Articles Tagged "Local Businesses"

There are many reasons to love South Bend. We have a great community here with history, activities, culture, and local small businesses. Here are five reasons our real estate agents rank among the highest on the list.

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Struggling with ideas of what to get friends and family this holiday season? Make gift shopping easy-peasy with South Bend's selection of unique, independent local shops. Plus, you feel good knowing that by supporting someone's small business, you made their holiday season even better! Here are a few locally owned shops that our real estate agents recommend.

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One of the best things about living in South Bend is our local community: cafes, restaurants, and yes, breweries too! Are you looking for a great local brewery to meet up at with friends, or are you interested in sampling local lagers and ales? Check out these local breweries, recommended by our real estate agents.

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Did you know that National Sandwich Day is November 3rd? While this may seem like a strange occasion to celebrate, no one can deny that sandwiches are a life-changing cuisine. Supposedly the Earl of Sandwich ordered the first sandwich so that he could play cards without greasy fingers or utensils. This convenient meal was named after him, or rather, his little English town.

Whether you're playing cards or just enjoying a classic favorite, there are plenty of places in South Bend where you can get a quality sandwich. Here are a few local favorites our real estate agents recommend.

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With all of the daily holidays these days, it should be no surprise that there's a special day just for the best meal of the day: dessert, of course! National Dessert Day takes place in October, sandwiched neatly between summer ice cream and Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. If you're looking for a way to celebrate or just a new place to satisfy your cravings, our real estate agents recommend these amazingly sweet spots in South Bend.

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With an endless number of recipes and add-ins, fried rice is a delicious, versatile dish that can be customized to suit nearly any palate.

Founded in 2018 by Benihana, September 20th marks International Fried Rice Day, making it a perfect time to sample some of the best fried rice in South Bend. Our real estate agents suggest checking out some of these delicious options. 

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As summer winds down and fall weather sets in, it's time to take advantage of every last bit of nice weather we've got. One of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy dinner this time of year as a resident of South Bend is eating out on the patio. Don't have a patio or feel like cooking? South Bend offers a variety of great restaurants with cozy outdoor setups where you can enjoy your meal. Here are some local favorites our real estate agents recommend.

• Howard Park Public House - 602 E Jefferson Blvd
  This open-concept restaurant is designed to open on three sides, opening even the regular dining area to free air movement. The patio itself faces the fountain and is heated so that even as the evenings start to get a little chilly, the patio will still be a good place to enjoy your meal. Speaking of your meal, the restaurant serves American fare such as burgers, sandwiches, steak, vegetarian and vegan fare, and shareable appetizers, as well as a full list of beer, wine, and cocktails.
  
  
• The Lauber - 504 E Lasalle Ave
  Located in the former home of an industrial metal business, The Lauber is now one of South Bend's beloved indie restaurants. This bar and eatery offers plenty of cozy patio seating, plus a variety of bar bites and American comfort food. Choose between flatbread and pizzas, burgers and sandwiches, and a variety of bar bites and appetizers. The Lauber also features a full menu of signature cocktails and wine. For something a little extra patio-worthy, check out their memorable brunch food and cocktails on the weekends.
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  Fiddler's Hearth - 127 North Main Street
  If you're craving the food you get from a traditional Irish pub but don't want to miss the experience of eating out on the patio with the last little bit of summer, check out Fiddler's Hearth in Downtown South Bend. This pub features all the usual suspects, such as fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, and shepherd's pie. You'll also find a variety of American foods, including burgers and sandwiches, as well as a selection of Irish-flavored appetizers.
  
  
• Cafe Navarre - 101 N Michigan St
  Also located right in the heart of downtown, Cafe Navarre has been a staple of fine dining in South Bend for the last decade. Locally owned and serving locally sourced foods, Cafe Navarre offers patio seating if the atmosphere indoors is a little too rich for your blood. Whether inside or outside, you'll be served the same superb menu, with mouth-watering small plates, tempting entrees of steak, chicken, pork, or fish, and delectable desserts such as chocolate cremoso and creme brulee.
  
  
• South Bend Brew Werks - 321 S Main St
  For a little more relaxed atmosphere, pop down to the neighborhood brewpub: South Bend Brew Werks. In addition to all the things you would expect from a pub, such as beer, live music, trivia, and even bingo, Brew Werks features a full menu of flatbreads, artisan grilled cheeses, soups, salads, and pub-worth appetizers. They offer ample seating on their outdoor patio, which is also dog-friendly.

The only thing better than enjoying a late summer or autumn evening while eating dinner at your local restaurant's outdoor patio is, of course, enjoying your dinner on your own patio. Outdoor dining spaces have become popular among South Bend homes for sale, so if you don't currently have a patio where you can enjoy your dinner, never fear! Contact us today, and we'll help you find the perfect patio, as well as the home to go with it.

With the summer heat bearing down on us, you're probably looking for ways to find a little relief. It's a South Bend tradition to frequent one or more of our town's favorite frozen dessert shops during the summer. Here are a few suggestions from our real estate agents of the "coolest" places in town.

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Nothing says summer evenings quite like relaxing at a local eatery with a glass of wine and a plate of good food. If you're looking for a new favorite restaurant or wine bar, here are a few local South Bend places our real estate agents recommend.

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South Bend is a community that is rich in culture and not just modern or trendy culture. You'll find the influence of the arts everywhere in South Bend. Here are a few local art-based businesses our real estate agents recommend for the artsy at heart.

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Did you know February 24th is National Tortilla Chip Day? That's right, we have an entire day to celebrate this perfect, multipurpose food that acts as snack, appetizer, and a delivery vehicle for an entire meal topped with meat, guacamole, and queso. If you're like us and you'll take advantage of any excuse to eat tortilla chips, check out some of these Mexican restaurants in the South Bend area, all local favorites recommended by our real estate agents.

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Nothing warms you up like a hot bowl of good soup, so it's probably unsurprising that January is National Soup Month. But cold weather sticks around long after January is gone, so really, every day in the winter is soup day! If the cold is getting to you today, here are five great places our real estate agents recommend for warming up with soup in South Bend.

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Part introduction to a cruelty-free lifestyle, part post-holiday diet, Veganuary is a celebration of vegan dining that takes place in January. Although veganism normally extends to clothing and other products as well, Veganuary is simply a diet challenge to avoid all foods that come from animal exploitation during the month of January. This doesn't mean you need to give up eating out and other enjoyments, however. Here are several South Bend-area vegan-friendly restaurants our real estate agents recommend.

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With cold weather finally setting in, no doubt you're hankering for some good, hot comfort food. There are a number of restaurants in South Bend and neighboring Granger that'll fit the bill. Check out these recommendations from our real estate agents, and enjoy the cozy comfort food all winter long.

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The holidays are coming up, and it's never too soon to start shopping! Fortunately, South Bend has plenty of community sales and local businesses to choose from. Shopping local this holiday season will help show your love and support for South Bend. Here are a few sales and stores our real estate agents recommend.

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Sandwiches are such an underrated food... but not on November 3rd! On this day, we celebrate the sandwich and all the creativity and convenience it represents. How else can you hold an entire meal all in one hand?

You may have heard the story of how the sandwich came to be. The story goes that the Earl of Sandwich, a little town in England, asked for his lunch to be served as a piece of meat between two pieces of bread so that he could eat and play cards at the same time. Eventually, the idea caught on, and the meal was named after him. Whether that's true or not, the sandwich has become an entire category of culinary creativity. Whether you want to celebrate Sandwich Day or just really like sandwiches, here are a few local sandwich shops our real estate agents recommend.

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There's nothing like a hot cup of coffee on a brisk fall day. Fortunately, there's no shortage of local cafes in South Bend! Here are a few local cafes our real estate agents recommend. Visit one after touring South Bend homes for sale and get acquainted with all your new neighborhood has to offer.

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South Bend is more than just a nice neighborhood to live in. It's also a trendy place to dine out, with a wide variety of cultural cuisine to enjoy. Eating at international eateries enables you to spice up your diet and appreciate different cultures' tastes. Here are a few international restaurants our real estate agents recommend, located in the heart of South Bend. Most of them are even open for lunch, making them a perfect place to visit to get acquainted with the neighborhood while you're visiting South Bend homes for sale.

• Woochi
  Located at 119 North Michigan Street in South Bend, Woochi is, as their website address promises, "not just sushi." This stylish sushi restaurant serves top-notch seafood, Asian fusion, and a full menu of sake, wines, beers, and cocktails from their bar. Their menu includes plenty of the usual suspects, such as a wide variety of sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. You'll also find a few surprising additions inspired by other cultures, such as chicken satay, curry chicken, and a variety of Chinese favorites like Kung Pao chicken. Woochi is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
  
  
• Carmela's
  Do you love Old World Italian cuisine? If so, you'll love Carmela's, a South Bend family tradition-turned-restaurant. This upscale Italian eatery represents authentic Italian family recipes and two generations' worth of a family's hopes and dreams, as the second generation added the restaurant to complement their parents' original Italian bakery. Located at 214 North Niles Avenue, Carmela's is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday.
  
  
• Carriage House
  Eating at Carriage House is an experience not to be missed! Their food is described as American cuisine with French influence, but you'll find a little of everything here, from Thai shrimp, wood-fired pizza, wood-roasted chicken, langostino lobster roll, upscale burgers, and top-notch salads. Don't stop with just the food, either: Carriage House also offers an inspired cocktail menu, ranging from concoctions mixed with French champagne to an assortment of classic cocktails. Enjoy it all al fresco on their lush garden patio, or indoors starting in late 2021 once renovations are complete. Located at 24460 Adams Road in South Bend, Carriage House is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, with live music Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• Cinco 5 International
  Located at 112 West Colfax Avenue, Cinco 5 International represents a unique blending of two unlikely culinary partners: Mexican and Thai. Start off with classic starters for either cuisine such as egg rolls and chips and guac, or try something new and unique like deep-fried crispy spinach. For the main meal, choose between burritos, tacos, fajitas, and Thai favorites such as pad Thai and tofu curry, all served at the same table! Cinco 5 is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

If variety is the spice of life, you'll never get tired of living in South Bend! With lots of eateries like the ones listed above, your biggest problem will be choosing just one when you go out. For more information about South Bend or to start the search for your dream home, contact us today.

Summer is in full swing! If you're looking for stuff to do, you'll find plenty of exciting summer activities in South Bend. Our real estate agents love to live and work in South Bend in part because of the fantastic community and how much there is to do. Here are a few things we recommend to keep you busy during the long summer months.

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Whether you're new to the neighborhood, a longtime resident, or just hoping to move here soon, summer is the perfect time to treat yourself to a new culinary experience. Many of South Bend's favorite restaurants offer outdoor seating this time of year to allow you to enjoy every minute of this beautiful weather. Here are five fantastic eateries our real estate agents recommend, each offering a different atmosphere and cuisine. Visit one for your next meal out or when you're in the neighborhood after a day of touring South Bend homes for sale.

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Are you staging your old home for sale, decorating a new home, or perhaps looking for that perfect piece to commemorate the purchase of your dream home? Art makes a fantastic way to decorate not just your own home, but also a home you're selling, according to our real estate agents. Next time you're in the neighborhood to tour South Bend homes for sale, check out these art galleries and studios where you can go shopping, dream, or even make a little art of your own.

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Who doesn't love a good burger? Hamburgers are the true all-American menu item and the staple of the backyard BBQ. One of the best things about burgers is the endless number of varieties, styles, and toppings, meaning they can truly be enjoyed by anyone. May is officially Hamburger Month, and our real estate agents plan on celebrating by enjoying a delicious burger at one of these great South Bend restaurants.

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Rhyme, rhythm, technique, and self-expression are some of the many reasons why reading poetry is so enjoyable. After all, few art forms allow us to explore human emotion quite like a poem. In honor of National Poetry Month, our real estate agents recommend visiting one of South Bend's fantastic local bookshops, where you'll be sure to find new titles and authors that you absolutely love. Below are some of the best local bookstores in our area:

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It seems like there's a day for almost anything worth celebrating, so it should come as no surprise that there's a day to celebrate beer, too. Celebrate National Beer Day on April 7th by stopping into one of these local, independent breweries in South Bend and Mishawaka. It's a perfect way to wind down after touring South Bend homes for sale with one of our real estate agents or to celebrate having found your perfect dream home.

• Crooked Ewe: This local brewery offers a dozen unique beers, so you'll need to plan future visits if you want to get through them all! There's something for everyone, from recognizable favorites such as American wheat, pale ale, and cream ale, to more inventive brews such as their "Supercrema" robust porter and their "Wampus Monster" double IPA. They serve food too, from appetizers and small plates to weekend brunch. This little bit of brewery heaven is located at 1047 Lincoln Way E in South Bend.
  
  

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One of the best parts of moving into a new neighborhood is exploring all the community has to offer. Whether you're house hunting with one of our real estate agents or checking out your new digs, take the time to visit all the unique local eateries and shops. South Bend and Mishawaka offer several delicious bakeries, so stop into the nearest one and sample the sweetest treats this community can't live without.

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Move over Valentine's Day. There's another huge but largely missed holiday this month: National Pizza Day. Celebrated on February 9, there's no better day to chomp down on some comforting crust, a heavenly array of toppings, and warm, cheesy goodness. As the second most popular fast food in the U.S., there's no denying the love of this cheesy disc is very real. Whether you prefer thin crust or deep dish, our real estate agents have rounded up some of the best pizza spots in South Bend to celebrate.

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There are many things to love about living in the Michiana area, including the incredible variety of dining options. If you love to eat out, you're not alone. Our real estate agents are constantly exploring local restaurants so they can offer recommendations to new residents. 

Since there are so many great Asian restaurants here, we were excited to learn that National Tempura Day is coming up on January 7th. Here are a few of the best local places for you to get your tempura fix. 

1. Woochi Japanese Fusion & Bar: 119 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601
   One of the top 10 fine dining destinations in the greater South Bend region, Woochi Japanese Fusion & Bar offers incredible sushi and Japanese dishes in a unique, upscale environment. If you're been looking at South Bend homes for sale, you'll definitely want to familiarize yourself with this incredible restaurant! They're known for their incredibly fresh seafood and a full bar that serves up some of the best martinis in the area. Start your evening off with some shrimp or vegetable tempura, then enjoy a hibachi entree, sushi platter, Asian fusion entree, or a rice or noodle dish.

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Video courtesy of Monica Murhpy, WNDU-16

The year 2020 has looked very different for all of us, and it is especially profound during the holiday season when people are not gathering as much as usual. Cressy & Everett Real Estate usually hosts annual holiday gatherings for their REALTORS and staff throughout the footprint of our 12 office locations in southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana. With the current events and commitment to respect the safety guidelines, the leadership team had to think outside of the box. They wanted to create the feeling and experience of bringing everyone together, but somehow do it safely. So something special was crafted and strategically executed. 

This year, Cressy & Everett ordered about 200 take-home family meals from South Bend's LaSalle Grill restaurant, the recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award for 25 straight years, and known for expertly crafted fresh, local, sustainable food. The meals were distributed to agents and staff over the course of 3 days at different locations convenient for pick up, and the meals fed agents and staff and their families in their homes but also provided a good measure of local support.

"2020 has been a difficult year for so many people, personally as well as in business. So, when we have a chance to give back to others, and when we have a chance to bring our agents and staff together, and have them share a moment like they are sharing this weekend with these meals, that's really special to us." said President John De Souza.

Each family meal box contained a house salad, entrees choices, multiple sides and a dessert. Company branded swag was also provided in a bag including some drinking tumblers, some food serving tongs, and a card from the partners thanking each person for his or her contribution to the company.

An opportunity like this not only feeds employees and their families, it helped support a local business as well. Cressy & Everett prides itself on having a presence and demonstrating what it means to be a good corporate citizen, with proactive volunteer, public service and real help in the communities where we live, work and raise our families. With "Giving Back" as one of our most important core values, it was great to see some employees choosing to pay-it-forward with their meal in sharing or giving away, or in their donation of their meal box to families in need or groups of front-line workers such as local hospital healthcare workers.

It's amazing how much a beautiful floral arrangement can change the look of a home. In fact, our real estate agents often recommend adding fresh flowers when staging a home or preparing for an open house. 

Whether you want to add a formal touch to your home this holiday season or send a beautiful gift to family or friends, it helps to know the area's best florists. Here are a few of our favorites. 

• Granger Florist: 51537 Bittersweet Rd., Granger, IN 46530
  For beautiful, well-thought-out arrangements, Granger Florist is always a great option. They don't just put together flowers. Instead, every piece they make is a true work of art. Give them a call to discuss your vision, and you can feel confident that they'll create a stunning holiday arrangement.
  
  To keep everyone as safe as possible, they're offering "contactless" delivery and curbside pickup. Currently, the storefront is open for consultations by appointment only. If you decide to visit in person, make sure you take the scenic route home so you can get a glimpse of some of the beautiful Granger homes for sale this holiday season.

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Craving some chocolate ice cream or a piece of red velvet cake? Dessert is how we celebrate special events in our lives, spend time with family, or simply treat ourselves after a tough day. From pastries to cheesecake, great desserts come in a variety of forms and everybody has a favorite. With so many great dessert options around the South Bend area, deciding what you're in the mood for is going to be the biggest challenge. Below are recommendations for 5 places to indulge in dessert:

1. South Bend Chocolate Company - 3300 W. Sample St., South Bend IN 46619
   If you're a chocolate lover, our real estate agents suggest a visit to the South Bend Chocolate Company. There are multiple stores around the area, but the factory and main location occupy over 60,000 square feet near the west side of South Bend. They offer over 500 types of chocolate and sweets. Buy packaged chocolate or pay by the pound. In addition to chocolate, they also offer a wide variety of coffee and gifts. After choosing some sweets, take a ride by these South Bend homes for sale.

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Dance provides a great number of benefits, including exercise, socialization, and discipline. Best of all, it's fun! Whether you're someone who's been inspired by a TV show like "Dancing with the Stars," a parent whose child has been begging to learn how to dance, or an adult looking to brush up on their long-lost dance skills, a studio is available for nearly every need and interest.

Our real estate agents suggest the following dance studios located in the South Bend IN/Michiana area:

• Dancehipology – 121 S. Niles Ave., South Bend IN 46617
  Dancehipology, owned by professional ballroom dance instructor Velvet Canada Matthews, is located in the downtown area near many South Bend homes for sale. The studio offers a wide variety of classes tailored to every skill level in group and private options. And if you're getting married and want to make sure you can look good dancing for your special event, Dancehipology can help you choose a song, edit the music, and teach your preferred dance to your wedding party.

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Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink that's often made by blending tea with milk and fruit juices. The "bubbles" are tapioca pearls or ones made with a myriad of other flavors. The combinations are virtually endless!

Our real estate agents recommend trying bubble tea at the following locations near South Bend, IN:

• Cre-Asian - 1639 N. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46635
  Cre-Asian is a popular destination for University of Notre Dame students, staffers, and other regulars who stop by for the Vietnamese restaurant. Located just around the corner from South Bend homes for sale, it serves a variety of boba teas, which are another name for bubble teas. Choose from frozen or liquid boba teas in fruit flavors such as honeydew, banana, peach, mango, and passion fruit, or order the green, black, or chai tea version. You'll also want to save some room for the restaurant's famous Pho Special, a soup that's served daily and features rice noodles simmered in broth for 24 hours and stocked with beef.

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Mother Nature isn't the only one who can make things grow. Our real estate agents enjoy using the bounty of their gardens to enrich their dinner plates and decorate their homes. Read these tips for starting your own garden and order supplies from these gardening centers offering delivery or curbside pickup near South Bend homes for sale.

How to Start a Garden

1. Pick Your Spot
   The Beatles had it right: follow the sun. Most plants need direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. The garden should also be close to a garden hose or other source of water. You may find the optimum spot is covered with sod that needs to be removed first.

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Turn your home into the most exclusive restaurant in town. Order ahead for easy curbside pickup from these top restaurants just minutes from St. Joseph homes for sale. 

1. Silver Beach Pizza - 410 Vine St., St. Joseph, MI 49085
   Pizza is so beloved and versatile that leftovers frequently serve as the next day's breakfast. Conveniently located in the historic Amtrak Depot, Silver Beach Pizza has three pages of their menu devoted to their acclaimed pies. Dough and sauce are made fresh daily, with gluten-free crusts available. Choose from 20 specialty pizzas or make your own from dozens of toppings literally ranging from A to Z. Complement your meal with starters and salads such as wings, mozzarella sticks, and Caesar salad. Hours are 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. daily.

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It's not too late to boost your curb appeal with beautiful flowers, shrubs, and trees. Greenhouses and nurseries around St. Joseph, MI offer plenty of options as well as advice on how to improve your landscaping and add interest to your yard.

Our real estate agents suggest visiting one or more of the following greenhouses around St. Joseph, MI to make your landscaping eye-catching.

• Grapevine Nursery, 5871 Hagar Shore Road, Coloma, MI
  Grapevine Nursery, which is convenient to many Coloma homes for sale, grows much of what it sells, so you'll know that what you buy hasn't been shipped from afar only to struggle to live by the time it arrives in Michigan. You'll also be assured that the plants grow well in this area's climate and soil. Interesting shrubs and trees are available, including several types of butterfly bushes that will help attract them to your yard.

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While February 18 is celebrated annually as National Drink Wine Day, drinking wine isn't a one-day affair. Wine does come with its share of benefits such as lowered risks of liver disease, heart attacks, stroke, type II diabetes, and some types of cancers.

Furthermore, wineries often influence our choices when buying properties. If you're looking for St. Joseph homes for sale, our real estate agents have sampled the best wine bars around St. Joseph, MI to help you choose the right neighborhood.

1. Silver Harbor Brewing Company - 721 Pleasant St., St. Joseph, MI 49085
   Established in 2016, Silver Harbor Brewing Company offers plenty of history. The brewery is located in an iconic structure built in 1900 in downtown St. Joseph, MI. The original design has been maintained over the years, but the bar area has been enhanced with natural Michigan timber and reclaimed steel. Stop for dinner, lunch, or just delicious wine to experience the great atmosphere.

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Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and what better way to express your true feelings than with fresh blossoms? Whether your special someone favors orchids, succulents, or white roses, a gorgeous arrangement is an instant way to warm the heart of your Valentine. Our real estate agents have compiled a list of five flower shops in Benton Harbor where you can get vibrant color choices and floral delights to celebrate the big day.

• H & J Florist and Greenhouses - 3965 Red Arrow Highway, St. Joseph, MI 49085
  H & J Florist is a stylish flower shop near St. Joseph homes for sale offering fresh flowers, planter baskets, plants, stuffed animal bears, balloons, boxed chocolate, and more. If you're looking for something unique and special for that person in your life for Valentine's Day, H & J Florist is one of the best places in Benton Harbor to visit. The friendly and prompt staff can help you put together an exceptional and outstanding custom bouquet if you want to skip the typical bouquet. During the busy time, you may want to place your order at least one day prior.

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New York-style pizza may feature foldable slices, but it takes two hands to hold a hearty slice of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. With National Pizza Week running January 12-18, there's no better time to check out these amazing deep-dish pizza joints suggested by our real estate agents. 

• Antonio's - 1105 Goshen Ave., Elkhart 46516
  In true Italian fashion, Antonio's promises to "feed you like family." Whether you're on a romantic date or treating the kids, Antonio's has been the place to go since 1979. Diners around Elkhart homes for sale come back for stuffed pizza like the signature Italian Stallion with sausage, meatballs, bacon and pepperoni. Hours are 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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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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There's nothing quite like decorating a freshly cut Christmas tree with your family in your cozy home. Our real estate agents enjoy the convenience of artificial trees, but we must admit—there's just something magical and whimsical involved in choosing the perfect live Christmas tree every year. Gather the family and head out to one of these farms around St. Joseph to pick out a live Christmas tree for this year!

• Bredeweg Acres — 2268 W. Rockey Weed Road, Stevensville, MI 49127
  Bredeweg Acres is known in the warmer months for their "you-pick-them" blueberries, but come winter, the Bredeweg farm becomes a haven for holiday trees. They offer a variety of Christmas trees like Fraser Fir and Blue Spruce. They'll drill the tree and shake it for free, then wrap it up so you can take it home. Stop by their gift shop where you can pick up a wreath and garland to decorate your whole interior. If you're in the area browsing Stevensville homes for sale, make a stop at Bredeweg Acres to snag the best tree before it's gone.

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NoSHAVEmber began in 2009 as a whimsical way to raise funds for and awareness of the serious issue of cancer research. But even the "official" rules don't prohibit grooming, so donate to your favorite cancer charity before you head out to one of these top barber shops recommended by our real estate agents.

• Generations Barber Shop - 3708 Lincolnway E., Mishawaka 46544
  Owners Gil and Brent have their names displayed on the sign outside Generations Barber Shop, not far from Mishawaka homes for sale, so everyone who walks in already feels like a friend. The clean, comfortable shop includes flat-screen TVs in front of each chair for your individual viewing choice. Be sure to call ahead for an appointment. Hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

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Our real estate agents love trying out local restaurants and are always looking for something new and different. That's why we're super excited to celebrate World Vegan Month at some of the area's most popular vegan restaurants.  

When you're ready to take a break from looking at South Bend homes for sale, we recommend paying a visit to one of these local hot spots. You may be surprised to learn just how delicious vegan food can be! 

• Pinellia Vegan Asian Restaurant: 3601 Edison Road Ste. D, South Bend, IN 46615
  For Asian fusion with a vegan twist, you can't go wrong with Pinellia Vegan Asian Restaurant. Everything on this menu is fresh, flavorful, and nutritious. This is the kind of place that even carnivores adore. Some of the most popular items include paper spring rolls, vegan BBQ ribs, General Tso's Protein dish, and Pad Thai with browned tofu.

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If you love craft beer, then few seasons are better than fall. In addition to being a great time to sample locally created seasonal beers, fall is the perfect time to enjoy a pint while enjoying local college and pro football action. The South Bend area is home to a ton of excellent craft breweries, where you can sample unique flavors that you won't find anywhere else. Our real estate agents love helping you get to know South Bend, and we've got the inside scoop on five great craft breweries located around the city.

Grab an IPA at These South Bend Breweries

1. Crooked Ewe Brewery – 1047 Lincoln Way East, South Bend, IN 46601
   South Bend homes for sale make it easy to visit every destination on our list, including the Crooked Ewe Brewery which is located in the city. The team at Crooked Ewe produces small-batch craft brews in nearly every style. Try a stout, IPA, ale, or porter, along with a huge selection of seasonal beers throughout the year.

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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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You want your wedding to be amazing. Everything from the pictures to the decorations and food should be an experience you and your guests won't forget. And finding the right place to say I do can make the atmosphere for your big day even more special. Luckily there are plenty of wonderful places right near Benton Harbor homes for sale that can make your wedding dreams a reality.

1. Lake Michigan Gardens – 2584 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022
   If you've been dreaming of a beautiful outdoor garden setting for your wedding, Lake Michigan Gardens can deliver. With 16 acres of outdoor gardens, trees, and indoor spaces, you'll find a great spot to capture the mood and memories of your big day. Beautiful outdoor photos will capture your favorite memories and an onsite event coordinator means you can relax and enjoy your big day.

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If you're looking for a reason to clear off your calendar and clean off your cleats, then make sure to mark August 1st on your calendar. While you're at it, since you work hard all year long, you should go ahead and mark the whole month off. August is National Golf Month and that's all the reason you need to take a break and give yourself the gift of some "me" time on the course. It's your opportunity to explore the region's best courses and ponder which of the fabulous South Bend homes for sale you want to put an offer down on.   

1. Notre Dame's Warren Golf Course - State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46601
   Easily one of the most beautiful courses in the state, the Warren Golf Course is as challenging as the courses taught at the university. Over the past 20 years, the course has earned a reputation as one of the best collegiate courses in America.

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Exploring South Bend homes for sale is a fun and exciting process, but after a long day of comparing your options, it's nice to kick back and relax. When you don't feel like going out to dinner and the bar scene feels like too much, a couple of hours at a casual or classy wine bar is the perfect answer.  

National Wine and Cheese Day is right around the corner, so now is a great time to start visiting some of the area's top wine bars. Here are four of our favorites. Which will you try first? 

1. Ironhand Wine Bar: 1025 Northside Blvd., South Bend, IN 46617
   When our real estate agents want to give someone a true taste of South Bend, they always recommend a visit to Ironhand Wine Bar. All the wines served here are grown, created, and bottled right in South Bend at Ironhand Vineyard.
   
   Not sure what kind of wine you want? No problem! Ironhand has a wide selection of varieties and offers tastings. They also serve wine cocktails and offer cheese & charcuterie boards, as well as small plate options like melted brie with bacon jam, marinated mozzarella, and lavender goat cheese dip. 

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One thing our real estate agents love to do—when not showing off beautiful Saint Joseph cottages, homes, and condominiums to prospective buyers—is fish. They recommend these seven great fishing charters out of the Riviera of the Midwest. Bring a Michigan fishing license, the right attire, and a zest for fishing. Leave the rest to the capable captains!

1. Dustin's Dream Fishing Charter, 602 Fisherman's Road, Saint Joseph
   Cruising out in a Tiara 33 Open, you and five of your friends, family members, or business associates can spend an exciting seven hours on Lake Michigan with Dustin's Dream Fishing Charter.
   
   Dustin's is noted for family-friendly fishing, using a well-equipped, safe boat featuring sonars, autopilot, chart-plotter, and a 36-mile radar sweep. 

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Father's Day is right around the corner, and if you're on the lookout for a place to grab brunch with Dad in the South Bend area, you're in luck. Check out our real estate agents' favorite Father's Day brunch spots in South Bend, Indiana!

1. Evil Czech Brewery and Public House - 3703 N. Main St., Mishawaka
   Sunday brunch is a specialty at Evil Czech Brewery and Public House, with a selection of great breakfast items, plus a brunch buffet featuring small plates from their regular menu, including woodstone pizza and smoke-fried wings. They also offer outstanding craft beers and a great selection of specialty cocktails, just a short drive from these Mishawaka homes for sale. 

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