Escape to Low-Key Luxury in New Buffalo

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. 

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How to Spend 24 Hours in New Buffalo

When we arrived into town our first stop was Farmette. They are relatively new to the scene in New Buffalo but offer a little bit of everything from farm market, cafe, and bakery, to a wide selection of locally sourced goods including wine, cheese, produce and so much more! You can start with a cup of coffee while you wander around the small farmstead or relax in one of their outdoor seating areas. They also have a cooler with grab and go sandwiches as well as an adorable pre-made picnic option with some of their favorite products already hand selected. 

Next, we headed to downtown New Buffalo to do some shopping along the boutiques that line Whitaker Street. Michigan Mercantile was a great place to start as it is a collection of several different shops (Eastern Standard Time, 108, Lake Feste, and Lakeside Goods) which are located right next to one another and each offer their own unique flare from clothing to home goods and jewelry. If you need a little afternoon pick me up, there is a Starbucks also connected to this strip which you can enjoy at the adorable picnic tables behind the building. A few of my other favorite shops in town are POSH Boutique, Love Spell Boutique and Gliks. 

Then it was time to check into our stay at The Harbor Grand Hotel. Immediately upon entering the hotel I was swept away by the stunning modern design and low-key luxury amenities throughout the property. The hotel is only a short walk from New Buffalo Beach and downtown and guests also enjoy complimentary bike rentals to help you make the most of your adventures around town as well as well as beach chair and towels to soak up the sun on the shores of Lake Michigan. 

Our room faced the Harbor and offered breathtaking waterfront views from the balcony. There was also a fireplace to cozy up to on the chilly fall evenings and a large soaking tub in the bathroom with a robe for added comfort. They truly have thought of every detail when designing the space for their guests!

Before dinner we headed down to enjoy the indoor saltwater pool and hot tub. Towel service is provided for all guests and there is a sun deck just off the pool area overlooking the water which is the perfect place to read a book or simply relax and soak in your surroundings. 

For dinner we enjoyed rustic Italian fare at the Terrace Room which is located on the garden level of The Harbor Grand Hotel. I would suggest making a reservation in advance if you can. Guests can choose to dine on the elegant harbor-side patio if the weather is nice or enjoy intimate fireside dining in the main dining room. The Terrance Room is best known for their handmade pasta dishes and I can attest they are 5-star. I enjoyed the Ravioli Bandera as suggested by our waiter which comes stuffed with ricotta, pecorino romano and spinach, served with a trio of sauces—cream, pesto and marinara. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail from the mixology menu and be sure to save room for their signature shortbread cookies that come at the end of the meal or enjoy one of the many mouthwatering desserts. 

New Buffalo Beach is just a short walk from the hotel which is where we ended our night watching the most stunning sunset. Be sure to take the stairs up the dunes for even better views overlooking the lighthouse and shoreline. During the day you can enjoy hiking through this area as well. If you're looking for somewhere to grab a night cap, head to the rooftop of Stray Dog or check out The False Front which converts from David's Deli during the day to a cocktail bar in the evenings. 

One of my favorite parts of our stay at The Harbor Grand Hotel was their signature breakfast baskets. Guests fill out a card with your food and beverage selections the night before and choose a delivery time. The next morning we received a knock on our door and had a fresh, hot breakfast waiting for us. I chose the vegetarian crustless quiche and the yogurt with granola and berries and both were very good. The basket also includes your choice of hot coffee or tea as well as juice. It's such a fun way to enjoy your meal while staying cozied up in your bed just a bit longer. 

Our morning of relaxation and low-key luxury continued with a visit to the Foundation Mind and Body Spa which is located on the garden level of the hotel and offers a soothing nature-inspired retreat. I enjoyed the 50-minute Haven full body massage which allows you to customize your experience according to your preferences. The spa also offers a variety of other facial and body treatments using VOYA essential oils. Guests of the spa enjoy access to the saltwater pool and hot tub for added relaxation.

Another great aspect of The Harbor Grand Hotel is its location to so many other quaint towns in Harbor Country. With just a short drive you can explore Union Pier, Sawyer, or Three Oaks. We ended our getaway in downtown Three Oaks to wander around the boutiques and antique shops. Be sure to stop in to Alapash New Home, Alapash Mercantile and Goods and Heroes and grab lunch or a handmade pastry at Froelich's.