We love the last week of December. Parties planned and attended; meals prepared and enjoyed; gifts wrapped, given, and received. You did it! Awesome job.

And now, your end-of-year bonus. Seven days when the pace palpably slows, plus a long weekend free from expectation. Whether you’re ready to blow off steam or settle in for cozy sofa time (or both), these days are for you.

And so with me-time in mind, we present this handy guide to New Year’s on the Lake Michigan shore.

NYE Dinners

TERRACE ROOM

For romance and firelight, this intimate waterfront restaurant in The Harbor Grand Hotel is near perfection—a sexy, sophisticated space for a cozy, date-night celebration. Fittingly, Terrace Room will serve a rustic Italian four-course prix fixe, accompanied by a champagne toast to the new year. $150
Reservations | Menu

SUSAN’S

Always a vibe, Susan’s will channel Great Gatsby style for its 2022 NYE celebration. With the team dressed to impress and an inventive riff on a classic five-course surf & turf prix fixe, count on dinner with a side of party, especially for late-night guests. $135
Reservations | Menu

GRANOR FARM

For a celebration that’s decidedly of-the-region, Granor Farm presents the NYE edition of their popular Taste of Granor dinner series. A true farm-to-table meal designed by resident chef Abra Berens, we’re big fans of the communal service and modern greenhouse setting. Enjoy a seven-course tasting menu, with or without wine pairing. $225-275
Tickets

HUMMINGBIRD LOUNGE

An old Victorian home turned cocktail lounge in the heart of New Buffalo, Hummingbird has the unassuming warmth of a small-town bar and a surprisingly talented kitchen. Ring in the new year with a four-course prix fixe, with or without beverage pairing. $66-88
Reservations | Menu

NYE Parties

JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY

Journeyman’s expansive, twinkle-lit event space hosts a bumpin’ DJ’d dance party every year. Admission to the 9pm event includes one drink ticket, champagne toast, and a photo booth to capture all your NYE awesomeness. VIP access includes a private lounge with passed appetizers. $25-50 Additional drink tickets are $10.
Tickets

GATHER

Revelers will find a smaller, but no less festive scene at Gather, our stylish new lakeshore cocktail lounge. Admission includes three drink tokens, party favors (including a personal-size bottle of champagne), an incredible kitchen spread, and late-night smashburger sliders. The party starts at 830pm with DJ Rosa Evie. $200
Tickets

Gaming

FOUR WINDS CASINO

Our own little Vegas tucked in the woods, Four Winds offers lodging, dining, gaming, drinks, and music—both live and DJ’d—in multiple outlets throughout the resort. Free shuttle service runs 9am to midnight daily (with extended hours on New Year’s Eve) from Marina Grand Resort, The Harbor Grand, and New Buffalo’s Amtrak station.
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Brunch

BENTWOOD TAVERN

Bloodies and beignets are fan favorites at Bentwood Tavern’s tasty, boozy brunch with marina views. Located in Marina Grand Resort, a post-meal walk along the harbor is the perfect segue to your inevitable (and delightful) ‘I’m on holiday’ afternoon nap. Friday-Sunday 9-3
Reservations | Menu

STAYMAKER

For the truly hair-of-the-dog committed, Journeyman Distillery’s restaurant Staymaker has a savory and super-hearty menu that easily stands up to the award-winning spirits on offer. Don’t miss the housemade donuts served by the half and full dozen. Sun 10–2
Reservations | Menu

FROEHLICH’S

And for a homey brunch that feels a lot like sitting around mom’s kitchen table (but with drinks, if you like!), Froehlich’s hits the spot. From breads to bagels to jams, longtime Three Oaks baker and chef Colleen Froehlich makes everything in-house and by hand. Sat–Sun 10-2 | Mon 10-3
Menu

Arts & Entertainment

THE ERLY at ACORN THEATER

Ease into the weekend with feel-good indie-soul outfit The Erly. Roots rock groove, four-part harmony, and jam band grit in the cozy confines of Acorn’s live performance theater. Dec 30. $15-40
Tickets

DEVOTION at VICKERS THEATRE

Three Oaks’ century-old main street cinema screens Devotion, the inspirational true story of U.S. Naval aviator Jesse Brown. Shown only in theaters, we can’t think of a better place to share an epic story. Various showtimes Dec 23–Jan 2. $12
Schedule

MUSIC BOX FILM NIGHT at DABLON VINEYARD & WINERY

Dablon’s ongoing collaboration with Music Box Films brings independent and international film to its fireside tasting room weekly throughout the winter. Little Girl screens Dec 29 with a $5 reservation fee credited to your wine tab.
Reservations

Shopping

For some, retail adventure is always in season. If you haven’t had your fill, most of our favorite shops are open for your no-pressure browsing pleasure. Start with our Holiday Shopping and Vintage & Antique guides for descriptions, current hours, and easy interactive map.

Outdoor

The crisp hush of the chilly Lake Michigan landscape is perfect for post-holiday decompression. Every path leads to some sort of personal zen. Before you talk yourself into another toddy by the fire, check out our Winter Adventure Guide for inspiration and all the intel you’ll need to get out there and earn true explorer status.

Details Made Easy

Time away is precious. Our mission is to help make it memorable. Still have questions? Need personalized recommendations? Shoot us an email. We love to hear from you!

And no matter how you choose to close out 2022—from the lakeshore to your living room—we wish you peace, love, and happiness.