Harbert

Paws and Play: Plan A Pet-Friendly Vacation in Southwest Michigan

The picturesque shores along Lake Michigan—particularly in Southwest Michigan—offer a serene escape for both vacationers and their furry companions. But it’s not just beautiful and fun here, Southwest Michigan is super pet-friendly~

How do we know that’s true?

Because at Juniper Holiday + Home, we understand pets are part of the family and we design our pet-friendly vacation rental services around the idea! We also, just love animals, and so our team is connected to the local area services and activities available for pets. We’re excited to share our ultimate pet-friendly guide for our Lake Michigan destinations. Come experience a Lake Michigan pet-friendly vacation!

When you’re planning a pet-friendly vacation, finding the right place to stay is crucial. At Juniper Holiday + Home, we offer a selection of charming, comfy, elegantly designed vacation rentals that welcome pets with open arms and wagging tails. From cozy cottages to spacious lakefront homes, our properties provide the ideal backdrop for your vacation getaway. Our pet-friendly accommodations include:

  • Dog-friendly beaches nearby for endless adventures
  • Fenced-in yards for off-leash fun
  • Pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls, dog beds, and treats galore
  • Access to nearby trails and parks for exciting walks
  • Friendly neighborhoods who adore pets almost as much as we do
  • Have pet-planning questions? Contact Us for the skinny on nearly everything pet related.

2. Exploring Nature with Your Furry Friend

Southwest Michigan is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and your pet will love exploring the great outdoors. Here are some pet-friendly activities you can enjoy together:

  • Beach Adventures — The sandy beaches of Lake Michigan are perfect for a game of fetch or a leisurely stroll with your pup. Some local beaches even have designated dog-friendly areas where your furry friend can play in the waves.
  • Hiking Trails — Explore the area’s lush forests and scenic trails. For example, Warren Dunes State Park offers pet-friendly hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, from sand dunes to woodlands. (And there are many other similar places in the region for you & your dog to roam together!)
  • Pet-Friendly Wineries – Yep, believe it or not, some wineries in Southwest Michigan are super pet-friendly! You can sip on local wines, while your pet lounges in the sunshine. (Be sure to check ahead for pet policies and outdoor seating.)
A Long Coated Australian Shepherd Outdoors

3. Pet-Friendly Dining

After a day of exploring, it’s time to refuel, right? It turns out Southwest Michigan has a growing number of pet-friendly dining options where you and your dog can dine together on outdoor patios.

Cavapoo Dog Sitting on a Dining Chair

Here are links to 20 more pet-friendly restaurants & bars in the region to check out!!

4. Pet Safety and Etiquette

Cute Pug Pet Dog

While enjoying your vacation with your pet, it’s important to be a responsible pet owner. Here are some tips for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:

  • Keep your pet on a leash in areas where it’s required.
  • Clean up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.
  • Be respectful of other guests and their pets.
  • Familiarize yourself with local pet regulations and restrictions.

A little online research can go a long way to ensure a smooth and safe time out with your pup.

5. Relax and Unwind

After a day of adventure, return to your cozy Juniper Holiday + Home vacation rental for some well deserved R&R. Our pet-friendly properties are designed to make you and your pet feel totally at home while out on vacation. Whether you choose to snuggle up by the fireplace or enjoy a glass of wine on the porch, your pet will be right there with you, making memories together.

Yorkshire Terrier Relaxing at the Dog Grooming Spa

Bringing your pet to Southwest Michigan for a vacation, with pet-friendly accommodations, stunning natural beauty, and a warm welcome from the local community, your pet will enjoy the trip as much as you do!

Book your pet-friendly getaway with us today and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Southwest Michigan. We can’t wait to welcome you and your beloved pet to our slice of paradise by the lake!

Happy travels, y’all!

Ring in the New Year with Delicious Food & Drink in Southwest Michigan!

The New Year is upon us, and for many people, that means extended holiday vacations, family visits or traveling around to try something new.

Fortunately, Southwest Michigan is teeming with top-quality culinary and craft brew/fine wine destinations galore.

As a Southwest Michigan property management company, Juniper Holiday and Home has several excellent recommendations for excellent restaurants.

Thanks to an abundance of local know-how and Chicago expats, this region has become home to plenty of superb restaurants, bakeries and watering holes, many of which proudly serve locally raised ingredients. Check out this excellent sample from our long list of noteworthy places to eat and drink in Three Oaks, New Buffalo, Saugatuck and Harbert.

Froelich’s

Froelich’s, located in Three Oaks, is a tourist staple that has been in business since 1946. Not only do they have a cafe and extensive retail gift space, but a bakery as well (with homemade artisan breads, pastries, jams and more), just across the street. Hit the deli for a picnic lunch to go, or step into the dining room for a sit-down meal. Froelich’s also has a full-service bar, and a “beverage boutique” where you can pick up a bottle of fine wine, handcrafted beer, or any one of hundreds of liquors to choose from. (By the way, we get our cookies for Juniper’s “welcome gifts” from Froelich’s bakery!).

Froelich’s
26 North Elm Street
Three Oaks, MI
Phone: 269-756-6002

Patellie’s

Also in Three Oaks, you can find some of the tastiest pizza in the entire Midwest—using only responsibly sourced, high-quality ingredients—at Patellie’s. In addition to amazing pizza pies, Pat & Ellie Mullins—former owners of LOCAL, a specialty grocery store in New Buffalo—also serve mouthwatering sandwiches, salads, and even whole organic, pasture-raised chickens!

Patellie’s
28 North Elm Street
Three Oaks, MI
Phone: 269-820-2066

The Hummingbird Lounge

Head to New Buffalo for The Hummingbird Lounge or the Terrace Room. Both are popular, stylish restaurants and drinking establishments. The Hummingbird Lounge, set in a beautifully rehabbed Victorian House, is well known for its bar food and being the first to bring craft cocktails into an area that was previously more saturated with wineries and breweries. Try the homemade smoked whitefish dip, the fried chicken tacos with hot honey, or any of their featured dishes! 

Hummingbird Lounge
9 South Barton Street
New Buffalo, MI
Phone: 269-231-5292

Terrace Room

Another fine place in which to cozy up in the New Year is the Terrace Room, especially if you can sit near the fireplace looking out over the New Buffalo Harbor. Nestled in the basement of The Harbor Grand waterfront boutique hotel, this intimate, appealing restaurant features a modern Italian menu (made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients), while serving some of the strongest drinks around!

Terrace Room
111 West Water Street
New Buffalo, MI
Phone: 855-391-3915

Pennyroyal Café and Provisions

Melissa Corey, Executive Chef at Pennyroyal Cafe and Provisions in Saugatuck, was named one of Chicago’s top chefs in 2015 by Thrillist! The restaurant, which also highlights local farms in its ingredients, is a collaboration of the Pennyroyal team’s culinary, pastry and horticultural backgrounds and boasts an Instagram-worthy menu of delicious offerings, including excellent fish dishes. They also have a fine selection of after-dinner drinks, aperitifs, and wine, to go along with one of their lip-smacking desserts.

Pennyroyal Café and Provisions
3319 Blue Star Highway
Saugatuck, MI
Phone: 269-455-5133

Gather All Day

Gather All Day, a self-described “casual modern lounge,” is a top-notch spot to check out in Harbert. They feature New American quick bites, full meals (both small plates & large plates are uniquely prepared with fresh, quality ingredients), a “thoughtfully curated” natural wine and cocktail menu, and a retail section for a little shopping! Not only a fabulous place for lunch or dinner, but also a desirable place to stop for a coffee or enjoy a cocktail for date night. Don’t miss the fried chicken sandwich!

Gather All Day
13565 Red Arrow Highway
Harbert, MI
Phone: 269-231-5886
 

Luisa’s Harbert Swedish Bakery & Market

For a truly sublime bakery experience, get yourself over to Luisa’s Harbert Swedish Bakery & Market (originally opened in 1912) in nearby Harbert. From breads and cookies to savory cakes and pies, they have absolutely got comfort food figured out! (They have lots of take-and-bake options, as well.) For sheer scrumptiousness, try the peach-berry or caramel-apple-walnut pies.

Luisa’s Harbert Swedish Bakery & Market
13698 Red Arrow Highway
Harbert, MI
Phone: 269-469-1777
 

A trip to visit any of these Southwestern Michigan delights will surely satisfy your taste buds and tickle your fancy in the New Year! As Juniper Holiday and Home handles vacation rentals and management in Michigan, we are a great source for information on local restaurants, shopping, and attractions, as well as managing your Lake Michigan vacation house or cabin rentals.

Enjoy!

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