Skip to main content

Our Travel Tips for Harbor Country, Michigan

micro guide harbor country michigan
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When looking for a place to get away for Labor Day, or a weekend this fall, Harbor Country, on the shores of Lake Michigan, might have all of what you were, or weren’t, looking for, in a get away.

Recommended Videos

 Tucked along the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan, less than 90 minutes from Chicago’s loop, is Harbor Country.  Get there by car, or jump on Amtrak ($18 each way for the stop in New Buffalo), and you will be steps away from the best beaches in Michigan.  Added bonus: It is entirely possible to get by without a car while there.

SHOP

third-coast
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Third Coast Surf Shop – Yes, the Third Coast is correct.  For the ultimate in spreading the surf lifestyle to the Great Lakes, it carries skate and surf apparel and accessories.  Rentals are their specialty. They teach SUP, SUP means Stand Up Paddleboarding, and tweet the surf/lake conditions (@ThirdCoastSurf).

Hearthwoods– All the handmade items are made from reclaimed wood.  Be it barns, discarded trees or old buildings, Andrew Brown left his corporate advertising job in New York, and returned, literally, to the woods of Michigan. Making everything from frames to beds, and of course, the best outdoor furniture, check out his studio and nab something to take home.  Their specialty is custom orders, so stay a while and get crafty.

 EAT & DRINK

timothy's
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Timothy’s -Located in the Gordon Beach Inn, in Union Pier, this fine eatery is known for their seafood.  Tim Sizer has curated a menu, from wines to opening dishes, to an array of entrees, and local sourced desserts. Renowned for their Coconut Macadamia Nut Crusted Grouper and their Fresh Michigan Fruit Crisp, both are something not to be missed.

Redamak’s-Known as “The Hamburger That Made New Buffalo Famous” is a must for so many locals and visitors alike.  Ok, not just hamburgers, but the French fried veggies, are not to be over looked.  Closed in the winter (this year they close on October 27th), this burger emporium is one of the ultimate summer musts!

oinks
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Oink’s-The ultimate in ice cream.  Yes, the line can be long, but that just means everyone knows just how good it really is.  When over 40 unique flavors is what you had in mind, like Moose Tracks and Grasshopper, it’s only a scoop away.

greenbush
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Greenbush Brewing Co. – They began producing handcrafted artisanal beers in 2012 in this former laundromat.  With their location in Sawyer, MI, the northern edge of Harbor Country, it is easy to see why this is a pull-up-to-the-bar for some suds kind of place. Try their Red Bud, a copper wheat ale and the house smoked beef brisket sandwich.  The perfect pint and bite.

journeyman
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Journeyman Distillery – Located in the historic EK Warren Featherbone Corset Factory in Three Oaks, MI, this is one of the few certified organic distilleries in the country.  They make a variety of whiskey, vodka, gin and rum. Grab up some of their food too, all locally sourced and preservative free.  Don’t miss the Butcher’s Bloody, served with a meat stick from the iconic Driers.  Pair that with their Pulled Pork Slider. EK Warren was a staunch prohibitionist, so we bet he’d love the distillery!

SLEEP

hotel
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Harbor Grand – A luxury property with amazing touches.  A truly incredible assortment of rooms from which to choose, each one offers Ben & Jerry’s for room service, anytime, day or night, in your favorite flavors.  Just tell them the number of spoons, perfect for the late night hunger pang.

Lake Country Inn– This nine room bed & breakfast is very modern and luxe.  Boasting Ralph Lauren linens, and spacious rooms, this inn is a block away from the train station.  Quiet and inviting, children are not allowed.

Topics
Tom Handley
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Tom Handley is a contributor for TheManual. As a professor of public relations and social media strategy at Parsons The New…
SLS introduces its first all-inclusive resort in Cancun
This 498-room property features rooms with private gardens and terraces.
SLS Playa Mujeres

SLS Hotels & Residences has unveiled its first all-inclusive property, the SLS Playa Mujeres, located just 15 miles north of Cancun International Airport. Situated in a gated beachfront community, the resort offers 498 upscale accommodations, including Swim Out rooms with private gardens and the exclusive three-bedroom Envy suite featuring a terrace and breathtaking sea views.

The property also debuts SLS Elite, a premium room category boasting personalized check-in, dedicated butler service, and a premium spirits package. Select SLS Elite suites showcase two-level designs with private rooftop hot tubs, completely elevating the luxury experience.
What amenities can you expect in this luxury hotel?

Read more
Is travel insurance worth it? The biggest myths debunked
man with suitcase standing outside

When it comes to travel, flight cancellations, lost luggage, medical emergencies, or unpredictable weather can quickly turn an exciting getaway into a stressful ordeal. That’s where travel insurance comes in. But is it really worth spending extra on? Let’s unpack the details so you can decide if travel insurance is the right move for your next trip.
What exactly is travel insurance?

Travel insurance helps cover unexpected expenses that might pop up before or during your trip. Here’s a quick look at what travel insurance typically covers:

Read more
Costa Rica vs. Panama: Which tropical paradise suits your style?
Which Central American destination is better?
Black sand beach in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica vs Panama: it's the ultimate showdown of tropical travel destinations. These two Central American hotspots are teeming with gorgeous rainforests, sandy beaches, and food to die for. Costa Rica is known for its natural parks, beautiful volcanoes, and two amazing coastlines, offering some of the best surfing in the world. Panama, on the other hand, offers an interesting blend of old-world charm and modern cityscapes.

But how do you decide between Costa Rica’s pura vida vibes and Panama’s unique blend of modernity and tradition? We can't make the decision for you, but we can give you a comparison to help you decide. Read on to learn the highlights of Costa Rica and Panama.
Beaches: Costa Rica

Read more