New Buffalo can be friends getaway or romantic retreat

To some, New Buffalo, Mich., a quiet escape an hour east of Chicago, could be labeled as quaint. But quaint doesn’t quite do the town justice. Not when you factor all the wonderful lodging and dining experiences that await you in this peaceful lakeshore town.

New Buffalo will more likely become a premium getaway for you and your friends or a romantic retreat with you and your partner. From the beach to the shopping, you will quickly fall in love with the town that checks all the boxes.

Begin your stay at one of the many boutique hotels in the area. If luxury is your thing, you can’t go wrong with the Harbor Grand Hotel (harborgrand.com). With waterfront views and elevated decor, you will feel like royalty. Not to mention, it is located a stone’s throw from downtown New Buffalo, which includes shopping, dining and access to the beach. If shopping is on the agenda, be sure to check out the perfect little beach town boutique called Frolic, as well as the new upscale boutique, Eastern Standard Time, all located on the main road on Whittaker Street.

Those enticed by the sounds and sights of nature can check out The Neighborhood Grand Beach Inn (theneighborhoodhotel.com). There you can explore the woods and waterways on a short hike or stay in one of the beautiful rustic cottages they offer.

Once you are settled in, let your stomach take over at one of the local favorites. Stray Dog (thestraydog.com) is a hot lunch and dinner spot with a beach vibe and seafood that can’t be beat. If pizza and beer fuels your soul, check out Church Brewery (beerchurchbrewing.com), a Pizzeria Napoletana set in a civil war era church near downtown. One of my favorite things to do when visiting a new town is to rent e-bikes. Pedego Harbor Country is the perfect place to hire an e-bike and check out the beautiful town of New Buffalo and cruise by all the beautiful houses along the beach.

Ready for dinner? Don’t miss the rustic outdoor terrace at The Terrace Room (terraceroomhg.com), home to flawless Italian fare with shareable portions you are sure to love. Cap off the night or start the evening at the Hummingbird Lounge (hbirdlounge.com) for cocktails on the back porch.

For the adventurer in you, take a 15-minute drive where you can settle into classic Italian-American at Farina’s Supper Club (arinasupperclub.com). The owners, Yvonne and Joe Farina combine years of hospitality and fine-dining to provide a special, personal experience. Plus, it has a fantastic local vibe with a hint of the Hamptons. The wine list is superb as well.

If you are looking for a coffee house that serves breakfast and lunch close to the beach, try Farina’s Belly Flop (bellyfloplife.com) in Long Beach, Indiana. (Again, only 15 minutes away.) This beach shack screams summer fun. It’s the perfect way to shake off the fast-paced city life and transport yourself to paradise. Start your day with a great selection of donuts and bagels in the morning and salads and sandwiches in the afternoon. Our favorite thing to do is walk to the beach with our treats.

We hope you liked our “Let’s Go Tour” of New Buffalo and the surrounding area. For more information, check out New Buffalo Explored (newbuffaloexplored.com) for more options and follow us at Let’s Go with Catie Keogh.