Jonathan and Samantha
Things To Do
University of Notre Dame
Visiting the Notre Dame campus is truly one of the highlights of South Bend. With its beautiful architecture and rich history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can light a candle at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes (our favorite spot on campus), take a stroll around Saint Mary’s and Saint Joseph’s Lakes, or get a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Notre Dame Stadium with the North Tunnel Experience tour. North Tunnel Experience: https://fightingirish.com/stadium-experiences/
Saint Mary's College
Right across the street from Notre Dame is Saint Mary’s College, Sam’s alma mater and home to another picturesque campus. From the historic Le Mans Hall to Lake Marian, there’s plenty to explore. It is also a place close to the heart—we got engaged on the island in Lake Marian on December 19, 2024. Bonus points if you can spot our initials carved into one of the trees!
New Buffalo, MI
South Bend is just a 45-minute drive away from the beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan. Our favorite beach town is New Buffalo, MI with a cute main street full of shops and restaurants. We highly recommend The Stray Dog for dinner, followed by ice cream for dessert at Oinks.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Just an hour west of South Bend, Indiana Dunes is one of the newest national parks in the U.S. and a perfect spot to soak up the sun. With miles of sandy beaches, scenic trails, and towering dunes to explore, it's a great day trip if you're looking to enjoy some time outdoors by the lake.
South Bend
South Bend has many restaurants and local shops to explore, and it’s always nice to take a walk along the St. Joseph River—especially at night when the River Lights are glowing. If you are into history (or just cool old cars), the Studebaker National Museum is definitely worth a visit. More information on what to explore in South Bend in the below websites: https://www.visitsouthbend.com/events/ https://www.downtownsouthbend.com/explore-downtown Studebaker National Museum: https://studebakermuseum.org/
Restaurants
- Fiddler's Hearth - Irish Pub in Downtown South Bend Sam's Go-To: Indian Curry Jonny's Go-To: Fish & Chips - Carmela's - Italian Restaurant in Downtown South Bend Sam's Go-To: Shrimp Scampi Jonny's Go-To: Rigatoni Bolognese - La Salle Kitchen & Tavern - American food in Downtown South Bend Sam's Go-To: Chicken Torta Jonny's Go-To: The Windy City - The Lauber - Craft beer & pizza in Downtown South Bend Sam's Go-To: Green Goat Pizza (V) Jonny's Go-To: Show Stopper Pizza (V) - Brother's Bar & Grill - Great bar food - the cheese curds are a must try! Sam's Go-To: Classic Cheeseburger Jonny's Go-To: Boneless Wings - Rohrs - Bistro inside the Morris Inn Sam's Go-To: Roasted Cauliflower (V) Jonny's Go-To: Pan Seared Salmon - Hacienda- A Mexican restaurant chain Sam & Jonny's Go-To: Ranch & Chips with a Margarita - Chick-Fil-A - Visit this fine establishment in Mishawaka where Sam & Jonny had their first date! Sam's Go-To: Spicy Chicken Sandwich Jonny's Go-To: Chick-Fil-A Nuggets
Bars
- Corby's - Classic Notre Dame bar in downtown South Bend with arcade games and a back patio. Fun fact: the movie Rudy was filmed here! - Finnies Next Door - Two-story bar downtown with a replica of the Golden Dome. Great for dancing late into the night! Locally known as New Finnies or Newfs. - Olf's - The original Finnies, a few blocks from Newfs in downtown South Bend. Has Large TVs for watching sports and also great dancing. - Linebacker Lounge - Long-running dive bar across the street from Notre Dame. Has been a Notre Dame institution for decades. - Danny Boy Draft Works - Across the street from ND football practice fields, a small sports bar in the apartment complex where Jonny used to live while getting his Masters. - O'Rourkes Public House - Irish pub on Eddy Street Commons. Sit out on the patio for a view of campus! - CJ's - Sports bar next to Olf's. Great bar food and cheap drinks.