While Michigan is truly a year round destination, summer is one of the best times to experience the beauty of the Lakeshore in Harbor Country - a collection of towns in Southwest Michigan often referred to as the "Hamptons of the Midwest." Here you'll find miles of sandy beaches, quaint shops, five-star dining inspired by the local harvest, and countless wineries and breweries. Finding the ideal place to stay, especially with a larger group, can often feel overwhelming. Thankfully the team at Third Coast Vacations are locals who love the area and can help you plan a getaway you'll remember for years to come. 

We recently had the opportunity to stay at Serenity Now in Grand Beach, Michigan which is one of over 80 vacation rental properties managed by the Third Coast Team. Keep reading to discover all the amazing amenities this house had to offer as well as my recommendations for exploring the area.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Third Coast Vacations. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

In my opinion, winter is one of the most underrated seasons in Michigan. If you know where to look, and don't mind bundling up, there is so much fun to be had outdoors during the snowy season. And often you'll find there are far fewer crowds and people traveling this time of year which makes discovering the hidden gems more enjoyable. Below are a few of my favorite adventures throughout the years. You can also check out my list of highly recommended winter gear to help you stay warm and dry. 

​Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

If you’re looking for a cozy fall getaway in Michigan where you can relax and unwind while enjoying all the amenities of a low-key luxury destination I have the perfect trip for you.

New Buffalo, Michigan, located in the Southwest corner of the state, is a bustling beach town in the summer (and for good reason it’s stunning) but in the fall it slows down a bit and offers the opportunity for visitors to enjoy this little slice of paradise at their own pace. We recently enjoyed a staycation getaway at The Harbor Grand Hotel and it was a truly unforgettable experience. From warm hospitality, stunning waterfront views, 5-star dining and luxurious spa treatments it was the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of our little slice of paradise along Lake Michigan. 

Disclaimer: Our stay was sponsored by The Harbor Grand Hotel. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

We are in the final countdown until we meet our baby girl in October and were in search of one last adventure before she arrived. A staycation in St. Joseph, Michigan was exactly what we needed and provided the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation with lots of great restaurants and activities to choose from. 

Keep reading for our 3-day itinerary in Southwest Michigan which is perfect for whether you're visiting with your significant other, family, or on a girl's trip.

Disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with Southwestern MIchigan Tourist Council. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Spring is always a long awaited celebration in Michigan as the days are longer, the sun starts to shine more, flowers begin to bloom, and people are emerging from a long, winter hibernation. Spring is also a wonderful time to visit Southwest Michigan to enjoy some of the most popular restaurants, hikes, and wineries or breweries before the summer crowds arrive. Keep reading to discover my top picks for exploring the Stevensville/Bridgman area during an overnight escape. 

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Southwest Michigan Tourist Council. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

There is truly so much to love about fall in Michigan: Bright leaves, cooler weather, harvest time in the vineyards, cider and donuts, and fall cocktails along the Makers Trail. While the wineries, breweries, and distilleries in Southwest Michigan are worth a visit all year long, I love when the new fall cocktail menus roll out. But with so many stops to choose from where should you start? Don't worry - I've rounded up my top four favorite fall cocktails for you to try out (all in the name of research of course!) Don't forget to pick up a Maker's Trail passport on your adventures to get stamps and earn great prizes for each stop you make. 

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Southwest Michigan Tourist Council. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Over the past few years, "glamping" has made a name for itself in the outdoor adventure world. If you're not familiar with the term, it is a combination of the words "glamorous" and "camping" which is exactly what you'll find at The Fields of Michigan in South Haven. If you enjoyed camping as a child, or are looking to try something new, this luxury glamping site takes care of all the hard work and allows you to relax and rejuvenate in nature.

While you could easily spend all your time on site, The Fields is also located only three miles from Lake Michigan and close to downtown South Haven which offers endless opportunities to explore the area. â€‹

Disclaimer: We were hosted for a one night stay at The Fields of Michigan. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kalamazoo, Michigan is located only a short hour drive away from where I live which makes it the perfect city to visit for a day trip. I recently hopped in the car and headed out to explore an area that was new to me - the Kalamazoo Mall which holds the claim to fame as the first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall in the United States. Built in 1959, the area is super walkable and home to a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and brewpubs. The main reason for our visit was to get our creative juices flowing while checking out some of the area makers. We had so much fun creating our own candles and terrariums, strolling the sidewalks lined with local vendors and artisans, and sipping on handcrafted beverages. Keep reading to discover some of my top picks for a day trip to Kalamazoo. 
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Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Discover Kalamazoo. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love calling Southwest Michigan home for so many reasons. In addition to being located along the gorgeous shores of Lake Michigan, it's also  one of five American Viticulture Areas in Michigan. The sloping terrain, mild temperatures and variety of soils make it the perfect location for growing grapes and other fruits that serve as the inspiration for a vast array of award winning wines. In fact, our growing season has been compared to noteworthy destinations such as Bordeaux, France and Piedmont, Italy.
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With more than 20 wineries dotting the landscape along the Maker's Trail, you can easily enjoy an afternoon or an entire weekend with a glass in hand. In fact, I've lived here for over six years and still have yet to make it to all of our wineries. But fear not, I have done my fair share of sipping (all in the name of research of course) and am sharing my top picks for planning a tour along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail.

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase which allows me to keep sharing my adventures with you! 

The first time I saw a photo of the sprawling poppy field in West Michigan I knew I had to find it. So this year, when the field was in peak bloom, I hopped in the car and made the short drive up to Fennville, Michigan to see it for myself. And let me tell you - it certainly did not disappoint! As soon as I laid eyes upon the four acres of red, pink and purple flowers it took my breath away. It is certainly one of those places that photos can never do justice. 

The poppy field was planted by Joan Donaldson and John Van Voorhees who own and operate Pleasant Hill Blueberry Farm in Fennville. In addition to it's natural beauty, the field also has a deeper meaning which makes it that much more special. The couple originally planted the field two years ago in memory of their son who suffered from PTSD after returning home from a tour in Afghanistan and took his own life. The field is located across from the cemetery where he is buried. The flowers also attract bees and butterflies which help pollinate the farm's blueberry crop. 

When I originally shared about my trip to see the flowers on Instagram I had so many people reach out and ask about how to find the field and if anyone was welcome to visit. Keep reading for all the answers!