Just over an hour south of Saugatuck, New Buffalo and Michigan’s Harbor Country offer a different kind of lakeshore experience—one known for its quiet charm, stylish stays, and curated comforts. This cluster of small towns near the Indiana border, including New Buffalo, Union Pier, Sawyer, and Three Oaks, is often called “The Hamptons of the Midwest” for its boutique appeal and vacation-ready energy.
New Buffalo, Michigan is the anchor of the region, with a walkable downtown, a beautiful public beach, and one of the best marinas on the Great Lakes. Surrounding it, Harbor Country towns are filled with art galleries, farm markets, craft coffee shops, and tasting rooms that make the most of the area’s wine trail and local harvests.
Whether you’re coming from Saugatuck or looping in both destinations for a weeklong getaway, Harbor Country is a perfect pairing—offering lakeshore luxury, country charm, and everything you need to unwind in style. With its welcoming vibe and small-town sophistication, it’s easy to see why New Buffalo is one of Michigan’s most beloved weekend destinations.
There’s a reason so many people call Harbor Country their go-to for long weekends and last-minute getaways—it offers the best of the Lake Michigan lifestyle with a refined, relaxing twist.
In New Buffalo, start your day with a walk through the marina or coffee on the beach before browsing the shops and boutiques downtown. Union Pier and Sawyer are known for their hidden wine tasting rooms and organic markets, while Three Oaks delivers unexpected culture—from artisan distilleries to indie film at The Acorn Theater. You’ll find miles of beach, forested backroads, art galleries, antique shops, and farm-to-glass drinks all within a few minutes’ drive of each other.
This is also wine country. The Harbor Country Wine Trail winds through charming rural towns and vineyards that offer tastings, live music, and porch seating with a view. If beer’s more your style, local breweries like Ghost Isle and Greenbush are easy stops along the way.
Whether you’re road-tripping down from Saugatuck or building Harbor Country into your lakeshore loop, you’ll find stylish stays, great food, and a peaceful pace that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
“I always start the day with a coffee from Black Currant Bakehouse, before Warren Dunes for a hike and beach swim before lunch at The Stray Dog. It’s my go-to Harbor Country reset.
— Rachel S., Chicago
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