular with Chicagoland visitors. Seasonal town with a fun, small-town beach vibe.
Watermark Brewing
3.5 miles away
5781 St Joseph Ave, Stevensville, MI 49127
Popular local brewery known for a wide range of craft beers and a relaxed taproom atmosphere with frequent food trucks and events.
Peat’s Cider Social ❤️
4.4 miles away
6201 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville, MI 49127
Fun cider bar offering house-made hard ciders alongside a retro bowling alley, creating a laid-back, social hangout with vintage charm.
Lemon Creek Winery ❤️
7.9 miles away
533 E Lemon Creek Rd, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
One of our favorite local wineries, known for estate-grown wines, relaxed countryside views, and a welcoming tasting room experience.
Round Barn Winery ❤️
9.6 miles away
10983 Hills Rd, Baroda, MI 49101
One of our favorite wineries featuring wine, beer, and spirits served in a lively barn-style setting with frequent live music and outdoor seating.
Tabor Hill Winery
10.2 miles away
185 Mt Tabor Rd, Buchanan, MI 49107
Scenic winery known for quality wines and an elevated on-site restaurant overlooking rolling vineyard views, making it a popular date-night stop.
Out There
13.1 miles away
12312 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125
Laid-back wine bar offering curated wines, cocktails, and small plates in a relaxed, artsy space popular for an easygoing evening stop.
The Historian
13.7 miles away
12856 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125
Stylish cocktail and wine lounge known for craft cocktails, curated wines, and a cozy, upscale atmosphere ideal for a relaxed night out.
Greenbush Brewing Co.
14.5 miles away
5885 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer, MI 49125
Local favorite brewery serving excellent craft beer and a strong food menu, conveniently located next door to the popular Sawyer Garden Center for an easy combo stop.
Journeyman Distillery
19.5 miles away
109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks, MI 49128
Large craft distillery set in a restored historic factory, known for whiskey, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere with dining and event space.
Barndogg
20.8 miles away
15972 Red Arrow Hwy, Union Pier, MI 49129
Small-batch brewery with a modern, artsy vibe known for creative craft beers and a relaxed taproom popular with locals and visitors alike.
Ghost Isle Brewery
23.6 miles away
17684 US-12, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Spacious brewery overlooking wetlands, offering craft beer, cocktails, and a full food menu with large indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Peat’s Cider Social Bowling Alley ❤️
4.8 mi away
6201 Red Arrow Hwy, Stevensville, MI 49127
Retro bowling alley paired with Peat’s Cider Social, offering house-made hard ciders, bowling, and a relaxed vintage atmosphere for an easy group night out.
Lake Life Watersports Boat Rental
5.4 mi away
154-172 Anchors Way, St Joseph, MI 49085
Boat rentals giving you the chance to get your own boat out on Lake Michigan; no special license required, just a short safety walkthrough before heading out, though trips are best on calm, non-choppy days.
Blue Water Boat Rental
5.5 mi away
143 Anchors Way, St Joseph, MI 49085
Another convenient marina option for renting a private boat on Lake Michigan, with staff guiding you through the simple requirements before departure so you can enjoy time on the water.
Celebration Cinema Movie Theater ❤️
5.8 mi away
1468 Cinema Way, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Cute local movie theater with classic neon lighting and comfortable seating, perfect for an easy evening activity after a beach day.
Captain Mike’s Fun Park ❤️
11 mi away
10975 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106
Classic roadside fun park offering mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and arcade games, making it a lively option for playful group competition.
Four Winds Casino New Buffalo
25.6 mi away
11111 Wilson Rd, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Large casino and entertainment complex with slots, table games, dining, and live entertainment, popular for a late-night outing near New Buffalo.
Kevin Wilson – Abracadabra Magician
Private in-home experience — abracadabramagic.com
Professional magician available for private shows right at the house, creating a quirky, memorable group experience on your living room stage without leaving the property.
Second Nature Limousine Wine Tour Rental
Private pickup at the house — secondnaturelimos.com
Limousine service that picks you up at the house and takes your group winery hopping in style, a great alternative since Uber and Lyft are still limited in the area.
Nye’s Apple Barn
2.8 mi away
3151 Niles Rd, St Joseph, MI 49085
Local farm market offering fresh produce, baked goods, cider, and seasonal items, making it an easy stop for local flavors and supplies.
Downtown St Joseph ❤️
3.9 mi away
520-598 Lake Blvd, St Joseph, MI 49085
Super cute, walkable downtown area with lake views, restaurants, shopping, and snack stops, with easy walking access to the waterfront and beaches.
Everybody’s Everything ❤️
4 mi away
1523 Niles Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085
One of our favorite local vintage shopping spots, featuring eclectic vintage clothing and quirky costumes available for purchase or rental. Call ahead at 269.769.4844 to shop by appointment.
The Market St Joseph ❤️
4.7 mi away
301 Main St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Walkable from downtown, this indoor market features multiple small shops, snacks, and drink options all under one roof, making it a fun stop for browsing regardless of weather.
Elephant’s Breath Antiques
4.9 mi away
204 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085
Popular downtown antique shop packed with vintage finds, collectibles, and eclectic décor, one of many worthwhile antique stops in the area.
Piedt & Sons Garden Center ❤️
5 mi away
2400 M-139, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
A one-of-a-kind garden center and outdoor gallery filled with cement sculptures, statues, and yard art, much of it for sale, making for a quirky and memorable browsing stop.
Stover’s Farm Market
8 mi away
7837 M-139, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
Farm market known for fresh produce, baked goods, and seasonal offerings, especially popular during harvest and fall market season.
Sawyer Garden Center
14.5 mi away
5865 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer, MI 49125
Large and beautifully curated garden center that’s fun to browse even if you’re not plant shopping, conveniently located next to Greenbush Brewing for an easy combined stop.
Harbert Antique Mall
16.4 mi away
13887 Red Arrow Hwy, Harbert, MI 49115
Large antique mall featuring multiple vendors and constantly rotating vintage finds, part of the many worthwhile antique stops throughout the region.
Eastern Standard Time
24.4 mi away
110 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Stylish boutique in downtown New Buffalo offering curated clothing, gifts, and home goods, ideal for a stroll-and-browse stop while visiting the beach town.
Nelis’ Dutch Village
62.3 mi away
12350 James St, Holland, MI 49424
A longer drive but worth it seasonally when tulip fields are in bloom. Holland itself offers charming Dutch-inspired architecture, shops, and a memorable small-town atmosphere.
Sweetheart Hideaway
Home • Gallery • Overview • Availability • FAQ • Southwest Michigan Travel Guide • Reviews • Contact
A luxury, kitsch-inspired romantic retreat near Lake Michigan — an upscale Airbnb and direct-booking getaway blending the magic of a vintage fantasy hotel with the warmth and character of a unique private vacation home — created by Margaret & Corey Bienert of A Pretty Cool Hotel Tour (@aprettycoolhoteltour) and authors of Hotel Kitsch.