Six Ways to Say, “I Love You” in Southwest Michigan

With the reputation of "Michigan's Most Romantic City" (thanks to the Detroit Free Press), St. Joseph is the perfect place for a weekend with your sweetie. Here are six of our favorite things to do with the one you love:

1. Wine tasting by the fireplace at Dablon Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room. This picturesque tasting room in Baroda (just minutes south of St. Joseph sits high atop a hill overlooking the terraced vineyards. Since it opened in 2015 it's been a favorite place to relax, enjoy local Michigan wines and snuggle with your sweetie in front of a toasty fireplace.
2. Dine together at Grande Mere Inn for a romantic, intimate meal. This family owned and operated restaurant opened in 1980 and has a cozy, cottage-style dining room that is perched atop the Covert Ridge in Stevensville, with a stunning view of Lake Michigan and beautiful sunsets. Soups, breads, dressings and sauces are made in-house daily, and they avidly support and utilize the local farmers, wineries and breweries in the area. With entrees like top-quality steaks, lake perch, lobster tails, blackened swordfish and roast maple leaf duckling, this meal is a step up from grabbing a quick bite to eat somewhere. There are gluten-free options too. And make sure to treat yourself to dessert! Choose from chocolate ganache, chocolate mousse, old-fashioned carrot cake, coconut cream pie and apple caramel bread pudding. You can't go wrong!
3. Walk hand-in-hand along the many scenic trails. With so many hillsides, rivers, streams, dunes and the "Big Lake" nearby, get some quiet time together while enjoying the natural beauty all around.
4. Try winter silent sports together. There is something special about the stillness of winter and experiencing it together, especially after newly fallen snow. These activities allow you the enjoy that peace while on the move. Love Creek County Park and Madeline Bertrand County Park rent cross-country skis, poles and boots. Love Creek also has snowshoes, fat tire bikes and helmets for rental! Pick a new activity to try, then spend time outside exploring together. This is a good way to catch up and check in with your significant other while still going on a fun date.
5. Find each other a thoughtful gift at downtown stores. The charming brick streets in downtown St. Joseph are lined with stores filled with today's fashions, unique gifts and souvenirs. Enjoy homemade fudge or old-fashioned shakes at Kilwins or find treats to bring home to your furry friends at FuzzyButz.
6. Take in local art in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Downtown Benton Harbor is bustling with local artisans, eateries and galleries. Stroll through the city in and out of the little shops and meet the artists and hear what inspires them. Finish your evening with an ice-cold beer and hand-tossed spent grain pizza at The Livery.