48 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE FROM THE ROAD Both the Marina Grand Hotel and the Harbor Grand Hotel are located on New Buffalo’s Oselka’s Snug Harbor Marina , which provides visitors easy access to pontoon, speedboat and yacht rentals as well as guided water tours with experienced captains that handle all the driving while giving a colorful history of the region. They also have jet skis, e-bikes and golf carts for rent. New Buffalo Sailing Excursions is conveniently close, offering personal cruises on a 31-foot sailboat, including sunset and night sails led by a skilled sailing captain. Marina Grand features ultra-modern Scandinavian architecture that integrates natural materials and neutral tones with the surrounding environment. Splurging on a suite here is worth it, as they have extra-large decks and full kitchens; some are even set across two stories. Whether staying at the property or not, make it a point to visit Bentwood Tavern , the hotel’s lavish restaurant. The cuisine is primarily New American, with farm-fresh ingredients and exceptionally well-prepared seasonal vegetables. It also boasts one of the best cocktail menus in town, using the best locally distilled libations. Harbor Grand feels like a sophisticated enclave in the Hamptons with light woods in the public spaces, generous sundeck and indoor pool, as well as complimentary breakfast delivered daily. It also has an exquisite spa that opened in recent years and an Italian Harbor Grand Hotel New Buffalo Oselka Snug Harbor Marina Lake Michigan Courtesy New Buffalo Explored Courtesy New Buffalo Explored

FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 49 restaurant in the Terrace Room, which is among the top culinary destinations in the region for fine dining. Just as they are near the marina, both hotels are also within walking distance of the public beach, which boasts 800 feet of white sand, kayak and paddle board rentals and classes, thanks to Third Coast Paddling , and an impressive playground for the kids. The beach lines up to a gorgeous boardwalk nature trail that meanders along a dune line for miles, and there are accessible restrooms, foot showers, boat launch ramps and fishing access. Warren Dunes State Park is also nearby. In addition to a boardwalk, casual eateries and acres of outdoor beauty, the park features unique rugged dune formations that must be seen to be believed, particularly the 240-foot-tall white sand Tower Hill. These otherworldly forces of nature are the result of receding glacier ice nearly 10,000 years ago and make for both fantastic photos and a killer uphill workout. The beach and Warren Dunes are a short drive from other adventures, including one of the sneaky- best combination brewery, winery and distillery trails in the country. Within about five miles of the marina are Journeyman Distillery , The Stray Dog , Beer Church and Ghost Isle Brewing . Journeyman is unique in that it is one of the few certified organic and kosher distilleries nationwide. It was built in the former Featherbone Factory, Bentword Tavern Journeyman Distillery New Buffalo Sailing Excursions The Stray Dog