GRAND BEACH · NEW BUFFALO · HARBOR COUNTRY
Lunch to take to the lake. A round close to home. A day among the dunes. Start with these local stops, then leave room for your own discoveries.
MANDY’S PICK · NEW BUFFALO
Mandy’s recommendation for a good takeout lunch near the beach. Pick up sandwiches, salads and something from the deli, then take the afternoon at your own pace.
Good for: a picnic or lunch without a full sit-down meal.
Before you go: check today’s hours and call ahead for a group order. Mandy flagged an early closing time; hours can change.
Menu & contact detailsCLOSE TO HOME · GRAND BEACH
A short walk brings you to the neighborhood’s Lake Michigan beach access. It’s shared neighborhood access, not an exclusive beach belonging to EpitoMI.
Good for: a shoreline walk and time by the water.
Before you go: ask the hosts for the current route and stairs. Check conditions and posted rules; there are no lifeguards.
Village beach informationA TOWN AFTERNOON · NEW BUFFALO
Pair lunch with a look through downtown’s shops. Use the business association’s directory to choose your stops.
Good for: people who would rather shop than spend the whole day on the sand.
Before you go: check seasonal opening hours and choose a meeting spot if the group splits up.
Browse local shopsIN THE VILLAGE · GOLF
A public course within the village makes golf an option without turning the whole stay into a golf trip. The non-golfers can make their own lake or town plans.
Good for: a group with different interests.
Before you go: check seasonal hours, rates and league closures. Golf and cart rentals are separate from your house reservation.
Course & visitor informationAN OUTDOOR DAY · TWO DIFFERENT DESTINATIONS
Indiana Dunes National Park: start with the park’s trip planner to choose a trail and check entrance passes.
Warren Dunes State Park: a Michigan option with lakefront dunes and walking routes. Check the state park’s access and entry requirements.
Before you go: these are not the same park. Choose the exact destination, match the route to your group and check weather.
Compare the outingsTHREE OAKS · AN ADULT OUTING
Book a tour at the Featherbone Factory in Three Oaks, or look into a meal at Staymaker.
Good for: an adult afternoon, including cooler-weather trips.
Before you go: check tour availability, age requirements and dining reservations. Arrange a designated driver or transport before a tasting.
Three Oaks toursDining reservationsIF THE DOG IS COMING
Dogs need prior approval to stay at EpitoMI. Village beach access has seasonal dog hours and leash rules; parks and restaurant patios set their own policies.
Beach dog rulesNational park pet rulesAngela’s Provisions is recommended by Mandy. Other stops are independently researched suggestions. Official destination links checked October 8, 2026; confirm hours, access and availability for your dates.