Benton Harbor and St. Joseph are like fraternal twins, opposite yet interconnected, existing together and separately. St. Joseph: The quaint little beach town with nostalgic family vibes. Benton Harbor: The cool, artsy city with a sprinkle of grit. Home to Whirlpool Corporation, it has seen its ups and downs but now thrives on young professionals in search of rising hot spots. Separated by the St. Joseph River, the two towns make for one easy destination along Michigan's west coast, just two hours by train or car from Chicago. A weekend here entails time on a Lake Michigan beach, unexpected food finds, a cool glassblowing studio and dune climbs. You don't have to pick a favorite-though you'll find things to love about each town.
top ten
THINGS TO DO IN BENTON HARBOR & ST. JOSEPH
1 MAKE SOME BREAKFAST DECISIONS
There's no bad way to start your day here. Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor is a locals' favorite-go early to avoid a long wait. The cafe sources the majority of ingredients from Southwest Michigan for dishes like Jalapeño Sausage Scramble and Zucchini Bread Waffles. The most magical spot in Benton Harbor is Clifford's Coffee Canal, where you can sip an iced coffee or organic juice while sitting on the plant-filled waterfront patio. Make sure to say hi to the resident finches. In St. Joseph, European-style Caffe Tosi has been serving espresso and Italian pastries for more than 30 years.
2 PEDAL AROUND
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MAJOR KEY
HUNDREDS OF SMALL ISLANDS TRAIL LIKE STEPPING STONES OFF OF FLORIDA INTO THE GULF OF MEXICOAND THE PATH LEADS TO KEY WEST.
cream of the crop
IN A TINY TOWN OUTSIDE MADISON, WISCONSIN, A CENTURY-OLD CREAMERY HAS BEEN REVIVED AS A BOUTIQUE HOTEL AND CULINARY DESTINATION. FOR VISITORS TO PAOLI, SEVEN ACRE DAIRY COMPANY ANCHORS A SWEET WEEKEND GETAWAY. FOR SMALL DAIRY PRODUCERS, IT'S RESHAPING THE FUTURE.
HOME BAKED
ON A TREE-LINED RESIDENTIAL STREET IN DES MOINES, A BAKERY DREAM HAS COME WRAPPED IN LOVE, UNEXPECTEDLY TRUE COMMUNITY AND ALL-BUTTER PASTRY.
POST MODERN
AN INDIANA DIY'ER STUMBLES INTO SOCIAL MEDIA STARDOM BY SHARING HER HOME'S EVER-CHANGING STYLE.
POUR ME A DOUBLE
COFFEE BY DAY, COCKTAILS BY NIGHTTHESE HYBRID CAFES OPEN EARLY FOR CAFFEINE FIXES AND STAY UP LATE FOR LIBATIONS.
HOT IN HERE
THE UPPER MIDWEST (AND ESPECIALLY MINNEAPOLIS) IS FIRED UP OVER SAUNA CULTURE. HERE ARE 10 WAYS AND PLACES TO GET YOUR STEAM ON.
SHOP THE BLOCK
FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS, ST. LOUIS' ANNUAL PRINT BAZAAR HAS TURNED CHEROKEE STREET INTO A BUSTLING, MAGICAL MILE OF ART AND HOLIDAY CHEERTHE PERFECT KICKOFF TO A WEEKEND EXPLORING THE LOU.
EASY SQUEEZY
THIS LITTLE LEMON LOAF HAS A SOFT TEXTURE AND A PUCKERY, BUTTERY GLAZE THE PERFECT AFTERNOON BAKE FOR A SNOW DAY.
WINTER RESET
THESE WARMING, SPICE-FORWARD MEALS PROVIDE A HEALTHFUL RESPITE AMONG (OR AFTER) ALL THE HOLIDAY INDULGENCES.
DARK ARTS
WITH HER DRAMATIC COLOR CHOICE AND SECONDHAND TREASURES, INTERIOR DECORATOR RUTHIE JACKSON BRINGS THE MOOD WHEN HOSTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND.
