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.
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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
This story is from the Fall 2024 edition of Midwest Living.
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This story is from the Fall 2024 edition of Midwest Living.
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NATURAL FIT
WITH LANDSCAPES NEAR AND FAR AS THEIR GUIDE, A MINNEAPOLIS COUPLE BUILT A NEW HOME THAT COMPLEMENTS ITS ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOOD AND SOFTENS THE LINE BETWEEN INDOORS AND OUT.
AT LONG LAST
AT SUNNY MEADOWS FLOWER FARM IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, THE SAME CUTTING BEDS THAT FEED SUMMER'S FRESH BOUQUETS ALSO PROVIDE BUNCHES OF EVERLASTINGS FOR USE IN DRIED ARRANGEMENTS AND WREATHS-BOTH THEIR OWN CREATIONS AND YOURS. COLOR US INSPIRED.
COLOR SHOW
FALL IS A BIT LIKE THE HOLIDAYS, WITH SPECTACULAR DISPLAYS OF COLOR AND LIGHT EVERYWHERE-EXCEPT NATURE DOES THE DECORATING. TREAT YOURSELF TO THE SEASON'S SIGHTS AND SOUNDS ON A VISIT TO ONE OF THESE DAZZLING PARKS.
IT'S CHILI TIME
AT A TAILGATE, A CAMPOUT OR JUST BECAUSE IT'S FALL, NOTHING HITS LIKE CHILI. AND FEW MEALS STOKE MORE REGIONAL PRIDE AND DEBATE. (TEXANS, WE SEE YOU. WE RESPECT YOU. BUT WE LIKE BEANS.) SO WE'RE GIVING YOU FIVE NEW CHILI RECIPES INCLUDING ONE FOR LEGIT CINCINNATI CHILI-PLUS CHEESY SCALLION CORNBREAD AND AN ODE TO CINNAMON ROLLS. (DON'T ASK. JUST READ ON.)
The GREAT ESCAPES
IN WISCONSIN AND MINNESOTA, HISTORIC LAKESIDE RESORTS KEEP ALIVE A CENTURY OF TRADITION. GENERATION AFTER GENERATION, THEY HAVE YET TO GO OUT OF STYLE.
TWO FOR ONE
PLAN A FALL WEEKEND TO BENTON HARBOR AND ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN, AND YOU'LL HAVE DOUBLE THE FUN.
DAY OF THE DEAD
DURING DÍA DE MUERTOS (NOVEMBER 1-2), TRADITION HOLDS THAT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SPIRIT AND LIVING WORLDS WEAKENS, ALLOWING A REUNION WITH PASSED LOVED ONES. HERE ARE SIX PLACES TO CELEBRATE.
MAIN ATTRACTION
FRESH LOCAL FARE AND SLEEK COFFEE SHOPS RUB SHOULDERS WITH STYLISH BOUTIQUES AND VINTAGE MARKETS IN MOUNT VERNON, IOWA.
A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
GLACIERS ONCE SHAPED THE TERRAIN OF SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA. TODAY, PEOPLE DO. THEIR IMPRINT SHOWS EVERYWHERE IN A LIVELY FOOD AND COCKTAIL SCENE, THROUGH A KALEIDOSCOPE OF OUTDOOR ART, AND AT A WATERFALL PARK THAT LOOKS BETTER THAN EVER.
PEAR HUGS
AS COMFORTING AS A LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP (AND AS SPECIAL TOO), THESE PEARS COME WRAPPED IN PASTRY, DRIZZLED WITH CARAMEL AND INFUSED WITH GOOD FEELS.
