Day 2: New Buffalo
New Buffalo Beach
On Tuesday, October 13, 2020, I caught the sunrise at New Buffalo Beach. I spent about an hour there walking along the beach and getting photos. It was such a wonderful way to start the day!
One thing to note is that it does cost anywhere from $7.50-$20, depending upon the time of year and the amount of time you stay, to park at the beach parking lot between 8:00am and 8:00pm. But, sunsets and sunrises are free.
Warren Dunes State Park
Next, I headed to Warren Dunes State Park, located along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. Its rugged dune formation, rising 260 feet above the lake, offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. I arrived at the park around 9:15am.
After hiking about 6 miles in about 4 hours, I headed to Greenbush Brewing Company for a well-deserved lunch, arriving there just after 1pm. The microbrewery offers craft beer, hand cured meats, and delicious BBQ.
Warren Woods State Park
Following lunch, I drove 12 minutes to Warren Woods State Park, a 311-acre nature preserve, featuring towering trees and peaceful trails. I spent a little over an hour hiking 2 miles in the park.
Journeyman Distillery, a renowned craft distillery housed in a beautifully restored historic factory, was my next stop of the day. I spent a little over an hour there, enjoying a whiskey flight and wandering around the factory and its picturesque outdoor space.
Union Pier
I left around 5pm to head to St. Julian Winery Tasting Room in Union Pier for a glass of wine and to read for a bit on their patio before dinner.
New Buffalo
I returned to the hotel around 6:30pm to drop off the car and freshen up before heading back out for 7:45pm dinner reservation at Bentwood Tavern, located at the Marina Grand Resort, just a 12-minute walk away. The restaurant offers waterfront dining with views of the marina and serves craft beer, cocktails, and elevated tavern fare.. It was a delightful way to end the day.
