Southwest Michigan Getaway: Boulevard Inn and Bistro

There is something so charming about the small beach towns lining the Lake Michigan shoreline and St. Joseph, Michigan is no exception. No matter what season you visit, you can always find something to see and do. Whether you’re sipping local brews during the winter beer festival, shopping for fresh procure and local goods at the farmer’s market along the bluff, or enjoying a day in the sun on Silver Beach - there’s fun to be had for the whole family. When you start to plan your Southwest Michigan getaway, one of the most important aspects is deciding where to stay. My husband and I recently had an overnight getaway at The Boulevard Inn and Bistro and it was the perfect location for experiencing the most of what the city has to over. Located on the picturesque bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, the hotel offers guests a full-service, all-suite hotel and restaurant. The best part is, the hotel is located in the heart of downtown St. Joseph and within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants and other attractions. All you need for a perfect Southwest Michigan getaway is all right there. Keep reading to find out more of the best parts of our recent stay. 

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn and Bistro. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Amenities 

The Boulevard Inn is an all-suite hotel which means each of the rooms are spacious, comfortable, and perfect for groups and families of all sizes. We stayed in a Park View Suite which features 600 square feet of welcoming space. This suite features a master bedroom with one king bed, a bathroom and vanity area, and a separate living area with a sofa sleeper. Let’s not forget about the best part of all - the view! Imagine ending your day with sunsets over Lake Michigan and waking each morning with sun streaming in from large windows and views overlooking the bluff. If you’re traveling with a bigger group, take advantage of their deluxe two bedroom and family suites. Here you’ll enjoy 900 square feet of space including a master bedroom with one king bed and its own vanity, a second bedroom with one double bed, and a separate living area with a sofa sleeper and spacious bathroom. The suites are also equipped with a kitchenette which is perfect for packing a picnic for the beach and storing your leftovers from dinner at the Bistro.

Specials and Packages 

Enhance your stay with one of the the Bistro's many unique packages which vary by season. Celebrating an anniversary or special holiday? Choose the Romance on the Boulevard package for a relaxing getaway with your loved one. Craving an adventure-filled weekend? The Fueling Around package was made for you. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with the Sweet Dreams package which includes two keepsake mugs filled with Kilwins confections. During our stay we enjoyed the Taste of Michigan package which included: 

• A plentiful basket of sweet and savory “Made in Michigan” treats prepared by The Gilded Gift Co.
• A bottle of local Michigan wine
• Two Boulevard Inn & Bistro keepsake latte mug
• $50 dinner credit for the Bistro on the Boulevard
• Late check-out of 2:00 pm

Bistro on the Boulevard

Whether or not you’re staying at the Boulevard Inn, you can’t miss the opportunity to dine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Bistro on the Boulevard. The Bistro menu features casual yet upscale American food centered around the concept of sharing and family. In addition to their diverse menu of featured entrées, the Bistro also provides a vast list of tapas style dishes which allow you to pick and choose your favorites to create your own memorable meal. 

I highly recommend starting with the hot honey cauliflower - which comes panko encrusted, coated in serrano honey with scallions and a blue cheese mousse. Trust me, this is not your normal cauliflower and is sure to be a crowd pleaser for the whole table! We also ordered the chili rubbed shrimp and crab melt dip - both of which were drool worthy.
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For an entree my husband ordered the NY strip which was served with roasted fingerlings, fontina fondue, demi-glace cream and onion jam. I chose the bucatini pasta (the noodles alone made the dish) with tulip tree creamery triple creme, habaneros, scallions, sugar snap peas, sweet bell peppers, and grilled chicken. We didn’t have much room left but couldn’t pass up dessert and had to try a slice of the strawberry cheesecake and key lime pie - both of which had rich, creamy flavor and were the perfect way to end our meal. As an added bonus guests of The Boulevard Inn receive 10% off the food portion of their bill when dining at the Bistro as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning.

Heart of Downtown St. Joseph

One of the best parts of The Boulevard Inn and Bistro is its prime location right in the heart of downtown St. Joseph. As a guest at the hotel you're only steps away from countless shops, restaurants and entertainment. In the peak visiting months parking can be hard to come by and once you secure a spot in the free all day lot right outside the hotel you don't have to worry about moving your car. 

A short walk down the bluff and you'll be met by the sandy shores of Lake Michigan at Silver Beach. Weekends bring in a variety of events and festivals including farmer's markets, antiques on the bluff, concerts, and more. Plan a day exploring the Makers Trail with stops at Lazy Ballerina Winery, White Pine Winery, and Silver Harbor Brewing Company. If you're visiting with children, you can find hours of fun at the Curious Kid's Museum, Silver Beach Carousel and the Whirlpool Compass Fountain.  

Click here for more ideas to start planning your Southwest Michigan getaway!