Welcome to Wedding Weekend!
We’re so excited that you’re coming to celebrate with us - especially those of you traveling from afar. Since you’ll be in our favorite little corner of Michigan for the weekend, we figured we’d share some of our go-to spots to eat, drink, relax, and people-watch.
These are the places Ben and I actually love, not just the ones that looked cute on Google. So if you find yourself with a free afternoon or just need to escape your Airbnb, here’s your cheat sheet. Enjoy responsibly... or don’t. What happens on wedding weekend stays with wedding weekend!
As you enjoy the weekend exploring, don’t forget to share a photo with the Wedding Text Thread! We’d love to see what you’re up to - your favorite finds, fun moments, and goofy selfies along the way! Keep an eye on the thread, too - there may be updates about where the bride and groom are or spontaneous events you can join in on. We can’t wait to see you Saturday!
WEDDING TEXT THREAD
Things To Do In Niles, Michigan
Iron Shoe Distillery
3 N 3rd St, Niles, MI 49120, USA
(269) 262-0454
Iron Shoe is a craft distillery in downtown Niles that serves home-made spirits, cocktails, and local beers. They also have a full kitchen with a menu of elevated pub food, from burgers to sandwiches. The truffle fries and maple bourbon sprouts are a perfect starter to grab before heading over to the Underground Comedy Club! If you are looking for a sweet treat with a kick, try out Katie's Caramel Creme Buzz.
The Underground Laugh Lounge
321 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120, USA
(574) 320-8291
A basement comedy club that is both hilarious and chaotic in the best way. The shows are always a good time and the "Jason Lee & Kluck It Bucket" is a must. It’s small, loud, and unpolished... which is exactly what you want in a comedy club. Get there early if you want a decent seat, but truly there is no bad seat in the house!
The Study
204 N 4th St, Niles, MI 49120, USA
(574) 320-8291
This speakeasy-style bar feels like you stumbled into someone’s private library... with better cocktails. You have to try the signature "Dirty Bubble Bath" served in a mini claw foot tub! It’s small, & cozy, but there are so many neat details to explore while you are there. This bar fills up fast, so definitely call ahead for a reservation!
Veni's Sweet Shop
228 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120, USA
(269) 684-1323
A charming, family-owned candy store that’s been around forever. Step inside for amazing hand-dipped chocolates and nostalgic candies. Grab a box of assorted treats - the truffles are a personal fav!
2nd & Main Coffeehouse
127 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120, USA
A cozy local spot with the perfect mix of caffeine and calm. Stop in for your morning latte or circle back in the afternoon for a glass of wine and a snack. The space is cute, laid-back, and just right for chatting with friends or nursing a hangover. The Honey Lavender Latte is Melissa's fav!
Lehman's Orchards
2280 Portage Rd, Niles, MI 49120, USA
(269) 683-9078
Lehman's Orchards is perfect for a taste of Michigan's agricultural heritage. Depending on the time of year, there is apple picking and homemade goods like cider, jams and pies. The also have a winery with local wines and hard ciders!
Things To Do In South Bend, Indiana
The Garage Arcade Bar
503 E Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA
(574) 440-2624
This is a fun spot in South Bend, Indiana with all of our favorite things: arcade games, cocktails and live music. Need I say more??
Bonus: it’s on the same block as the Cat Lady Café and Macri’s, so you can pet a cat, crush some cannoli, and then throw down at frogger—all without moving your car.
Macri's Italian Bakery
214 N Niles Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA
(574) 282-1010
This place is straight-up dessert heaven. Pastries, cookies, cannoli, cakes, they’ve got it all, and somehow it all still tastes like it's straight from your grandma's kitchen. We love it so much we’re using them for our wedding cake, so if you want a sneak peek of dessert, this is the spot!
The Cat Lady Cafe South Bend
401 E Colfax Ave Suite 104, South Bend, IN 46617, USA
Coffee & cats, name a better combo! Hang out with adoptable cats while sipping something warm and cozy. Appointments are required, so plan accordingly!
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
101 Basilica Dr, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
(574) 631-7329
A really beautiful church on the notorious Notre Dame campus that’s open to the public. If you’re into architecture or just want to walk through somewhere peaceful, it’s worth checking out. There’s also a Friday and Sunday Mass open to visitors if you are looking for a place for worship away from your home church.
Peggs
127 S Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601, USA
(574) 520-1777
This is Ben’s go-to breakfast spot in South Bend! He swears by the Burning Love Bloody Mary and the breakfast tacos. If you are looking for a cozy vibe, Melissa recommends the is the honey vanilla latte and warm soup. Overall the food’s solid and it’s a great way to kick off a weekend morning.
Four Winds Casino South Bend
3000 Prairie Ave, South Bend, IN 46614, USA
(866) 494-6371
If you’re feeling lucky, Four Winds is the move. Slots, table games, decent food, and enough flashing lights to keep you entertained for hours. Ben doesn't have to be the only one hitting the jackpot this weekend! Try your luck and see if you can head home with more than just a wedding favor!
Southwest Michigan Wine Trail
The wine trail has various wineries near Niles, allowing you to sample the best locally-made wines, take vineyard tours, and enjoy wine tastings. This allows you to enjoy the countryside while sampling some of the best wines Michigan has to offer. Don't forget to make a special trip to Round Barn Winery to check out the amazing winery where we got engaged!
Things To Do In St. Joseph, Michigan
Silver Beach County Park
101 Broad St, St Joseph, MI 49085, USA
(269) 982-0533
One of our favorite Lake Michigan beaches! Soft sand, beautiful sunsets, and plenty of space to lounge around. There’s a splash pad for kids, volleyball courts, and even a historic carousel nearby. It’s the perfect spot to relax after brunch or catch a romantic sunset. Pro tip: parking fills up on weekends, so go early!
Chocolate Cafe
300 State St, St Joseph, MI 49085, USA
(269) 985-9866
This spot is every dessert lover’s dream. From truffles and giant cookies to frozen hot chocolate and espresso drinks, it’s the absolute best. It’s also open late, making it an ideal stop after dinner or a beach day. You cannot leave without trying the chocolate-dipped cheesecake!
The Boulevard Inn & Bistro
521 Lake Blvd, St Joseph, MI 49085, USA
(269) 983-6600
Cute little bistro that’s perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner. We had breakfast here the morning we got engaged and ended up getting a full show of Michigan drivers absolutely struggling to parallel park at the farmers market. RIP to that guy’s bumper - IYKYK. Great food, even better entertainment. 10/10
Cabanas Ice Cream & More
512 Broad St, St Joseph, MI 49085, USA
Classic ice cream shack with tons of flavors. They are dog friendly, so they have Murphy's stamp of approval! They’ve got pup cups and picnic tables outside, which makes it a chill spot after the beach. Simple, cute, and always hits the spot on a hot day.
Harbor Shores Golf Club
201 Graham Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, USA
(269) 927-4653
A Jack Nicklaus-designed course with beautiful fairways and challenging holes, this is a golfer’s paradise. It winds through dunes, wetlands, and wooded areas, offering great views and even better golf. The clubhouse has solid food and drinks too. Book a tee time early—this course fills up fast.
