New Buffalo on a Budget: Affordable Eats, Cute Shops, and Relaxing Finds

Less than two hours’ drive from Chicago, many people haven’t heard of New Buffalo, let alone visit. Yet, Michigan’s resort town is one of those rare gems that finds its way into your heart once you have.

 

Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan, New Buffalo’s 2,000 inhabitants have the lay of the land. With access to beaches, craft breweries, and quaint cafes, a weekend away soothes the soul and your wallet.

 

Unlike the more popular resort towns, New Buffalo is surprisingly affordable. Read further if you want the skinny on which places to visit when staying here.

Good ‘Ol American Classics

These days, with franchises springing up everywhere, finding a decent family-run restaurant is a remarkable find.

 

Thankfully, community is at the heart of this city, which explains why Redamak’s Restaurant has been operating since 1975. Owned by the Maroney family, the eatery is an integral part of New Buffalo’s foodie culture.

 

The classic cheeseburger attracts patrons from across state lines, while the lake perch is the freshest you’ll find this side of Lake Michigan.

 

Issa Vibe Cafe is the meeting spot and local hangout space for the younger crowd. The coffee shop serves the best roasts, and we’ve been told that the rose and honey latte is a must-try. 

 

Bring a book and spend an afternoon people-watching while pretending to be engrossed in your page turner.

 

Namaste

A weekend getaway should be chill, a moment to pause and take a timeout from the hamster wheel.

 

Walking into a dispensary in New Buffalo feels like an accurate description of what it means to woosah. You don’t have to be a seasoned enthusiast to appreciate the relaxing vibes that accompany a toke or an edible. Many New Buffalo dispensaries have online stores with great cannabis deals and competitive prices.

 

If it’s your first time partaking in the recreational activity, Vibe Dispensaries suggests chatting with in-store staff who can point you in the right direction. Most cannabis dispensaries offer high-quality products, including cannabis flower, topicals, tinctures, vape pens, and accessories.

 

Stover’s Farm Market is home to U-PIC, where you can pick your own fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only do you get farm-to-table goodness, but you can also save up to 70% on your purchase. Now that’s a jolly fine bargain.

Beach Days

New Buffalo Beach has 800ft of sandy beach real estate. And on a clear day, you can see all the way to Chicago.

 

Bring along your folding chairs, beach towels, and sunblock. The heat tends to become unbearable by midday in summer, so ensure you’re sufficiently protected. 

 

You can rent kayaks and paddleboards, and there’s always a lifeguard on duty.

 

Lakefront Park sits at the north end of Whittaker Street, past the Galien River Bridge. The lakefront also doubles as a preferred spot for professional photos and weddings. So, please, no photobombing!

 

The best part is that both these public areas are free to the public.

Shop Like a Local

MidWest Living highly recommends the Michigan Mercantile. The curated space brings a cool, city-chic ambience to the cozy lakeside town. Stocking Fresh Coast souvenirs, think a breezy viscose scarf or sea-glass art you’d proudly hang.

 

If you’re in the mood to travel without, you know, traveling, pop into Stockholm Objects. The Swedish-owned gem is packed with handcrafted ceramics, soft neutral linens, minimalist glassware, and jewelry so sculptural it could double as modern art.

 

The Love Spell Boutique is a charming little shop that sells whimsical clothing and unique handmade jewelry for the free-spirited soul. Other local stores worth visiting are Frecklefarm, Sojourn, and Hidden Gems.

Sleep Easy

Five-star accommodation on a budget isn’t hard to find in New Buffalo. Where it’s a hotel, B&B, or short-term rental, your credit card will thank you.

 

The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo is a cozy oasis in the heart of downtown. All 10 suites feel fresh, beachy, and effortlessly vacation-ready. Wander down to the lake at your own pace, stopping at some of Harbor Country’s best restaurants and shops along the way.

 

Why not rent a tiny home? Airbnb features a hideaway that sleeps two and sits on 20 acres of impossibly lush farmland. Inside, it’s pure rustic-boho charm, from the wood-paneled ceilings to the vintage upholstery.

Affordable Luxury

Forget the bright lights of New York or the pretences of Los Angeles. New Buffalo is a welcome departure from the norm.

 

Here, you can breathe the fresh air and walk the streets unencumbered by your worries. The locals are friendly, the vibes are authentic, and you don’t have to hustle your way around town.

 

Come to New Buffalo for relaxation, stay for the affordable luxury.