Exploring New Buffalo Explored
All Imagery provided by NBX, Intro written by Mandy Krickhahn
What an amazing market season we had in New Buffalo this summer! From the vendors (and their wares), to the shoppers (and their adorable dogs), to the locally owned businesses to the beautiful beach, we absolutely loved it all and cannot thank New Buffalo Explored (NBX) enough for being the presenting sponsor for our first Farmed & Forged season in New Buffalo, one of the most charming towns around. We are thrilled to share our interview with Courtney Krull, NBX’s Marketing Director in our latest column feature. Courtney shares about NBX, it’s mission, and some of her favorite things that make the area so special.
What is NBX’s goal or mission? New Buffalo Explored exists to inspire travel to the Lake Michigan shore and ongoing engagement with its community. We do this via digital and print journals, music events, and select social media communities.
What are some NBX highlights from 2024 so far? The concert series is always a highlight. We have three shows this year - the first two were in July and August, and our final show is on October 13. Our team does an incredible job sourcing artists, pairing the perfect venue to complement the music, and creating an experience unique to our area. I walk away from every show in awe of the experience.
What is your favorite thing about New Buffalo? The constant change and influx of newness. Being a Chicago transplant, I thought I would miss the energy of the city, but with so many similar-minded young professionals in the area, there is always something new popping up, which curbs my appetite to continuously discover new things.
What has been your favorite thing about being a part of NBX? Becoming more connected to the community. What you see is not what you get in New Buffalo, in a good way! The more time I spend in the area and the more people I meet, the more I realize how much talent is rooted here. Some people are natives, and some are Chicago or Detroit transplants, but the shared passion to see our community thrive inspires my work at New Buffalo Explored.
Why did NBX choose to partner with The Collective for Farmed & Forged? Farmed & Foraged’s commitment to building and nurturing community perfectly aligns with NBX’s mission.
Your top 3 favorite spots, things to do, and/or small businesses in the area? This is a tough one! My top 3 have to be Warren Dunes trails (any time of year), Infusco Coffee, and browsing our local vintage shops. The area is always growing, so ask me again next year and I’ll have a different list!
Looking forward, what are you looking forward to transitioning out of summer into the Holiday Season? I love the buzz of summer—the markets, the events, the new faces—but toward the end of summer, I find myself craving cooler temperatures, slower-paced days, and yes, old man winter. Unlike some of the Michigan beach towns, New Buffalo doesn’t shut down all winter, so for the locals, it’s a time to come together and warn up around a fire or inside a cozy brewery.
What makes New Buffalo special during the off season? The landscape. New Buffalo is synonymous with beach town, which people automatically assign to the summer season. What some people forget is that the beaches still exist in the off-season, outdoor play just looks a little different.
Final thoughts? Anything special you'd like to share? Don’t sleep on the concert series! Our final show is October 13 at Warren Hall with Matt Ulery. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via the NBX concert page.
Courtney Krull, Marketing Director / New Buffalo Explored
