South Haven Summers on Lake Michigan

Coach Man is a creature of habit. When he finds something he loves, he stays with it. Whether diet Dew, Texas BBQ sandwiches, The Office episodes, his gorgeous wife or vacation spots. And something about South Haven, Michigan has landed it on his annual summer must do list.

Yes, this Indiana girl loves it too, but Coach Man, says it's a yearly must. We went for a few days this summer in very early June (which I say is the best time to go, great temps, no crowds). Last year we did July. I tried to sneak it a short excursion over to Saugatuck Michigan for dinner. Nope. Sorry, Saugatuck. 

So why does he love it so? Let me count the ways.

• It's a short drive from Indy. Only 3.5 hours. 
• We pass through South Bend. Do you know what's in South Bend? Another favorite of the Coach Man. #playlikeachampiontoday 
• It's a beach, but without jellyfish.
• Life is slower up there. 
• People are friendly. 
• There's a quaint walkable downtown with vintage T-shirt stores with shirts Coach Man finds hilarious, but his wife won't let him buy because they're tacky. 
• There are restaurants that he has come to love and won't try anything else. Like amazing gourmet hot dogs. Yes, I said gourmet hot dogs. Try the BLT one, peeps. Did I say he's a creature of habit?

Why do the rest of us love it?

• The view! There are so many phenomenal lake views around South Haven. One of my favorites is along Water Street, as the boats go in and out. Another is on Monroe Street across from the St. Basil Catholic Church. There is a gorgeous overlook with a prayer garden and the other side of the street a wooden structure playground. Double score! 
• The beaches. South Beach is nice because of the access to the lighthouse walk, but I prefer North Beach. I think it has more space and is less crowded. You can always come back at night to walk the pier to the lighthouse for the sunset. I like the concession stand better at North Beach too. There are other little beaches all along North Shore Drive too. Some with towering bluffs perfect for working off dinner. We haven't checked them out, well because have you met Coach Man? FYI the parking at both the South and North Beach is $10 per day, exact cash or card. Bring an umbrella, a beach blanket, sunscreen, towels, a lunch and sand toys and you're set for the day. Oh and a good book for mama.
• So many great places to stay, from historic inns and motels to Bed and Breakfasts to affordable chain hotels. We always stay at the Hampton Inn on Cecilia Drive. For a number of reasons: We like the Hilton brand, points, really nice and clean rooms, breakfast included, decent WiFi, awesome saltwater pool, hot tub and the best reason of all - across from Sherman's Dairy Bar, with the best ice cream ever! Maybe one year we'll try Sun n' Sand Resort, a historic 1920s renovated resort. It looks so cool! 
• The food! Our favorites - Maria's (Italian), Clementine's (Traditional American), Su Casa (Mexican) and Chomp (Casual, Walk-Up, Gourmet Hot Dogs). It's fun to grab a pizza or hot dogs and go down for the sunset. Make sure to try the BLT dog at Chomps and the Turkey Club at Clementine's. They roast their own turkey and it is amazing! Plus who doesn't love a place with an old-timey saloon vibe and a website titled ohmydarling.com 
• Did I mention the ice cream? You haven't lived until you'd had Sherman's Dairy Bar's Blueberry Ice Cream. Heaven! They say they've been making smiles since 1916. I say they're still doing it. 
• Michigan Maritime Museum's Friends Good Will pirate sail. Only in the summer and a bit pricey per kid, but so worth it! 
• The South Pier Lighthouse. A gorgeous red lighthouse and a perfect sunset walk with the Lake Michigan surf hitting the pier. The extended catwalk is beautiful at dusk as it's lights come on. 
• Bunde's Bakery Cafe - I'm in love with this sweet little cafe near North Beach. They have Starbucks, peeps! Crepes too and some of the most delish European-style baked goods. It's a must visit. 
• Cookies on Call! - Oh.My.Gosh. Their cookies are worth a cheat day on your diet. Get the ones with the layer of gooey chocolate or peanut butter in the middle. They're right around the corner from Chomp too, so you could make lunch hot dogs and cookies and your kiddos would jump for joy. 
• There's blueberry picking too at several u-pick farms. Pretty much blueberry everything all over town, even the Hampton had blueberry topping for their waffle station. There's a cute store on Phoenix Street in the quaint downtown called The Blueberry Store. They have anything and everything blueberry, including blueberry sausage! The kids love that they have the "penny" blueberry candy. 
• Plus nature preserves, trails, sunset cruises, riverfront concerts, breweries, wineries, festivals and even zip-lining. Really something for everyone. 

Our favorite trip planning resources can be found at southhaven.org and Things To Do in South Haven Facebook page. 

See you in South Haven!

-Jen