Harbor Country Living

Exploring New Buffalo & Union Pier with a touch of cozy living.

recent posts

  • Meet the Blogger

    Hi, I’m M and welcome to Harbor Country Living!

    For a while now, I’ve wanted a space online that actually feels like me. A mix of cozy home life, cleaning and organizing tips, and small-town Michigan vibes. To me, these all fit together. When you think of small towns, you think simple, cozy, and put-together.

    I live close by and work right here in New Buffalo & Union Pier, and honestly, there’s so much to share about this area that people don’t always see. From everyday routines to local hidden gems, I want this blog to be that mix of home + Harbor Country life. All the cozy little details that make life feel good.

    So what can you expect here?

    • Home + Organizing → I love sharing simple ways to make your space feel calm, cozy, and put together (without stressing yourself out).
    • Local Life + Travel → The spots I love around Harbor Country, from coffee shops to beaches to hidden gems that make this place special.
    • Lifestyle → My resets, routines, and the little things that keep life moving smoothly even when things get busy.

    You can think of this blog a mix of all the things that inspire me day-to-day while living around here. Some posts will be more about home and cleaning, others will be more about exploring local spots, but it’s all tied together with that cozy, small-town feel.

    If you’re local, hopefully you’ll find new spots to check out or maybe you’re just here for the ride. If you’re visiting, I hope you pick up a few ideas to make your trip even better. And if you’re thinking about coming here and just want to see if it’s a good fit, you’re welcome too. And of course, if you’re simply here for the cleaning + organizing tips, you’re definitely in the right place.

    Anyway, that’s me and that’s this blog in a nutshell. I’m not here to be “perfect,” I just want to share what I love and maybe inspire someone else along the way.

    So grab your coffee, soda, water (or wine, no judgment), get comfy, and stick around. I’m excited to share Harbor Country and cozy living with you.

    M

  • 5 Cozy Things to Do in New Buffalo, Michigan This Fall

    It’s almost getting to my favorite season of the year.. fall. To be quite honest, I used to not love fall, but as I’ve gotten older something about the leaves falling, tree color changes, and the crisp air has really made me enjoy it. The best seasons for Michigan personally is Summer, and Fall. Those are the prime time that makes this state stand out. That being said, I will have to share my personal local favorite spots.

    1. Grab a Coffee at a Local Spot
    Fall = coffee season. Whether it’s Issa Vibe, David’s Delicatessen & Coffee, or Infusco Coffee in nearby Sawyer, these spots make the perfect stop for a cozy drink before a relaxing walk.

    2. Browse Flourish Books & Plants
    Nothing screams cozy like a bookstore. Flourish is one of those hidden gems where you can wander, grab a book, maybe even a plant, and just enjoy a slow morning or afternoon.

    3. Treat Yourself at a Local Bakery
    Cooler weather means baked goods hit different. My favorites are Zoe’s Bakery, Farmette, Luisa’s Swedish Bakery & Market, Froehlich’s in Three Oaks, and Black Currant Bakehouse. Each has its own vibe, from classic pastries to Swedish treats.

    4. Take in a Fall Lake Michigan Sunset
    Fall sunsets are underrated. Fewer crowds, more color in the sky, and the lake feels peaceful. Grab a blanket, a coffee or tea, and soak it in.

    5. Slow Down and Cozy Up
    Part of what makes Harbor Country special in the fall is the slower pace. Stay in a rental with a hot tub, light a candle, bring a favorite book or movie, and just lean into the cozy.

  • Welcome to Harbor Country Living

    Hello. I’m so glad you’re here! This is my very first blog. This is all about exploring the cozy side of life in New Buffalo and Union Pier, Michigan.

    Here you’ll find a mix of:

    • Cozy living & organizing tips – from simple cleaning routines to creating a home that feels calm and welcoming.
    • Small-town travel & local finds – guides to coffee shops, beaches, and hidden gems that make Harbor Country so special.
    • Lifestyle inspiration – seasonal resets, vacation getaways, and little touches that make everyday life feel intentional.

    Whether you’re a local, a weekend traveler, or just someone who loves cozy vibes and small-town charm, you’ll feel right at home here.

    I’ll be sharing personal stories, organizing hacks, and insider travel tips, plus giving you a peek behind the scenes of what it takes to keep vacation rentals and linens guest-ready year-round.

    So grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine), get comfortable, and let’s enjoy the slower, cozier side of Harbor Country together.

    Thanks for stopping by. I can’t wait to share this journey with you!

    M