Plan a Spring Weekend Getaway

More sun and warmer temperatures can only mean one thing: Spring is here.

As The Bend comes into bloom, it might be time for you to explore a new place. Whether you’re aiming to get outside or find some new places to eat, here are some of the best things to do and places to stay during a spring getaway.

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Things to Do

If you’re ready to get outside and feel the sun on your face, there’s ample room to explore here. Bendix Woods County Park, Potato Creek State Park and Rum Village Park are among the favorites for hikers this time of year.

Birders know spring is a great season to go spotting and there are five parks in The Bend on the Indiana Birding Trail.

Sports fans are in luck. It might not be football season, but the Blue-Gold Game takes place every spring and gives fans a preview of what the Fighting Irish will look like come fall. Speaking of Notre Dame, there’s never a bad season to explore the iconic landmarks on campus. Flowers blooming across campus make spring extra special.

The South Bend Cubs also open their season at Four Winds Field. Nothing says spring like the beginning of baseball season.

Potawatomi Zoo opens for extended hours in the spring. Feed the giraffes, ride the train, and grab a snack from The Lodge! Don't miss Zoo Luminate in town from March 19-May 25, a spectacular lantern festival made of huge, luminous, artistic lanterns!

Broadway shows will play at the Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend throughout the spring. Likewise, Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum unveil new exhibits.

Worried about a rainy day? Head to Mishawaka for axe throwing, bowling, bumper cars and trampolines at Generations AdventurePlex, Strikes and Spares Entertainment Center and Sky Zone.

Eat & Drink

Dining during spring might be less about the food and more about where to sit. Depending on the weather, patios will start opening around The Bend during this time of year. You can explore some of the best places before making one (or many!) stops at local restaurants.

Head to downtown South Bend for a variety of eaters — breweries, coffee shops, cocktail spots, brunch places, fine dining restaurants and more. Fiddler’s Hearth offers an authentic Celtic experience, Woochi Japanese Fusion specializes in sushi. PEGGS and The Early Bird Eatery serve up delicious breakfast. Café Navarre, LaSalle Grill and Cascade Prime Steak & Seafood serve up some of the area’s best menus.

South Bend Brew Werks is a popular choice for beer lovers. Looking for cocktails? Check out The Hideaway at The LaSalle, The Exchange Whiskey Bar and Spirited.

Mishawaka is bustling with great places to eat. Jesús Latin Grill has one of the most unique menus in the area. Nearby, Chicory Café is more than just a coffeeshop. Evil Czech Brewery has craft beer and one of the best menus around.

Places to Stay

Looking for a place to crash before your next adventure? A place to really unwind? Either way, The Bend has great places to stay during your spring getaway.

Downtown South Bend Hotels — Aloft, DoubleTree by Hilton and Courtyard by Marriott — put you right in the middle of the action. Near the University of Notre Dame, there is a beautiful Embassy Suites. You could even stay on campus at the Morris Inn, a AAA Four Diamond property. Mishawaka has a great collection of brand names like a Varsity Clubs of America, Hyatt Place and Home2 Suites.

If you want something a little out of the box, the Oliver Inn, Beiger Mansion and Innisfree Bed & Breakfast all offer a unique experience.