There are so many lovely towns and cities offering enjoyable experiences in Southwest Michigan. We’ve passed many on our way to other destinations. Inside these cities are hidden gems and enjoyable experiences, so this is your cue to stop in, have a look around, and fall into something new!
Three Oaks, Michigan, is one of these cities. The town, named after its massive oak trees, is around 52 miles from Chicago in Harbor Country.
Inside the city with a population of less than 2,500, you’ll find art galleries and studios, restaurants and bakeries, a range of shops, including a butcher shop that’s a National Historic Site, a distillery, and the Acorn and Vickers theatres. Plenty to enjoy a full day of activities. There’s also wineries, breweries, and sandy beaches within close proximity to the city.
Three Oaks, Michigan Shopping
Three Oaks has a fun mix of shops, galleries, restaurants, and antique markets along the main street.
Trilogy Antiques + Design, Three Oaks, Michigan
I especially enjoyed examining the unique items at Trilogy Antiques + Design. The shop carries vintage and Mid-Century Modern pieces and a high-end assortment of unique and one-of-a-kind art, objects, furniture, and décor.
Alapash, Three Oak, Michigan
If you enjoy home décor, be sure to stop in at Alapash, they’ve curated a gorgeous selection of home décor and accessories, including furniture, plants, art, rugs, candles, and more. I’m a little obsessed with their shop. So I was excited to learn that some of their pieces are available online. Don’t miss this place.
Vintage Goods, Three Oaks, MI
I also enjoyed looking through the varied mix of inventory at Vintage Goods. The smells permeating the air upon entry to their shop were heavenly! It’s the candles they carry. I went home with several items from there; guess it’s evident that I love vintage pieces, lol.
Froehlich’s Kitchen & Pantry, Three Oaks, Michigan
My absolute favorite place in Three Oaks is Froehlich’s Kitchen & Pantry! It was love at first sight. Although, at first glance, you may think that it’s just a restaurant, it’s so much more. The business is housed inside a building that was once part of Featherbone Corset Factory.
Froehlich’s is more of a destination. You could spend hours in there, so be sure to set aside plenty of time for eating and shopping.
Inside there’s a restaurant, bar, retail space, deli, beverage boutique, and stunning upstairs event space.
Owner Colleen Froehlich hand-picked every item in the space. Each is significant as it relates to a piece of Colleen’s life, whether it be her travels, work, where she’s lived, or how she grew up.
Colleen embodies a no-waste lifestyle by repurposing everything inside her restaurant. She’s an expert at taking trimmings and leftovers and creating something spectacular.
She also took that approach during the renovation and restoration of the building housing her business. As a result, the original building exterior windows are now inside the restaurant, allowing visitors to peek at the production kitchen activity, where Colleen makes everything from scratch. Also, the tables inside the restaurant are made out of scrap wood.
Menu items reflect places she’s lived, so diners can expect to see Southern, Italian, and Midwest dishes listed on the menu.
In the beverage boutique, guests can get customized coffee roasting, pick up unique gifts, and grab their favorite wine, beer, or spirits.
Upstairs is a stunning event space that can accommodate up to 400 people. With a cozy rustic ascetic. The upstairs stays true to the history of the building and much is original.
Froehlich’s Bakery, Three Oaks, Michigan
Across the street sits Froehlich’s Bakery where you’ll find homemade breads, bagels, a delicious variety of desserts, and unique gifts. Many of the items carried are from women owned businesses.
Warren Dunes, Sawyer, Michigan
No trip to Three Oaks, Michigan is complete without a stop at the magnificent Warren Dunes State Park!
The 1,952 acre park lies along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. The dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake and offers spectacular views. The park has three miles of shoreline, six miles of hiking trails and is open year-round. There’s also a pet-friendly area along the shoreline.
Whether its a daytrip or weekend getaway, Three Oaks, Michigan is a great Midwest destination!