I just returned from a glorious weekend in New Buffalo, Michigan. I put together a weekend retreat for Chicago Moms, and we enjoyed 48 hours of rest, relaxation, friendship, and fabulous food. Let me tell you all about it!
A Weekend in New Buffalo
It all started in November when I took a solo trip to New Buffalo. I wanted an indulgent weekend of long walks, reading, bike rides, spa treatments, quiet, and sleeping in. I chose New Buffalo because it has lovely hotels and is just a quick one-hour and fifteen-minute train ride from Chicago.
As I shared Stories from that trip on Instagram, my Mom friends started to chime in, saying they wanted to join next time. A tiny seed was planted, and in January, I jumped into planning mode and invited a few friends to New Buffalo.
READ MORE ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN NEW BUFFALO
How I Planned the Weekend in New Buffalo
Eleven Moms joined the weekend trip to New Buffalo. I started by inviting a few friends and telling them that they could room with me or invite some of their friends and book their own room. In the end, we had 11 women staying in three different rooms. Everyone knew at least one other person on the trip, but no one knew everyone.
This worked out well! Everyone entered the trip expecting to meet new friends. It felt welcoming, relaxed, and not cliquey. I loved meeting new friends and seeing some of my friends hit it off!
My planning consisted of a few emails, establishing a light itinerary, and making a couple of restaurant reservations. It was easy.
Where We Stayed
Many of the reasons this trip was successful are linked to the hotel. I chose the Marina Grand Resort because it offers large room types, including three-bedroom suites, perfect for a group trip. I also chose this hotel because it is a sister to the Harbor Grand Hotel, where I stayed in November. I loved that hotel and felt confident bringing a group to the sister property, even though I had never been there.
Staying in a hotel instead of a rental home gave us flexibility. I didn't have to worry about having the right amount of space; we could book additional rooms as needed.
Another reason why the Marina Grand is an ideal choice for a group trip to New Buffalo is that the hotel has two large spaces where groups can gather. The Living Room is an area on the first floor with a fireplace and lots of seating. It doesn't feel like a sterile hotel lobby. We decided that the best way to describe the style of the Marina Grand is Mid-Century Modern architecture meets coastal colors with Scandivian-style furniture. It was so welcoming that we often opted to hang out there.
The Mezzanine on the second floor is a large room with big tables and comfy couches. When it isn't used as an event space, hotel guests can gather here.
The hotel hosts wine tastings at 4 pm, which was a fun perk! In the warm months they offer free bike rentals, too. And, I must mention that there is a Ben & Jerry's hotline - just call, pick a flavor, and a pint will be delivered to your room!
Our New Buffalo Weekend Itinerary
The goal was to relax. I didn't want to schedule too much! I wanted to give everyone time to do what they wanted: sleep in, visit the spa, explore the town, read, do crafts, or just hang out! I kept the itinerary centered around meals where we could spend time as a group.
Foundation Spa is located at the Harbor Grand Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from the Marina Grand. I had a 50-minute massage with a bamboo treatment that involved using warm sticks of bamboo as part of a massage. Mary Ann told me that she is the queen of the bamboo treatment and my tired muscles were hugely grateful.
Most of the Moms attended a 10:30 am yoga class at Prana/Life, a yoga and reformer pilates studio and spa that offers group fitness classes, massages, and reiki treatments.
We chose a 60-minute warm yoga class taught in a room heated to 80 degrees. The class offered the right balance of challenging moves that stretched me out with a relaxing atmosphere.
Quiet Time
We anchored our days with group dinners and had lots of quiet time during the day. People got to do whatever they wanted! Some of us gathered in the Living Room beside the fire to craft, sip coffee, and snack. Others walked around town. Most of us visited the spa at some point.
My friend Ashley Hasty, who writes the book blog The Hasty Book List asked everyone about their reading preferences and gifted everyone a surprise book.
I made everyone friendship bracelets with their children's names and then brought more supplies on the trip so people could make their own.
New Buffalo Restaurants for Groups
This was an exceptional dining experience, in part due to the fact I often collaborate with their PR team, who assisted with making our reservation. As a result, the restaurant generously sent over a variety of complementary dishes.
If I could pick one word to describe PostBoy, it would be "fresh." Walking into the modern, light-filled space and giant patio is like inhaling a big breath of fresh air. You instantly feel lighter and more relaxed. But also, the menu is fresh. It's fun and creative, and even as an avid traveler and restaurant-goer, the menu is filled with unique items I have never seen anywhere else.
Sure, you will find classics like a smash burger, but you will also find Donut Holes topped with togarsashi (a Japanese mixture of seven spices) and served with ssamjang aoili (ssamjang is Korean dipping sauce made with red chili paste). We couldn't stop raving about the Donut Holes. Other stand-out items were the Sweet Potato that was cooked until it was nearly caramelized and served with cashew tahini, amba raisins, feta, and crunchy chickpeas, and the BBQ Carrots with hazelnut aoili, chimichurri, and everything bagel crunch.
When I dined at PostBoy on their opening day in November, I had the Loaded Potato Gnocchi which delightfully combines elements of gnocchi, macaroni and cheese, and a loaded baked potato.
PostBoy was a great choice for our first group meal. The restaurant's ambiance helped to set the tone of relaxation, and the food impressed everyone—especially my friend whose husband is a chef!
Stray Dog is the quintessential New Buffalo restaurant. It is a large bar/restaurant that does classic American bar food very well. We started with fried cheese curds and jalapeno poppers and then ordered meals like buffalo chicken wraps, burgers, and cobb salads.
They don't take reservations, so we made a point to arrive before 6 pm. Within 30 minutes, we had a table. This restaurant is known for their large rooftop patio that is open in the summer (the rooftop is 21+).
A handful of us had brunch at this restaurant in the Marina Grand Resort. It's great! The space is beautiful, and the brunch was lovely! I ordered chilaquiles verdes.
The menu focuses on elevated comfort food. The restaurant is open for dinner seven nights a week and serves breakfast and lunch on weekends.
What We Will Do Differently Next Time
The biggest comment is that we all wished we had more time. We all arrived in New Buffalo on Friday evening. Next time, I want to leave on a Friday morning after school drop-off.
How Much We Spent for a Weekend in New Buffalo
My grand total for a Friday-Sunday trip was $701. The breakdown is below. If you skipped the spa, the trip was under $500.
Transportation: Amtrak tickets from Union Station Chicago to New Buffalo: $46
Accommodations: Loft Three Bedroom Luxury Suite at the Marina Grand Hotel: $1182 - split 5 days for $236 a person
Meals: $150 (dinner at PostBoy, brunch at Bentwood, dinner at Stray Dog, a breakfast sandwich at the Living Room at the Marina Grand, two coffees).
Yoga at Prana Life Studio: $35
Massage at the Spa at the Harbor Grand Hotel: $234 (including tip)
Since the suites have kitchens, we brought our own snacks and drinks. This helped to keep expenses down.