Five Fun Summer Date Ideas

Whether you hope to dazzle your date on your first meeting or keep your hearts blazing after years of loving each other, Southwest Michigan is your romantic summer date destination. From the starry hillsides of Vandalia to St. Joseph named, “Michigan’s Most Romantic City,” these five date ideas keep your love fresh and spontaneous. 

1. TAKE IN THE STARS AT DR. T.K. LAWLESS PARK

Few things speak of forever love like snuggling close and gazing up at an infinite night sky of glimmering stars. Go to Vandalia for a date in one of three designated International Dark Sky Parks in Michigan. While sky-gazing is fabulous year-round, August’s Perseid Meteor Showers offer a spectacular reason to bring your date here. Begin with dinner at an area restaurant like the Wounded Minnow Saloon or Sister Lakes Brewing Company.

2. LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC DOCKSIDE AT PLANK’S TAVERN 

Date nights never feel complete unless there’s a leisurely, delectable meal involved. Overlooking the St. Joseph River as it slowly rolls to Lake Michigan is extra special at Plank’s Tavern on the Water in St. Joseph. On select summer evenings, find your way to their riverside tent to listen to regional musicians naturally draw you closer together. Or find your favorite music genres at the free Friday Night Concerts in St. Joseph or concerts at The Livery, The Acorn, or Vineyard 2121.

3. WALK THROUGH LUSH GARDENS AT FERNWOOD 

Stroll through the 105 acres of wildflowers, ponds, springs, and trees at Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve. Choose your activity level from easy to hill climbing walks. Rest by the St. Joseph River or on a blanket in a sunny meadow. Watch for wildlife scampering through the woods or hawks soaring overhead. Read poetry together. Afterward, enjoy a meal made with locally grown ingredients and paired with farmstead beers at River St. Joe. Or consider a visit to the Roti Roti Art Center and explore Buchanan’s charming downtown.

4. TAKE A CLASS AT THE CULINARY COTTAGE, THEN WATCH A SWEET SUNSET 

Start your date with an evening cooking class in St. Joseph’s Downtown Market at the Culinary Cottage and learn new farm-to-fork, plant-based pasta-making, and baking skills. Afterward, take a short walk across Main Street to find your favorite ice cream flavors or chocolates at Kilwins. Then savor each sweet bite at Lake Bluff Park while catching a Lake Michigan signature sunset. If you arrive early, you might find a swing or park bench just for the two of you. 

Other treat destinations include South Bend Chocolate Cafe, Cabanas, and Caffe Tosi.

5. HAVE A SUNSET PICNIC AT A LOCAL BEACH

Southwest Michigan has many Lake Michigan beaches that are perfect for sunset picnics. Consider Warren Dunes State Park or Grand Mere State Park for their amazing views. Grab dinner to-go from your favorite local restaurant, pack a blanket, and enjoy until the sun dips below the scarlet-and-gold horizon. Or take your date to one of these romantic sunset-viewing beaches. 

STAY FOR MORE ROMANTIC FUN TOMORROW

Turn your romantic summer date into a heart-melting stay. Wake up to a peaceful hike or bike ride in our countryside, then explore our vibrant art scene, paddle our rivers and lakes, go to wine or beer tastings along our Makers Trail, catch the wind on a sailboat or tall ship or laugh together on a cycleboat or surrey ride. There are so many ways to say “I love you” in Southwest Michigan. Book your stay today.