Thornton’s Home Town Cafe Vintage photos of St. Joseph line the walls of this breakfast standby. The signature dish: Bob’s Big Bomb, full of corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, onions and peppers. (269) 983-0932

Sarett Nature Center Don’t miss the treetop trail, which leads to a 55-foot-high boardwalk northeast of Benton Harbor. See reviews and ratings. [1] (269) 927-4832; sarett.com [2]

Silver Beach Center A wide, clean, family-friendly beach stands just a short walk from an Amtrak station. Opened in 2010, the elegant indoor carousel and amusement park museum honor St. Joseph’s legendary amusement park, open 1891–1971. See reviews and ratings [3]. [3] (269) 982-8500; silverbeachcarousel.com [4]

Caffe Tosi Order sandwiches on fresh-baked focaccia; funky vintage posters deck the interior in St. Joseph. See reviews and ratings. [5](269) 983-3354; caffetosi.com [6]

New Buffalo City Beach A replica lighthouse and grassy dunes create a scenic backdrop for this sandy play place. (269) 469-1522; newbuffalo.com [7]

Downtown St. Joseph Explore gift and clothing shops on brick-lined streets or the three galleries and outdoor sculptures at the Krasl Art Center. sjtoday.org [8]

Schu’s Grill and Bar Try the crab cakes topped with mango salsa while you drink in St. Joe’s lake views. See reviews and ratings. [9] (269) 983-7248; schus.com [10]

Marina Grand Resort All 78 rooms overlook docks; leave the balcony open to hear clanging buoys at night. Artisanal comfort food and wood-fired pizzas fill the menu at the resort’s classy Bentwood Tavern, New Buffalo’s only waterfront restaurant. Rooms from $209. See reviews and ratings. [11] (269) 469-9900; marinagrandresort.com [12]

Oink’s Dutch Treat Covered in kitschy memorabilia, New Buffalo’s most popular ice cream spot offers 55 flavors, including Marion County Blackberry. See reviews and ratings. [13](269) 469-3535 

Weko Beach Bury your toes in the sand during an evening concert (held on some summer Sundays in Bridgman) and realize the true meaning of the “sunset coast.” (269) 465-3406; bridgman.org [14]

Prices and other details are subject to change; please check specifics before making travel plans.