Summer is the perfect time to plan a nearby weekend away. In less than two hours, you can find yourself on the opposite shore of Lake Michigan, where travelers can enjoy the string of quaint lakeshore towns and cities in Michigan with plentiful summer and fall activities. The region rolls out its welcome as soon as you cross the border and reach New Buffalo.
Here’s a sampling of events for your Michigan adventures:
Three Oaks Flag Day Weekend and Parade, Three Oaks
June 12-14
The 63rd annual event is a celebration of Americana featuring the world’s largest Flag Day parade on June 14 at 2 p.m. The event includes a vintage car show, pet parade, a host of kid’s events and an art show. Three Oaks has recently become a magnet for visitors with its antique stores, restaurants and theaters, as well as the Backroads Bikeway, popular self-guided bike tours throughout the area.
Benton Harbor Arts District Art Hop, Benton Harbor
June 19, Oct. 23, Dec. 11
Downtown Benton Harbor has enjoyed a renaissance of late with its blossoming arts district. Every four months the businesses in the district showcase local artists and invite the general public. Art Hops are free and family friendly with many nearby restaurants in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
New Buffalo ARTigras, New Buffalo
June 27-28
Held near the beach, this relatively new festival features the art of more than 70 regional fine artists, including paintings, sculpture, glass, photography, drawings, jewelry, fiber, wood, ceramics and furniture. You’ll enjoy the live entertainment and artists’ demonstrations.
Fireworks, on the beach, New Buffalo
July 3
Although there’s many great fireworks displays in Southwest Michigan, New Buffalo puts on “quite the show” according to Viki Guda, executive director of the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce. The fireworks on the beach are part of New Buffalo’s Independence Day Celebration (July 1-5) with surfing demos, outdoor movies, live music and a car show.
International Cherry Pit Spitting Contest, Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm, Eau Claire
July 4
This 42nd annual free event is for every age. Qualifying rounds start at 10 a.m. and end at noon. Top spitters in their designated division compete in the championship round at 1 p.m. at this playful, festive event.
Krasl Art Fair, St. Joseph
July 11-12
Acclaimed as one of the top 10 art fairs in the country, the Krasl Art Fair is an event that aspires to be the “artists’ favorite art show” as well as a happening summer event for visitors. The juried show features more than 200 artists (selected from more than 900 who apply) along the beautiful bluff overlooking Lake Michigan in downtown St. Joseph. It’s a great location for the show with a plethora of restaurants and shops nearby.
Mike Yore Memorial Car and Music Show, St. Joseph
July 17
The event—a must for the car-crazy—features more than 100 classic cars, live music, micro-brews and wine at the Shadowland Pavilion on St. Joseph’s immensely popular Silver Beach.
Chalk the Block, St. Joseph
July 31- Aug. 2
A festive weekend on the downtown streets of St. Joseph that’s perfect for all ages. Thirty handpicked chalk artists create sidewalk masterpieces. During the weekend, the downtown merchants host sales and other activities including walking tours, a farmers’ market and Antiques on the Bluff.
Art & Music at the Vineyard, Round Barn Winery, Baroda
Aug. 1-2
This weekend event features Michigan and Indiana artists and their original pottery, glass, metal sculptures and paintings. Wine, beer and spirits are available while you shop and enjoy live music. This is just one of many events and classes offered at the Round Barn in 2015.
Apple Cider Century Bike Tour, Three Oaks
Sept. 27
For more than 40 years the last Sunday in September means it’s time for the Apple Cider Century Bike Tour in Three Oaks. Something for all cyclists, this one-day, family-friendly event includes marked routes of 15, 25, 37, 50, 62, 75 and 100 miles through all the natural beauty Southwest Michigan has to offer. Sponsored by the Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle Club, monies go to finance the tour, Backroads Bikeway trails and other national biking and trail organizations.
Can’t make any of the events?
There are plenty of attractions and activities in Southwest Michigan all summer, and well into the fall. Vacationers enjoy having their photos taken around public art in downtown St. Joseph with a different theme each year. This year it’s splishing and splashing with oversize duckies, whales and frogs. Down the bluff in St. Joseph you’ll find Michigan’s largest splash pad, the Silver Beach Carousel and the world-renowned Silver Beach Pizza.
The beautiful Lake Michigan beaches from New Buffalo up the coast are perhaps the biggest draw. The New Buffalo Public Beach still maintains lifeguards, making it very family friendly. There’s also the New Buffalo Railroad Museum with a model railroad that kids will love. Lake Michigan has been discovered as a surfing destination and the Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo offers day camps for kids to teach surfing and paddle boarding.
Art galleries, quaint shop, wineries, bed & breakfast and hotel packages also make Southwest Michigan a great destination for a Girls’ Weekend.
Karen Gentry is a freelance writer based in the Grand Rapids, Mich. area. She is the author of two books on cycling in Michigan and writes for the Michigan Trails Magazine.
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