A Parisian vacation might not be on your itinerary in the near future, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in all sorts of French delights. After all, there’s one cafe here in the Great Lakes State that will make you feel like you’ve been swept across the sea to France with all its charms and delicious eats. If you’re looking for a European-inspired outing without venturing outside of Michigan, check out this local treasure.
For more information about this lovely little shop in downtown Charlevoix, click here. Have you and your loved ones enjoyed a bite to eat or a sweet treat from That French Place? Share your favorite crêpe flavors or coffee orders with us in the Facebook comments. To recommend another must-visit Michigan eatery, fill out our official nomination form here.
Here's what it's like in Michigan right now: the sun is out, the chill is gone from the air, and the breeze is breezin'. It's not too hot. It's not too cold. If Goldilocks were in Michigan at this moment, she'd be smiling really contentedly and telling us all that it's "just right". And I'd have to agree with her. When the weather is like this, no one wants to spend time indoors... not even to drink coffee! Well, if you find yourself in the Upper Peninsula and looking for one of the best outdoor cups of coffee in Michigan, we've found the place for you!
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From the moment you pull out to this outdoor coffee spot in Michigan, you know you're in for a special treat. Only recently moved into a permanent space, The Dream Bean Coffee Machine is housed in a renovated Volkswagon Bus.
At first, The Dream Bean Machine had no permanent location, setting up shop in random spots around the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It found a permanent home in 2020: the tiny bay town of Grand Marais.
The views from the permanent location are lovely. The people who visit this remote coffee shop in Michigan are as varied and eclectic as the menu offerings.
The menu at this tiny outdoor coffee spot in Michigan is quite eclectic, featuring classics like a latte or cappuccino alongside fresh flavors like a Dirty Chai or Dreamy Peach. Every single drink on the menu sounds breathtakingly delicious.
Plus, they serve hot cocoa, made with 100 percent raw cacao and organic cane sugar. It's a perfect drink for all those kids at heart out there (like me).
Whatever you order at this unique outdoor coffee shop in Michigan, your drink will be made to order and, if reviews are to be believed, one of the best drinks of your life. That's what we love to hear!
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The menu is reflective of the size of this small outdoor coffee shop in Michigan. It's small but mighty.
In addition to the drinks menu, The Dream Bean Machine also offers a small selection of handmade pastries. The croissants pictured above look incredibly tasty, but I'm eyeing the homemade cinnamon rolls for my first visit.
No matter what your order at the Dream Bean Machine in Grand Marais Michigan, it's sure to be served with a smile. You can tell that the staff is passionate about what they do.
Plus, you can tell they are having fun while they do it, which is something that makes a visit to anywhere special, you know? The care that goes into the business is apparent at every turn, from the way the staff is treated to the creative ways the owners have maximized the space of their minuscule outdoor coffee shop.
In addition to its standard menu, The Dream Bean Machine in Grand Marais, Michigan also offers some specialty items each day. Reviewers mention a pancake latte that sounds extremely intriguing to me.
This quirky spot is found on the way to many other Upper Peninsula destinations, which makes it a wonderful stop for a road drink. Just swing in, grab your coffee from the red and cream VW bus, and get on the road to another adventure.
If you fall in love with this adorable outdoor coffee spot in Michigan, you can even bring a little bit of it home with you. The Dream Bean Machine offers a variety of logoed merchandise, including coffee mugs, apparel, stickers, and, yes, coffee beans.
Don't forget to pet Toivo before you go. They're the resident doggo - and also represented in the merch shop with some dog treats you can take home to your own dog!
When you visit The Dream Bean Machine in Grand Marais, Michigan everyone in the family leaves with a smile. Even your puppers! While there, be sure to check out Pictured Rocks National Seashore, one of the most stunningly beautiful spots in Michigan. Might as well make a night of it - there's a lot to see up there. I've kind of fallen in love with this writer's cottage, located right in the heart of Grand Marais.
Have you enjoyed a cup of joe at an outdoor coffee shop in Michigan? I'd love to know more. Tell me all about it in the comments!
Ready to enjoy a wonderful meal with equally wonderful ambiance and ultra-fresh ingredients? Atmosphere is often key when it comes to fantastic dining experiences, and the Great Lakes State is lucky to house some of the most charming and scenic eateries imaginable. If you’re seeking something peaceful, lush, and utterly enchanting, we’ve got you covered: this garden cafe in Michigan is an absolute must-visit.
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The Garden Cafe at Pine Hill is located directly off US-131 in the charming town of Kewadin.
The “Pine Hill” in the eatery’s name refers to Pine Hill Nursery, within which the cafe is quietly tucked away. This beautiful garden center offers all sorts of plants, gardening supplies, and charming products.
Those who aren’t familiar with Pine Hill might stop by expecting to peruse flowers and garden tools – only to be happily surprised by the presence of a serene, friendly cafe smack-dab in the middle of the nursery.
The Garden Cafe features a colorful outdoor patio area that’s loaded with blooms, greenery, and sunshine on warm days. When you settle in to enjoy a meal and a beverage, you’ll feel like you’ve found a secret garden.
The menu is chock full of garden-fresh ingredients and delicious, locally-sourced fare. Whether you’re here for a quick bite to eat after shopping or stopping in for a full meal with the family, you’ll be delighted.
Lunch, dinner, and small plates are available – not to mention an array of wine and beer selections. Popular menu choices include the vegan veggie wrap, the Pine Hill burger, and a chicken salad with mixed greens.
Dig into an order of avocado toast with whitefish pâte, opt for a refreshing smoothie, or indulge in a grilled cheese or club sandwich. Round it all out with an ice cream sundae, scones, or slice of cheesecake.
As you meander back to your car, take time to appreciate the unique atmosphere and abundance of gorgeous growth that sets this cafe apart. You’ll be happily full and truly relaxed in no time at all.
For all the details about this wonderful garden cafe in Michigan, including seasonal menu selections, head over to the official Pine Hill Nursery website. Have you and your family dined at the Garden Cafe during past adventures near Kewadin? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another day trip destination in Michigan by completing our nomination form.
