JONATHAN & CHERI

The Depot is so great we have it on our list twice! This is your best place in town to grab beer, wine and liquor (although pricier then if you drive out of town to Meijer). They even let you build your own six pack - you can open any case of beer in their fridges! It's also the perfect spot to grab a deli sandwich to take to the beach. 

Downtown South Haven has two tasting rooms- Gravity Wine Bar and 12 Corners Vineyard. However, there are many vineyards just a short drive away you could make a full trip of it.  It's definitely midwest wine so it's on the sweeter side but it can still make for a fun venture out. Virtue Cider taproom is also located just north of South Haven in Fennville.

Recently, South Haven has seen a rise in breweries opening within town limits. All relatively new, but equally delightful, check out local craft brews at Three Blondes Brewing, South Haven Brewpub and Harbor Light Brewery. If you don’t mind a drive, Saugatuck and Paw Paw are also home to breweries.

Downtown South Haven is straight out of a Hallmark movie with a variety of local boutiques full of artisan goods, antiques and beachy lifestyle goods.

There are plenty of crops around South Haven to enjoy picking. Degrandchamp Farms is one of the more popular u-pick blueberry spots.  Riverbend Farms is the spot for rasberries.  And the Dutch Farm Market is great for peaches and some fresh baked goods from their bakery!

There is a fantastic 33 mile running and bike trail built on an abandoned railroad that spans from South Haven to Kalamazoo. Bring your bike up or rent one in town!

With the chance to catch salmon, steelhead or lake trout, head out early in the morning with South Haven Fishing Charters for a day on the lake. IT IL DO Charters is a popular option!

Designed by world renowned golf architect Arthur Hills, Hawkshead Links is home to a beautiful golf course. Get a game (or 2) in before the wedding festivities then stop in their restaurant for a delicious bite of food.

The ONLY brand of ice cream you should be eating while in SoHa. You can grab a scoop from Captain Nemos right on Phoenix street. Or go to their flagship near the expressway exit ramps, it’s been around for decades with delicious homemade ice cream. 

Lou’s is a staple located on the Black River. It’s the perfect place to take in the views while drinking Rum Runners. Enjoy a Perch basket or Perch tacos. They often have live music on the back deck which is probably where you will find us on Friday night!

Located next to Admiral Jacks, Idler was an old riverboat converted into a bar and restaurant. It has one of the best views for sunsets and waving to boats passing along the river.  Although it's in some dire need of updates it's been one our favorite spots for drinks in SoHa.  You have to grab at least one SHIT (South Haven Iced Tea) and partake in the umbrella graveyard.  Truth- the food has it's ups and downs so we will have to check out next year's chef to see what's in store, hopefully some Cheri Shrimp!

Another river-front bar and restaurant next to the Idler (and we hate to say it, giving them a serious run for their money!).  They have a great tiki bar with decent bar/grilled food and tv's inside if you need to catch a game. Often have live acoustic music on summer weekends. 

Hidden just before the drawbridge on the South Shore, The Depot is a gem. Grab some artisan dips or order a deli sandwich from the counter. While there, build your own six pack - you can open any case of beer in their fridges!

The beloved “dive bar” of South Haven, BRT is a great spot to grab a bite and a drink with the locals or get a round of pool in. There is always something going on here, whether it be comedy shows in their basement or live bands in the main room.

A tapas style restaurant that’s perfect for when you’re not feeling too hungry or want to try a smattering of food. Definitely get the Korean BBQ Chicken then go for a stroll down the marina.

Some excellent Mexican cuisine and another one of our favorites! There is a great patio in back, so request seating out there if weather permits or get it to go and take it to your own outdoor deck.  They have great tamales at the farmers market on Saturday too!

One of the few sit down breakfast restaurants downtown, this place gets packed! It's a good option if you are looking for any of your basic breakfast needs. 

Relatively new spot in South Haven but has quickly become popular among locals. This is just outside of the downtown strip of South Haven but is easily accessible by walking or driving.

Classic cafeteria style breakfast place with traditional staples in downtown South Haven - just make sure to go past the bakery counter to get to the hidden spot inside. Service is on the more relaxed side, so this is a more leisurely breakfast. Stop at the bakery counter for some quick takeaways like donuts and cookies.

This is the only place on the North Shore where you can get a cup of coffee (Starbucks, no less) and a pastry in the morning, but it’s a fantastic option and right next to where we will be staying. The owner is a pastry chef by trade, so make sure to grab a bear claw or quiche while there!

Best spot to grab coffee if you are staying close to downtown (right across from Hotel Nichols).  They have a small selection of breakfast items you can grab as well.  (only coffee shop with oat milk!)

Another great option for coffee and breakfast sandwiches.  They also have some gluten free options! A little hidden from the main downtown area but it's right behind the big pavilion on Phoenix Street. 

They have a store front on Phoenix street with swimwear and other beach gear for sale.  However, they also have 3 rental locations (South Beach, North Beach and Black River Park) where you can rent Stand Up Paddleboards and Kayaks.  Also check out our day of events page if you are interested in paddleboarding- we have a Friday morning trip planned!

This is a great option to rent a bike, golf cart (we're getting one for the week!), speed boat or even a dinghy to cruise the river.

If you'd like to rent a golf cart at all, make sure to let them know you're with the Cheri Byrd party and they'll give you 10% off!

Located at the Huron St. Pavilion (right in downtown South Haven on Phoenix Street) there is a farmers market every Saturday from 8am-2pm.  It's definitely worth checking out!

There are 2 main beaches in South Haven: North Beach and South Beach.  South Beach is closer to downtown and and has the pier with the lighthouse that you can walk out to.  North Beach is across the bridge and is personally our favorite beach.  We will be staying at a rental house over by this side and the ceremony, beach day and Sunday bites are over on this side as well!