New Buffalo is the epitome of an all-American lakeside town. Resembling the backdrop of a teen drama, it has beaches, lakes, and a wine trail. If Nicholas Sparks were to write a sequel to The Notebook, New Buffalo would be the main character.
Surprisingly, many folks don’t venture this far up Lake Michigan, and yet, it’s only 70 miles from downtown Chicago. You don’t need an excuse to visit this picturesque beach town. In fact, all you need is 48 hours to immerse yourself in the sights of the historic community.
If your weekend lacks rizz, New Buffalo should be on your radar, and here’s why.
Getting There: All Aboard the Chill Train
Leave the car at home because we’re hitching a ride on the Amtrak Wolverine line. The train glides from Chicago to New Buffalo in under two hours. You can sit back, relax, and let someone else do the honking for once.
Awesome Mitten reckons this is one of Michigan’s most scenic train routes. You’ll pass rolling dunes, lush trees, and enough small-town charm to make you consider quitting your job and opening a kayak rental stand.
Stay: Cozy Cottages to Bougie Beachfronts
You’ve got options. Want to wake up to waves? Book a lakefront stay like The Harbor Grand or Marina Grand Resort, both recommended by The Chicago Good Life.
Prefer something more lowkey (or, you know, “420-friendly”)? Airbnb’s got you. Don’t be that guest who leaves a “mystery smell” behind.
And if you’re feeling your main character moment, take a stroll through the neighborhoods ranked among Michigan’s most neighborly towns. Everyone’s smiling and waving. It’s the Midwest; that’s how we roll.
Play: Beach and Blazing Trails
Hit the Beach (and Maybe a Blunt)
New Buffalo’s public beach is the kind of place that makes you forget about your emails and exes. Midwest Living reports that it’s great for swimming, paddleboarding, and people-watching.
Dispensaries in New Buffalo, MI, are some of the best in the country. These shops are known for their chill staff and premium selections, whether you’re into cannabis flower, edibles, or something discreetly delicious.
So pack your towel, your shades, and a pre-roll for a chill day at the beach. Vibe Dispensaries adds that the town is fast becoming a go-to destination for those seeking high-quality stores that offer top cannabis products. A Buffalo dispensary will always have the best cannabis deals and competitive prices.
Explore the Town
Downtown New Buffalo is pure charm. You’ll find vintage boutiques, art galleries, and the occasional golden retriever living its best life.
Flo’s Favorites recommends the New Buffalo Railroad Museum as a quirky must-see. Plus, if you’re feeling film buff energy, IMDb lists several productions filmed in town. So yes, you can absolutely say you’re “walking where stars have walked.”
Eat: Because Munchies Are Inevitable
You’ve got taste buds, and they deserve a vacation too. Start your day at David’s Delicatessen & Coffee for bagels and gossip.
Lunch? Redamak’s, a local legend known for its juicy burgers and a guaranteed food coma. Dinner options abound, from The Stray Dog (a rooftop view worth writing home about) to Brewster’s Italian Café for candlelit carbs and flirtation.
New Buffalo’s dining scene hits that sweet spot between “laid-back beach town” and “I accidentally spent $200 on wine, but it was worth it.”
The Cannabis Connection
New Buffalo is vibe central. Between dispensaries, outdoor lounges, and a cannabis-friendly culture, this beach town knows how to keep it mellow.
Local dispensaries focus on high-quality, lab-tested products with a community feel. You’ll find budtenders who care about matching you with the right strain.
Even Travel + Leisure has caught on, calling New Buffalo one of the best small towns and most underrated destinations in the U.S. Part of that charm is the relaxed embrace of cannabis culture.
Goodbye, Not Goodbye
By Sunday evening, you’ll be plotting your next trip back. Maybe you’ll bring friends. Maybe you’ll bring that same carefree energy that New Buffalo gave you.
Between the sunsets, the smooth cannabis culture, and the neighborly charm, this town has rizz. Real rizz. The kind that doesn’t fade when the weekend ends.
We’ve only scratched the surface; there’s so much more to do. Rumor has it that the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is as lit as it gets. Brewpubs are thriving. From lagers to ales, you name it and they’ve got it. If you want to play dress-up for one night, visit the Marina Grand Resort and sit up at the cocktail bar.
So pack light, laugh loud, and don’t forget your leaf. New Buffalo is calling.
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