Making the most of a weekend in Saint Joe
photos by sky stockton
When you think of adventure, Saint Joseph, Michigan, probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Too often I find myself struggling with ways to fill the weekends – because beyond binging on fast food, passing through gas stations or surveying tourists crowding Silver Beach, there doesn’t seem like much to do. Drive around, pick up your friends, drive around some more... over and over. At least, that’s the small town stereotype so many of us have come to know all too well.
But I set out to find something beyond endless circles around Lakeshore drive. Taking a day to experience our area, I aimed to find and document adventure wherever I could. And thus, with my own research, the advice of local adventure professional, Mr. Ryan Gerard of Third Coast Surf Shop, and recommendations of student Lilly Soule, 10, here are eight things to do around town that beat just “driving around.” So roll down those windows, turn up the radio and hit the road. It’s time to start exploring.
The day began at Forte Coffee. A newer addition to the SJ scene, Forte has been mentioned on the school news but still remains relatively untouched by high school students. Being a coffee enthusiast, I’ve found myself wanting more than a Starbucks frappuccino inside a grocery store – and Forte has just that. Their menu ranges from nitro cold brew to kombucha on tap, but I’d recommend sticking with the classic latte. Not a fan of coffee? Their iced chai is just as good but without the caffeine buzz.
If you’re open to a longer drive, Lilly directed me south into Sawyer toward Infusco Coffee Roasters. With outdoor seating, baked goods and some of the best espresso around, Infusco is well worth the 20 minute trip. Furthermore, the interior has plenty of room and free wifi for working during the school year, so the next time a chemistry marking period is approaching, don’t squeeze a study group into Panera. Grab your classmates and head here instead.
While in the area, Lilly also recommended checking out Skips Other Place, an European farmers market with live music open until 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. “I get most of my room decorations, blankets and jewelry from there, and it’s fun to check out the arts and crafts,” she said.
Another stop nearby is known as The Blueberry Patch. Even if fruit picking isn’t your thing, it’s worth a stop to just walk around and take in the scenery – or bring a camera to capture the afternoon glow. The thick trees give way to a tucked away clearing filled with rows of blueberry bushes, and there’s even a hidden trail to the beach.
The drive back into town passes Warren Dunes, a trail and beach spot well-known by both locals and tourists. But Mr. Gerard suggested a more exciting activity than hiking: sandboarding. It works similarly to snowboarding, but without the need for good snow or a mountain, both of which can be hard to come by during Michgan’s winters. If you’re new to the sport, Third Coast offers lessons & equipment from $75, but a cheaper alternative is to break out winter sleds/boards and try it out on your own. Pro tip: though it might seem counterintuitive, be sure to wax the bottoms of your boards. Sandboard wax is ideal, but surf wax works as well.
Speaking of Mr. Gerard’s store, Third Coast brings the opportunity for activities beyond sandboarding. As the name suggests, the company was founded in the spirit of surf. “I loved surfing in the Great Lakes and being close to my family and friends, so I started Third Coast Surf Shop,” Mr. Gerard explained.
And while summer attracts crowds of tourists, the store mellows and winter approaches, bringing better waves with the chilly water. If you’re looking for an excuse to get outside in the middle of February, Mr. Gerard suggested surfing.
“I didn’t start surfing until I was 20, but I wish I would have started as a kid, or even in high school,” he admitted. So rent wetsuits and a board – or even get some lessons – and give it a try. After all, you can only wear that Billabong shirt for so long without feeling like a poser.
But frigid Lake Michigan isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so for those seeking a more relaxing afternoon, check out Carronde Park. A smaller, lesser known version of Riverview Park, Carronde offers tucked away views of the Saint Joe river and hidden flower fields for photos. The back trails, while beautiful in the summer, will be even better as they turn red and orange with fall and are perfect for laid back hikes.
Finally, a must-try for dinner would be Emma’s Hearth and Market in downtown Benton Harbor. The definition of a hole in the wall, newly established Emma’s isn’t much more than a stone oven and a picnic table, yet has some of the best woodfired pizza around – and includes ingredients grown on the owners’ Coloma farm. Skip the wait at Silver Beach and eat here, or take the pizzas to-go and bring a blanket to hang out in the grassy field in the middle of the Arts District. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of Coke, or even try one of the locally made specialty sodas.
As my day came to a close, I thought back to my last question for Mr. Gerard. I had asked how kids, specifically teens, could do a better job taking full advantage of our area… and his words resonated with me.
“My suggestion for high schoolers is to not take St. Joe for granted, and enjoy everything it has to offer. I’ve traveled all over the world and I’m happy to call this place home,” he said.
So maybe the next time an empty Saturday rolls around, rather than running through your same weekend routine, you’ll find yourself walking through the streets of Sawyer, iced coffee in hand. Maybe you venture out into the lake on a board, or munch on a slice of pizza at Emma’s, with the smell of burning wood drifting through the October air. And maybe you’ll find me there too, chasing adventure close to home.
