Berrien County

Birdwatchers are known for maintaining a "life list" of birds they see. If you're a novice birdwatcher, you'll want to begin keeping your own life list, most likely starting with backyard birds — after you settle into your home of choice among South Bend homes for sale or other homes in nearby Berrien County. You may want to try feeding birds (seed, suet, and fresh water will attract many species) so you can learn common backyard birds. An app like the one the Audubon Society offers can help you with identification. 

Next, explore some nearby birding hotspots in Berrien County.

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No matter how carefully you plan for gift-giving occasions, there's always that last-minute event that gets you scrambling. Need something quick for your child's teacher or an office gift exchange? Our real estate agents suggest these great gift shops around Berrien County.

• A Lovely Nest - 217 E. Main St., Niles 49120
  A Lovely Nest perfectly describes Niles homes for sale, so it's an appropriate name for this charming gifts and home decor shop. Owners Kelsey and Will turned their hobby of handcrafting home accessories into a full-time business. selling signs, coffee mugs and wine glasses, tables, jewelry, and baby onesies. Personalization is available for many of the items. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

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Whether you're checking out St. Joseph homes for sale or you've already found your dream home, antiquing is a super fun way to spend a beautiful fall day. Our real estate agents love searching for unique finds at antique shops all around Berrien County and have some recommendations for where you just might find the perfect hidden treasure to take home.

• Elephant's Breath - 203 State St., Saint Joseph, MI 49085
  From records and books to gorgeous antique furniture, Elephant's Breath has a huge selection of unique items to choose from. The friendly, knowledgeable owners are happy to help you find what you're looking for, whether it's a bookshelf, mantle, or a rare collectible.  Some of their top-notch selections include beautiful Mid-Century Modern, Industrial, and Primitive-style furniture, pottery, vintage clothes, jewelry, cameras, and more.

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The weather has been absolutely beautiful in Saint Joseph lately, just right for a day on the water! And with miles and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Berrien County is the perfect place for a kayak or paddleboard adventure. Check out some of our real estate agents' favorite paddling spots in the area. 

1. Silver Beach County Park - 101 Broad St., Saint Joseph, MI
   Located right in the heart of St. Joseph, Silver Beach County Park marks the spot where the Saint Joseph River meets Lake Michigan and offers excellent paddling opportunities on both. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in the park, and explore 2,450 feet of Lake Michigan frontage or make your way upriver. The park is located near numerous Saint Joseph homes for sale and offers a lovely beach, fishing pier, and picnic areas.

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Who doesn't love a good burger? After all, this iconic American comfort food is delicious, versatile, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Whether you're looking for juicy all-beef patties, a savory veggie burger, or a health-conscious turkey burger, there are plenty of restaurants in Berrien County to feed your needs.

With so many great places to choose from, it's hard to know where to start. To make things easy, our Cressy & Everett real estate agents have created a round-up of their favorite local burger joints. Each brings something special to the table, so you'll want to visit them all. Which one will you try first? 

1. Buck Burgers & Brew: 412 State St, St Joseph
   Fresh, local ingredients and a selection of Michigan craft beers are the cornerstones of the Buck Burgers & Brew experience. This industrial-chic restaurant, located in a remodeled historic building in downtown St. Joseph, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
   
   Buck Burgers and Brew goes beyond the basics with menu options like the Peanut Butter & Bacon Jam Burger, Mac Attack Burger Basket, and the Harvest Turkey Burger made with Michigan apples, homemade raspberry jam, and brie cheese.
   
   Whether you choose to sit at the bar, in the loft seating, or at one of the two patios with gorgeous views of the Lake Michigan sunset, you're sure to enjoy great service and a friendly atmosphere.

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Cressy & Everett real estate agents are always hard at work throughout Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan, helping clients benefit from the very best real estate deals around.

One pleasant surprise that clients discover whenever they visit Berrien County, Michigan is our thriving craft brewery scene. There are so many options to chose from, you could visit a new one every day of the week and then some. 

As you'd expect, each craft brewery has its own style, history, and unique flair. Each one offers small-batch brews that you simply won't find anywhere else – everything from classic pale ales to today's latest experimental IPAs and "Imperial IPAs."

Let's look at some of the top brewhouses, taprooms, and pubs around Berrien County:

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