Plan Your Perfect Summer Getaway in Harbor Country with Third Coast Vacations

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.

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Serenity Now - Grand Beach, Michigan

Located less than a mile from the shores of Lake Michigan in Grand Beach, this stunning luxury vacation home sleeps 12 people with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms across three levels. We stayed with multiple families during our trip and there was plenty of space for all of us to spread out and have fun including in the large game room in the basement with a ping pong table and arcade game counsel. 

The outdoor space at this home is the real start of the show with a year-round heated pool, hot tub and sauna. There are multiple seating areas on the covered porch as well as a dining table and indoor/outdoor gas fire pit off the living room. On the cement patio guests can enjoy lounge chairs and a wood burning fire pit as well as a lush grassy lawn perfect for summer yard games.

One of my favorite parts about renting a vacation home is having access to a full kitchen making it much easier to pick up food and cook meals throughout your stay which is often more convenient and cost-effective when traveling with a family. Serenity Now offers access to a high end kitchen that is well stocked with everything you need for preparing meals. 

Area Attractions

New Buffalo, Michigan and the surrounding area comes to life in the summer as it transforms into a bustling beach town with fun to be had for all ages. A few of my top picks for local eats and adventures are: 

Farmette - offers a little bit of everything from farm and marketplace to cafe and bakery. Here you can sip on a cup of coffee while you peruse a wide selection of locally sourced goods along with wine, cheese, and fresh produce. This is a great spot to build your own beach picnic basket or snag a bottle of wine for that long awaited girls' night. 

Michigan Mercantile - features a collection of several different boutique shops (Eastern Standard Time, 108, Lake Feste, and Lakeside Goods) which are located along Whitaker Street in downtown New Buffalo each offering their own unique flare from clothing to home goods and jewelry. A few of my other favorite shops in town are POSH Boutique, Love Spell Boutique and Gliks. 

Terrace Room - is located on the garden level of The Harbor Grand Hotel. 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. They are best known for their handmade pasta dishes.

David's Deli / The False Front - coffee shop and deli by day famous for their Reuben sandwiches and other lunchtime classics transforms into a cocktail bar by evening with speakeasy style vibes. 
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PostBoy - the newest restaurant on the scene in New Buffalo serving up a bold twist on classic New American dishes and creative cocktails. The design of the space honors the region's unique history and features a 6,000-square-foot patio with a stage for live music and entertainment.

The Stray Dog - dine on New American fare in a fun and family friendly atmosphere or head to the rooftop patio (21+) to sip on a cocktail with views of the lake. 

Hummingbird Lounge - a cozy and charming cocktail lounge offering expertly crafted cocktails and delicious food in a renovated Victorian style home.

Beaches - One of the main draws to this region is the stunning shoreline along Lake Michigan. There are many Public beach access
points as well as private HOA beaches that some of the Third Coast vacation homes have access to. New Buffalo Beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches in the area. Here you can also climb a set of stairs up the dunes for even better views overlooking the lighthouse and shoreline. 

Click here to discover other amazing activities and attractions throughout Harbor Country including wineries, restaurants, golf courses and spas.

The Third Coast Team

Third Coast Vacations is the only vacation rental management company in the area where the owners and staff are all local and plugged in to the community. You can be confident that you're booking your stay with a team who is dedicated to help you find the right house that meets all of your needs - whether you're traveling with two or 20 people. 

​On the Third Coast website you can narrow your search by how many people you're traveling with and the amenities that are most important to you including whether the house as a pool or hot tub, is pet friendly, or located on the lakefront. You can also take advantage of their personal concierge service to make dinner reservations, coordinate grocery delivery, book tee times or spa appointments, and so much more. Many houses come equipped with everything you need for a memorable day at the beach and the Third Coast Team can also assist with rentals of beach gear, stand up paddle boards, or lily pad mats for a fun day on the water.