Craft the Most Romantic Weekends in Southwest Michigan

Kindle your love in Southwest Michigan. Fill an enchanting weekend with laughter, tender embraces, outdoor adventures and soulful talks. As one of Michigan’s most romantic destinations, it will warm your hearts from the moment you arrive.

Begin with a Delightful Breakfast or Brunch

Start your enchanted getaway with a light or hearty breakfast or brunch at one of our charming cafes or restaurants. The Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor stands out, serving made-from-scratch dishes like huevos rancheros, stuffed French toast and goat cheese and grit cakes. Don’t miss their specialty lattes, such as the Almond Joy or Abuelita mocha. Other delightfully satisfying breakfast/brunch spots include The Copper Pot, Caffè Tosi and Joe's Cafe Breakfast House.

For brunch with a St. Joseph Harbor view, leisurely eat chef-crafted benedicts, brioche French toast and other sweet or savory delights at Plank’s Tavern on the Water. Pair refreshing mimosas with any choice. Then, take a peaceful morning stroll on the nearby Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trails — the vista of Lake Michigan from the top of the dune is spellbinding.

Walk Along Pristine Beaches and Tranquil Trails 

Beyond exploring Harbor Shores Resort’s 12 miles of trails, escape the stresses of work and home on dozens of idyllic beaches, within serene forests and across scenic wetlands. Hike hand-in-hand at Tiscornia Park beach to the North Pier Lighthouse, Race each other down mountain-high sand or soar down on sleds in winter at Warren Dunes State Park. Or stop to listen to a bugle playing the soul-stirring “Taps” at Weko Beach after the sunset paints the sky in scarlet and gold.  

For secluded walks, venture along the wooded trails of Grand Mere State Park to its majestic dunes and the sun-dappled waves of Lake Michigan. Or enter the mystic Warren Woods State Park, where a dense beech-and-maple forest envelops you in calmness and the lilting voices of songbirds.

Spark a little playful competition by taking the Southwest Michigan Trails Challenge. Download the Visit Southwest Michigan app, then pick five trails to do what you love best in the spring through winter — hiking, biking, paddling, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. Complete the challenge on this or future romantic outings and earn prizes to commemorate your time together. 

Share Your Creative Passions

One of the most romantic gifts is to share in what brings your loved one joy. From music and theater to the arts, cooking and more, feel your creative passions draw you closer. 

Abandon Your Screens and Immerse in the Arts 

Silence your cell phones and enjoy the intimacy of watching regional and national music and theatrical talent on The Acorn stage. Give rousing ovations at profound and innovative productions in The Ghostlight Theatre’s “black box” space. Marvel at the juried collections in the Box Factory for the Arts. Sip wines during meet-the-artist shows at ARS Gallery or attend lively Art Hops seasonally in the bohemian Benton Harbor Arts District. 

As you plan your getaway, review the concerts and performances at The Mendel Center. Or come for the Krasl Art Center’s inspiring guest artist exhibits or its nationally acclaimed Art Fair on the Bluff. By taking the Creative Collections Challenge, you will discover more unique venues and earn exciting rewards, including the chance to win an all-inclusive, two-night hotel getaway for the both of you.

Create Together in an Art or Culinary Class

Make forever memories taking classes together at these Southwest Michigan creative spots: 

• Brush + Bloom DIY Studio
• Fernwood Botanical & Nature Center
• Fusion Gallery & Studio
• JLN Creative Art Studio 
• O & Co.
• Water Street Glassworks

Or learn hands-on from professional chefs at The Culinary Cottage how to prepare fresh pasta, a French-themed dinner from savory appetizers to a decadent dessert, authentic Asian dumplings, gooey sourdough cinnamon rolls, beautifully decorated cookies and cakes and so much more.  

Search for Southwest Michigan’s Murals

Beyond galleries and stages, Southwest Michigan’s streets and walls come alive with stunning murals. These vivid works of art tell stories that are whimsical, historical, inspirational and thought-provoking. 

To make your mural hunt more exciting, participate in the Murals Challenge! Use the Visit Southwest Michigan app to find them. Then take a selfie (serious or silly!) in front of each mural and post it to the app. Once you have visited 10, you’ll earn a prize.

Indulge in a Couples Spa Day

Ahhh, experience luxurious relaxation together at our spas. From soothing massages to rejuvenating facials, these wellness retreats are perfect for unwinding and reconnecting.

Discover Wonderful Craft Beverages on the Makers Trail

You don’t have to participate in our longest-running and most popular Makers Trail Passport Challenge, but it is a spectacular incentive to visit more of our local craft beverage destinations and come away with great prizes. Southwest Michigan is home to more than 40 wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries, each with makers specializing in liquid artistry and providing unique ambiances from rustic to urban chic to fit your tastes. Along the way you will find selections to call “yours.”

Our area is known as the Napa Valley of the Midwest and your palate will agree as you tour local vineyards and tasting rooms. While it’s hard to choose where to go first, Round Barn Estate, Filkins Vineyards or Dablon Vineyards & Winery are top choices. Round Barn and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant share a picturesque trail you can hike or snowshoe through the vineyards and woods, sipping your tasting room selection along the way.

If you are craft beer enthusiasts, breweries such as North Pier Brewing Company, River Saint Joe and The Livery are fun destinations. The Livery pairs their hand-forged craft beers and ales with delicious spent-grain pizzas and live music. When you come in winter, don’t miss playing River Rocks, a game of shuffleboard on ice, at River Saint Joe. It’s a blast!

Distillery seekers can linger over handcrafted spirits and artisan cocktails at spots like Iron Shoe Distillery, Lake Time Brewing and Spirits and Journeyman Distillery. In the warmer months, set aside time to encounter a wee bit of Scotland by showing off your golfing skills. Journeyman’s Welter’s Folly is an 18-hole putting green believed to be among the 10 largest in the world.

Also, don’t miss the cideries, including Lehman's Farmhouse and Peat’s Cider Social. At Peat’s you can drink crisp ciders while bowling or being arcade wizards. 

Many of the Makers Trail locations offer scenic outdoor seating, live music, cozy fire pits, roaring fireplaces and rollicking festivals — all will fill your hearts with treasured “I Love You” memories.

Choose an Intimate Place to Dine 

A romantic dinner is a must. Lose yourselves in the cozy cottage vibes at Grande Mere Inn, where you can take in Lake Michigan sunsets while savoring dishes like blackened swordfish, lake perch or lobster tail. For a vineyard escape, head to Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant and enjoy charcuterie, chicken and gnocchi or raspberry chicken paired with estate-crafted wines. You will be in no hurry to leave your table by the fireplace or overlooking the vineyards. 

Also, choose Timothy’s Restaurant for innovative seasonal and seafood fare or the historic Tosi’s Restaurant for classic Italian cuisine. Go to 221 Main in downtown St. Joseph for tender steaks and sumptuous seafood or head upstairs to its sister restaurant, The Terrace, for rooftop seating and amazing cocktails. If you want an exceptional wine list and views of Lake Bluff Park and Lake Michigan beyond, they are at the Bistro On The Boulevard. The staff at these and other restaurants will ensure you cherish every moment with your soulmate.

Treat Each Other to a Sunset Cruise

Lake Michigan sunsets are a big deal in Southwest Michigan — they are splendid all year. One of the most romantic ways to see them in the summer is to set sail on the Tall Ship MJ or dance as the Par-Te-Tyme cruises on the St. Joseph River. Your time on the water comes with views of the sunset, the lighthouse and the picturesque shoreline. Have your camera ready to capture the moments.

Gaze at the Galaxy

Is there anything more romantic than looking at the stars? One of the best places in Michigan to see them is snuggling on a blanket at Dr. T.K. Lawless International Dark Sky Park in Vandalia. With minimal light pollution, you’ll enjoy brilliant views of constellations, planets and meteor showers. Make your wishes.

Find the Perfect Ending to Your Day

In Southwest Michigan, there are so many lodging choices where you can spend alone time together. Several of our hotels enrich your overnight stay with romantic packages — chilled champagne, gourmet chocolates, bountiful cheese and fruit baskets, roses, spas, late checkouts and more. You will easily find a place with the amenities and rates you want, including waterfront views, spacious suites, hot tubs and walkability to nearby shopping. You will awaken feeling refreshed for another enchanting day in your love story.  

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