Your ticket to summer's grand finale in New Buffalo
On a bright, clear weekday in September, you may find yourself at a crossroads. Do you attempt to knock out 10 emails? Or do you sneak away to the shore for summer’s glorious last hurrah?
In Harbor Country, the answer is simple. It’s prime time to float. The lake is warm. The beaches, wide open. And the vibes are mellow, wherever you roam. Because beyond the shore, you’re in the midst of peak abundance: ripe vineyards and orchards, lush hiking trails, well-curated shops refreshed for the season, and farm-to-table restaurants high on the harvest’s finest produce.
It’s a golden, remarkably chill moment. Restaurant reservations are optional. Late hotel checkouts, encouraged. All you need is wanderlust, some ideas to spark adventure (see below), and a day plus change to escape to New Buffalo.
Morning
Walk the Lake Michigan shore | New Buffalo
Nature brings the perfect gift to summer’s going-away party: average daytime temps in the 70s, on land and in Lake Michigan. On a serene September morning, it’s an equilibrium best experienced with bare feet in the sand. New Buffalo Beach officially opens at 8, but early birds are rarely disturbed. Walk the shore or, better yet, go for a dip. Climb the elevated walkway to dry off and catch picture-perfect lake views over the hilly dunes.
Get an Unskippable Breakfast | New Buffalo
When the weather’s this beautiful, you could spread a blanket on the sand and just camp out. Or you may be enticed to explore. Either way, you’ll need breakfast. And around here, you have excellent options. A quick walk from the beach, PostBoy’s serving breakfast burritos, egg sandwiches, and locally roasted Infusco Coffee on the stylish, breezy patio. Or go a little further up Whittaker to local hang David’s Delicatessen for fresh bagels, breakfast reubens, and old-fashioned deli pastries.
Window Shop | New Buffalo
If fall gets you in the mood for a home or closet refresh, Whittaker Street’s got the goods. A block from David’s, the Michigan Mercantile collection of concept boutiques lures you in with its aspirational mix of housewares, books, and clothing. At Lakeside Goods, find European ceramics, linens, and artisanal accessories for table and home. Next door, Book Shore’s large-format art and lifestyle books are packed with inspiration for nesting and travel. And at Lake Feste, browse for under-the-radar French designers and stateside lines like Trovata.
Afternoon
Have a No-Pack Picnic | Union Pier & Three Oaks
Hop in the car and head north on Red Arrow Highway. You’ll pass the scenic Galien River County Park and be in quick stopping distance of Warren Woods primeval forest—unique natural landmarks with low-commitment hikes. After, it’ll be lunchtime. How about a picnic, without the prep? Grab gourmet sandwiches at Whistle Stop Grocery in Union Pier, with charming outdoor tables. Or swing east to Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks. The award-winning distiller’s Staymaker restaurant is a draw for its historic factory building, Detroit-style pizza, and option to lunch outside by Welter’s Folly—believed to be one of the world’s largest putting greens. Play a round with a house cocktail in hand, if you’re feeling especially vacation-y.
Treasure Hunt | Red Arrow Highway
Red Arrow is dotted with superb vintage and antique shops, from New Buffalo north to Sawyer. With booth after booth of vintage furniture and décor, original art, clothes, and heirloom jewelry, Harbert Antique Mall is a multivendor mega-market you can easily get lost in. Operated by Rivich Auction House, they source from primo estate sales across the Midwest. Happen to be here on Friday? Pop into Sawyer’s Sojourn, a destination for fans of artist-made ceramics and earthy housewares, and Harbert’s Alchemy Art & Antiques, for eclectic vintage furniture and art sourced from some of the country’s top antique fleas.
Explore the Vineyards | Baroda & Buchanan
The official name is the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA), but you can also call it one of the Midwest’s most historically rich, plentiful wine regions. The AVA’s wine trail could be its own day trip through rolling vineyards and tasting rooms. But a one-estate visit is well worth a detour into the countryside. At Dablon Vineyards & Winery in Baroda, sip estate wines on a hilltop terrace with views of hand-planted vines. Nearby, get a two-for-one experience at sister vineyards Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant and Round Barn Winery & Estate, on idyllic adjoining properties. Local tip: The estates share wooded walking trails, where to-go glasses are absolutely allowed.
Evening
Rest & Recharge | New Buffalo
As afternoon fades, The Living Room at Marina Grand Resort is a beautiful, comfy place to take a pause. From 3 to 5 pm daily, the café-slash-lounge hosts a happy hour featuring low-intervention—sometimes local—wines, cocktails, beer, and an afternoon snack-sized charcuterie board. Sink into a plush couch by the fireplace, or seek out one of New Buffalo’s hidden treasures: the resort’s rooftop, with roomy seats and a superior view of New Buffalo Harbor and Lake Michigan. The Living Room is also home to a pop-up by Stand Magazines, a local seller specializing in browsable independent and hard-to-find periodicals.
Dine Harborside | New Buffalo
The air is crisp and cool. The evening light sparkles. September is practically begging you to enjoy a slow dinner outdoors. Harbor Country’s al fresco dining options include lovely patios, decks, gardens, and yards. In New Buffalo, you’ll also find tables tucked away by the peaceful marina. At Bentwood Tavern, treat yourself to elevated pub fare and somm-curated wines on a patio with views of the boats cruising into their slips. Or, close by, you can set your sights on the lake. At the bar and grill Stray Dog, a 21-plus rooftop has classic burgers, salads, and apps—plus incredible seats to see the sun disappearing into the horizon.
Unwind with a Nightcap | New Buffalo
Not ready to call it a day? Venture out for an after-dinner drink. For something out of the ordinary, check out The False Front, a cleverly resourceful pop-up that flips David’s Deli into a laidback cocktail lounge by night. Bartenders have free rein to experiment with concepts and ingredients, with tasty results. We recommend the Shipwreck, a tiki sipper inspired by New Buffalo shipping lore. Before you say goodnight, there may be time for one more trip to the beach. It’s one of the dreamiest spots to watch the yellow-tinted moon rise.
