South Haven

From Our Community: Mother’s Day in Pure Michigan

May 10, 2012

With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, we asked our Facebook fans to tell us what they think the best way to celebrate with moms in Michigan is. Whether you’re spending the day with mom, friends, family or loved ones, it’s most importantly a day spend time together.

Below are some of our favorite responses. Happy Mother’s Day to all Pure Michigan moms!

“At the Watervale Inn on Lowering Herring Lake. Lovely Mother’s Day dinner which all mothers will adore.” – Cindy Engdahl

“Go to local park and take a walk/play with entire family!” – Julie L Jimkoski-Isabell

“My Mom and I use to head to Saugatuck to see what shops had opened and this weekend the Tulip Time is still going on so lots to see and enjoy. My favorite part if the weather was nice enough was just taking a walk on the beach with her. It was a gift to use both.” – Melissa Craig Derrick

“My Mom and I enjoy going to Frankenmuth for the afternoon – lunch and walking around and shopping ” – Judy Munro

“An ideal mother’s day is if all of my kids can get together with me. A BBQ in the yard and play a game of baseball.” – Ann Momski

“Going to the Grand Rapids Art Museum.” – Dara DeVries

“Heading to the Grand Hotel with Mom and daughter!” – Cheryl Fritze

“Having your kids come home to spend time with me on Mother’s Day. Not doing anything in particular… just spending time.” – Lynne Swietoslawski Stenger

“A breakfast picnic on the beach at South Haven!” – Loreen Hall Atkinson

“Spend more time with your Mothers. That is the best gift EVER!” – Helen Warner

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From our Community: Valentine’s Day Celebrations in Pure Michigan

February 9, 2012

in Holiday

Love is in the air across the country this month, and Michigan is no exception. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau News lists the Michigan cities of Romeo and Rose City as two of the most romantic-sounding places to spend Valentine’s Day.

We got some great responses earlier this week when we asked fans on our Facebook page: “How can you make Valentine’s Day with your special someone a Pure Michigan Valentine’s Day?” Here are some comments we wanted to share. Thanks to everyone who responded!

“Dine at one of Michigan’s great Locally Owned Restaurants!” – Lisa Verhil

“South Haven perch at Clementines & walk the pier Lighthouse. Then S homemade ice cream & shops!” – B Faye Lawrence

“Dinner at Audie’s Restaurant in Mackinaw City with my boyfriend. Best food around!” – Janessa Stutz

“Going to the Red Wings game. ” – Lindsay Wallace

“Enjoying the Pure Michigan snow at Shanty Creek Resorts with their Two-for-One Valentine’s Day lift ticket special!” – Melissa Lee

“The classic dinner and a movie. Dinner at your favorite local eatery in Traverse City and a movie at the State Theatre. Then hop next door and end the night with a couple of cocktails at the Red Ginger!” – Nicholas Viox

“By taking them to an overnight romantic time at Inn on the Park in South Haven, MI- Only about 3 hours drive.” – Bella DeRoven

“Ordering some Valentine Snacks from Cherry Republic!” – Ann Safran

“Having dinner in downtown Milford! ♥ Movie after?? ” – Cindy Schlappi

“Well if it stays this warm, we might grill out in the backyard, our own Pure Michigan. Buy Michigan products, like sweetheart steaks from Hiller’s Market and enjoy the best state there is!!!!!” – Susan Bunch

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Beachtowns Fall Fun Itinerary

October 6, 2011

in Antiques, Crafts, & Collectibles,Cultural & Heritage,Events,Exhibits & Shows,Fairs & Festivals,Southwest

Sunset in Ludington

The nine Beachtowns along the west Michigan Lakeshore aren’t just summer destinations. The editors of Michigan Travel Ideas put together a fall itinerary to guide you in enjoying each beach town on a different weekend this season.

October 7–8, Ludington
Friday 10-2 p.m., Saturday 10-5 p.m.

Celebrate the harvest at Autumn Days, offering experiences in everything reminiscent of this fleeting season. Watch apples being pressed into cider, hop on a hayride and take a look at the past in the 29 museum buildings in the historic village. The Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor is serving up that perfect taste of fall—fresh baked apple pie.

October 15, Muskegon
Saturday 10-3 p.m.

Discover the vibrant colors of fall on the 7th Annual Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour. On the self-guided drive, see several historic and scenic sites; there is also a list of optional side trips. Make a weekend of it with the discounts offered at select lodging facilities and local businesses. Enter to win the Lake Express Ticket Contest and receive complimentary passes to various attractions.

October 22, Holland
Saturday 9 p.m.–1 a.m.

At the biannual GrooveWalk music event, 10 bands perform at 10 local bars for a night of live music and fun—each bar even has a featured drink. The free GrooveXpress buses stop near each venue, and each bus has its own musician on board to keep the beat going.

October 28–29, Grand Haven
Friday and Saturday 7-11 p.m.

Dare to walk through the Haunted Hall’s Experiments in Terror this Halloween. Admission gets you into both of their haunts: Phobia1a Proj3ct and Operat1on unr3ality. Prepare to be terrified.

November 5–6, St. Joseph
Saturday 10-4 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m.

HollyMarket is a great way to get a jump-start on holiday shopping. The annual art and craft fair features a variety of artwork, decor and holiday gifts arranged in the galleries of the Krasl Art Center.

November 11–13, South Haven
Friday–Sunday

Women are taking over for the annual Women’s Only Weekend. Events start Friday afternoon with the Wine and Cheese Welcome. Activities include a Harbor Walk, scavenger hunt and enrichment workshops.

November 18–20, Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Any time

A blanket would be the perfect accessory for cozying up on the beach to watch a beautiful Pure Michigan sunset at Little Sable Point Lighthouse.

November 25–26, Saugatuck
Friday and Saturday

A horse-drawn carriage ride provides the perfect pace to take in all the creativity this artist’s colony has to offer. Explore downtown Douglas and Saugatuck in a new way with this laid-back tradition. After your ride, the annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Wicks Park.

December 3, Harbor Country
Saturday, 1- 4 p.m.

Sample wines at the Holiday Open House at the Round Barn Winery. Kids can make holiday decorations and take photos with Santa.

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A Day at the Beach

June 10, 2011

in Beaches,Guest Blogger,Southwest

Blue water, waves, and white sand can all be found on the southwest Michigan shore within a half-day’s drive of Chicago and Detroit. From New Buffalo to Ludington, and the towns in between, beaches stretch out and harbors crowded with pleasure boats scallop the water’s edge. George Hendrix, a contributing writer for Michigan Travel Ideas, spent a weekend driving Michigan’s western shore, stopping and admiring each beach town along the way.

South Haven Sunset

New Buffalo, in the heart of Harbor Country, is the starting point for my weekend trip, where sun-toasted sand and a quaint business district make it the idyllic beach town. The Red Arrow Highway takes me north to St. Joseph, where steps climb from Silver Beach to a shady bluff-top park and downtown. Schu’s, a local favorite, serves a famous potato soup at its downtown location, where outdoor tables offer a view of the harbor.
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A South Haven Sunset

May 23, 2011

in Beaches,Guest Blogger,Southwest

Amanda Torrens shares her “Pure Michigan Moment,” a brief escape from graduate school to watch a gorgeous sunset at Lake Michigan.

Phoenix Street is crowded as tourists mingle with locals walking to South Haven’s harbor and beach. It’s just after 7 p.m.—still a couple hours before sunset. A horse-drawn carriage waits to give paying customers a fairy-tale ride, and Harvey, the horse, patiently swishes his tail in response to the passersby who stroke his nose, pet his neck and give him well-meaning pats on the head. A ride sounds like fun, but I came for the sunset.