Keeping the Harvest Tradition Alive in South Haven

Hot cider, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and hayrides: these are the hallmarks of the Fall harvest! South Haven is one of the best areas to keep the harvest tradition alive, especially for young families looking to craft and capture memories that will a lifetime! Plus, we can always use more excuses to enjoy warm cider and donuts. So explore the brilliant fall colors of the South Haven countryside, do some picking of their own, or even get lost in a corn maze!

DeGrandchamp Farms
76241 14th Ave
269-637-3915

Start off the harvest season at this family farm that dates back to 1958. DeGrandchamp Farms Cranberry Harvest begins in mid-October. Once a year, the farm opens its fields and invites attendees to witness the beauty of harvesting cranberries in the natural bogs.

Catch a hayride to the bogs throughout the day to watch the crew rake in bright, red cranberries from the flooded bogs. Then, head to the sorting line to learn about how cranberries are sorted, packaged, and shipped. Cranberry products are available for purchase at the retail market, including jams, salsas, dried fruit, and baked goods. Fresh cranberries are available in October and November.

Overhiser Orchards
6405 109th Avenue
269-236-6312

Grab the family and head to Overhiser Orchards to pick your own pumpkins or apples and explore the farm and its many harvest activities. Available apples for u-pick include Empire, Cortland, Jonamac, Blondee, and Gala. Munch on some fresh donuts while you sip cider, pet the farm animals, or feed the birds with the farm’s sunflower seed harvest.

Take time to get lost in the corn maze or head over to the sunflower field for the farm’s new nature walk. Hayrides are available, weather permitting. You can even fish in the pond on-site, but save some room for the corn maze!

Bumbleberry Acres
6785 Baseline Rd.
269-637-4824

A true farm for the whole family, Bumbleberry Acres features u-pick, farm animals, a playground, wagon rides, and more. Halloween is always an especially fun time at Bumbleberry, so be sure to visit online for special events and activities!

Dutch Farm Market
6967 109th Ave.
269-637-8334

At the Dutch Farm Market just north of South Haven, apples (Red Delicious, Matsu, Cortland, Yellow Delicious, North Spy, Ida Red, and Rome) and Bosc pears are available for picking, and free wagon rides are available until the end of October. The market store has all the apples and pears, and everything from homemade jams, taffy apples, fresh-pressed cider, honey, and maple syrup, to home-baked pies, bread, turnovers, and donuts, to name just a few.

 

Can’t squeeze a trip to the farm into your schedule?

 

There’s good news! You don’t have to compromise on freshness. The South Haven’s Farm Market operates through September under the Huron Street Pavilion in downtown South Haven, and Barden’s Farm Market on the corner of Phoenix and Blue Star Highway is open daily! Drop in for baked goods, craft beer, and something sweet for all your friends and family!

Discover a Hidden Gem in West Michigan: Muskegon

blue surfboard with wave and sun design stands in beach sand in front of muskegon mural

Looking for a fun-filled summer vacation? Muskegon, Michigan is a must-visit destination for anyone! This beach-town is a hidden gem in West Michigan. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, relaxation on sandy beaches, or a taste of local culture, Muskegon has it all.

Beautiful beaches, stretch for miles along the shores of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy water sports, there’s a beach for you. There is even a beach to bring your dog at Kruse Park!

rollercoaster and seadragon rides are reflected in small lake at Michigan's Adventure amusement park

When you’re done soaking up the sun, there are plenty other things to do in Muskegon. One popular attraction is Michigan’s Adventure. This “two parks for the price of one” is the state’s largest amusement park and includes a water park. For those who prefer a more active vacation, check out the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. Experience thrilling summer activities like ziplining, wheel luge, archery, rock climbing and more!

Two red light towers stand in front of blue sky filled with cumulus clouds. a sailboat with white sails is seen to the right of pier that leads to one of the lighttowers.

If you’re interested in history and culture, Muskegon has you covered there too. There are three lighthouses worth exploring. And two to tour: Muskegon South Pierhead Light and the White River Light Station. Tour historic homes, a WW2 landing ship or submarine – or visit one of many museums. The Muskegon Museum of Art features works by noted American & European artists. There are galleries of rotating and traveling exhibitions.

When the sun goes down, visit one of the 9 drive-in theaters that remain in Michigan.  The Getty Drive-In Theatre offers double features on 4 outdoor screens. Tune your car radio to the cinematic sounds coming from the big screen.

When it comes to accommodations, there are hotels from names you know and trust. Or, if you prefer a cozy cabin or spacious beach house, there are vacation rentals to fit your needs – and budget!

Overall, Muskegon, Michigan is a summer destination sure to please. From sandy beaches to outdoor adventure to cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to make lasting memories in Muskegon, Michigan!

Tantalizing Tastes of Winter

Whether you’re planning a culinary-focused getaway or stopping for a sip. Winter is the best time of year to enjoy the delicious dishes and craft beverages of the region. And the best part? You get to avoid the crowds.

There’s no better way to warm up after a long wintry day than with a Michigan-made craft beverage. If beer is what you’re craving, try out Saugatuck Brewing CompanyGuardian Brewing CompanyWaypost Brewing Co., and the Mitten Brewing Company. Hard cider fans will appreciate a visit to Virtue Cider or Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery.

To experience our region’s wine varietals, check out Crane’sModales Wines, the nearby Fenn Valley Vineyards & Winery, or its Fenn Valley Tasting Room in downtown Saugatuck. And, for award-winning, handcrafted spirits, be sure to stop by the Coppercraft Distillery Tasting Room and the New Holland Brewing Tasting Room.

A must-experience culinary destination, as noted in Condé Nast Traveler’s “20 Best Places to Go in 2020,” Saugatuck/Douglas is a foodie favorite. Tempt your taste buds with a stop at Pennyroyal Café and Provisions for fresh farm-to-table seasonal dishes or Coast 236 for approachable, coastal-inspired fare.  For casually elegant dining combined with the region’s best live music, try Wicks Park Bar & Grille or Salt of the Earth.

Look no further than Bowdie’s Chophouse for an exceptional, intimate steakhouse experience that’s big on flavor. Or, if a burger is more your style, head for The Butlerwhere the selection ranges from the classics to more gourmet.

If sampling a variety of small plates is what you’re after, your trip needs to include a visit to Borrowed Time where seasonally-driven ingredients are artfully prepared and meant to be shared. A local favorite and hidden gem is Clearbrook’s Grill Room Restaurant, who have been serving their house special walleye since 1985.

Valentine’s Weekend in Saugatuck/Douglas

Romance is everywhere in Saugatuck/Douglas year-round, but especially so during Valentine’s Day. Lovebirds have made the Art Coast of Michigan their destination for honeymoonsanniversary trips and romantic getaways for years; in fact, we’ve been dubbed one of the five best mini-moon spots in the state of Michigan!

The town’s trendy art galleries, romantic lodging options, acclaimed dining and unique shopping – nestled along the Lake Michigan shoreline and defined by natural landmarks like the Kalamazoo River and Saugatuck Dunes State Park – create the perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts and city-dwellers alike.

This Valentine’s Day, treat your special someone to a romantic trip to the Art Coast of Michigan, anchored by these holiday happenings.

Valentine’s Day Dinners in Saugatuck/Douglas

Say “I Love You” at the Belvedere Inn & Restaurant, February 14 & 15, 2020

Nothing says, “I love you,” like a fine dining experience at the Belvedere Inn & Restaurant; and Chef Shaun Glynn and his staff know how to create just that. Learn more

Cost: $75 per adult. Reservations Required

Valentine’s Dinner on the Italian Coast at Coast 236, February 14, 2020

Enjoy an Italian-inspired, three course l prix fixe menu at coastal inspired restaurant, Coast 236 in downtown Saugatuck.

Cost: $48 per adult. Reservations Requested

Valentine’s Dinner at The Loft at Borrowed Time, February 14, 2020

Enjoy an intimate 3-course dining experience with a birds-eye view of the restaurant from Borrowed Time’s loft.

Cost: $35 per adult. Reservations Requested

Winter Dinner in Eastern Europe at GROW, February 14, 15 & 16, 2020

Escape to Eastern Europe without the plane ticket at this pop-up dinner at GROW in Downtown Saugatuck featuring five courses, five bubbles and five toasts. Learn More

Cost: $75 per adult. Reservations Required

Valentine’s Day Dessert Plate & Coffee Pairing at Uncommon Coffee Roasters, February 14, 2020

After dinner out, enjoy a special Valentine’s Dessert for two, featuring a flour-less chocolate cake for two topped with espresso ganache, fresh berries and whipped cream. This shareable plate comes with two pour-over coffees using Uncommon’s favorite Love Wins Blend.

Cost: $10 per couple

Valentine’s Weekend Wine, Cider and Beer Experiences

Vino-tines at Fenn Valley Vineyards, February 15 & 16, 2020

Enjoy sparkling and still wines, cheese and chocolate, expertly paired by the staff at Fenn Valley Vineyards. Guests also receive a souvenir sparkling wine flute, chocolates and a rose for your valentine. Learn More

Cost $50 per couple

Galentine’s Day Beer Pairing, February 13, 2020

This event is part education, part decadence. Learn from instructor, Kim Collins, about pairing and Guardian beer. Three cheeses and three chocolates paired with six unique beers. Kim Collins is a Certified Cicerone, owner and head brewer of Guardian Brewing Company. Learn More

Cost: $25 per adult

Brew Your Own Beer at Saugatuck Brewing Company (by appointment only)

Base fee includes your personal instruction, brewing equipment and base ingredients up to (71) twenty-two-ounce bottles of your crafted brew. You may design your own label for an additional cost of $35 (must include government warning). Price includes beer sampling as well. Learn More

Cost: $275-$300 per couple

5th Annual Wassail at Virtue Cider, February 15, 2020. Noon – 8 p.m.

Head to Virtue Cider for horse-drawn sleigh rides, live ice sculpting, snowshoe tours, cider, traditional English fare, live music and a processional through the apple orchards to bless the trees for the coming harvest. Learn More

Cost: Entrance is free. Food, cider, sleigh rides and Chicago bus shuttle sold separately.

Make it a Weekend: Other Happenings and Activities During Valentine’s weekend

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound, February 13, 2020

Screening at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts at 7 PM. Directed by veteran Hollywood sound editor Midge Costin, the film reveals the hidden power of sound in cinema, introduces us to the unsung heroes who create it, and features insights from legendary directors with whom they collaborate. Learn More

Cost: $12 per adult

Winter Gallery Stroll, February 15, 2020

Get away with your special someone for the evening and tour area art galleries, each open with specials and entertainment. Learn More

Cost: Free!

Joshua Davis Performs Live at Salt of the Earth, February 16, 2020

Come see singer/songwriter extraordinaire, Joshua Davis perform at Salt of the Earth in Fennville on Sunday, February 16. Enjoy a delicious, special Valentine’s Weekend dinner and drink menu during the show. Learn More

Cost: $20 for concert tickets in advance, $25 day of. Dinner and drinks sold separately. Reservations requested.

Book Your Valentine’s Getaway in Saugatuck/Douglas Today!

From romantic Bed and Breakfasts to sleek boutique hotels and everything in between, there’s a place for everyone in Saugatuck/Douglas. Click here for special Valentine’s weekend deals and rates! Learn More.