Arts & Food tour
From spectacular sunsets that kiss our vineyards goodnight to the simplicity of a perfect heirloom tomato, the natural beauty of Southwest Michigan inspires creativity. Centennial farms rooted in tradition combine with communities transformed by artistic vision. Whether in a kitchen or a glass studio, artists infuse the textures, colors and moods of the seasons into their work. There is no better marriage than food and art — and Southwest Michigan has the best of both! Enjoy a two-day, self-guided tour of our sister cities and get to know their distinct personalities.
Day 1: Artful plates and pieces
Explore a community transformed by the arts, and indulge in local farm-to-table favorites.
Benton Harbor Arts District
(Approximately 2 hours)
There is always something new to see, experience, learn and taste in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Located in the heart of Benton Harbor, Michigan, the Arts District has been at the forefront of the revival of the city center. The arts have been an integral part of the growing appeal of Benton Harbor, and new businesses and restaurants keep adding to the burgeoning excitement. Peruse art galleries, thrift shops, record stores and more.
ARS Gallery
(Approximately ½ hour-2 hours)
There is much more than meets the eye at this contemporary art gallery and cultural hub. Owner Anna Russo Sieber offers an ever-changing showcase of local, regional and national artists. Dive into a variety of art classes, brush up on your Italian, learn everything you need to know about wine and immerse in new cultures without leaving the gallery!
While in the Arts District, look for orange metal sculptures on rooftops and walkways. Michigan artist John Suave has collaborated with ARS on the Muhammed Ali-inspired “I Am The Greatest” project.
147 5th St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Public Art at Harbor Shores Golf Course
(Approximately 1½ hours)
Art may not be the first thing that jumps to mind when you think of golf, but once you stroll through the course at The Golf Club at Harbor Shores you will forever link the two. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus stated a guiding principle of this signature course as “An Environmental Masterpiece Transforms a Community.” Fittingly, a partnership between Harbor Shores and the Benton Harbor Arts District has resulted in stunning artworks at every hole on the course. A ribbon of fitness trails winds through the greens, where you can admire metal sculptures accented with hand-blown glass by local artists.
201 Graham Ave.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Jean Klock Park
(Approximately 1 hour)
Continue the walk into Jean Klock Park. Climb a dune for holes 7, 8, and 9 and you will be rewarded with dramatic views of Lake Michigan, overlooking the shoreline at Jean Klock Park. This lovely windswept beach boasts an observation trail with a boardwalk through the dunes anchored by pastel colors of native sawgrass, seagrapes and flowers. Beyond the sugar sand beach, gaze at the changing colors of sky and water, from electric blue to moody grays and feel your daily cares evaporate.
Jean Klock Blvd.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
The Livery
(Approximately 1½-3 hours)
Once you have worked up an appetite and need to refresh with a good meal, mosey down Fifth Street to The Livery Microbrewery. Step one hundred years back in time at this former horse livery, complete with the original elevator. This rustic, cozy spot is known for its 16 taps of hand-forged craft beer and spent-grain pizza, with a menu featuring creative seasonal specialties. With a mission to celebrate life through beer, music and food, they hold true to that commitment with live performances.
190 5th St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: Art and history collide
Enjoy the arts in the context of local history. Kids of all ages will have a blast on this beachside tour.
Rise & Vine Cafe
(Approximately 30 minutes)
As much as you will be tempted to linger at the lovely Inn at Harbor Shores, grab a quick coffee and pastry on the run in the Rise and Vine Cafe off the hotel lobby and head across the bridge to St. Joseph, a charming Victorian-era town that fosters a love of the visual arts.
800 Whitwam Dr.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Box Factory for the Arts
(Approximately ½ hour- 1 hour)
Step into some local history in the rustic Box Factory for the Arts. The brick building with original period details intact, originally housed Williams Brothers Paper Box Manufacturing Company. Purchased by the Berrien Artists Guild in 1995 and converted to art studios, this space offers three galleries with changing exhibits and regional competitions, art classes, a performance stage, and three levels of working studios. The Box offers a rare opportunity to meet the artists and explore their work in their creative spaces. Check the schedule for events and free admission.
1101 Broad St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Silver Harbor Brewing Company
(Approximately 1-1½ hours)
One of the brightest stars on the craft beer scene is located right in St. Joseph. With inventive seasonal pairings such as the Girl Scout Cookie Flight and handcrafted mugs for mug club members, the artisanal flair is evident at Silver Harbor Brewing Company. The menu features locally inspired new American style lunch and dinner favorites inside an historic one hundred year old building. Stick around for a tap room tour after lunch. Outdoor patio seating is available in season.
721 Pleasant St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Chartreuse
(Approximately 30-45 minutes)
Stroll through the quaint downtown streets to this artist-owned and operated art gallery. Chartreuse features beautiful jewelry, photographs, ceramics, glass, watercolors, wood and textiles by 20+ local artists. You’ll have no problem finding the perfect gift, decorations for the home or office, or a one-of-a-kind souvenir from its extensive collection. New things are added every week.
304 State St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Krasl Art Center
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
Gear up to experience top national artists in rotating exhibits throughout the year at the Krasl Art Center. More than just a local art center, the Krasl strives for placemaking and to connect community through the arts and collaboration. The bright entrance is crowned by a sunny blown glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. Tap into your inner artist by signing up for a class. Or check the events calendar for themed family days which offer free hands-on workshops for artists of all ages. Free admission, donations appreciated.
707 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Bistro on the Boulevard
(Approximately 1-2 hours)
After delighting in local art, head up the block for dinner. Southwest Michigan enjoys a location that draws top culinary talent from nearby Chicago and Grand Rapids. Foodies flock to the region for farm-fresh creations like theirs, offering inventive locally sourced seasonal menus. You can enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace overlooking the lake in warm weather or a leisurely meal and craft cocktails in the cozy dining room. Enjoy Wednesday wine flights, Thursday martini specials and live music, Friday night wine specials and spectacular sunset views always.
521 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Silver Beach Carousel
(Approximately 1 hour)
Did you know there used to be an amusement park where Silver Beach is now? Learn more about its history, see artifacts from Silver Beach Amusement Park and, of course, ride one of the 48 unique carousel figures around and around!
333 Broad St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Inn at Harbor Shores
(Approximately 1 hour)
After an artful and invigorating day, return to the inn and explore the second floor art gallery with works by Michigan artists. Exhibits rotate frequently, and you can visit with the artists during wine and cheese receptions. Remember to leave time at the end of the day to enjoy some live music on the patio with a seasonally-inspired cocktail while watching the sailboats glide by. Kids will enjoy roasting s’mores over the firepit.
800 Whitwam Dr.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
North Pier Lighthouse at Tiscornia Park
(Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour)
If you have not had enough inspiration by day’s end, head down to the North Pier lighthouse at Tiscornia Beach Park before sunset to take in the artistry of Mother Nature. You will likely cross paths with some of the area’s most gifted photographers capturing the palette of colors splashed across the evening sky.
For more galleries, museums and performance venues throughout Southwest Michigan, click here.
80 Ridgeway St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Thanks for joining us!
We hope you enjoyed your travels throughout Southwest Michigan. Check out other trips that you can take on our itineraries page.
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