Local Guides
Proud Member of the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce
Copper Top Ridge is proud to be a member of the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce—the heartbeat of Southwest Michigan’s lakeshore communities. From powering local
Welcome to the Copper Top Ridge Southwest Michigan travel blog — your insider’s guide to the best of Southwest Michigan. Whether you’re planning a relaxing Lake Michigan getaway, a wine-fueled bachelorette weekend, or a family-friendly vacation, this blog is packed with tips, guides, and inspiration. From scenic beaches and craft breweries to small-town charm and seasonal events, we highlight the places we love most so you can explore like a local.
Copper Top Ridge is proud to be a member of the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce—the heartbeat of Southwest Michigan’s lakeshore communities. From powering local
Get ready to sink your teeth into the Best Burgers in Southwest Michigan — where every bite tells a story of local pride, lakeside charm,
Craft Cannabis in New Buffalo is redefining how visitors experience Michigan’s lakeshore. From boutique dispensaries and tribal-owned lounges to cozy fireside nights at Copper Top
New Buffalo is one of the Midwest’s favorite lake towns—New Buffalo Public Beach, winery country, scenic dunes, and easy access from Chicago. Vacation rentals give
Ready to explore the best of Indiana’s lakeshore? Discover Michigan City: A Self-Guided Tour takes you through the city’s highlights—from the colorful Uptown Arts District
If you’re searching for the best weekend getaways from Indianapolis, you don’t need to hop on a plane or drive to the coast. Just a
Escape the City, Rekindle Connection Looking for the best romantic getaways near Chicago? Just 90 minutes away, Copper Top Ridge in New Buffalo, Michigan is
Relax, Recharge & Reconnect — Just 90 Minutes from Chicago Escape the hustle of the city and discover Copper Top Ridge, a private vacation rental
When the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing better than escaping the city for a weekend retreat. If you’re looking
If you’re searching for the perfect Thanksgiving vacation rental in Michigan, Copper Top Ridge in Southwest Michigan offers a warm and inviting escape. Nestled just
Ready to work remotely in Southwest Michigan without compromising speed, comfort, or focus? Make Copper Top Ridge your home office. Our modern cottage retreat pairs
Storm Watching on Lake Michigan: Nature’s Greatest Show Lake Michigan’s eastern shore is a natural amphitheater for dramatic weather. From summer lightning to winter ice,
A Taste of September Nights in New Buffalo September in Southwest Michigan brings crisp evenings, golden sunsets, and the kind of cool nights that beg
Mornings in New Buffalo have a special kind of charm. The harbor is just waking up, the beaches are quiet, and the scent of coffee
Harbor Country and Southwest Michigan are best known for their beaches, wineries, and small-town charm — but did you know you can also try something
Life moves fast, and sometimes the best gift you can give your partner is time away together. Nestled in the heart of Harbor Country, Copper
There’s nothing quite like a Notre Dame gameday itinerary in the fall. The crisp autumn air carries the rustling of leaves and the distant beat
Searching for the best pizza in Southwest Michigan? Whether you’re road-tripping along the coast or cozying up at Copper Top Ridge, this guide has you
When you’re staying at Copper Top Ridge, the flavors of Southwest Michigan are never far away. From hands-on pizza workshops to elegant culinary schools, you
Tucked into the woods near New Buffalo, Michigan, Copper Top Ridge invites guests to slow down, sleep in, and soak in the beauty of intentional
Car shows in Southwest Michigan are more than weekend entertainment—they’re a lifestyle. From vintage cruise-ins and classic car parades to scenic road rallies and museum
When it comes to things to do with kids in New Buffalo, this lakeside town makes planning easy—from sandy beaches and a township splash pad
Southwest Michigan is made for two wheels. With winding country roads, scenic lakeshore trails, and charming towns scattered across Harbor Country, it’s no surprise that
Experience the true essence of the best tacos in Southwest Michigan with every visit to local favorites. Introduction Whether you’re in the mood for smoky
There’s something magical about late summer in Southwest Michigan. The cicadas hum, golden hour stretches lazily across the backyard, and the dappled light filters through
Looking for the best places to go off-roading in Southwest Michigan? Whether you’re tearing through the dunes in a Ford Bronco, crawling forest trails in
Introduction: Gather ‘Round the Fire There’s something about a crackling fire, a glass of wine, and the rustle of leaves that makes ghost stories hit
Thanks for stopping by the Copper Top Ridge Southwest Michigan Travel Blog. We created this space to share our favorite places, local stories, and insider recommendations to help you experience Southwest Michigan like a true local. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach weekend on Lake Michigan, planning a wine tasting tour through Harbor Country, or looking for fun family-friendly activities, our blog is here to guide you every step of the way.
Southwest Michigan is full of hidden gems—rolling vineyards, cozy cafes, artisan shops, nature trails, and charming lake towns just waiting to be explored. Our travel blog covers it all, with articles on seasonal itineraries, romantic getaway ideas, local events, and outdoor adventures to suit every kind of traveler. We spotlight not just New Buffalo, but the wider region, including places like Sawyer, Union Pier, Three Oaks, St. Joseph, and beyond.
Every post is inspired by real experiences and guest questions, and written with the same care we bring to hosting at Copper Top Ridge. We include tips we personally use, places we actually go, and honest recommendations we know you’ll love. Whether it’s the best spot for watching the sunset, a perfect day trip, or what to pack for a fall wine tour—we’ve got you covered.
If you’re planning your own trip to the area, make sure to explore our add-on experiences, like e-bike rentals, a self-guided whiskey tasting, or our exclusive luxury winery & brewery tour. And of course, we invite you to book your stay at Copper Top Ridge—your home base for relaxation, adventure, and everything Southwest Michigan has to offer.
Check back often, as we’re always adding new articles to our growing collection of Southwest Michigan travel blog content. We look forward to sharing this beautiful region with you.
We cover everything from local food and drink to seasonal events, outdoor adventures, and travel tips designed to enhance your stay. Every post is written with our guests in mind, inspired by real experiences and personal recommendations we know and love. We believe travel should be relaxing, enriching, and memorable—and we hope this blog helps you discover something new each time you visit.
If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out our vacation rental in New Buffalo and browse our curated add-on experiences, including e-bike rentals, a self-guided whiskey tasting featuring spirits from Journeyman Distillery, and even a luxury winery & brewery tour through the region. We can’t wait to welcome you to Copper Top Ridge and help you create memories that last a lifetime.
At Copper Top Ridge, we believe travel should be effortless, enriching, and deeply memorable. That’s why we created this blog—not just to share what to do and where to go, but to offer thoughtful guidance from real hosts who live, explore, and care about this region. Whether you’re searching for the best breakfast in town, wondering which beach has the softest sand, or looking for a unique way to celebrate a special occasion, we’re here to help you make those decisions with confidence and excitement.
Our Southwest Michigan Travel Blog is also a great place to get seasonal updates. From summer festivals and farmers markets to cozy winter events and holiday happenings, we’ll keep you informed on what’s going on around town all year long. Looking to visit during fall? Check out our tips on leaf-peeping drives, cider mills, and vineyard tours. Coming in spring? We’ll share the best hikes, flower festivals, and off-season experiences that most visitors miss.
So whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to create new memories, our blog is here to inspire, inform, and welcome you into the rhythm of lake life. And if you ever have a question that hasn’t been answered yet, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you and may even write a future blog post based on your suggestion!