Located upon the bluff, St. Joseph is a city overlooking Lake Michigan and known for it’s small town feel, the nation’s finest orchards, annual festivals and picturesque beaches. Just 90 miles from Chicago, tourists wanting to get out of the big city frequently visit the city.

For breakfast try the old renovated firehouse, Broad Street Café for the best bagels in town, or the Golden Brown Bakery for gigantic Morning Glory muffins. There are many free parking lots downtown so you don’t have to worry about paying for parking.

After breakfast, take a stroll downtown on the aged brick roads. Start on State Street but make sure you walk down Elm, Broad, Pleasant and Ship Street for more shops to explore – everything from antiques and cottage décor to fine art and adult and children’s boutiques can be found.

For a quick snack, stop by the award-winning hot dog kart on the corner of Broad and State Street for a Chicago dog that is sure to satisfy your hunger. For your chocolate cravings, stop by the Chocolate Café and Museum, where you can experience chocolate like never before.

Your next stop should be the Curious Kids Museum, which is a fun, hands on learning experience for kids or all ages; good luck getting your kids to leave though. Another stop for kids should be Hidden Pointe, a small amusement park Southeast in Benton Harbor, with a mini golf course, arcade building, go-karts and batting cages.

Head north to Water Street and walk down the bluff and along the canal for a scenic walk. If you’re visiting on the weekend, you may pass a live concert at the John E. N. Howard Bandshell, home to free concerts all summer long including Wednesdays at noon and Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. You can also stop by the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum too and feed the ducks.

Eventually Water Street leads you to Silver Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Michigan, so be prepared for the crowds. Let the kids climb in the play area while you grab a soda from the concession stand. If you feel adventurous, take a drive to Tiscornia Park and visit the North Pier Lighthouse, where you can take a break and go fishing if you have your fishing gear along.

For a late lunch, stop on by Silver Beach Pizza for a delicious pie. Clementine’s Too is another favorite of the locals with delicious sandwiches and burgers as well as Shu’s Grill & Bar overlooking Lake Michigan.

Take the path up to Lake Bluff Park and meander past large sculptures, fountains and city monuments. The Krasl Art Center is worth taking time to walk through, or you can just walk around their campus with many unique artworks outside. The Silver Beach Carousel Museum is in the process of being built below the bluff and includes a replica Carousel from the old Silver Beach Amusement Park as well as an extension of the Curious Kids Museum.  Come back in 2010 to see the completed structure.

Looking for a good fishing spot, go on a fishing charter with Captain Russ Clark at Sea Hawk, he’s been doing this for over 25 years, year-round, so you’ll be sure to catch some trout or salmon and hear some great stories in the process.

For dinner, drive over to Tosi’s for an Italian feast, make sure to start with the Minestrone Soup. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, try Port 412, an upscale trendy restaurant and martini bar with excellent chef specialties and an extensive drink menu. The Bistro on the Boulevard is another great choice, with unmatched views of the sunset and French dining.

Grab an ice cream in a waffle cone from Kilwin’s or Cabana’sand take a seat on a bench along the bluff and watch a beautiful sunset. While you’re in town, check The Mendel Center for national touring acts from opera to blues concerts to Broadway. Also, during the summer in downtown, check out the Friday Night Concert series at the John E. N. Howard Bandshell.

For more stuff to do in St. Joseph, visit the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center located on the corner of State St. and Ship St.