Michigan is such a beautiful state for romantic getaways, and New Buffalo, Michigan is now on our list of favorite places to visit. For a great weekend getaway for couples, this area of Michigan is ideal. Romance, relaxation, and adventure await any couple who visits.
New Buffalo, Michigan Attractions For Couples
I told my husband earlier this year we would do a better job of carving out time for us. We’re busy parents of three handsome boys, work full-time, collaborate on the blog, extra-curricular activities, and the list goes on and on. We recently celebrated our 15th year of marriage! One thing we have learned from our up and down moments is how crucial it is to spend quality time together.
For us to be better parents, be better partners for each other, we need that time away, alone.
However, it can be hard to plan a getaway when you have kids. You have to find a babysitter, do laundry, clean the house, put a schedule together, and on and on. We are not fortunate to have Gammy to babysit anymore (my Mom passed away two years ago), so we have to work with our regular babysitter’s schedule.
I wanted to plan a romantic getaway with D within a few hours of Lansing. After doing some searching on the Internet, and driving by the signs over the years from Michigan to Chicago, we decided to head to the New Buffalo area. New Buffalo is a quaint little town right on Lake Michigan. Taking a getaway on the lake sounded like a beautiful travel destination and ideal romantic vacation with your partner.
Whether you prefer quiet indoor activities or the fun outdoor adventures, this area has something for everyone to enjoy.
The Harbor Grand is one of the top recommended resorts for romantic getaways in the state of Michigan. The hotel itself is within easy walking distance of downtown New Buffalo as well as the beautiful Lake Michigan Beach, where you can take a stroll or go for a swim if the weather calls for it. Ideal location and the beach aren’t the only appealing aspects of the hotel; there are lots of other amenities to take advantage of during your stay. There are also some fantastic dining options as well as specific room amenities you can enjoy as well.
We arrived on a chilly, Michigan September evening. After checking into our hotel room, plus oohing and aahing over the fireplace, we headed down to a late dinner at the newly remodeled restaurant on-site, the Terrace Room.
The Terrace Room was the perfect way to start our evening. With the wafting sound of jazz music playing in the background, low-lightning, and cozy seating arrangements, the romantic mood was set. We started our foodie adventure with an appetizer, Fritto Misto {shrimp, calamari, fennel, green beans and red onion, served with spicy ailoi}. While we waited for our dinner, we were able to talk with no interruptions. As bloggers and parents, we’re always talking about the kids and the blog. This was a great time just to talk about us; our current interests, feelings, etc.
For dinner, Derrick had the Beef Tenderloin { 8 oz CAB Tenderloin with garlic butter, smashed lemon parmesan potatoes and grilled zucchini}. I went with Lamb Chops {mint salsa verde with Vesuvio potatoes and rapini}.
We both enjoyed our dinner, feeling satisfied with our choices, but left enough room for dessert. We decided to continue our romantic journey by having the dessert on the patio next to a warm, inviting fire.
The restaurant gives you waterfront views with outdoor seating, all while enjoying Italian cuisine.
I loved the atmosphere at the Terrace Room on Harbor Grand grounds. After devouring our desserts, we took a stroll around the grounds.
During our stay, we enjoyed a cozy room complete with a fireplace that created the ideal atmosphere for our little getaway. The fireplace is a nice touch on a chilly fall night right off Lake Michigan.
Other features of the hotel include:
- Fitness Room
- Breakfast in Bed
- Ben & Jerry’s 24 Hour Ice Cream {yes, seriously you can order ice-cream at any time at night!}
- Complimentary Coffee and Tea
- DVD Library
- Bike Rentals
- Beach Towels and Chairs
- WiFi
Harbor Grand offers complimentary breakfast. Instead of going down to the hotel lobby for breakfast, its delivered to your room in a picnic basket. When you check-in, you are given a card with breakfast options and time you would like your food delivered. I was impressed they thought of this small touch, giving them two thumbs up in my book.
After breakfast, we strolled around the New Buffalo area checking out the local sights. And of course, we had to spend a little time on the beach.
Since our time was short, we didn’t have a chance to check out everything. We put this list together of ideas of things to do for couples in the New Buffalo area.
Have lunch at The Stray Dog. Derrick heard great things about this restaurant, so we had to check it out. I had their grilled Mahi tacos {avocado, poblano puree, a corn & black bean pico & citrus slaw on three flour tortillas}. Derrick tried their Beer Battered Cod Sandwich {crispy cod, tartar sauce, Carolina slaw, lettuce & tomato}. If you want a fun, family friendly restaurant, definitely give The Stray Dog a try. They also have a rooftop option where you can sit and enjoy the views of Lake Michigan.
Visit an area brewery. New Buffalo is home to some great local distilleries and breweries. Local brewed beer and ale is always a fun experience to see. New Buffalo, Michigan gives any beer loving couple the ultimate fun getaway adventure in tasting. Greenbush Brewing Company, Journeyman Distillery, and Tapistry Brewing are all excellent choices.
Do a bit of gambling. While I am not a gambler, many enjoy visiting the area casinos in New Buffalo, Michigan. With some specific limits set, this can be a fun way to pass the time with your spouse. Just remember to do so responsibly.
Visit the Acorn Theater. There is nothing as romantic as an evening at the theater. Acorn Theater in New Buffalo, Michigan won’t disappoint. From Broadway to a small town theater in Michigan, you’ll be able to see music, plays, and more that will bring you to tears and laughter in turn.
Enjoy a Couples Massage. New Buffalo, Michigan boasts some fabulous day spas. Indulge in couples’ massage to relax and allow yourself to be pampered. Doing this as a couple is a great way to spend time together, and renew yourself after the long busy work week.
Go On A Sailing Excursion. Getting out on the open water is always a wonderful way to relax as a couple. Sailing excursions allow you to enjoy al of the fun of the sailing adventure, without the stress. Let someone else do the work while you and your spouse relax and take in the wind, the smell of the water, and the views.
Take in the sunset on the beach. Sometimes the simple things truly are the best for reconnecting with your spouse. Pull up a blanket and sink your toes into the sand while you watch the sunset over the water. Talk about life, your goals, and just listen to the sound of water lapping the edge of the sand.
Go golfing. Even if this isn’t your preferred sport, golfing can be a fun way to spend an afternoon. Putting around one of the local courses can be tons of fun as you challenge each other to see who gets under or over par by the most.
Walk through local art galleries. New Buffalo, Michigan has a fantastic set of galleries featuring local and well-known artists from around the region. No matter what your preferred medium, these galleries have incredible talent on display for you to appreciate.
These are some great things to help you reconnect with your spouse when visiting New Buffalo, Michigan. Take time for a fun weekend romantic getaway to a beautiful lakeside region that offers a casual atmosphere in a beautiful location.
Find more information about the Harbor Grand Resort and book your stay by going here.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary night at the Harbor Grand and Terrace Room for the purpose of this article. However, you are reading 100% of my own thoughts and opinions.
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