Day 1: A Lovely Spring Day Trip
Spend a lovely spring day in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor with your significant other with this 1-day itinerary. Expect a leisurely, relaxing day filled with art, coffee, outdoor adventures, plus great food and drinks. Slow down and enjoy some quality time with your love while taking in the sights and culture of these charming lakeside towns.
1
Forté Coffee has three locations, two being in St. Joseph and the other in nearby Benton Harbor. Choose whichever location is most convenient to you and head into the shop for an amazing coffee. We loved our drinks and would recommend the Dirty Chai Latte and the Cappuccino. The ambiance is very inviting at the Benton Harbor location with ample table and bar seating.
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2
Silver Beach is a beautiful, wide stretch of beach along Lake Michigan. Between the white sands and stunning lake views, it makes for a perfectly romantic beach walk. On warmer days, it's a lovely spot for a picnic or sunbathing, but even on chillier spring days, it is worth a visit to see the architectural art and admire the lake views.
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3
The Market in St. Joseph is a very cool market hall with various shops that will entice all of your senses. Meander around Wild Ginger Flowers and Gifts, and you will find interesting flowers, artwork, jewelry, accessories, and giftable items for sale. It's a beautifully curated little shop!
Depending on your mood, visitors are sure to enjoy St. Joe Wine Shoppe, The Cheese Lady, and more fun local spots. Grab a quick bite at Dad's Cafe if you're hungry for lunch!
The Community Taproom is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. This area of The Market has more extended hours than the rest of The Market, so it is great for any time of day. We ordered 2 tasting flights and truly enjoyed every single one!Pro Tip!
Check on the hours of the individual shops you want to visit within The Market to make sure you get the most out of your experience.
4
ARS Gallery Arts & Culture Center* is a woman-owned gallery in Benton Harbor in the area's ever growing arts district. You are sure to find incredible art exhibitions ranging from new and established contemporary artists. The mural across the building is so vibrant and eye-catching, we admired it multiple times during our trip. Walk around the quaint Benton Harbor Arts District area and enjoy some of the other murals that are a part of the Murals Challenge as well!
Pro Tip!
*Note : As of 2026, ARS Gallery Arts & Culture Center is located at 15300 Red Arrow Highway, Lakeside, MI 49116.
5
The Brick House is a casual bar and restaurant with excellent food and cocktails. They are passionate about great food and great music. We really enjoyed our meals and drinks here, and the service was great. The smash burger and 'Unchained" Chicken Sandwich were delicious!
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Thanks for joining us!
We hope you enjoyed your travels throughout Southwest Michigan. Check out other trips that you can take on our influencer itineraries page.
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