We just visited a "great escape" destination in Benton Harbor just ten minutes from St. Joseph, Michigan. The Bed & Breakfast, Riverbend Retreat B&B, was such a delight that I wanted to share information about this place. You might consider a trip here especially during November if you need a place to get away for a bit of r and r. See Riverbend Retreat on GreatFoodandTravel.com

As we approached Riverbend Retreat we saw a long driveway to a gated property within a nice residential neighborhood. Traveling through the gate we suddenly came upon what looked like a small castle sitting on a bluff overlooking the St. Joe River. Riverbend Retreat is a Mediterranean colonial home built in the 1920's. The home was converted into a b&b in the early 90's with three upscale bedrooms and well-appointed, modern bathrooms. The b&b which is owned by two women is deliciously quiet and private. The owners who are people-oriented and very accommodating are cool and relaxed. Due to their demeanor, the entire house feels welcoming and warm. In addition, the breakfast was wonderfully prepared and served on china and silver.

While you're in St. Joseph / Benton Harbor check out The Chocolate Garden a small shop east on I-94 where the chocolate truffles are made on the premises. Also, the wine tours to Domaine Berrien Cellars, Lemon Creek Winery, Round Barn Winery, and Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant are possible without driving yourself. There is a local wine tour limo service that Riverbend Retreat has used with other guests who desire a tour without the hassle of driving - especially fun with a group.

The Tabor Hill Restaurant is supposed to be very elegant with great food. Close by, other recommended restaurants include Tosi's in Stevensville, Silver Beach Pizza in the Train Station down at Silver Beach in St. Joe, and Clementine's in St. Joe. I also like Bistro on the Boulevard if you're looking for a fancier meal in a quiet setting overlooking the windy shore of Lake Michigan.

Other stops recommended are the Box Factory for the Arts and Krasl Art Center both in downtown St. Joseph. 

Two fun events taking place in St. Joe in November include the Luminaria Festival on November 21 with over 800 luminaries in the downtown and refreshments and holiday music at area businesses from dusk til 9p.m. On November 29 there will be a Reindog Holiday Parade with costumed pets and their owners escorting Santa in the festive parade event.

Check out greatfoodandtravel.com for more getaway ideas and food fun for the holidays.

Enjoy!

Sally

I just visited Mackinac Island on October 11th and it was a blast. We stayed overnight at a great b&b, The Cloghaun www.cloghaun.com which has been in the same family for over 4 generations. It's an Irish b&b and so perfectly situated just one block off of the Main Street on Market Street a block from the ferries. An overnight stay at this time of year is about $160 for two people.We took Shepler's ferry over to the island www.sheplersferry.comand walked to the b&b with a porter who gladly helped us with our bags all the way into the room for a tip only! There are some great gift finds on the island right now at 40% to 75% off in order to get rid of merchandise as the island pretty much closes down by the end of October for the winter season.

Restaurants that I would recommended now are the Seabiscuit Cafe www.seabiscuitcafe.com or the Carriage House at the Iroquis Hotel on Main Street. Bars that are fun include Good Fellows www.lake-view-hotel.com at the Lakeview Hotel, Horn's Bar www.hornsbar.com or Mustang Lounge.

What's there to do there right now? Well, if you like to have adventure try riding a horse from Cindy's Riding Stable on Market Street. After being guided part way to the trails on the island, the staff will let you ride alone through the woods if you can convince them that you're an average to skilled rider and can handle a horse. I rode mine through the woods alone and she was very responsive and would trot or gallop with the least bit of coaxing. It was thrilling! The horses know the way back to the barn, so don't be afraid that you'll get lost. The best fudge on the island - and you have to have fudge if you go to Mackinac Island as the entire Main Street smells like fudge cooking - is Murdick's www.murdicks.com. I love the maple walnut fudge with a passion. If you're on a diet or watching your weight don't resist buying it as it's delicious and you can share with friends. The entire island right now is a treat so whether you take a bike ride around the perimeter (about 8 miles), or walk through the streets down on the harbor front, or through the inner island roads, this place is a must-visit during the Autumn season!

About Halloween: The Island holds a big Halloween Party where EVERYBODY dresses up and walks around to all of the restaurants and pubs. The pubs are very generous as it's the last weekend before they close and they want to "run out of" all of their beer, wine and liquor prior to the season ending. This year the party, called the Samhain (summer's end) Weekend is October 24th - 26th. There's the Great Turtle run/walk event, whishing stone toss (what's this? Please tell me!) trick or treating, and great grown up Halloween parties at all the pubs.

Check out more information on the Mackinac website at www.mackinac.com.By next season before the Island opens I'll have all of the great places to stay, eat, have fun and more on www.greatfoodandtravel.com. Stay tuned....