Spring Blossom Itinerary
Southwest Michigan is a treat for your senses in the spring. All across our countryside, verdant orchards and vineyards explode in pastel blossoms and sweet scents from mid-April to the end of May. Many of our markets reopen in May, with trays and baskets of ready-to-plant flowers in a brilliant array of colors. You'll find jars of tantalizing jams and jellies, bunches of just-snapped asparagus, creamy chocolates and palate-pleasing wines and cheeses along the way. Finding blossoms is as easy as going east from Lake Michigan and exploring Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. Here's one of our favorite, self-guided spring blossom tours:
Day 1: Spring season delights
Find fresh local produce and savor the flavors and scents of goods made using them.
12 Corners Vineyards
(Approximately 1 hour)
These vineyards are planted on slopes that bring a distinct and pronounced terroir to the wines served here. Come sample winemaker Glen Greiffendorf's passion for making Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay and Traminette. Tastings include five wines, a chocolate and a 12 Corners glass. Live music and art classes are held throughout the year.
1201 N Benton Center Rd.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Bob’s Barn Farm Market & Bakery
(Approximately ½-1 hour)
Located about four miles east of picturesque Lake Michigan in the heart of Michigan's fruit belt, you’ll find a variety of quality fruits and vegetables here. They also sell gourmet honey, jams, jellies, salsas, pickled vegetables, cheesecake mixes, muffin mixes and many other items.
You can also grab Sherman's hand scooped ice cream here as a delicious treat. Not to mention their bakery’s pie slices, cookies, muffins, pumpkin rolls and other items.
4830 Coloma Rd.
Coloma, MI 49038
Contessa Wine Cellars
(Approximately 1 hour)
Tony Peterson carries on his family's winemaking tradition in this winery nestled in the fertile hills of northern Berrien County. Enjoy spectacular vistas of blossoming orchards from the European-style terrace overlooking the Coloma Valley.
3235 Friday Rd.
Coloma, MI 49038
Happy Poochie Eatery
(Approximately 45 minutes)
Fuel your appetite at this gourmet sandwich shop full of lunchtime freshness! Their delicious plates are determined to satisfy whatever your craving may be. Try classic deli sandwiches like their hot ham and swiss, or mix it up with the Greek a pita featuring melted provolone on a pita with dill dressing, feta, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, lettuce and tomato. Happy Poochie’s menu has something for everyone! Their soups and salads are filling, too. Make sure to check their hours first. This location is closed on weekends.
325 W Main St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Turquoise Top Hat at Urban Garage Market
(Approximately 2-3 hours)
Bring some blooms home for yourself! Turquoise Top Hat, LLC, hosts a variety of DIY classes where you can create your own floral arrangement, art piece or centerpiece. Choose from their workshops based on classes available during your visit. Cost varies.
807 Lester Ave.
St Joseph, MI 49085
Margaret B. Upton Arboretum
(Approximately ½-1 hour)
Stroll on a paved path underneath a line of trees, and admire the blossoming flowers all around you. The Margaret B. Upton Arboretum stretches under a mile along the St. Joseph River, but you can extend it to walk past Lake Michigan as it connects to the John and Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail.
617-699 Water St.
St Joseph, MI 49085
Grande Mere Inn
(Approximately 1 hour)
Situated atop the Covert Ridge in Stevensville, Grande Mere Inn serves up incredible views. This local dining classic, operating since 1980, serves upscale seafood, steaks and more in a cozy, cottage-style dining room. Linger awhile for a beautiful sunset!
5800 Red Arrow Hwy.
Stevensville, MI 49127
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: Floral oasis
Admire the colors of the season by surrounding yourself with blossoms all day long!
Clifford’s Coffee Canal
(Approximately 1 hour)
This stop is as passionate about nature as they are about their coffee, and you can tell by the beautiful environment they’ve created. Enjoy your breakfast surrounded by succulents, flowers and other plants with a view of the water. You can even buy some for your own breakfast at home. The food is all locally, seasonally and organically sourced when available. This picturesque spot makes for a fresh start to an exciting day of spring in Southwest Michigan!
619 W Main St.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Fruit Acres Farm Market & U-Pick
(Approximately ½ hour to 1 hour)
The market and U-pick do not open until June, but you will enjoy the scenic drive by Fruit Acres’ black sweet cherry, peach and apple trees bursting with delicate flowers.
3452 Friday Rd.
Coloma, MI 49038
JW Morlock & Girls
(Approximately 25 minutes)
Roll down the windows as you cruise by the orchards in late April through May. Breathe in the sweet fragrances of cherry, peach, apple and other blossoms. Now is the time to see acres of pastel trees as you drive through northern Berrien and Van Buren Counties. Swing onto North M-140 near Watervliet and past the blooming orchards that will fill the farm stand run by the Morlock sisters this summer and fall. They grow over 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables!
5000 M-140
Watervliet, MI 49098
Lehman’s Orchard and Brewery
(Approximately 1 hour)
This orchard and farm market in southern Berrien County is typically open during blossom time, but call ahead. They offer frozen cider year-round, plus their craft wines, hard ciders, house-made nut butter, original trail mixes, a variety of vinegar flavors, jams, chutneys and relishes. Be sure to cruise by the beautiful orchards and see the sweet and tart cherry, peach and nectarine blossoms fluttering in the breeze. And grab a bite to eat at their farmhouse!
2280 Portage Rd.
Niles, MI 49120
Fernwood Botanical Garden
(Approximately 2 hours)
Fernwood is a special place where people, plants, and nature come together. Beautiful gardens surrounded by forest are tucked into a landscape of 105 acres of cultivated and natural areas along the scenic St. Joseph River valley. Fernwood's nature preserve, with its tall trees, tranquil ponds, abundant springs and carpets of wildflowers, is a magical place that draws people back continuously. Trails provide access to all parts of the preserve, allowing visitors to see a remarkable variety of plants and wildlife.
13988 Range Line Rd.
Niles, MI 49120
River Saint Joe
(Approximately 1 hour)
River Saint Joe is a unique farmstead brewery and restaurant at Flatwater Farms, an organic farm and hop yard in Southwest Michigan. They create organic and farm-focused beer and thoughtfully crafted, seasonally inspired dishes. Experience the beauty of the land and its harvest before ending your spring blossom tour.
15475 Walton Rd.
Buchanan, MI 49107
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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