St. Josephs, Michigan
 

Planning a trip tp the south/central MI next week with my 3 sisters - ages 42-58. Love the beach at St Joe but what else is there to do?

Also, a friend that lived in that area about 12 years ago told me she thought that area was sketchy. Didn't think it was safe at night. Is that true???

We are spread across the country...Atlanta, Cinncinnati and Chicago, so don't really know the area.

Also, any recommendations for lodging. It'll be Mon-Thurs.

I've lived in Michigan most of my life, and to tell the truth I've never been to St. Joseph, and it's not a place I've heard others talk about going to on vacation. I am sure there are nice areas and beaches in St. Joseph, but you might consider going up the coast just a bit to South Haven or even beyond to Saugatuck (funky shopping and downtown, dune rides). Charming towns, great beaches, can visit other great coast towns such as Holland. There's decent biking with paved biketrails out that way, good parks and trails for walking too. Go to michigan.org for descriptions of St. Joseph and other towns complete with links to local tourism sites. There are tons of home and condo rentals if you don't want a hotel or b and b, easily found with those links or a google search. Enjoy, it is beautiful over there.

I, too, have lived in Michigan all of my life and agree with the previous poster that St. Joseph has never been a place I've wanted to visit on vacation. Nor, has it ever been recommended to me as a possible vacation destination in Michigan. You say you " love the beach at St. Joe". Have you been there before? It sounds like you haven't, so I wonder how you know you love it. Anyway, I think Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, etc. might be a better choice for you and your sisters.

Hopefully, someone can give you first-hand experience with St. Joseph.

Good luck!

We have stayed in St Joseph many times because we have friends who live in the area and we like it very much, however, I would not stay or shop in Benton Harbor which is just across the river. I also love the other beach towns up the road in South Haven and Saugatuck and we frequently go up there to have dinner and shop while staying in St Joe. We have also gone to a couple wineries in the area outside of St Joe and have enjoyed touring them as well has wine tasting and have had a wonderful dinner at one of them. Wish I could remember the names, but just can't right now. I would not be afraid to stay in St. Joe, but I would be wary of staying in Benton Harbor.

I remember St. Joe's beach from a visit as a kid...remember the view from the bluff by a hotel and then the walk down to the beach. That being said, I looked at your suggestions a little farther north and booked a place near Saugatuck. It seems like a perfect spot for us. Thank you all so much!

Wineries nearby.

I think you will enjoy Saugatuck. You can always stop in St Jo and check it out. You are correct they have a lovely beach right down from town and the pier is impressive, but I have to admit I have seen mostly young people on the beach there.

When you stay in Saugatuck, explore the area a little. Saugatuck and Douglas immediate to each other. Everyday People is a good place for dining there.

Also, if you go 10 miles inland, you'll find the little burg of Fennville. As you are heading for Fennville, you'll see the signs for Fenn Valley Winery. Also Crane's Pie Pantry is a good place to stop - they have their own orchards.

For dining in Fennville: Salt of the Earth.