PLAY
Located on the dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the glorious waterfront around New Buffalo. With the New Buffalo Beach in the heart of downtown and at least nine other beaches nearby, you’re certain to find plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure on land, water, and around town. In fact, New Buffalo boasts more than 16 continuous miles of sandy, dune-backed shoreline, affording a wide range of water-based and land activities, from kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and sailing to exploring the fascinating sand dunes along the shore. Spend an afternoon at Warren Dunes State Park—home to forest, sand dunes, and miles of pristine beach, where you can embrace some of the area’s most challenging hiking on the 4-mile Warren Dunes’ Mt. Randall Loop. Venture inland, and kayak or paddleboard through woodland and wetland on the 3-mile Galien River Marsh Trail. Lace up your hiking boots, and head to the lovely Warren Woods State Park, where you can explore more than 3.5 miles of forested trails on foot. Or take a bike ride on one of the many biking trails throughout the area; Pedego rents electric bikes to cruise along the lakeshore on Marquette Drive.
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Ready for a glass of wine? You’re in luck. Spend a day following the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, which features more than 21 wineries tucked in scenic farms and orchards along stunning the backdrop of Lake Michigan. Sip and sample wine from a variety of locally made wines on a self-guided casual tour or a curated experience from one of the area’s esteemed winemakers. Picnic at any of the vineyards, and opt for a view overlooking the vineyard at local favorite Tabor Hill or the more off-the-beaten path Free Run Cellars.
If you’re traveling with kids, you can meet farm animals during a visit to Shuler Dairy Farms or partake in a Michigan tradition by picking blueberries at a blueberry farm. (Harvest season is generally early July through August.)
New Buffalo is also a shopper’s paradise, with everything from vintage and antique shops to local boutiques. Spend an afternoon at the Vintage and Antique shops in neighboring Three Oaks, or head to Sawyer and visit design shop Sojourn.
EAT
From waterfront beauties to rooftop venues, gardens, vineyards, and farms, New Buffalo and its six surrounding beach towns offer plenty to please the palate. During the summer, check out New Buffalo’s guide to alfresco dining, featuring some of the area’s best patios, waterfronts, and decks to enjoy eating outdoors. Local favorites include the stunning Terrace Room for farm-to-table, Italian-influenced cuisine, as well as Susans. For sustainably sourced gastropub fare and award-winning spirits, head to Journeyman’s Distillery’s historic Staymaker. Grab a table outside on Welter’s Folly, the distillery’s 30,000-square-foot, 18-hole Scottish-inspired putting green. Craving something less fancy? Head to the rooftop at The Stray Dog Bar & Grill for fish tacos or one of its Asian-inspired ‘yum yum’ burgers. For something different, visit Granor Farm for a one-of-a-kind, farm-to-table dining experience. Enjoy a casual lunch or savory sweet at local fave Froehlich’s, or grab an ice cream cone at Oink’s Dutch Treat, another New Buffalo icon. And don’t forget to pack a picnic while visiting one of the many vineyards and breweries throughout the area.
STAY
Depending on your style and budget, there are plenty of charming places to stay in or near New Buffalo. For a luxurious experience with a view of the water, stay at The Harbor Grand or Marina Grand Resort, a full-service waterfront resort perfect for those who enjoy boating or being right on the water. The Flat at Journeyman Distillery is another memorable option for big groups, with three floors and proximity to shops and other activities. Prefer a quieter experience? Check out the Barn of Three Oaks, a renovated 90-year-old barn, which can accommodate up to eight. And for a classic summer resort, check out the cottages at Sweethaven Resort.
For more information on New Buffalo and the surrounding area, visit New Buffalo Explored or the Harbor County Chamber of Commerce.
