Weekend Road Trip Guide: Explore Southwest Michigan in Your New Ride

July 21st, 2025 by

🚗 Weekend Road Trip Guide: Explore Southwest Michigan in Your New Ride

Looking to break in your new ride with a scenic getaway? There’s no better destination than the Lake Michigan shoreline. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Escape, Chevy Silverado, or GMC Acadia, this relaxed route through Southwest Michigan delivers lakeside views, small-town charm, and unforgettable stops.

Best of all, it ends with a peaceful overnight stay at Copper Top Ridge—a private vacation rental nestled in the woods of New Buffalo.

☕ Stop 1: Morning Coffee & Beach Walk in Union Pier

7–8 AM | Just north of New Buffalo

Begin your weekend with coffee and a pastry from Black Currant Bakehouse or Nani’s Café in Union Pier. Just a few minutes from downtown New Buffalo, this sleepy beach town offers easy access to Townline Beach and McKinley Street Beach, perfect for a peaceful morning stroll.

Feature Highlight: If your vehicle has remote start and a heated steering wheel, you’ll appreciate it during early morning drives.

🏞 Stop 2: Hike the Dunes at Warren Dunes State Park

8:30–10:30 AM | 15 minutes north

No road trip is complete without a little outdoor adventure. Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer offers scenic overlooks, forested trails, and towering sand dunes with panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

Bring your beach towels, reef-safe sunscreen, and a soft-sided cooler—perfect items to keep in the spacious cargo hold of your SUV or truck.
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🍕 Stop 3: Lunch + Craft Beer at Haymarket Brewery

12–1:30 PM | Bridgman

After your hike, cruise into Bridgman for lunch at Haymarket Taproom. This laid-back stop serves up wood-fired pizzas, craft beer, and good vibes—indoors or out on the beer garden patio.

No matter what you’re driving—CDJR, Ford, Buick GMC, or Chevy—Haymarket offers plenty of parking and quick access back to Red Arrow Highway.

🍷 Stop 4: Winery Tastings in Baroda or Stevensville

2–3:30 PM | Inland detour

Explore Southwest Michigan’s wine country with a stop at:

  • Round Barn Winery – A fun, lively tasting destination offering wine, beer, and cocktails
  • Gravity Winery – A relaxing escape with views of vineyards and a private lake

Pack a reusable water bottle, grab a bottle or two to take home, and enjoy the quiet countryside.

🛍️ Stop 5: Beach + Downtown St. Joseph

4–6 PM | Silver Beach & Downtown

Head up the coast to St. Joseph, a charming lakefront town with plenty to do. Enjoy Silver Beach, take photos of the St. Joseph Lighthouse, or stroll the downtown shops. For dessert, grab a scoop at Kilwins or a treat from The Chocolate Café.

Pro Tip: Rear-view cameras, parking sensors, and navigation make exploring small towns effortless—especially in a new Buick, Ram, or Ford Explorer.

🛏️ Where to Stay: Copper Top Ridge Vacation Rental

New Buffalo, MI

Instead of rushing home, extend your road trip with a stay at Copper Top Ridge—a private, luxury retreat tucked in the woods near downtown New Buffalo. With a hot tub, fire pit, and e-bike rentals, it’s the perfect end to your Lake Michigan adventure.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a family weekend, or just need a quiet escape, Copper Top Ridge is your ideal basecamp.

🧭 Why This Trip Works (And Where to Find the Right Vehicle)

This Southwest Michigan weekend itinerary gives you the best of lakeshore travel—without hours of interstate driving. It’s scenic, easy to navigate, and loaded with places to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or explore.

Looking for a vehicle that can keep up with your weekend lifestyle?

From 4×4 capability to premium audio and navigation, our new and used inventory is built for every road trip.

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