See Also: The Ultimate Guide To Mackinac Island
PostBoy
207 N. Whittaker St., New Buffalo, Mich. / Website
Inspired by the seafaring founders of New Buffalo and boasting a scene worthy of downtown Chicago, this bustling destination offers dynamic fare with global influences like buldak wings, mushroom katsu and pastrami’d lamb.
Terrace Room
111 W. Water St., New Buffalo, Mich. / Website
This special occasion spot on the water in downtown New Buffalo beckons with a romantic harborside terrace and a fine Italian menu—think pepper-crusted beef carpaccio, risotto studded with trumpet and beech mushrooms, and seafood cioppino with grilled ciabatta.
Where To Stay
The Harbor Grand Hotel
111 W. Water St., New Buffalo, Mich. / Website
The go-to for luxury lodging in New Buffalo, this stylish property boasts primo waterfront location and a top dining destination in the Terrace Room.
The Inn at Union Pier
With just 16 rooms and located steps from the beach, this quaint inn is a quiet respite with an ideal location from which to explore the surrounding towns.
On The Town
The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts
Set in the former Warren Featherbone Company building in downtown Three Oaks adjacent to Journeyman Distillery, this intimate live music venue opened in 2003 and has hosted acts ranging from Jeff Tweedy and The Cowboy Junkies to opera star Nathan Gunn.
The False Front
Photo by Moguel Photography
30 N. Whittaker St., New Buffalo, Mich. / Website
On evenings from Wednesday to Monday, David’s Delicatessen & Coffee transforms into this haven of expert mixology, where you can find libations worthy of just about any big-city craft cocktail bar. Start with the classic False Front Manhattan, then let your bartender (and the extensive menu) be your guide.
Journeyman Distillery
109 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, Mich. / Website
This distillery at the Featherbone Factory is on a roll, having been named 2023 Craft Distillery of the Year and awarded best whiskey for two consecutive years at the American Spirits Council of Tasters (ASCOT) Awards. They’ve just opened a $40 million campus in Valparaiso, Ind., but home base remains in Three Oaks, where they draw crowds for tours and tastings, the buzzing Staymaker restaurant and the 30,000-square-foot Welter’s Folly 18-hole public putting green.
The Stray Dog
Touristy? Yes. Crowded? Always. But with prime location near the water in downtown New Buffalo, this all-American bar and grill is still worth an in-season visit for its hopping rooftop scene and its killer tavern burger, which gives iconic joint Redamak’s up the road a run for its money.
Where To Shop
Alapash New Home/Alapash Mercantile
14 N. Elm St.; 111 N. Elm St., Three Oaks, Mich. / Website
Plenty of Harbor Country shops go all in for the lakeside aesthetic (think “Beach This Way” signs and corner-store kitsch), but not these sophisticated spaces from Chicago transplant Marco Chaverry, whose impeccable taste in furniture, textiles, plants, art and home accents shines through in every hypercurated vignette.
Farmette
18439 U.S. Hwy. 12, New Buffalo, Mich. / Website
From coffee and pastries to local produce, prepared foods, home goods and more, this smartly curated roadside shop has become a go-to for discerning foodies in the Michiana area.
Lakeside Goods
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cisu1oxpGh2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
100 N. Whittaker St., New Buffalo, Mich. / Website
This artfully curated, coastal-inspired lifestyle shop in downtown New Buffalo has fast become a go-to for books, home decor, gifts, beach accessories and more.
P+E Bottle Shop
Photo by Moguel Photography
2 Maple St., Three Oaks, Mich. / Website
At this charming wine nook, Pat and Ellie Mullins stock a thoughtful, handpicked selection of boutique old and new world bottles.
Sawyer Home & Garden Center
5865 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, Mich. / Website
From a bounty of locally grown produce to an expansive selection of garden supplies, gourmet food items, apparel, home decor and more, this always-buzzing emporium is one of Harbor Country’s essential shopping spots.
What To See & Do
Foundation Mind and Body Spa
111 W. Water St., New Buffalo, Mich. / Website
From seaweed facials and sugar and lavender body scrubs to massage and more, this spa looking out onto New Buffalo harbor at the Harbor Grand Hotel focuses on marine botanicals in all of its luxe treatments.
Galien River County Park
17424 Red Arrow Hwy., New Buffalo, Mich. / Website
Lake Michigan is the main natural attraction in these parts, but this lush 86-acre green space is also worth a visit thanks to its easily navigable 300-foot canopy walkway and 600-foot marsh boardwalk leading to river viewing and fishing platforms.
Round Barn Winery & Estate
10983 Hills Road, Baroda, Mich. / Website
No visit to Harbor Country would be complete without a visit to one of its wineries, and this buzzing destination—centered around a turn-of-the-century Amish round barn and offering tastings, live music and events galore—is the perfect place to sip and swirl.
Warren Dunes State Park
12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, Mich. / Website
Boasting three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, kayak and SUP rentals and two campgrounds against the backdrop of majestic 260-foot-tall sand dunes, this 1,500-acre destination is Harbor Country’s top spot for experiencing the lakeshore.
