Submitted by: Beth Rudnick
Take a staycation back in time in historic St. Joseph, Michigan.  And, if you pick the first Sunday of August, you can surround yourself with vintique at Antiques on the Bluff: a large, vendor-driven antique mart that also showcases jewelry, gemstones, some art, books, and you-name-it artifacts of the past century.
St. Joe, a bustling lakefront town along the Red Arrow Highway (also accessible from I-94 at either John Beers exit or St. Joe/Benton Harbor exit), has carefully maintained its historic downtown with brick streets, some original storefronts, and lots of walkable shopping – and eating! Cool off with Kilwins ice cream on State Street, or head around the corner to Broad Street café for something warmer. There are several restaurants that offer views of beautiful Lake Michigan and lots of specialty stores, including Bound for Freedom, a fair-trade store with unique global items and coffee/tea. Â
St. Joe’s downtown has a variety of shops, restaurants and ice cream!
Antiques on the Bluff starts the first Sunday of every month at 10:00 Eastern, 9:00 Central. The next market will be August 4th.  Get there early for a prime parking spot in one of the free all-day lots close to the Bluff. It’s not easy carrying 2 ice cream parlor chairs to a car parked far away (lesson learned!). If you have a nostalgic bent, this is a showcase not to be missed. Prices are very reasonable and the items eclectic. The market is dog friendly, as is much of St. Joe itself. Â
And before heading home, try a cold one at Silver Harbor Brewing, across M63/Main Street on Pleasant Street. There are also many spots along the harbor and St. Joseph River to catch river and lake views, tons of nice seating outside, and great places to walk the doggie. Historic St. Joe is a great place to grab some antiques, have a cool drink, and Dig those Dunes. Â
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