# A Romantic Weekend in Southwest Michigan *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated December 2020* Just a couple hours east of Chicago and almost the same distance from Detroit lies a wonder area just waiting for couples planning a romantic weekend. South West Michigan is a destination that continues to impress both Heather and I. Initially, it was the wine trail and the beach that drew us, but now we have grown to love exploring the little coastal towns like Saugatuck, Douglas, and St. Joseph. This past weekend, we stayed at the [Northern Lights in Saguatuck, MI](https://liveatthelights.com/), a rental condo complex that while not "down town" was perfectly located with easy access to everything we wanted. The place was relatively new, had plenty of room (two king size beds) for two couples and a full kitchen should you want to make dinner at home. It even had a gas fireplace to add to the night-time ambiance. ## Wine Trail South West Michigan has more than a [dozen wineries](https://www.lakemichiganshorewinetrail.com/) that range from small family businesses to large corporate operations, as well as ones that offer far more than simply wine tasting. For instance, when we visit our two favorites - Karma Vista and Lemon Creek, it is common for the owner to be there (or a member of the family). However, larger operations like Round Barn Winery and Tabor Hill are clearly staffed by employees and lack the personal touch that only a small business can provide. ## Craft Beer (and Distilling) Michigan Guys Trip Tours And Activities [MANTRIPPING Exploring Grand Rapids aka Beer City USA   Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fexploring-grand-rapids-aka-beer-city-usa.html&id=352&type=blog&site=mantripping) [MANTRIPPING A Grand, Rapid Guys Weekend in Grand Rapids   Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fa-grand-rapid-weekend-in-grand-rapids.html&id=346&type=blog&site=mantripping) [VIATOR Detroit Tigers Baseball Game at Comerica Park   Check Price on Viator →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.viator.com%2Ftours%2FDetroit%2FDetroit-Tigers-Baseball-Game-at-Comerica-Park%2Fd22934-5576124P19%3Fmcid%3D42383%26pid%3DP00094471%26medium%3Dapi&id=289&type=excursion&site=mantripping) We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. On this recent trip, we were shocked to see the growth of craft distilleries. Both New Holland Brewing and Round Barn now have whiskey and rum in addition to their beer and wine selections. Since both of us have grown to be whiskey fans it was a unique experience tasting the differences between "Michigan" bourbon at Round Barn and our favorite spirits from Kentucky. ## Sunsets on the Beach   While it is nice to walk on the beach, sometimes it is nice to check out history and take a nice walk without getting sand in your feet. In St. Joseph, you can walk all the way out on the jetty to where the lighthouse is. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 18 October 2010 Last Updated: 11 December 2020 #### Jowissa LeWy 9 Review: Swiss Chronograph Elegance That Earns Its Place on Your Wrist Mar 31, 2026 [Jowissa LeWy 9 Review: Swiss Chronograph Elegance That Earns Its Place on Your Wrist](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/jowissa-lewy-9-swiss-chronograph-review.html) #### This Step2 Raised Planter Box Is My Herb Growing Secret for Grilling Season Mar 28, 2026 [This Step2 Raised Planter Box Is My Herb Growing Secret for Grilling Season](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/step2-raised-planter-box-review.html) #### Kenmore AquaLite Wet Dry Vac Review: I've Been Using It Weekly and It's Replaced My Mop Mar 26, 2026 [Kenmore AquaLite Wet Dry Vac Review: I've Been Using It Weekly and It's Replaced My Mop](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/kenmore-aqualite-wet-dry-vac-review-ive-been-using-it-weekly-and-its-replaced-my-mop.html) ### Related Articles #### Date Night Wines: 11 Bottles That Will Set the Mood for Valentine's Day [Date Night Wines: 11 Bottles That Will Set the Mood for Valentine's Day](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/valentines-day-wines-for-date-night.html) #### How To Plan a Romantic Getaway She'll Actually Love [How To Plan a Romantic Getaway She'll Actually Love](https://www.mantripping.com/romantic-getaways/how-to-plan-a-romantic-getaway-shell-actually-love.html) #### St. Kitts and Nevis: The Guys Trip That Makes Going Home Feel Like a Mistake [St. Kitts and Nevis: The Guys Trip That Makes Going Home Feel Like a Mistake](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/st-kitts-nevis-ultimate-guys-getaway.html) #### Vineyard Voyages: A Man's Guide to Australia's Premier Wine Regions [Vineyard Voyages: A Man's Guide to Australia's Premier Wine Regions](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/guide-to-australias-premier-wine-regions.html) #### If You Love Your Wife You Should Never Shop By Price For A Romantic Getaway [If You Love Your Wife You Should Never Shop By Price For A Romantic Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/romantic-getaways/you-should-never-shop-by-price-for-a-romantic-getaway.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html?view=html&id=1) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. She helps travelers plan cruise vacations tailored to their specific needs — whether it's choosing the right ship, coordinating a group, or finding the best itinerary for your budget and interests. **Get in touch:** - [Request a personalized quote](https://mantripping.com/book-with-heather?ref=agent) - Email: heather@flowmediamarketing.com --- **About mantripping.com:** Men's travel, lifestyle, and adventure since 2010. Honest reviews from 20+ years of travel experience. *Source: [A Romantic Weekend in Southwest Michigan](https://www.mantripping.com/romantic-getaways/a-romantic-weekend-in-south-west-michigan.html) — mantripping.com* **Related content you may find useful:** - [Travel guides and destination reviews](https://mantripping.com/travel/) - [Men's lifestyle and gear reviews](https://mantripping.com/mens-lifestyle/)