simplepretty

Thursday and Friday, we set off for Harbor County, Michigan. After a frustrating start to the drive when our iPass didn’t work at the Skway toll booth (the credit card expired 9 months ago w/o notification), we arrived safe and sound in New Buffalo. I think we covered a lot of ground in the two day getaway. Good food and charming shops abound. Here are some favorites:

• Stray Dog Bar & Grill Our first stop, for a late (eastern time!) lunch. Great food. My son loved his bbq chicken wrap, my husband made short work of his sandwich, and I renewed my August blt obsession here. There’s a gear shop next door where you can pick up the obligatory tshirt. I was denied, however, as August makes for slim pickings on the seasonal items. Next time, I’d like to eat on the roof as I think there’s a water view.

• Marina Grand Resort/Bentwood Tavern Our hotel was just a few short blocks from the Stray Dog. After a walk to the beach (photo of lighthouse at top) and quick drive to get a feel for the “neighborhood”, we checked in and headed to the bar for a drink. The outdoor tables had a beautiful view of the marina …. we enjoyed it so much that we decided to return for dinner. Our waiter said that we should get back before 7:30 for an outdoor seat, and we listened. A quick pool visit for our son, and back we were. Same view. Same waiter. Delicious food. We split a pizza and salads, and for dessert, pavlova. One of my (long list of) favorite desserts.

• Marco Polo Bob at Pomegranate directed us to Marco Polo, an antiques shop in Harbert. Wow. Not only is the building a visual feast, but the barn had these skirted cushion chairs, and I fell hard. Stared and stared and finally worked up the courage to ask if I could take some photos. When I’m ready to add some funky and original accessories to my home, this shop will be at the top of my list.

• Blue Plate Cafe Saturday for lunch we picked the Blue Plate Cafe, from the multitude of options along Red Arrow Highway. A line inside can only mean deliciousness. I had (wait for it) a blt. We sat outside and drank up the late summer day. Oh, and we grabbed a couple of chocolate chip cookies on the way out for sustenance.

• Green Door Dairy We drove up Red Arrow to Sawyer, Michigan, and then down Three Oaks Road to the charming town of Three Oaks. Three Oaks was probably my favorite town of the weekend. It felt small town, and there were lots of things to see (like some very Mad Men 60s purses – you know, the snap closure, a pocket for the coin purse, everything a purse ought to be –  from the estate of Adele Astaire), and more places that I’d like to have eaten at. One of those was Green Door Dairy. Is this the cutest building ever, or what? Ice cream, hot dogs, root beer floats ….. I tried to tempt my son with something since he has a 10-year-old’s metabolism, but he wouldn’t bite. One bottled water, coming up. All I can say is, Next Time For Sure.

Quick listing of other places I’d recommend: Sawyer Garden Center, Catherine Doll (loved chatting about dogs w/you!), Froehlichs, French Twist (Three Oaks), and Opulence (home of the perfect purses).

More later. I have to get organized today, and pack. Tomorrow morning, I’m headed to Boston :)

SaveSave