Tag Archives: South Haven

South Haven’s North Beach Pier reveals big waves

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South Haven North Beach Pier (Courtesy, Cris Greer)



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


The North and South Beaches are the two largest and most frequently used of South Haven’s seven public beaches and access sites.

WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer was at the North Beach Pier this windy morning and captured images of substantial Lake Michigan waves.


South Haven North Beach Pier (Courtesy, Cris Greer)


Both North and South Beaches have concession stands, restrooms, play equipment, and parking areas. South Beach sports a big red lighthouse while North Beach is a popular volleyball game setup.

According to the City of South Haven website, parking fees collected through the “park and pay program” are used to operate the beach cleaner, providing the public with the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Southwest Michigan.


South Haven North Beach Pier (Courtesy, Cris Greer)


Transfer stations for wheelchair accessibility are available at both beaches.

The North Beach and South Beach and their bordering parking lots will be closed from 11 p.m. to daylight to public gatherings, including beach parties, reunions, festivals and all other events.

South Haven’s Icebreaker Festival returns in February

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

South Haven’s 29th Icebreaker Festival returns Feb. 3-5 with new locations for children’s activities designed to enhance existing family-friendly along with ice sculptures, a Chili Cook-off, Cardboard Sled Race, Pub Slide, outdoor ice skating, Disc Golf Tournament S’mores Roasting, Snowsuit Fashion Competition, Frozen Fish Fling and many more exciting activities through downtown South Haven.

The ice sculptures take center stage at the South Haven Icebreaker Festival. (Courtesy, South Haven)

Activities start on Friday, Feb. 3, with a winter disc gold, ice skating, and a snowsuit fashion contest.

The popular ice carving competition kicks off on Saturday morning, Feb. 4. There will be more than 40 blocks of ice, weighing 300-600 pounds each that will be carved into works of frozen art. While admiring the ice displays, be sure to enjoy the Pub Slide, with food, drink and entertainment specials offered at participating bars and restaurants all weekend long.

Also the streets of South Have will be blazing on Saturday as “Heat the Streets,” offers three fire pits open for s’more roasting. The Professional Chili Cook-Off provides downtown South Haven restaurants and bars the opportunity to vie for the coveted chili trophy and bragging rights. Also taking place on Saturday is the 4th Annual Frozen Fish Fling at the South Marina and the 5th annual Cardboard Sled Race.

Participate in beginner curling lessons or take the family ice skating at the covered rink in downtown South Haven. Proceeds from Ice Breaker help many local non-profit organizations to generate needed revenue to support local programming.

For more information about the activities contact the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 269-637-5171 or visit www.southhavenmi.com.

South Haven HarborFest 2021 has been cancelled

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The South Haven HarborFest has made the announcement that the 2021 event has been cancelled.

According to a press release, after an enormous amount of thought, including discussions with community leaders, the decision was made to cancel this year’s event.

“While trends in terms of the COVID infection rates are encouraging and regional vaccination programs are ramping up, we feel there are still too many unknowns and uncertainties with the ever changing restrictions and guidelines to allow us to proceed forward in safety hosting our wonderful event,” according to a press release from the committee.

The South Haven HarborFest usually takes place in June. The committee said it is working on the 2022 event.

School’s in, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop exploring

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Many area breweries, like Brewery Vivant, are offering special fall/harvest beers.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Well that school bell has rung but it doesn’t mean you need to end those weekend adventures. 

 

There are a host of weekend activities in and around West Michigan that range from family to scary fun. West Michigan Tourist Association Public Relations and Marketing Manager Jeremy Witt offered up a few ideas from the WMTA’s Carefree Travel Guide.

 

“Part of the harvest we have in West Michigan is hops,” Witt said. “So those hops are harvested and they go straight to the brewery to start the process of becoming beer.”

 

A number of area breweries offer harvest festivals such a Brewery Vivant, 925 Cherry St. SE. Brewery Vivant, the first LEED certified microbrewery in the world and a certified B Corporation, has featured its barrel aged beers. Visit the brewery’s website, breweryvivant.com, for more fall events.

 

If you are looking for something on the scary side, you might want to head to South Haven which transforms itself into a fall paradise with a little a touch of Halloween. From Oct. 19-21, South Haven hosts is Haven Harvest which is full of fun fall activities as well as the flavors of fall such as apple and pumpkin. If you like haunted houses, Witt said the Michigan Maritime Museum, which is located in South Haven at 260 Dyckman Ave., is transformed into a haunted maze Oct. 19 and 20. Museum Fright Nights run from 8 – 11 p.m. both days. Tickets are available at michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

 

Lavender fields are a popular place at Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery

Looking for something a little less scary, then try Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, located at 3309 Blue Water Rd., Traverse City, which has a unique harvest, lavender.

 

“They have these beautiful lavender fields, which I am sure it smells fantastic out there,” Witt said, adding that the store has a lot of lavender infused products in its shop. There are soaps and lotions along with home decor and pet accessories. Also available is lavender-infused cookies, lemonade, and a custom MOOMer’s ice cream. 

 

Lots of fun items available at Lewis Farms and Petting Zoo.

You could also head to New Era to Lewis Farms and Petting Zoo, 4180 West, M-20, which also has some unique fall decorations along with apples and a pumpkin patch. Of course, if you head over there, Witt said he recommends grabbing a cup of cider and an apple or pumpkin donut.

 

For more weekend ideas, check out the WMTA Carefree Travel Guide or visit wmta.org.

Close-to-home trips to consider as spring finally comes to West Michigan

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With Spring Break around the corner and — believe it or not — summer not that far away, West Michigan Tourist Association Marketing Manager Courtney Sheffer offered some tips on a few places to visit.

 

A sunset view on the S.S. Badger

Ludington

This month, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum has opened. Sheffer noted this is one of the newer attractions in Ludington with the museum featuring an extensive history on maritime activities. Along with the many authentic artifacts, there is a virtual reality experience where visitors can experience piloting the car ferry Pere Marquette 22 into Ludington’s harbor. The experience gives people a chance to learn the unique light signals of Lake Michigan’s many lighthouses as well, Sheffer said.

 

Then you can go from virtual reality to actually riding the last coal-fired steamship in the United States. The S.S. Badger makes its maiden voyage for 2018 on May 11 and runs through the last day of the season in October.

 

The S.S. Badger offers nostalgic, four-hour cruises across Lake Michigan to and from Manitowoc, Wisconsin twice daily in the summer season. Sheffer said visitors can also enjoy themed two-hour shoreline cruises in the summer such as the Fourth of July Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean Shoreline Cruise on July 25. For more on the S.S. Badger and its schedule, visit www.ssbadger.com.

 

Michigan’s Adventure

Muskegon

“It’s so close to the Grand Rapids area that it is a great day trip destination,” Sheffer said, adding that along with all of its out door activities, one of the biggest Muskegon attractions is Michigan’s Adventures, Michigan’s only adventure park.

 

Michigan’s Adventure, which opens in May, offers a number of rides from the Thunderhawk and Shivering Timbers roller coasters to the family fun of Lakeside Gliders and the Swan Boats. The 250-acre complex also has a waterpark, Wildwater Adventure, with wave pools and splash pads, with admission covering both parks. For more information, visit www.miadventure.com.

 

There is also the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, which is located inside the Muskegon State Park. There is cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding or sledding on five miles of groomed track. Also, the complex is home to one of four luge tracks in the nation, giving visitors the chance to feel what it is like to luge like an Olympian, Sheffer said.

 

The Heritage Landing Park at Hilt

Head just a little north of Muskegon to White Lake, where the Michigan Heritage Park at Hilt’s Landing, operated by the Lakeshore Museum, will be opening in May.

 

“There is this path that you go through the park and walk on, and travel through Michigan history,” Sheffer said. “They say they have 10,000 years of Michigan history.”

 

There are many “make and take” vintage craft opportunities such as candle dipping and an opportunity to unearth a mastodon at a dig site, she noted. For more on the Lakeshore Museum Center go to lakeshoremuseum.org.

 

The Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum

South Haven

Everyone likes to head south this time of year and just south of the Grand Rapids area is South Haven.

 

“There are a lot of indoor history museums in the South Haven area and lot of these are free to visit as well,” Sheffer said. “So it is a good time of year to head south and do some of that.”

 

A few places to visit include the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, which is the birthplace and childhood home of America’s “Father of Modern Horticulture,” Liberty Hyde Bailey Jr. The museum is a National historic Site and includes a garden, park and educational outreach center.

 

The gardens at the W.K. Kellogg Manor House

The Historical Association of South Haven has its home in the old Hartman School Building in South Haven and features a number of exhibits. And then there is the W.K. Kellogg Manor House in Hickory Corners, which was built in the 1920s by cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg. The home overlooks Gull Lake and there are free self-guided tours, but Sheffer said you do need to call ahead to reserve a spot.

 

For more ideas, check out the 2018 West Michigan Carefreee Travel Guide which is available at the WKTV station, 5261 Clyde Park Ave. SW or visit wmta.org.

 

“So there is a lot of information here, whether you want to stay close to home or maybe take a trip up north for the weekend or down south to like the South Haven area,” Sheffer said about the guide.

It’s blueberry season! So tune into WKTV to find all those great blueberry recipes!

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South Haven will be seeing blue —as in blueberries — next week as the community marks the 54th Annual Blueberry Festival Aug. 10 -13.

 

In honor of that, WKTV will be airing several specials on blueberries leading up to the big event. The shows are South Haven Blueberry Festival airing at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 7; 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8; and 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11. This special highlights some of the activities at the annual event which includes a craft show, mud run, 5K/10K race, parade, and lots of blueberry fun.

 

The popular “Cooking with Angus” show on cooking with blueberries will air at 7:30 p.. Aug. 7; 5:30 p.m. Aug. 8; and noon and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11. Chef Angus Campbell is a retired professor from Grand Rapids Community College Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. “Cooking with Angus” is a series that follows the chef and two GRCC students as they learn about food preparation first-hand in Italy and Scotland.

 

Finally, “Celebrating Life & Food” with local chef Donna Sawyer will air at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 and 12:30 p.m. Aug. 11. Sawyer is a TV cooking show host, blogger and event coordinator with her own website, celebratinglifeandfood.com.

 

For details on the South Haven Blueberry Festival, visit www.blueberryfestival.com.

Michigan native Erin McCahan presents young adult novel ‘The Lake Effect’

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Grand Haven native Erin McCahan presents her critically acclaimed young adult novel ‘The Lake Effect’ Tuesday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SW.

 

A funny, bracing, poignant young adult romance and coming-of-age for fans of Huntley Fitzpatrick, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and The Beginning of Everything.

 

When eighteen-year-old Briggs Henry decides to work for an eighty-four-year-old widow at her house on Lake Michigan the summer before college, he assumes he’ll take her to doctor appointments and help her with house work. Wrong. Briggs tries to leave behind his family and school troubles for a relaxing summer on the lake and instead encounters an eccentric elderly woman, tight-knit locals, and an enigmatic girl all of which gives a new meaning to “lake effect.”

 

McCahan grew up on the beaches of Grand Haven and Macatawa. Now a resident of landlocked New Albany, Ohio, she and her husband return every summer to North Beach in South Have, not he shores of Lake Michigan.

 

For more about the book reading and discussion, visit www.schulerbooks.com.

Halloween Fun in West Michigan: South Michigan

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There is so much to do in West Michigan to kick off the Halloween fun! This three part series will dive into different Fall and Halloween activities all throughout the West side of this Marvelous State. Part one and Southern Michigan comes down as the first leaf to hit the ground.

As Halloween approaches, all the little ghouls and goblins have one thing on their minds: Trick-or-Treating! To keep the kids’ minds off candy just a bit longer, kick off your Halloween fun early in West Michigan! Whether it’s family fun at the corn maze, or Halloween-themed pub crawls for the grown up ghouls, there are plenty of Halloween activities for all ages around West Michigan to get you in a Halloween mood!

South Michigan Halloween Fun

Stokes Homestead Farm MarketStokes Homestead Farm Market

Stokes Homestead Farm Market in Grand Junction is kicking off fall fun this season with their Shadow Hollow Haunt, a one-of-a-kind haunted trail, that will run every weekend in October! They’ll be throwing in some new twists, turns and scares this year. Check out all the details at stokeshomestead.com.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville

Cornwells TurkeyvilleCornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall is preparing for their family friendly Fall season of fun, frights, and memories. Every weekend in October, Cornwell’s holds their family friendly “Haunted Adventures,” open from 12pm-8pm on Saturday’s and 12pm-5pm on Sundays. Some of the activities include a pumpkin patch, spooky hay ride, and Haunted Barn. Each year the owners alter the theme of the Haunted Barn to explore all of the aspects Halloween has to offer.

This year’s theme is reminiscent of the things that caused your imaginary night time fear of monsters: shadows! All of the walls have spooky shadows thrown across them; but participants be warned, there are things lurking in the shadows, so prepare to be spooked. The haunts found in the barn are appropriate for even young children, and employees willing to help out the most scared of kids. Wristbands last all day and include all activities. The cost for a wristband is ten dollars per person – excluding babes in arms. Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre will be performing Abra Cadaver, an interactive murder mystery, on October 30 and 31 for more spooky, entertaining, & delicious Halloween fun!

Franke Center for the Arts

Franke Center for the ArtsPlan to visit the Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall on Saturday, October 24th at 8pm for a performance by Mind Reader & Illusionist Christopher Carter. Carter is recognized as one of the world’s greatest “mind-readers,” but he’s not psychic. He’s just an incredibly skilled observer of human behavior.

Starting at the age of eight, when an uncle allowed him to sit in on a poker game, Christopher began to realize that people broadcast their thoughts in ways beyond words. This led to a lifelong interest in non-verbal communication and ‘people reading.’ Although he pursued dual interests in psychology and theater in college, it wasn’t until he was doing graduate work that Chris finally put it all together: he blended his fast-paced, humorous theatrical style with stunning displays of psychological ability. The ovations and accolades have been coming ever since.

As an entertainer, Christopher has earned feature appearances on “The Martin Short Show” and the “Donny and Marie Show.” As one of the most popular performers on college campuses, he has been awarded the highest honor in the Campus Activities industry: Entertainer of the Year. Tickets for the show are $20 in advance and $22 at the door.

West Michigan Beer Tours

Beer TourGet in the Halloween mood with West Michigan Beer Tours and their spooky tour featuring a brewery with a haunt, and of course, some great fall seasonal beers. Be prepared for a night of frights, flights and fun.

The Halloween tour will begin at Shakespeare’s Pub in downtown Kalamazoo where pumpkin ales, hard ciders, and other autumn classics will be on tap. The group will then make the short jaunt west to Paw Paw Brewing Co. where the crew will get you in the spirit of the season with fall ales and perhaps a few scary surprises.

From there, you’ll make way to Psycho Ward & Nightmares, one of Kalamazoo’s best haunted attractions tucked into the woods behind the Kalamazoo Speedway. Enjoy steeply discounted prices and VIP access to the freak fest. You’ll then conclude with a quick ride north to Plainwell’s Old Mill Brewpub. Owner and brewmaster Scott Zylstra plans to serve some of his first beers and offer a tour of the more than 100-year-old building known to be inhabited by a few ghosts. The Halloween Beer Tour takes place on October 30th and lasts for five hours. Book your spot directly through West Michigan Beer Tours.

Journeyman Distillery

Journeyman Distillery will be hosting the Three Oaks Pub Crawl on Halloween (October 31st) from 2-10. Tour the town’s drinking establishments and compete for a chance to win coveted Pub Crawl t-shirts. Costumes are encouraged and the best ones will be rewarded. Watch out for the spirits this Halloween!

Henderson Castle

Henderson CastlePrepare for an evening of intrigue, lies, and deception at Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo as you try to unravel all the clues and solve a case of murder. All this while socializing with the cremé de la cremé of this city’s high society, friends, loved ones.

During the dinner, you get to know everyone, share what you know and find out what you can… you will need this to establish a motive… for murder. Who knows, you may be the murderer and not know it! The October Murder Mystery Dinner takes place the night before Halloween, on October 30th at Henderson Castle. The cost is $69 per person.

Michigan Maritime Museum

The Michigan Maritime Museum will host a free trick-or-treating event at the Museum for children ages toddler to 10 years on October 31st from 4pm-6pm. The event will have trick-or-treating stations around the Museum campus and aboard tall ship Friends Good Will. Children must be in costume to participate. Bring out the whole family! All children must be accompanied by an adult for this event.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel

Firekeepers CasinoJoin FireKeepers Casino Hotel this Halloween for a weekend of fun and entertainment, including the annual Halloween Costume Contest, Here Come the Mummies Concert, and Halloween Slot Tournament!

The festivities start Friday, October 30th with the Halloween costume contest at 7pm on the casino floor. All those interested in participating in the costume contest will need to join the parade line beginning at 7pm. At 7:45pm the Top 10 will be announced and asked to come to the Money Keepers Mainstage for the next round of judging, where the top 3 will be selected for audience voting. All of the top 10 costume participates will receive a prize.

The 1st place winner will walk away with a cash and Red Hot Credit prize of $5,000! Continue the Halloween excitement with Here Come the Mummies. The concert will begin at 9pm in the event center and ticket are just $25. The Halloween Slot Tournament will begin at 10am on October 31st. To qualify, simply earn 31 points on your Red Hot Rewards Club Card starting at 9am on October 31st. The tournament will run from 10am-3pm with the top 4 from each hour advancing to the final. The top 20 finalist will share a total prize pool of over $40,000 in prizes, with the 1st place winner receiving $20,000 cash!

The Inn at Harbor Shores

Inn at Harbor ShoresThe Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph invites you to celebrate this Halloween with them in a variety of ways! Visit the weekend of Halloween for Happy Halloweekend at The Inn, which will incorporate a series of frightening events for all ages, beginning with pumpkin carving and ending with a costume bash to end all others!

On Wednesday, October 28th, the local library will present Scary Stories, and Artist Pumpkin Carving Begins. Vote for your favorite pumpkin in person or on The Inn at Harbor Shores’ social media. On Halloween, the pumpkin carving winners will be announced, and the Costume Ball will kick off at 8pm! Enjoy dancing, a DJ, snacks, a cash bar, and prizes for the best costume! Tickets are $20, or can be included in your overnight stay package.

Crane Orchards & U-Pick

Crane OrchardsCrane Orchards & U-Pick in Fennville offers a 20-acre Corn Maze through October 30th. A lot of creative energy goes into this project every year to make it the best corn maze anywhere! Adults are $7, Ages 6 years to 10 years are $5, and kids 5 years old and below are free! This is a family friendly corn maze, and be sure to catch a hayride or Cowtrain ride while you’re there!

South Haven

If you’re in the South Haven area on Halloween, dress up, come out and join all the witches, goblins, vampires, superheroes, princesses, skeletons, and all the scariest costume in between for a fun filled candy gathering extravaganza! South Haven Trick-or-Treating will take place from 5:30pm-7:30pm on Halloween. Be sure to have a big container to hold all your candy, and don’t forget the three magic words: “Trick-or-Treat!”

Coldwater Country

Celebrate Halloween in Coldwater Country with costumes, scares, and a parade! Adventure out for a spook-tacular time in the Haunted Forest at Rotary Park in Coldwater on October 29th. The younger crowd will enjoy the less scary time from 6pm-7pm for the true Haunted Forest, scare time is 7pm-9pm. Don’t miss out on the Haunted Halloween Parade on October 31st! The theme changes every year, and you’ll see entries from organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Gilmore Car Museum Spooktacular

Gilmore Car Museum 5The 4th Annual Gilmore Car Museum Spooktacular will take place at the Museum on Thursday, October 29th from 4:00-7:00pm! Fun for the whole family, the Spooktacular will feature cool cars throughout the Museum, trick-or-treat throughout the galleries for children 12 and under, a featured film in the theater, and special treats and samples from local businesses! Costumes are encouraged! Kids 12 and under are FREE – Adults $5.00/person (children must be accompanied by an adult at all times).

Make sure to check out part 2 on Thursday for Halloween activities in Central West Michigan!