Eight Enchanting Winter Date Ideas

Goodbye, routine dinner and movie dates. Hello, eight enchanting moments together.

1. Grande Mere Inn Sunset

Since 1980, this family-run restaurant has welcomed guests with cottage-style charm. Gaze out at Lake Michigan from atop Covert Ridge in Stevensville. Watch the sun paint the horizon red, orange and lavender as it dips beneath the horizon. You will love being in this moment.

Like the view, the food at Grand Mere is exceptional. The chef excels at crafting homemade soups, breads, dressings and sauces from locally sourced ingredients. Choose from premium steaks, fresh lake perch, succulent lobster tails, and their specialty, blackened swordfish. Gluten-free options are thoughtfully included.

Conclude your romantic evening with their decadent desserts. The chocolate ganache and apple caramel bread pudding are delightful.

2. Relaxing Spa Day

Indulge in a day of relaxation and pampering at one of Southwest Michigan's luxurious spas. A couple's massage or spa treatment is the perfect way to unwind together.

3. A Stroke of Creativity

You’ll have a blast painting and creating something together! No experience is necessary to take a class at JLN Studio in Stevensville. All supplies are included in the cost. Here are their upcoming classes.

4. Night Skiing 

Skiing or snowboarding on the lighted slopes at Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area in Jones is exhilarating. Then, come inside the chalet to snuggle by the fireplace with steamy cups of whipped cream-topped hot chocolate.

5. Snowshoe in Quiet Woods

Listen to the rhythmic sound of the snowshoes match the beating of your two hearts. What a calming place to surround yourselves in a winter-quiet world. Love Creek County Park & Nature Center has 1 and 1.5-mile designated snowshoe trails. 

This park is also an outstanding place for cross-country skiing and fat tire biking. Bring your snowshoes, skis or bike or rent them at the Nature Center. If you snowshoe, there is no trail fee. 

6. Skate Hand in Hand

Ice skating at John and Dede Howard Ice Arena in St. Joseph is a joyful way to spend time together. Glide side-by-side around the partially enclosed arena then laugh as you spin, do figure eights and race each other.  Warm up with a hot beverage from the concession counter and get cozy by the fireplace. 

Downtown South Haven also has a roofed outdoor rink. Both sites offer skate rentals.

7. Enrich Your Love

Look through The Mendel Center’s choices of concerts, plays and other entertainment and find one that coincides with your date night. The talent that comes on stage will captivate you, bring you to your feet applauding and enrich your conversation after.

8. Find Precious Alone Time

Spending your date in a heated igloo at Round Barn Winery & Estate is an intimate escape from your busy lives. Leisurely sip mulled wines, craft beer or hot cocoa mixed with Round Barn’s luscious dessert creams.

When you arrive, choose your igloo and walk over to the outdoor bar for your drinks and food. Go inside the frosted dome, sit at your private table, talk, play a game and listen to music on a Bluetooth speaker. What a wonderful time to dance.

After your alone time, refresh your craft beverage cups and take them with you as you walk or snowshoe the Mt. Tabor Trails. The 3.5-mile loop traverses the tranquil woods and vineyards between Round Barn and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. 

More Enchanting Date Ideas

For other ways to kindle your love, browse through these Six Ways to Say I Love You and Best Places to Watch the Sunset. Your hearts are always warmer in Southwest Michigan.