Explore the Lake Michigan coastline and all it offers with our local recommendations and tips to vacation like a local.
A local guide to slow days, lake air, and the places that make this stretch of the coast special. Along the Lake Michigan coastline in Southwest Michigan, a collection of small towns known as Harbor Country offers a different kind of getaway. Harbor Country stretches from New Buffalo to Bridgman, a series of lakeshore towns known for their beaches, wineries,…
Continue Reading 12 Things to Do in Harbor Country, Michigan
Summer in Southwest Michigan begins on the shoreline. Mornings start slowly. Afternoons unfold at the beach. Evenings bring everyone back together. It’s why families come back to this stretch of Lake Michigan summer after summer. At Bluefish, we’ve curated homes along the Lake Michigan shoreline, with guest favorites in New Buffalo, Union Pier, Harbert, Lakeside, St. Joseph, and Three Oaks.…
Continue Reading Best Family-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Michigan for Your Summer Trip
There’s a particular rhythm to summer in Harbor Country, along the Lake Michigan coast of Southwest Michigan. Mornings that begin slowly. Afternoons shaped by sun and water. Evenings that stretch longer than planned. It’s the kind of season people return to year after year—and one that rewards those who plan ahead. If you’re thinking about a summer vacation rental, timing…
Continue Reading When Is the Best Time to Book a Summer Vacation Rental in Michigan?
Why a Vacation Is the Best Christmas Gift You Can Give Every year, it happens. The shopping lists grow, the online carts overflow, and the search for the “perfect gift” starts to feel like a full-time job. We buy things that might make someone smile for a moment but are often forgotten by the time the tree comes down. This…
Holiday plans don’t have to mean packed schedules and endless to-dos. More families are choosing a simpler way: an intentional, refreshing retreat by the lake. Trade the rush for a Lake Michigan getaway where the pace slows, conversations stretch and you actually rest. Think unhurried mornings, easy dinners and time together that feels like a gift. Here’s why a Bluefish…
Continue Reading The New Tradition: Gathering Without the Pressure
Summer on Lake Michigan fills fast. When you plan ahead, you’re not just reserving a week; you’re shaping the kind of Lake Michigan getaway that feels easy, intentional and full of the moments you’ll talk about all year. With next year’s calendars now open, this is the sweet spot to claim your favorite Bluefish home, lock in ideal dates and start curating the experience.
Continue Reading Book Early: 5 Reasons to Plan Your Lake Michigan Getaway Now
Just because summer is slipping away doesn’t mean it’s too late to enjoy the shoreline. September and October create some of the most rewarding windows for getaways along Lake Michigan. The air is still warm enough for outdoor adventures, yet the pace slows as the peak crowds begin to disappear. Our “Secret Season” opens up new possibilities to get away for a quick change of scenery or one last chance to soak in a beach day.
Continue Reading Short and Sweet Getaways To Savor Lake Michigan’s “Secret Season”
The dog days of summer are upon us, and that means there’s no better time to plan a getaway with your pooch. But where to go? It’s hard to do better than a dog-friendly beach vacation along the coast of Michigan and Indiana. Just over an hour’s drive from Chicago, this is the spot for both humans and their best friends to find a multitude of fun places to experience together.
Continue Reading Your Southwest Michigan Guide to Dog-Friendly Vacations
It’s no secret that vacations along Lake Michigan deliver on scenic beauty, charming beach towns, and moments of true relaxation, but nothing elevates the experience quite like a stay in a Bluefish vacation home with its own private pool. Whether you’re planning an adventurous family-and-friends getaway or a laid-back romantic escape, these exceptional Michigan Vacation Rentals with private pools offer the kind of luxury that turns spontaneous swims and long sunny days into an everyday experience.
Continue Reading Dip In & Chill Out: Our Top Vacation Homes With Private Pools
The secret is out on the beautiful sugar-sand beaches of Southwest Michigan and our experts have rounded up the best for every interest and mood. Bluefish Vacation Rentals invites you to discover these unique beaches found everywhere from the Indiana Dunes to New Buffalo to St. Joe, all of which you can enjoy from the comfort and convenience of our ideally located Lake Michigan vacation rental homes.
Chicago and Southwest Michigan have been in a relationship for quite some time. Big city tastemakers paired with the laid back vibes of beach towns make for a perfect coupling. As Chicago extends its influencer status to the area, you can explore the Windy City’s reach throughout New Buffalo, Bridgman, Sawyer, and St. Joseph.
Continue Reading Chicago Style Brings Fun and Flavor to Southwest Michigan
Reflecting Bluefish’s long-standing connections with the region’s most trusted vendors, these unique experiences range from simple conveniences that make your stay easier to in-home services, adventures and private celebrations arranged just for you and your crew.
Continue Reading Elevate Your Michigan Beach Vacation with New Experiences
Our latest blog highlights a Scandinavian-inspired retreat with guest author Amanda Shaffer.
By Tammy Hirsch There’s nothing like the heart of winter to get us dreaming of a Lake Michigan summer vacation. Picture those incredible ocean-like views and warm sand between your toes, enjoying an iconic beach destination with those you love most and exploring the best beach towns, from Michigan City to New Buffalo and St. Joe. Winter is also the…
Continue Reading Why You Should Book Your Michigan Beach Vacation Now
By Tammy Hirsch When the winter winds make their way across Lake Michigan, a beautiful frosty landscape emerges across the beachfront towns of Southwest Michigan and Indiana — along with fewer crowds, open reservations at favorite restaurants, fun winter activities, and low-season rates at the best homes with Bluefish Vacation Rentals. These are just a few reasons why winter is…
Continue Reading The Best Things to Do This Winter in Southwest Michigan
One of the best things about winter is that it allows us to relax and decompress while things slow down a little. Still, that doesn’t mean you have to stay at home! Winter escapes along Lake Michigan are perfect because you can still get away from the daily grind while knowing the surrounding communities won’t be as busy as in summer.
Continue Reading Unplug and Unwind with a Lake Michigan Winter Escape
Instead of choosing another object to wrap, consider the lasting impact of gifting a Lake Michigan vacation rental from Bluefish Vacation Rentals. With opportunities to explore iconic beaches, charming lakeside communities, and tranquil natural surroundings, a gift like this is an invitation to create unforgettable memories.
Continue Reading Give the Gift of a Lake Michigan Vacation Rental
The holiday season is a time for creating meaningful memories with family and friends. Our well-appointed properties offer the ideal setting for a festive and relaxing getaway option, with spacious accommodations, fully equipped kitchens, and convenient locations. Here are three reasons to celebrate with us on the Third Coast!
Continue Reading 3 Benefits of Celebrating Holidays at a Vacation Rental
Whether planning a girlfriend’s getaway or simply looking to unwind in the comfy autumn weather, the nearby spas in Michigan and Indiana offer many opportunities to recharge. With a variety of treatments to choose from, you’ll be ready to head into the colder months feeling revitalized.
Continue Reading Third Coast Rejuvenation: Local Spas in Michigan and Indiana
Exploring the nearby Indiana and Michigan wineries and vineyards is an immersive way to enhance your stay with Bluefish Vacation Rentals. Our homes are ideally situated near some of the Third Coast’s best wineries, making it easy to enjoy the region’s rich viticulture during your stay (including at your rental). Whether you’re a connoisseur or just appreciate a good glass of vino, you’ll find many places around our stretch of Lake Michigan that boast remarkable blends, idyllic surroundings, and fun people. We’ll share some local favorites below.
Continue Reading Raise a Glass: 5 Indiana and Michigan Wineries near Bluefish
Planning a summer getaway to Southwest Michigan with Bluefish Vacation Rentals opens up a world of possibilities for creating unforgettable memories. Among the many ways to enhance your vacation, a pop-up picnic hosted by Sincerely K & J stands out as a unique and luxurious option. Whether celebrating a special occasion or wanting to elevate your beach or backyard experience, Sincerely K & J offers tailored picnics that promise to delight and impress.
Continue Reading A Third Coast Pop-Up Picnic with Sincerely K & J
Baseball and summer go together like hot dogs and bonfires. For generations, from little league to the majors, baseball has brought friends and family together for peanuts, Cracker Jack, and the love of the game. As for minor league teams, the South Bend Cubs home field is fairly close to Bluefish Vacation Rentals and offers a fun way to discover a new nearby place while connecting with friends and family. Here’s what to know!
Continue Reading Have a Grand Slam Time With the South Bend Cubs
Those who consider themselves angling enthusiasts could give you a hundred reasons why taking a fishing charter on Lake Michigan is a bucket list item. Still, even if you’ve never gone fishing a day in your life, you may find the idea of going out in search of salmon, steelhead, and trout with a seasoned pro intriguing. So, to help you find the best option for your group getaway, we put together five top-rated Lake Michigan fishing charters.
Continue Reading Reel in the Fun with These Lake Michigan Fishing Charters
The best part about visiting Southwest Michigan in the summer is exploring all the beach towns along the shore. As many of our guests will tell you, our stretch of the Third Coast is a gateway destination to some of the Great Lake State’s hidden gems. And thanks to our ideal locations on the Big Lake, staying with Bluefish Vacation Rentals opens up a treasure chest of possibilities. One such opportunity to live like a local and share in community celebrations is the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan.
Although many in the Upper Midwest have extensive experience embracing winter, by March, there’s usually a shared eagerness for longer days and sunshine. So, now that the homestretch to spring is here, most people are thinking about blossoming flowers, t-shirt weather, and outdoor activities. To get you as excited for the changing season as we are at Bluefish Vacation Rentals, we put together ten ways to shake off winter while visiting Lake Michigan this spring.
Continue Reading 10 Ways to Kick Off Spring with a Lake Michigan Vacation
However, Mother Nature sent us a friendly reminder that predicting the weather can sometimes be a shot in the dark. Still, we’re not ones to shy away from a challenge, so instead, we’ve rounded up the best spots for classic winter hiking when the weather is mild on our stretch of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Continue Reading 5 Classic Michigan Winter Hiking Spots Near Bluefish
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’ve been thinking about some of the best ways to spark romance. Romantic getaways in Michigan can be full of activities, but there’s something to be said about having a low-key retreat for two in the comfort of your home away from home. That doesn’t mean you have to shut yourself in (unless you want to), but take solace in knowing you can successfully escape without stepping off the property.
Continue Reading A Quiet Romantic Winter Getaway on Lake Michigan
New Year’s Eve looks a little different for everyone, but one thing is for sure: it’s the perfect time to reflect, look forward, and appreciate your friends and family. While having a rowdy New Year’s Eve party or going out on the town can be a fun throwback to our younger years, there’s something special about throwing a low-key event in comfort, especially if you have kiddos. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t do something fun
Participating in local activities is an excellent way to create a fun and memorable holiday vacation. Not only does it give your group something to do, it helps forge a new appreciation for where you’re staying. And in a place like the Third Coast, several family-friendly holiday events will bring you closer and instill a long-lasting sense of togetherness. So,…
Continue Reading Embrace the Chill with These 6 Holiday Events
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for families to spread across the country—or the world, making it challenging to gather with relatives for the holidays. As a result, many traditions take new forms, and Friendsgiving is the ideal opportunity for close pals to put a new twist on a classic Thanksgiving feast. After all, many of us have developed tight-knit groups of our own throughout the years, thanks to coming-of-age experiences like going through college or starting a career. Still, not everyone is familiar with this modern holiday celebration, so you may wonder, “What is Friendsgiving, what do I bring, and when is it?” But don’t worry! The concierge team at Bluefish Vacation Rentals is here to help with some suggestions!
Continue Reading 4 Ways to Reconnect with a Third Coast Friendsgiving Celebration
Saying goodbye to summer isn’t always easy. However, guests of Bluefish Vacation Rentals may find a relaxing retreat among the Michigan fall colors. Usually, from mid-September to the first few weeks of October, the trees become a beautiful landscape of changing colors. If you’re visiting from out of town, finding the best places to witness this display may pose somewhat of a challenge.
Continue Reading Enjoy the Michigan Fall Colors in Harbor Country
Adding a little luxury to your Lake Michigan family vacation is the first step to elevating your stay. And with a sizable collection of upscale accommodations from Bluefish Vacation Rentals, finding the perfect place on the Third Coast has never been easier. To give you a sample of some of our luxurious offerings, here are five properties that promise to…
Continue Reading 5 Luxurious Lake Michigan Family Vacation Rentals
If you’ve never experienced a Lake Michigan summer vacation, you definitely should consider it. Teeming with iconic beach towns, seemingly endless community events, and a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere, the area around Bluefish Vacation Rentals is the perfect place for those looking for an escape.
Continue Reading Lake Michigan Summer Vacations with Bluefish
Summer will be here soon, and that has us thinking locally. It goes without saying that downtown specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants are essential to the Harbor Country economy. Another component of our community that also deserves our attention in Southwest Michigan is farmers markets. Farmers markets offer visitors an excellent opportunity to enjoy fresh food, interact with a friendly…
Continue Reading 4 Lake Michigan Farmers Markets near Bluefish
When it comes to planning a delightful Mother’s Day weekend getaway, there are a lot of crucial details to consider. Still, when you get down to the nitty-gritty, the main goal is to provide your family a joyful and memorable experience while focusing on Mom. If you’re plotting something for your mom or another remarkable matriarch in the family, Southwest Michigan has much to offer.
Continue Reading A Mother’s Day Weekend Getaway on Lake Michigan
One of the nice things about a late-winter or early-spring vacation in Southwest Michigan is finding unique indoor entertainment options. There always seems to be something to do, from conventions to concerts on those cold or rainy days. So if you want to elevate your escape from the day-to-day, these Southwest Michigan event venues won’t disappoint.
Continue Reading Elevate Your Escape with These SW Michigan Event Venues
If you’re looking for a week-long trip or just a weekend getaway, Southwest Michigan is full of kid-friendly indoor and outdoor activities, so you have options with spring’s unpredictable weather!
Continue Reading Kid-Friendly Spring Break Ideas in Southwest Michigan
We’ve gathered our suggestions for the best dinner date options to complement your romantic getaway.
Continue Reading Romantic Dinner Options Along the Coastline
Check out your lodging options with us, and then check out all of the things to do in Southwest Michigan in the winter.
Continue Reading Looking For Winter Activities In Southwest Michigan?
See a preview of our available travel concierge services here, and visit the Bluefish Vacation Rentals website to learn more.
Continue Reading Enjoy Concierge Services When You Travel To Michigan
Keep reading for some of the best fall biking trails close to your Bluefish Vacation Rental in southwest Michigan.
Continue Reading Best Fall Biking Trails In Harbor Country, Michigan
When the spooky season rolls around in Michigan, it’s always fun to explore the area’s haunted attractions.
Continue Reading Haunted Attractions In Harbor Country, Michigan
Find the perfect place by booking directly with Bluefish Vacation Rentals. Here is a brief list of things to do in New Buffalo, Michigan.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular Lake Michigan beaches near many of our vacation rentals in southwest Michigan.
Continue Reading Find An Ideal Beach In New Buffalo And More
Here are some of the best places to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan in and near New Buffalo, Michigan on your vacation.
Continue Reading Watch A Sunset Over Lake Michigan In Or Near New Buffalo
If you are spending time near Union Pier, MI, you know that you need to get out on Lake Michigan. One of the best ways to get on out there is to find a boat rental. Several boat rentals in Southwest Michigan should fit your budget and need. Whether you need a boat for fishing, or you want to enjoy…
Continue Reading Find Boat And Beach Equipment Rentals In Southwest Michigan
For those nights that you’d like to stay in your Bluefish Vacation Rentals abode you can eat from these amazing pizza places near St Joseph.
You will quickly find out when visiting Southwest Michigan that the area is brimming with amazing breweries. With a Bluefish Vacation Rentals property as your home base, you’ll be right by them all…which means booking some brewery tours during your stay is a must! What are some of our favorites? Keep reading for five breweries in Southwest Michigan that you…
Harbor Country just so happens to be the perfect date night destination! When looking to venture outside of your cozy Bluefish Vacation Rentals abode, couples can choose from a variety of romantic restaurants near Union Pier, MI. From Asian-inspired fare to classic Italian eats, here’s a sampling of some of the best restaurants near Union Pier, MI. Brewster’s Italian Cafe New Buffalo, MIBrewster’s…
Even when you are on vacation, you need a fresh cup of coffee to wake you up in the morning. Finding the best coffee shop while on vacation is a great way to discover a standout Michigan attractionthat might surprise you too. Bluefish Vacation Rentals knows the area well, and we have some delicious and unique coffee shops along the…
Bring home a memory from your vacation by spending some time shopping in Harbor Country. We aren’t talking about strolling through a department store. Instead, discover unique gifts found in our local boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. When you stay at a Bluefish Vacation Rentals property, your getaway in Michigan is just steps away from many one-of-a-kind shops. The Villager Location: 100 N. Whittaker…
