Plan a Romantic Retreat to The Bend

Dinner has to be one of the main events of any getaway, right? Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a night out.

Café Navarre

One of downtown South Bend’s top dinner options, Café Navarre separates itself by specializing in seafood. Don’t shy away from octopus on the small plates menu. It’s difficult to beat the Faroe Island salmon as an entrée.

Carmela's at Macri's

There are too many Italian options to list, but few match Carmela’s Old World vibe. Whatever you do, make sure the bruschetta is part of your meal. And pair your pasta with a bottle of red.

Copper Rock Steakhouse

Here are the basics: Perfectly aged steaks (some aged up to 55 days), market fresh seafood galore, over 200 wines from which to choose. Copper Rock Steakhouse is located inside Four Winds Casino South Bend, which means ample opportunity to make it a night of entertainment.

Corndance Tavern

Corndance leans on one of the area’s most unique menus. Start with the Cajun bayou alligator. Local rave about the bison meatloaf. Lobster and shrimp rigatoni is another solid choice, as are any of the steaks. Corndance has its own dry-aging program for a decadent flavor.

Ironhand Wine Bar

South Bend’s only winery (the vineyard is just north of the city) is situated on the banks of the St. Joseph River with a spacious patio. Pair your choice of wine with a handcrafted charcuterie board. If you’re still hungry, move on to the flatbreads next.

South Bend Chocolate

This might be more for the road. Make sure to stop in the South Bend Chocolate Café in downtown South Bend for a little something to take home. There are too many sweet options to list.

Your getaway should be all about relaxing, but you also need to explore. Here are some sights to see.

Four Winds Casino South Bend

Head to the newest Four Winds Casino for a night of gaming action. The expansive gaming floor includes over 1,400 games and some of the area’s largest jackpots, plus there’s a poker room. Copper Rock Steakhouse is located inside the casino, as is Kankakee Grille, another local dining favorite.

Explore the Outdoors

Exploring The Bend doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. In fact, it shouldn’t. There are some 90 parks in the area, headlined by Potato Creek State Park (photos below). It’s about a 20 minute drive from South Bend. St. Patrick’s County Park is among the most popular spots around and is just minutes from downtown South Bend.

Heading to local shops is a can’t-miss way to spend part of your getaway. Some of our favorites include Indiana Rug Co. in Mishawaka, Ali on the Boulevard (South Bend), Satori Boutique (Granger), Inspire Me! (South Bend), Brain Lair Books (South Bend), The Village Shoppes (New Carlisle) and Council Oaks Antiques (South Bend). You’ll find all the retail you could want in Mishawaka’s shopping district along Grape Road and Main Street, including University Park Mall.

Therapeutic Indulgence

Treat yourself to a little relaxation at Therapeutic Indulgence, a wellness center in the East Bank Village neighborhood of South Bend known for its high quality massage services. You’ll be rejuvenated.

Woodhouse Spa

Head to Granger for a resort style spa day. You can pick from over 70 spa treatments. Your best bet: a Two’s Company spa package. The quality time will have you feeling renewed and refreshed.

Planning this type of getaway calls for booking a room that fits the bill. If you’ve never stayed in one, it’s a perfect time to dial up one of our bed and breakfasts:

• Beiger Mansion Inn (Mishawaka)
• Innisfree Bed + Breakfast (South Bend)
• The Oliver Inn (South Bend)

If you’re looking for an upbeat vibe, Aloft South Bend is in downtown South Bend along with a couple other options. You can find a measure of convenience at the Inn at Saint Mary’s or Hilton Garden Inn near Notre Dame, just off the Indiana Toll Road.