She Sips Chablis by the Seashore

Some 4,000 wine lovers are expected to temporarily double the population of tiny Bridgman Michigan this weekend, gathering at Weko Beach for the sixth annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival. From 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, more than a dozen southwestern Michigan wineries showcase locally grown varietals alongside an ongoing soundscape of live music and an ample spread of cuisine from top nearby eateries. Wineries participating in the fest include Tabor Hill, Contessa, Domaine Berrien, Fenn Valley, Karma Vista, Lawton Ridge, Lemon Creek, Round Barn, Free Run, Hickory Creek, Warner, and Founders. Admission is $10 and includes a souvenir glass; wine tickets are $1 each (a taste is 1 ticket, a glass 5 to 7). Shuttle busses to the beach will be depart from a parking area in Bridgman about a mile away from the festival.

GO 6th Annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival on Saturday, June 18, from 1 to 10 p.m. at Weko Beach; miwinetrail.com, 269-925-6301.

Where to stay: The Marina Grand Resort (600 W. Water St., New Buffalo; 877-945-8600, marinagrandresort.com) is a boutique luxury hotel with rooms overlooking the Oselka Marina and a rooftop deck where you can enjoy cocktails while taking in a splendid lake view; rates range from $259 to $618 per night. The Rabbit Run Inn (6227 Elm Dr., Sawyer; 269-405-1050, rabbitruninn.com) is a bed and breakfast with private porches for every room, two gazebos, and complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas should you want to lounge at the nearby Warren Dunes; rates range from $215 to $230 a night.

Where to eat: Timothy’s at Gordon Beach Inn (16220 Lake Shore Rd., Union Pier; 269-469-0900, timothysrestaurant.com) serves fish entrees and intriguing sides, such as deep fried spinach, in a casual setting. The Red Arrow Road House (15710 Red Arrow Hwy., Union Pier; 269-469-3939, redarrowroadhouse.com) is a laid-back, wood-paneled pub whose menu includes meat loaf and old-fashioned pot roast.

While you’re in the area: Check out Grand Mere State Park, where towering dunes formed more than 10,000 years ago. A half-mile nature trail leads from the central parking lot to the shore of Lake Michigan. Three glacial lakes behind the dunes provide scenic spots to picnic. For more information, click here.