Romance & Cultural Tour in Southwest Michigan
This two-day trip highlights all things artistic and romantic, creating a cultural connection in Southwest Michigan. Explore these stops at local art galleries, performance venues, restaurants and shops, and take scenic strolls. Not only is this itinerary a chance to see our unique creative work, but a chance to experience it with your love. Let the dialogue of a play accompany the chorus of your laughter and the symphony be a soundtrack to an evening together. Enjoy a romantic meal paired with local craft beverages. Better yet, this two-day getaway doesn’t need to be reserved for just Valentine’s Day or anniversary weekends. Plan an overnight trip for quality time together just because and enjoy!
Make sure to bring along your Makers Trail Passport and Creative Connections brochure to collect stamps. If you don’t have one, you can ask for one as you visit these destinations. Adjust the ordering of these stops and your plan for the day as needed.
Day 1: Regional art exploration
Today, you two will exchange laughter over a play, shop for regional art together and create pieces of your own to take home!
Chartreuse
(Approximately 30-45 minutes)
Throughout the year, each artist at this gallery take turns to help out to showcase their ceramics, mixed media, glass, fiber, jewelry, paintings/drawings, soap making, woodworking and photography. This is an easy setting to chat with the creatives who are often working on their newest projects while you are there. If you like a particular style of work, but need different colors or have a specific scene or jewelry piece in mind, most artists will do commissioned work as well. Just ask!
304 State St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Shopping downtown St. Joseph
(Approximately 1-1½ hours)
Explore the other shops along State Street! Downtown St. Joseph has a variety of shops and boutiques within walking distance to restaurants and cafes that you can stop at along the way. Pick one of these locations to eat lunch at before heading off to the next stop. Check out the list of boutiques specializing in cute clothing, accessories, outdoor fun, good reads and one-of-a-kind gift choices at the St. Joseph Today site.
Twin City Players
(Approximately 2-3 hours)
This intimate community theater is one of the oldest, continuously operating theaters in Michigan. Attend a play put on by volunteers who are passionate in their delivery. The cast will transport you to a new story and make it look effortless as they enthrall you. See upcoming plays and purchase tickets at the link above. This theater is handicap accessible!
600 W. Glenlord Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
JLN Studio
(Approximately ½ hour-3 hours)
In addition to purchasing local art, another unique memento would be to bring home art you made together! JLN studios offers guided, three-hour art and canvas classes for $55-$82 depending on the size of the canvas. You can also purchase art kits to take home for when you need a date night in.
2642 W. John Beers Rd.
Stevensville, MI 49127
Lookout Park
(Approximately ½ hour-1 hour)
The number one sight you must see while you’re here is the sunset over Lake Michigan. Pick from several local dinner options, and either stop by Lookout Park on the way there or on your way back to your hotel. If you go a little out of the way, the view is worth it! Watch the sun sink below the horizon and fill the western skyline with beautiful hues of red, orange and yellow. It’s the perfect way to end your day.
3218-3320 Lakeshore Dr.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: A symphony of art
Find a symphonic soundtrack for your love story, explore new flavors together and experience the rich culture of our lake towns and the work they’ve inspired.
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra
(Approximately 1-3 hours)
The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra with highly-trained musicians who travel from cities as far away as Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Louisville and Nashville to perform. As a vital member of the local arts and culture since 1951, the SMSO has contributed to the vibrancy of our region and surrounding communities, by making beautiful music, offering innovative programming and increasing music education.
Performances take place all over Southwest Michigan. You can catch a performance in an indoor or outdoor venue or on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Southwest Michigan
Rise & Vine Cafe
(Approximately ½ hour-1 hour)
Rise & Vine Cafe is the place to be for espresso fanatics and wine snobs alike! Enjoy wine slushies and tasting flights featuring a variety of locally-crafted wines. If wine isn’t for you, you can also try a coffee flight to taste several beverages at once. They even have boozy coffee flights featuring locally distilled spirits. While you’re here, order a sandwich for lunch.
800 Whitwam Dr.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
The Gallery at Harbor Shores
(Approximately 30-45 minutes)
Once you’re done at the cafe, head upstairs to the mezzanine to look at this gallery. The Gallery at Harbor Shores features a rotation of select Michigan artists. There is also art featured in public places throughout the building. The Gallery is a thoughtful curation dedicated not only to supporting local artists but to enhancing your overall experience at The Inn. Art has been a large focus at The Inn from the very beginning. They’ve ditched the standard hotel prints to support the regional art community instead.
800 Whitwam Dr.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
ARS Gallery & Culture Center
(Approximately ½ hour-2 hours)
There is much more that 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
North Pier Brewing Company
(Approximately 1-1½ hours)
This craft brewery’s taproom and beer garden prioritize sustainability by collaborating with local farmers. You’ll find tasty tacos, sandwiches and appetizers on their taproom menu to pair with a hand-crafted ale or lager inspired by Belgian and European brewers. Wine, homemade cocktails, cider and soft drinks are also available. Enjoy dinner, but save room for healthy competition. It keeps the romance alive, right? Stay for a board game or shuffleboard, and be sure to download the Makers Trail Passport app (September through May) to earn rewards during your stay.
670 N. Shore Dr.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Lake Bluff Park
(Approximately 30 minutes)
Lake Bluff Park is awash in monuments, memorials and lovely seasonal blooms. Learn up on local history and enjoying stunning views of the lake and lighthouse in this tree-lined park. Turn right on Park Street toward the beach and cross over the railroad tracks. Tucked away on your left you will find a paved, wooded trail that follows the tracks. Follow the trail to Lion’s Park Beach.
520-598 Lake Blvd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
John & Dede Howard Trail
(Approximately 1 hour)
Walk past Lions Park Beach, then follow the path back along the road toward the left down to Silver Beach. Enjoy sweeping views of one of the top family friendly beaches in the U.S. from the sidewalk. Walk the South Pier and watch boats on a calm lake day.
Close the loop by following Broad Street past the Whirlpool Compass Fountain and up the stairs back to the top of the bluff.
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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