Restaurants, fun things to do, and seasonal events along the SW Michigan shore
Map
Sections
5
Food
Seasonal
Shopping
Fun
Take care of Yourself
Food
No chain restaurants here! Local. Often using local produce. We make farm-to-table the everyday standard.
SW MI is considered the fruit basket - peaches, cherries, grapes, blueberries - of the Midwest.
And y’all. I’m a Taurus. Trust me on the food....
Delicious brunch and fun mocktails
Plank's Tavern on the Water
This place is addictive!!! Dessert sourdough, fancy sourdough, cookies and so much more. (Lemon ice box cookies are fantastic)
Sourdough House & Coffee Bar
Local. Community focused. Delicious. Get there before 11am - they sell out often!
Red Coach Donuts
Zucchini waffles with chocolate chips? Yes please! And the best espresso martini you've ever had. Lots of options for different dietary needs. New bar inside. Outside is dog friendly.
Mason Jar Cafe
Lovely food options in a setting of flowers and water. The perfect leisurely start to your day. Seasonally open
Clifford's Coffee Canal
A winery and a gathering space. Tiny Dancer is a non-alcholoic gem. Nita's Sweet Red is also a personal favorite.
Lazy Ballerina Winery
Take and go (not eat-in). Is it New Orleans food? Not really, IMO. It’s more Creole inspired but makes a nice change of pace.
Nola Roux
Mom and pop restaurant. Small space - great for take-away. Food is fresh, tasty. (You can adjust the spice level.) Immaculately delicious
If mango sticky rice is ever offered, order it!
Ban Thai Michigan
Take snacks to the beach! Elevated deli style food. The ultimate take and go food options - plus the dessert case is insane
Caffè Tosi
Charming little spot with delicious fresh baked goods. Seating is limited.
Merry Little Baker
Family friendly. Great for a casual lunch. Menu runs to pizza and sandwiches with unique brews
Haymarket Brewery & Taproom
The Winter Wednesday Mac & Cheese is something to write home about. For more exotic fare, throughout the winter they highlight different ethic foods.
The Historian
Delicious fresh middle eastern food.
Cafe Gulistan
Eclectic winery with top notch tastes. (The honey dipped sangria is especially delicious). Crowd skews older.
Golden Muse Winery
Great venue for girl talk - snack and tea options in a vaguely steampunk setting
Apothica Teas
Delicious sweet treats and breakfast sandwiches (the sammies go fast! Get there early)
Frequent vegan options!
Black Currant Bakehouse
Delicious brunch and differ options with holiday vibes
Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions
This food pops! It’s tasty and fun
Happystance Dinette
Seasonal
Local events in the area that draw a crowd. Now you are in the know!
Late April local art event. Several SW MI participating towns.
Our Story - Art Attack
May 9th. Blossomtime festival
Grand Floral Parade
About Memorial Day through Labor Day, every Saturday and Sunday, rotating artisinal and farm vendors
Skip's New Buffalo European Farmers Market
The Art Center is open most of the year. In mid-July, there is a juried art fair held on the lake bluff.
Krasl Art Center
Huge garage sale, every August. Accomodations and route in this link
US-12 Heritage Route
Grand Rapids (several locations around the city) art event every September.
ArtPrize
Shopping
No big box here! Local stores with unique options to make your gift giving memorable (even if the gift is for you!)
It looks like a garden center. But it’s also a farmer’s market of local produce and a completely unique shopping experience (they have everything. Literally)
Sawyer Garden Center
The woman who owns this has a highly curated eye. The stock is varied and memorable.
1232 Broad Street Mercantile | Saint Joseph MI
This place never misses! Tell them who you are shopping for (age, gender and their interest) and it’s guaranteed hit!
The Toy Company
Combined space of small shops. New. Thrifted. Crafts. Cute clothes, unique items. Home goods.
Urban Garage Market: Homepage
Journals. Stationery. (Riffle Paper Co) Cards. Pens. (They just started carrying my favorite Birmingham Pen inks!). Washi tape. Office accessories. Cutest spot for a great gift!
yours truly, Elizabeth
Comfy and chic clothing
Stores in Saint Joseph and Saugatuck
Grins of St. Joseph | Saint Joseph MI
Fabulous jam! (Fresh local ingredients) The store prioritizes unique flavor and veteran made products (pickles, BBQ sauces and more)
Pro-tip: ask about new jam flavors in the cooler!
Sticky Spoons Jam, LLC
What did you forget for the day or your vacation? Sunscreen, toothpaste? The rental house doesn’t have dish towels? Need white out? We don’t have a Target but we have everything you need and then some!
G&M Variety
Fun
Beyond the beaches there is a tone of fun things to do in SW MI
Old fashioned carousel with additional exhibits and games near Silver Beach.
(Volunteer run. Hours limited)
Silver Beach Carousel
Art everyday, events occasionally
Box Factory For the Arts
Art classes anyone? Watercolor, gauche, or acrylic. Beginner friendly or rekindle your love for art.
JLN Studio, LLC
Charming little book store with a great selection of new and used books.
Flourish Books & Plants
Fusion and crushed glass studio. Year round beginner and intermediate classes.
Fusion Gallery
Wildland botanical gardens. On-site restaurant and frequent events. (Suitable for strolling)
Fernwood Botanical Garden
Forget Provence! U-pick lavender and fun
Shopping
Lavender Hill Farm of Niles, Michigan
Put your hiking boots on. This is the place to experience MI outdoors
Love Creek Nature Center
Hikes and wildlife. (Cross country skiing, too). Yearly butterfly garden
Sarett Nature Center
Need to take the kiddos somewhere with nerdy fun? This is an easy way to keep them busy for a few hours
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center
Create your own perfume, candles or body products. Keep your favorites on file. (Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids locations)
The Aroma Labs
Outdoor sculpture park. Music venue. Botanical garden. (Exotic butterfly house March - April.)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Family fun: bowling, arcade games, great food, and - of course- cider (hard and soft)! (Weather permitting, our door area).
Peat's Cider Social
Take care of Yourself
Self spa options + facials and massage
Revive Spa
Lux option for facials, massages, and nail care. Sauna and shower use come with service
Spa at Harbor Shores
Gorgeous space. Kind instructors at different levels. Sound baths! Reasonable price.
