Top Things to Do in St. Joseph, Michigan
Silver Beach County Park, the Curious Kids' Museum and the Box Factory for the Arts are just some of the top things to do in St. Joseph.
What to do
Blossomtime Festival Michigan's oldest and largest multicommunity festival celebrates blooming orchards each spring with a 5k run, a vintage baseball game and a parade. (269) 982-8016; blossomtimefestival.org
Box Factory for the Arts A rehabbed factory offers three art galleries, live music, about 40 artists' studios and classes in downtown St. Joseph. (269) 983-3688; boxfactoryforthearts.org
Curious Kids' Museum Kids make giant bubbles, create a newscast, drive an ambulance and explore 100 more hands-on exhibits. (269) 983-2543; curiouskidsmuseum.org
Harbor Shores This 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course in nearby Benton Harbor challenges with its diverse terrain. (269) 927-4653; harborshoresgolf.com
Krasl Art Center This surprising little gem features sculptures on the grounds and three galleries. Special exhibits updated every two months. (269) 983-0271; krasl.org
Silver Beach County Park St. Joseph's popular downtown park includes a beach and an interactive splash park. A carousel and amusement park museum sit at the heart of the entertainment venue there, Silver Beach Center. (269) 982-0533; berriencounty.org/parks
St. Joseph shopping State Street has gift shops and several clothing and shoe stores, such as Moxie's Boutique. FuzzyButz Pet Bakery's selection lives up to its fun name. HarborTown Interiors sells unique home decor, such as funky lighting. stjoetoday.com; Moxie's Boutique; FuzzyButz Pet Bakery; HarborTown Interiors
Where to eat
221 Main Modest in appearance, this downtown St. Joseph corner restaurant surprises with a list of 120 whiskies; flights narrow the choice. Dine on surf and turf, or go casual with pub grub. (269) 982-4000; 221stjoe.com
Hickory Creek Winery Lush flowerbeds greet visitors at this quality-over-quantity spot offering dry wines. Sample up to five for $5, then stroll through the vineyards. (269) 422-1100; hickorycreekwinery.com
The Livery In a 100-plus-year-old former stable in Benton Harbor's Arts District, this microbrewery-cafe keeps handcrafted beers on tap, and live music entertains. (269) 925-8760; liverybrew.com
Piggin' N' Grinnin' Judges on the Midwest barbecue circuit know this Benton Harbor place for its award-winning ribs. We recommend the trio of meats and sides in the Big Mama Sampler. (269) 934-7675; piggin-n-grinnin.com
Bread and Bar by Bit of Swiss The pastries resemble masterpieces in artsy Benton Harbor. Grab-and-go sandwiches make the perfect picnic. (269) 757-7219; breadbarbh.com
Schu's Grill and Bar A dining institution, with some outdoor lakeview tables, is known for great burgers and potato soup. (269) 983-7248; schus.com
Silver Beach Pizza Good pizza. Fun atmosphere (it's inside an old train depot). Friendly waitstaff. What else can you ask for? When you sit down, you get a disc that's green on one side and red on the other to signal servers. (269) 983-4743; silverbeachpizza.com
South Bend Chocolate Company This downtown spot is part candy store, part coffeehouse and part ice cream parlor. (269) 985-9866; sbchocolate.com
Thornton's Home Town Cafe The standby breakfast joint serves Bob's Big Bomb. Eat the giant omelet filled with corned beef hash, bacon, sausage, ham, mushrooms, onions, peppers and cheese, and you get your name on the wall of fame. (269) 983-0932; Thornton's Facebook Page
Where to stay
The Boulevard Inn and Bistro The all-suite hotel overlooks Lake Bluff Park and downtown St. Joseph. Family and two-bedroom suites accommodate travelers with children. (800) 875-6600; theboulevardinn.com
The Inn at Harbor Shores Access to the golf course, a spa, and marina make the 92 lakeview rooms in St. Joseph all the more appealing. (269) 983-1111; innatharborshores.com
For more information: stjoetoday.com,sjcity.com, swmichigan.org