Go on a romantic Babymoon in Southwest Michigan

Most people are familiar with honeymoons — that post-wedding romantic getaway for newlyweds. But a babymoon? Like a honeymoon, it is a special time for expectant parents to focus on each other before their bundle of joy arrives.

Thinking of taking one? Other babymooners say during the second trimester is the best time to go. Those mid-three months come after your energy returns and before you're keeping one eye on your due date.

One of the best year-round destinations for an unforgettable babymoon is Southwest Michigan. This couples' paradise offers lodging within walking distance of Lake Michigan beaches, vibrant lake resort towns, delicious eats and shops brimming with gifts for you and the baby.

Where to stay in Southwest Michigan

While there are many options for lodging in and around St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan hoteliers and innkeepers are known for their warm hospitality. Many accommodations are within walking distance of attractions, shopping, art galleries and an eclectic mix of restaurants. If you're watching your pre-baby budget, consider weekday stays in the summer or weekend getaways in the spring, fall or winter. Check availability and make reservations below. 

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What to do on your Babymoon

Stay Active

Most doctors encourage expectant mothers to walk 30 minutes or more a day. This corner of Michigan is a gorgeous place to be physically active. Jean Klock Park is along Lake Michigan in Benton Harbor (less than 10 minutes north of downtown St. Joseph hotels). It's one of the least crowded Southwest Michigan beaches.

While here, climb up the observation tower and marvel at the vastness of this Great Lake. Or take a romantic walk south along the shore's edge until you reach Tiscornia Park and continue out to the picturesque St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse (tours are available in the warmer months). Stay to watch the sunset. Those crimson and gold skies are beautiful in all four seasons.

From Jean Klock Park, you can also access the paved Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails. The six loops are open year-round to the public. The Jean Klock Park Loop (1.42-mile circuit) includes views of Lake Michigan and a picnic pavilion. The system’s longest route, the Commerce Loop (1.86-mile circuit) runs from Water Street in the Benton Harbor Arts District east to Riverview Drive and from Main Street to Graham Drive. Along this loop visit a collection of galleries, shops and top-rated restaurants and breweries — many offering locally sourced, organic ingredients and gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. 

Want to keep it ultra-simple? Take a scenic, relaxing walk. Southwest Michigan has miles upon miles of trails for hiking and, in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Downtown St. Joseph’s sidewalks take you through the Light Up the Bluff light display and the festively decorated Victorian-era neighborhoods during the holidays.

Looking to save dollars? Disc golf is another way to do your fitness steps and have fun. You can rattle the chains nearby at the highly-rated Redeemed by Grace course and River Park. Or take a well-worth-it drive to Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park, Flaherty Park, Madeline Bertrand County Park, and Andrews University’s campus course.

Paddle or pedal at your pace

It will take more schedule juggling to have time together after the baby comes, so carve out time outdoors now. You can launch your kayak, canoe or SUP from several locations throughout Southwest Michigan for a romantic paddle between sunrise and sunset. Rentals are also available from Third Coast Paddling on the Paw Paw and Galien Rivers and at Silver Beach County Park. Doe-Wah-Jack Canoe Rental provides canoe and kayak rentals for trips on the Dowagiac River.

If you don’t bring your bikes, stop by Scooter Joe’s Wheel & Water Rentals in downtown St. Joseph. It’s open in the warmer months and offers street-legal golf carts to bike surreys, bicycles, kayaks, Lily Pads, pontoon boats and beach wagons for towing your beach gear.

Want to add extra fun to your outdoor adventures? Take the Trails Challenge and earn new rewards each year. Stroll scenic treetop boardwalks, walk amid wildflowers or along soothing, gurgling streams. To earn this year’s prizes, visit five individual trails, snap a photo at each trailhead and upload it to the Visit Southwest Michigan app. The pictures will make nice keepsakes for your baby, too.

Experience Year-Round Fun and Scenic Beauty

Southwest Michigan hosts many festivals, music performances, and events throughout the year. Below the bluff in Downtown St. Joseph, Silver Beach County Park offers seasonal swimming and fishing, as well as natural ice and sand art during the winter. You also can visit the magnificent Silver Beach Carousel featuring 48 hand-carved, hand-painted figures and two chariots (one wheelchair accessible) that you can ride for low-cost tokens. (You’re never too old to ride it.) The Brass Ring Gift Shop is a good place to look for gifts for the baby, you, or the grandparents.

Across the street, Whirlpool Centennial Park and Compass Fountain operate from May through September. Eight cannons shoot water 35 feet up and 75 feet out for a playful time together. Wear clothes that can get wet and bring a beach towel. There’s no charge to enjoy it. Plus, you are just a short walk to Silver Beach Pizza where you can eat in or get takeout.

Another less-crowded beach north of the fountain is Lions Park Beach. It’s within walking distance, but you may choose to drive. Here you can connect with the John and Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail. It will bring you to the tree-lined Lake Bluff Park where you can read about the city’s history on its monument plaques and take in the summer farmer’s markets, antique markets, live music concerts and festivals. 

Do you still need to talk about baby names or read your pile of “having a baby” magazines or books? Snag one of the park’s two-seater bench swings and rock. The view of Lake Michigan is breathtaking. The time together, priceless.

Make Creative Connections and earn prizes

The annual Creative Connections game is a fun way to earn artsy prizes while taking in the arts and culture of Southwest Michigan. Use your time together to take an art class to make something for your baby, visit a gallery to pick out a painting for the nursery, listen to a concert, watch a play or step back in time at a museum. You’ll go home inspired and refreshed. 

Eat Fresh

If you're Babymooning in late spring through autumn, there is an abundance of Southwest Michigan orchards, farms and markets to visit to satisfy all of your fresh fruit cravings! Stover's Farm Market & U-Pic offers an idyllic country experience with u-pick seasonal fruits, pumpkins and a picnic area where you can enjoy goods from their farm market. Be sure to take home some fresh apple cider! If you aren't able to pick fruits and vegetables, there is just-picked produce available in their Big Red Barn, too. You will find more ideas in our Farms & Markets Guide.

Satisfy your cravings

It's not a proper getaway if the two of you can't brag about the delicious food you experienced in Southwest Michigan's restaurants. Many of the chefs use local, organic produce, poultry and meats to concoct tantalizing recipes. Several locations offer beautiful waterfront or vineyard views from their indoor or outdoor seating.

When you crave ice cream, even if it's sans dill pickles, there are many places to get a scoop or two, often in a just-made waffle cone. Several of the area's ice cream shops stay open all year — that's because in Southwest Michigan locals eat ice cream, pregnant or not, all the time!

Enjoy a Mocktail or Craft Soda

Treat yourself to a handcrafted mocktail that’s just as delightful as any cocktail. Many stops along the Makers Trail offer delicious alcohol-free options throughout the year, from the ginger-infused Gingerbread Man at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks to the fruity and refreshing Aranciata at Hill District by North Pier in Benton Harbor or the many housemade soda flavors at Arclight Brewing Company in Watervliet. Whether sipping by a cozy fire, on a scenic deck or while playing games with each other, these handcrafted drinks make your babymoon feel extra special.

Shop for baby and mom

Are nesting instincts kicking in? Southwest Michigan has charming downtown shops, lakeshore boutiques and shopping centers filled with must-have outfits, toys and nursery decor. Find a childhood favorite book, browse for shower gifts or pick up something special just for you.

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Pack your bag and babymoon in Southwest Michigan

Wherever you go on your babymoon in Southwest Michigan, you will discover a perfect getaway. So, pack your bag (it'll be good practice for the near future) and enjoy your just-the-two-of-you time. It'll be a great prelude to when you return to Southwest Michigan with your bigger family to enjoy all the kid-friendly activities we offer, too! For more inspiration, check out the blog Baby Moon Getaway in Southwest Michigan for ideas on how to make your trip even more special.

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