Although our venue is located in a rural area, we are excited to share some of the fresh, farm-to-table experiences that southwest Michigan has to offer. Many of our picks for "things to do" provide the opportunity to support local farmers and buisinesses, and experience some of the natural beauty that we are proud to be surrounded by.

Makers Trail is a beer, wine, and spirits trail. It consists of over 40 breweries, wineries, and distilleries across southwest Michigan. Find locations in the area here!

Here are some that are located right in Niles:

Niles Brewing Co: We stopped here on a little tour of Niles. It was a fun stop if you have a sweet tooth and love a good beer! The beers are brewed with candy and ice cream for a fun, fruity, and SWEET taste. Jenna' favorite was called Strawberry Sunset...it literally tastes like a strawberry milkshake.

Iron Shoe Distillery: This place is SO cute. Their spirits and food are all prepared on site, with ingredients from local family-owned farms. Plus, they have won tons of awards for their food, cocktails, and service.

Lehman's Orchard: Lehman's started as a cherry orchard in 1929, and has been family-owned for 3 generations. Not only can you hand-pick and assortment of berries at Lehmans, but you can also enjoy wines and ciders made from their fruit crops.

For a $10 entrance fee, you can hike 105 acres of trails through arboretums, gardens, and prairies. There is also a little cafe you can visit for a little lunchtime snack! More information can be found on their website here.

This pick is inspired by my sister-in-law Michelle. It is the perfect place for lavender lovers! Pick lavender or shop for products made from the lavender grown on the farm.

This nine-hole course is located on the south side of Niles and costs just $10.50 for a round.

This quaint little museum is perfect for history buffs, containing small collections of artifacts on local history. You can also request a tour of the Chaplin Mansion next door.