Benton Harbor Golf and Travel Guide By Brian Weis

The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor Michigan, opens for its first full season at the end of this April (2011). Last year the property was all the buzz throughout Chicagoland and Michiana, when Lake Michigan's first beach and golf community opened. The 530 acre master plan features an 18-hole public Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course that winds through wetlands, hardwoods and along the sand dunes of Lake Michigan. In time, Harbor Shores will be a destination in itself with world class amenities including causal/fine dining, retail shops, river walk and marina along with a nightly/weekly lodging options.

With the announcement of the 2012 and 2014 Senior PGA Championship, midwest golfers have begun planning their pilgrimage to the area's newest golf destination. Harbor Shores plans on opening restaurant and lodging by or before the 2012 Senior PGA. Until then here are great local options.

Eats and Treats

Schu's Grill & Bar Their motto, "Great food, great view, just add friends" sums it up. Watch stunning Lake Michigan sunsets from the outdoor patio. Locals highly recommend the crispy fried lake perch complimented with a Shus Brew Larger, their flagship handcrafted micro brew. Round the casual dining experience off with a slice of heavenly peanut butter pie.

Schu's Grill & Bar 501 Pleasant St St. Joseph, MI 49085 269-983-SCHU (7248)

Silver Beach Pizza A vacation to the area is not complete without a schooner of beer at the Silver Beach Pizza. What is a schooner? Being from the Milwaukee, the Brew City, I was afraid to even ask. Going with the flow, I just ordered one. Out came a massive gobblet that required two hands to drink. Forget your favorite beer for the night, and indulge into Michigan's most popular summer ale, Bell's Oberon. Our host for the evening commented that it is an unofficial "Michigan Holiday" when the local brewery releases the seasonal beer. Schooners of beer aside, Silver beach is legendary for its mouth watering pizza and panoramic views of lake Michigan.

Silver Beach Pizza 410 Vine Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 (269) 983-4743

Lodging

The Boulevard Inn

Relax after your golf round in comfortable accommodations at the Boulevard Inn. A spacious suite include a wet bar, full refrigerator, lightening fast WiFi and a separate living room with sofa bed. The first floor of the hotel houses The Bistro, that serves continental breakfast in the morning and a fine dining experience in the evening. The Bistro has been recognized with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence "for having one of the most outstanding restaurant Wine Lists in the world." The list features a combination of hard to find, highly allocated boutique wines as well as terrific old world and new world values.

The Boulevard Inn 521 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph, Michigan 49085 269-983-6600

Stay and Play Package Through The Boulevard Inn

The "Harbor Shores Golf" Package

This package for two includes: * Overnight accommodations in a spacious suite * 2 green fees for 18 holes and a cart at Harbor Shores Golf Club * 2 premium golf towels * Complementary expanded continental breakfast for 2 * Late check-out of 2:00pm

Starting at $439+tax. For more details call The Boulevard Inn at 269-983-6600.