Explore Michiana — May 2017

explore Michiana LEADER PUBLICATIONS

24

hOURS

IN SOUTh BEND Must stops for a day trip to Irish country

BEST BURgER The sandwich that made New Buffalo famous

Your guide to MEMORIAL DAY 2017

fun

in the region

DISCOVER THE BEST IN SHOPPING, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT

Eat Fresh, Eat Healthy, Eat Local.

Come to the Buchanan Farmers’ Market and taste what’s in season!

Open May 6 - October 14, 2017 Every Saturday 8am – 1pm Downtown Buchanan on the Common

Vendor opportunities available

For information call 269-506-3021 or BuchananFarmersMarketMaster@gmail.com

www.BuchananFarmersMarket.com

explore Michiana

Welcome to Michiana!

I

t’s that time of year again.

Time to pull the cover off the swimming pool. Time to take the boat out for a spin. Time to fire up the barbecue and grill a couple steaks.

Time to get out and explore.

Whether you are a lifelong resident or stopping by the area for the first time, I promise the list is endless when it comes to memories to be made in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana, which we locals affectionately refer to as “Michiana.”

For the past several years, Leader Publications has kicked off summer with an annual reminder of all the great things to see and do in Michiana. From lists of popular golf courses to suggestions for dining options, we have guided thousands of guests through the area.

Like the tide on Lake Michigan, we know the people visiting Michaina come in waves. Each year, flocks of people travel to our lakeside communities to kick off the summer during Memorial Day weekend.

A little more than a month later, every corner of the community fills with folks excited to celebrate America’s independence. The Fourth of July fireworks are always a people pleaser.

Michiana residents and tourists love to end the summer with a bang by closing out the season in style, right around Labor Day. Anyone who lives here can vouch

that there is plenty to do year round, but our communities are especially festive during these three points of the summer season.

To celebrate the growing readership of Explore Michiana and all the fun things to do around the holidays, we decided to publish our annual guide not once, but three times — one publication each just in time for the three major summer holidays.

Now, instead of finding one big book of things to do in Michiana, we will give you an insider’s perspective on what is happening in the region not once, but three times — each time with fresh, new content.

In this issue, we take you to the home of the Fighting Irish — chock full of plenty to do in addition to Notre Dame football.

We prepare you for everything — from choosing the best park at which to play to fun things to do on rainy days.

We offer dining suggestions, like Redamak’s, which still serves the burger that made New Buffalo famous, along with an extensive list of local breweries and wineries.

The vacation season should be a relaxing time — not a stressful experience, struggling to decide what to do.

We have designed this magazine to take the stress out of your summer, so you spend less time deciding what to do, and more time enjoying all that Michiana has to offer.

Ambrosia Neldon, general manager, Leader Publications

Contact us!

Editorial inquiries news@leaderpub.com (269) 687-7700 Advertising ambrosia.neldon@ leaderpub.com (269) 683-2100 Distribution angie.marciniak@ leaderpub.com (269) 687-7727

explore Michiana 24 Must stops for a day trip to Irish country

BEST BURgER The sandwich that made New Buffalo famous

Your guide to MEMORIAL DAY 2017

fun in the region

DISCOVER THE BEST IN SHOPPING, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT

6 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Plan your agenda around these popular festivals

20 Athletic venues See a game or play a sport at any of these locations

27 Antiques Small towns full of places to find new treasures for your collection

In every issue

21 Golf courses Plenty of destinations to enjoy the links

Family fun

16 ADVENTURE TIME Niles’ Fernwood gardens offer fun activities for all ages

Shopping

24 TO MARKET, TO MARKET Area farmers offer organic shopping opportunities

LEADER PUBLICATIONS 217 N. Fourth St. Niles, MI 49120

IN SOUTh BEND

26 Art galleries Talented creators display their masterpieces at area galleries

Great oudoors

DISTRIBUTION Angie Marciniak

hOURS

19 Parks Find out what amenities are offered at these destinations

22 Beaches The shore line is ready for sand castles and swimming

ADVERTISING Donna Knight Phil Langer Angie Marciniak Jenna McAllister Lisa Oxender Ashley Smith

(269) 683-2100

4 MAP OF MICHIANA Find your way around the region with our detailed guide

12 24 HOURS IN...

A whirlwind guide helps you plan a day in South Bend

PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Wes Jerdon Michelle Pulling

LEADER PUBLICATIONS

Contents

8 LIFE ON THE LAKE Diamond Lake offers peaceful summer fun

EDITORIAL Sarah Culton Kelsey Hammon Joe Kuharic Scott Novak Ted Yoakum

Michiana Life

Food and drink

34 DESTINATION DINING Taste the burger known for making New Buffalo famous 38 21 AND OLDER Local breweries getting creative to find their niche in craft beer

28 RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES 10 family-friendly activities to do indoors on gloomy days

40 BREWERIES Find out what is on tap in the Michiana beer scene

32 Theaters Venues offer plenty of places to see a show, play or concert

41 WINERIES Southwest Michigan is full of places to taste local vino

33 MUSEUMS Discover the history and culture of the Michiana region

Key Arts

Coloma

Beach Brewery

Wa

Camping Canoe Rentals Casino Fair Health & Fitness

Benton Harbor

Golfing

St. Joseph

Hospital Music & Concerts Parks Resorts Skiing Swimming Winery

Stevensville Eau Claire

Baroda

Berrien Springs

Bridgman Sawyer

New Buffalo

Three Oaks

Buchanan

Niles

Michigan City

Sou Ben

atervliet

Hartford

Portage

Paw Paw

Lawrence

Lawton

Decatur

MICHIGAN

Marcellus

Dowagiac

Cassopolis

Vandalia

Three Rivers

s

uth nd

Constantine

Edwardsburg

White Pigeon Granger

INDIANA Elkhart

Calendar of events June 1-4 Niles Family Fun Fair & Bluegrass/ Americana Music Festival (Niles) — Returning for the 15th year, this free music festival draws hundreds to Riverfront Park for live music along the St. Joseph River.

July 1 Independence Day Celebration (Niles) — The Four Flags Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual fireworks show on the Apple Festival Fairgrounds. This popular show draws people from all over the southwest Michigan region.

June 9-11 Three Oaks Flag Day Celebration (Three Oaks) — The 65th annual Flag Day Weekend and parade will feature a three-day weekend including art in the park, a pet parade, kids zone, food vendors, beer and brats, little league and men’s softball tournaments.

Possibly the best piece of Americana anywhere! The nation’s largest Flag Day Parade runs along Elm Street at 3 p.m. Sunday.

July 4 International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship (Eau Claire) — Test your spit-a-bility with only a minimal loss of dignity. Youth through adult divisions compete by spitting a cherry pit the farthest down a pit-spitting court.

June 17-18 Leeper Park Art Fair (South Bend) — A juried fine art festival that has been going for 48 years. Artists exhibit from all over the country.

June 26-27 Mishawaka Summer Fest — The 334d annual Mishawaka Summerfest returns to a two-day format in Merrifield and Crawford Parks from 6 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. June 24 and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 25. Guests can shop, network, eat and watch shows, including a K-9 disc show, a talent show and concerts.

June 30-July 4 RedBud Motocross National (Buchanan) —Each summer, motocross athletes and fans from across the nation visit RedBud in Buchanan for the motocross national. This annual celebration is a sure sign of summer in the RedBud City.

6 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

July 20-22 Summer in the City (Dowagiac) — Guests can enjoy more than 50 hours of entertainment at Dowagiac’s Summer in the City, which features The Taste of Dowagiac, vocal, instrumental and dance performances, and such action sports as BMX demos, among many other familyfriendly activities.

July 29 Support Our Troops Festival (Baroda) — This fundraising festival includes a custom car show with live band, bike ride and show, military and vendor displays, helicopter rides, Military Honor Parade, live musical tribute artist shows, supervised children’s games and rides, and a fireworks show.

July 30-August 5 Cass County Fair (Cassopolis) — Youth exhibitors who reside in Cass County will have the chance to show off the hard work they have put into their 4-H projects. The community is invited to the fair for carnival rides and games, fair food, shopping, live entertainment and more.

August 4-6 Chalk the Block (St. Joseph) — This colorful event returns to the sidewalks of St. Joseph for the 21st year this August.

Artists will create chalk masterpieces.

August 12 and 13 Ship and Shore Blues Festival (New Buffalo) — New Buffalo ARTigras! Fine Art and Craft Festival offers original works of art from more than 70 artists. This year, Artigras joins the Ship and Shore Blues Festival. Live entertainment, artist demonstrations, and a Harbor Country gallery tour will add to the experience of the New Buffalo ARTigras festival.

August 14-19 Berrien County Youth Fair (Berrien Springs) — The Berrien County Youth Fair celebrates hundreds of local farmers with a week full of animal shows, fair food, carnival rides, exhibits, live entertainment and more.

August 19 Art Beat (South Bend) — Hosted in the heart of downtown South Bend, this event draws more than 10,000 people annually. Guests can listen to live music as they enjoy creations of area chefs, purchase fresh local produce and view the handcrafted work of local artists.

August 26-27 Michiana Renaissance Festival (South Bend) — The Michiana Renaissance Festival features live reenactments from several time periods. Four reenactment areas include Medieval/Renaissance, the Golden Age of Piracy, the Time of the Vikings and Fairytale Storyland.

September 28-October 1 Four Flags Area Apple Festival (Niles) — The Four Flags Area Apple Festival is an annual celebration of autumn and the apple harvest. Activities include the Apple Festival Grande Parade, Youth Day, carnival style games and rides, tons of apple treats, live entertainment, contests, an arts and craft fair and more.

JUNE 9-11 Featuring local food & craft vendors at Art In the Park June 10 & 11 in Three Oaks, MI

EXPLORE MICHIANA THREEOAKSFLAGDAY.COM

2017 | 7

LAKE LIFE

SHINE ON you crazy diamond Memorial Day ushers in summer fun on the lake STORY TED YOAKUM PHOTOGRAPHY WES JERDON

F

or many of the people who make the annual sojourn to the 1,078-acre body of water, Diamond Lake is not just a great spot to spend the summer.

It is a tradition, according to Park Shore Marina’s Kathy Grice.

A few weeks before Memorial Day, the official start of the summer, the woman flipped through her book of boat reservations for the upcoming season — which she began receiving back in February — and rattled off the names of the different states her customers hail from: Illinois, Colorado, California, Washington, etc.

“Many of our customers grew up coming here as children,” Grice said.

“Even after moving away from the area they continue to come here for

8 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

vacation with their families.”

Diamond Lake has served as a pillar in the life for Grice’s husband and Park Shore founder Steve Palatinus as well. He has owned the marina since 1977, and has operated it alongside Grice since 2012, she said.

“He knows a majority of the people who live on the lake,” Grice said.

“We’re constantly running into kids who used to work here back in the day who now bring their kids to the lake.”

For many, Park Shore serves as the gateway to the azure waters of Diamond Lake, located outside the village of Cassopolis in Cass County, Michigan. With 20 different vessels — including pontoons, speedboats and fishing boats — customers can rent on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 9

LAKE LIFE

10 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

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For a Safer Healthier Community • Fully Licensed & Experienced Paramedics • Municipally Owned & Operated • Non Emergency & Transfers • Medicare & Medicaid Approved

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Non-Emergencies & Transfers: (269) 925-2141 Administrative & Business Calls: (269) 925-2143 The harbor allows people who rent cabins or own seasonal property on the lake to enjoy the water without having to invest in a personal watercraft.

Customers may also rent other recreational vehicles to enjoy on and around the lake, including kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles and water trampolines.

After a long day relaxing and playing the waters, people can come inside the marina’s boat store, where the shop sells a sundry of apparel, snacks, fishing bait, boating supplies and more. Customers can also hang out on the patio, where the owners occasionally book bands to perform.

While the owners and their staff spend the weeks leading up to the holiday busily preparing the boats and docks for the summer, Memorial Day is go time for the business, as the lake comes alive with activity, Grice said.

In addition to serving as a hotspot for boaters, children and teenagers vacationing with their parents make the marina a destination as well, often walking, biking or even boating down to the shop to buy some ice cream or grab a slushy from the boat shop.

“Once the kids are out of school, we’re like candy town in here,” Grice said.

Located just hours from metropolises like Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit, many see the secluded shores of Diamond Lake as an attractive spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.

It is a place where people can gather to be around like-minded vacationers, to enjoy a few weeks of the year away from the crazy, noisy streets and into the calming waters and ambience of the lakefront.

“I think Diamond Lake is like a vacation paradise,” Grice said. “It can feel like a lot like the Caribbean sometimes, watching the sunset over the lake while you feel the warm summer breeze.”

Park Shore Marina is located at 22230 Maple St., Cassopolis.

For rental or other information, people may contact the business at (269) 470-4650 or at parkshoremarinalake@gmail.com.

Servicing Berrien & Parts of Van Buren Counties

Since 1977 • www.medic1ambulance.org

For All Your Wheelchair Needs 7 Days A Week For Scheduling (269) 925-2141 For peace of mind, call us about our Advantage Membership Program EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 11

24 HOURS IN...

24South Bend hours in

Experts offer a whirlwind guide to a day in Indiana’s Irish country

S

STORY JOE KUHARIC PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE PULLING

outh Bend is a city on the move.

With a revitalization of downtown underway, shops sprouting up offering handcrafted goods and a vibrant history, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by things to do during just one visit.

“We’re not pigeonholed into one thing [in South Bend]. We’re not just a sports town or a college town. We have something for everyone,” says Mike Franz, the communications and public relations manager at Visit South Bend/ Mishawaka. “When you come to South Bend there’s always something new to do.”

To help keep you from missing out, we asked Franz to help us compile a list of must-visit attractions around South Bend.

12 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

Notre Dame’s Golden Dome (Photo by WES JERDON)

Notre Dame campus This is a no-brainer. No visit to South Bend is complete without a visit to the University of Notre Dame campus.

The entire campus is picturesque, but the Golden Dome is a central feature.

“You can see the dome anywhere you are on campus,” Franz says. “It’s beautiful whether it’s sunny or rainy.”

Also worth exploring on campus is the stadium are the Grotto and the Hesburgh Library.

Four Winds Field If you’re lucky enough to be in town during game day, you should make a point to visit Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs.

“Even if you’re not a baseball fan, there’s so much to do there,” Franz says.

“There’s plenty of food, a splash pad, the tiki hut, game promotions, batting practice and fireworks.”

The community has been embracing the South Bend Cubs in the last few years, and the stadium has seen community attendance thrive each season.

The Studebaker Museum and the History Museum South Bend has a rich history in manufacturing and innovation. Between both museums, history buffs will have a lot to drool over in a quick visit.

“The Studebaker and History museums are two of the more popular [museums in town] and are located right next to one another,” Franz says. “[Both museums] tell the story of South Bend, between the Studebaker and Oliver Chilled Plow companies.”

FOUR WIND

S FIELD

At the Studebaker Museum, visitors are able to experience a piece of the rich car industry that once flourished in South Bend. But it’s a vehicle of another type that Franz says to check out.

“The really cool thing, I think, is that [the Studebaker Museum has] the largest presidential carriage exhibit,” he says.

“They even have Lincoln’s carriage from when he was assassinated!”

At the History Museum, Franz suggests touring the Oliver Mansion, where visitors can see exactly what life was like in town in the late 1800s.

“It’s a really cool step back in time [at the mansion], even if you don’t know the history,” Franz says. “It’s a huge Victorian mansion with original furniture. They even have the original spices in the cupboard.”

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 13

24 HOURS IN...

The South Bend Chocolate Company Trucking out to South Bend’s Westside, visitors can take a tour of the South Bend Chocolate Company factory to get a taste of modern manufacturing in the town.

“The cool thing about South Bend Chocolate Company factory, besides them having wall-to-wall chocolate, is that you get to take a tour of the factory,” Franz says. “You’re right next to the conveyor belt. You can go right into the factory.”

If you’re in a hurry and do not have time for a tour, the factory has a candy shop inside, or you can visit the South Bend Chocolate Café in downtown South Bend.

The East Race If the summer heat is sweltering and you’re looking for a unique way to cool off that is not the pool, South Bend’s East Race is where it’s at. “[The East Race] was the first artificial whitewater rafting course in America,” Franz says. “The rapids aren’t too difficult, but it’s a good challenge.”

The cost is $5 per person, per ride to go rafting. A typical rafting session lasts about five minutes, and the race is open weekends from June 3 to Aug. 27. Kayaking is also allowed on the race for $15 per day, but visitors must bring their own kayaks.

South Bend chocolate cafe

Great food There are many great eating options around South Bend, but for a good range of cuisine choices and price options, consider eating local.

For the classic Irish pub fare, Fiddler’s Hearth is the place to be.

If you are in the mood for a lighter meal, or just a cup of coffee or tea, consider Chicory Café. For fine dining options, LaSalle Grill and Café Navarre are two spots to see and be seen. Craft beers are on tap at South Bend Brew Werks, served alongside a number of popular food dishes. top-notch lodging To get the true South Bend experience, Franz suggests booking rooms at either the DoubleTree Hotel in South Bend, or the Morris Inn. The DoubleTree is located just on the edge of downtown, which will keep many activities within a walking distance and is centrally located to the city. The Morris Inn is on the Notre Dame campus, which offers the chance for an evening stroll on campus, and is located near the attractions on this list.

14 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER For 95 years, this immaculate structure has hosted thousands of some of the world’s most legendary performers — from solo artists like Bruce Springsteen to touring Broadway shows like “Wicked” and “Chicago.”

The theater continues to host world renowned artists and touring companies year-round. Event lineups and tickets are available at morriscenter.org South bend

brew werks

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Unique, Rustic & Handmade Items

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50th Annual

LeeperPark

ART FAIR

Sponsered by the St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society

Saturday, June 17th 10:00a - 6:00p Sunday, June 18th 10:00a - 5:00p

120 Artists from all over the country featuring: • Sculpture • Jewelry • Oil & Acrylic • Water Color • Photography

• Digital Art • Wood Work • Mixed Media • Print & Drawing

• Fiber • Clay • Glass • Pottery

Food vendors will be available & light jazz music throughout the fair.

Rated #77 Best Fine Art Show in Sunshine Artist Magazine’s 200 Best Shows of 2015

900 North Michigan Street South Bend, IN Downtown by the St. Joseph River

For more Information call 574-276-2942 www.leeperparkartfair.org

Find Us On Facebook!

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 15

GREAT OUTDOORS

Adventure

TIME

Niles’ Fernwood gardens offer outdoor fun STORY SCOTT NOVAK PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

16 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

Summer camps Jon Meyer Nature Day Camps Nature’s Sensors: 4 year-olds June 13–16, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Children explore the natural world with their five senses. $66 (Members $53) Animal Explorers: 5- and 6-year-olds Choose one session: June 20–23 or June 27–30, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Children are introduced to the birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and amphibians that call Fernwood home. $81 (Members $65) Habitat Happenings: 7- and 8-year-olds Choose one session: July 11-14 or July 18-21, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the journey into the forest, field and pond habitats of Fernwood. $96 (Members $77) Ecology Explorers: 9 and 10 year-olds Choose one session: July 25–28 or August 1-4, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ecology and the human impact on the environment are the focus of this session. This camp includes a Thursday overnight camping trip at Fernwood with tents, dinner, and breakfast provided. $121 (Members $97) Earth Day Adventurers: 11 & 12 year-olds Aug. 8–11, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Campers explore Fernwood and other natural areas. This camp includes a Thursday overnight camping trip at Fernwood with tents, dinner and breakfast provided. $136 (Members $109)

A

s spring turns into early summer, there are more than just plants and trees blooming at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles.

Fernwood is undertaking a $3 million fundraising campaign to build a new education center and make additional improvements to 105-acre facility, which was originally the country home of Kay and Walter Boydston.

Fernwood was created when the Boydstons sold 12.5 acres of their property. In 1964 the popular gathering place for many who shared Kay’s love of nature and horticulture became public due to the efforts of Niles philanthropists Lawrence and Mary Plym.

Over time, more and more of the land was purchased. Today, Fernwood spans an expansive 105 acres.

Nestled along the St. Joseph River, Fernwood contains acres of landscaped gardens that are always changing with blooming plants, from daffodils and primroses in early spring to perennials and ornamental grasses that last well into late fall.

The nature preserve features tall trees, tranquil ponds, springs and wildflowers that cover the landscape.

The 1,000-foot conservatory has more

than 100 kinds of ferns that grow in the rocks and in beds. At one end, there is a waterfall that cascades down into a small pond.

A family favorite is the railway garden, which was added in 2010 and designed

by Paul Busse of Applied Imaginations.

Busse also designed the outdoor railway garden, which has become one of Fernwood’s most popular attractions.

The railway features two tracks, one overhead and one at ground level. A fire in October 2015 destroyed the popular attraction, but thanks to the efforts of many who helped raise approximately $12,000 through online donations, the railway reopened in May 2016. Now open for the 2017 season, the unique garden continues to draw people to Fernwood.

Fernwood’s nature center offers visitors a chance to view a large variety of birds that come to the outdoor feeding area. The creatures can be watched through picture windows and heard thanks to microphones.

The 5-acre tallgrass prairie, which began as a bicentennial project in 1976, showcases the once dominant vegetation of the Midwest, which is becoming harder and harder to find.

Wildflowers bloom throughout the growing season and by late summer, the grass will be as tall as the patrons visiting it.

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 17

GREAT OUTDOORS

Botanical gardens and nature preserves LOVE CREEK nature center 9292 Huckleberry Road Berrien Center, MI 49102 (269) 471-2617 Six miles of hiking trails wind through a beech maple forest, wildflowers and several other natural habitats in the 200-acre nature preserve.

RUM VILLAGE nature center 2626 S Gertrude Street South Bend, IN 46614 (574) 235-9455 Just south of the heart of South Bend, Rum Village offers bird watching, hiking, biking trails and other activities in the great outdoors. Rum Village Park also features disc golfing and covered pavilions perfect for picnics.

The 45-acre arboretum contains trees and shrubs from temperate regions around the world. They are planted in naturalistic groups that are surrounded by lawns and meadows.

Students researching specific trees frequently use the arboretum. The bluebirds are abundant thanks to nesting boxes, which have been placed between the groves.

“We are all about educating people,” said Elaine Rowland, development and community engagement manager. “About nature, our environment and wildlife.

Rowland is extremely proud and excited about all the new things that Fernwood is going to be able to offer with its new education center.

The fundraiser is approaching $2.5 18 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

million and she is hopeful that the remaining funds can be raised quickly and ground broken on the project soon.

“We are in the middle of the ‘Seed The Future’ campaign and a big part of that will be building a new education center,” Rowland said. “It is really, really exciting.

The education center is going to be an amazing asset to the community. We have outgrown our current nature center. So we need something newer, bigger and better.

“We are going to have some really cool features in this new center. It will have two wings and be almost 6,000 square feet.

One is called flora and the other fauna.

Each wing can hold up to 200 people, so we can hold classes, programs and we also do weddings, facility rentals and business meetings. We do a little bit of everything.”

sarrett nature center 2300 N Benton Center Road Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (269) 927-4832 This unique nature center, located in southwestern Michigan’s Berrien County, has eight miles of trails meandering through its 1,000 acres, which includes boardwalks, observation platforms and an easily accessible barrier-free walkway.

ShiojIri NIWA Garden 1000 East Mishawaka Avenue Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 258-1664 This Japanese strolling garden symbolizes the sister-city relationship between Mishawaka, Indiana and Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It contains more than 20 different varieties of large plant material, more than 200 large boulders, donated statues and a teahouse pavilion.

Parks Arthur Dodd Memorial Park 61437 Creek Road Niles, MI 49120 (269) 445-4456 Fishing, playground, picnics, horseshoe pits, hiking, volleyball, canoe landing Battell Park 301 W Mishawaka Avenue Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 258-1664 Lighted tennis courts, playground, rock garden, gazebo Dr. T.K. Lawless Park 15122 Monkey Run St. Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 445-8611 Biking and hiking trails, horseshoe pits, fishing, playground, picnics, volleyball, disc golf East race waterway 126 South Niles Avenue South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 299-4765 Rafting, kayaking Fred Russ Forest Park 20379 Marcellus Hwy. Decatur, MI 49045 (269) 445-8611 Equestrian trails, horseshoe pits, fishing, playground, picnics, volleyball Galien River County Park 17424 Red Arrow Hwy. New Buffalo, MI 49117

(269) 983-7111, ext. 8435 Canopy walkway, marsh overlook tower, boardwalk, fishing, hiking

(574) 235-9455 Nature center, bird watching, biking and walking trails, picnic areas

Grand Mere Park Thornton Road Stevensville, MI 49127 (269) 426-4013 Birding, hiking

Mccoy creek Park 587 E. Smith St. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-3971 Softball field, pavilion, playground equipment

KAMM ISLAND PARK 600 W. Front St. Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 258-1664 Fishing, riverwalk trail Love Creek County Park 9292 Huckleberry Road Berrien Center, MI 49102 (269) 471-2617 Nature center, hiking, birding, biking Madeline Bertrand Park 3038 Adams Road Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-8280 Disc golf, hiking and biking trails, picnics, playground Rocky Gap County Park 1100 Rocky Gap Road Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (269) 983-7111, ext. 8435 Swimming, picnics, shaded areas RUM VILLAGE PARK 2626 S Gertrude Street South Bend, IN 46614

Silver Beach County Park 101 Broad St. St. Joseph, MI 49085 (269) 982-0533 Swimming, beach volleyball, fishing, concessions, kayaking, boarding St. Patrick’s Park 50651 Laurel Road South Bend, IN 46637 (574) 277-4828 Scenic barns, hiking and biking trails, canoe rental, boat ramp Warren Dunes State Park 12032 Red Arrow Hwy. Sawyer, MI 49125 (269) 426-4013 Campgrounds, hiking trails, swimming WILSON PARK 2605 S. Clover Road Mishawaka, IN 46544 (574) 258-1707 Disc golf, tubing (winter)

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 19

GREAT OUTDOORS

Athletic venues

Edwardsburg Sports Complex 27566 U.S. 12 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 414-4417 edwardsburgsportscomplex.com Four Winds FielD 501 W. South St. South Bend, IN 46601 (574) 235-9988 milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t550 Joyce Center at Notre Dame 113 Joyce Center Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 631-7356 und.com LAKELAND ATHLETIC CLUB 1912 S. Third Street Niles, MI 49120

20 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

(269) 684-8030 lakelandacademyoftennis.com Niles-Buchanan YMCA 905 North Front Street Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-1552 nb-ymca.com Notre Dame Stadium Moose Krause Circle Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 631-7356 und.com Ray & Joan Krock Corps Community Center 900 W. Western Avenue South Bend, IN 46601 (574) 233-9471 mykroc.org

Soccer Zone 1435 University Drive Ct. Granger, IN 46530 (574) 243-5777 letsplaysoccer.com South Shore HEALTH & Racquet Club 3630 Tennis Ct., St. Joseph, M (269) 429-2101 southshorehrc.com St. Joseph-Benton Harbor YMCA 3665 Hollywood Road St. Joseph, MI 49085 (269) 428-9622 Thomas Stadium 1119 Silverbrook Ave. Niles, MI 49120 (574) 386-9023 eteamz.com/greaternilesbaseball

Golf courses Benton Harbor

Harbor Shores Golf Club 201 Graham Avenue (269) 927-4653 Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club 2520 Kerlikowske Road (269) 849-2722

Buchanan

Brookwood 1339 Rynearson Road (269) 695-7818 Orchard Hills Country Club 2841 Niles-Buchanan Road (269) 695-5722

Cassopolis

Eau Claire

Notre Dame

Edwardsburg

Notre Dame Golf Course US 933 and Dorr Road (574) 631-6425

Indian Lake Hills 55321 Brush Lake (269) 782-2540 Four Lakes Country Club 22786 U.S. 12 (269) 699-5701 Garver Lake Golf Course 25320 May St. (269) 663-6463

Granger

Juday Creek Golf Course 14770 Lindy Drive (574) 277-4653

Park Shore 610 Park Shore Drive (224) 445-2834

Knollwood Country Club 16633 Baywood Lane (574) 307-8052 Mishawaka

Diamond Lake Golf Club 300 Riverside Drive (269) 445-3143

Eberhart Park Golf Course 801 N. State Street (574) 255-5508

Dowagiac

Niles

Elks Golf Course Underwood Drive (269) 782-3889 Spruce Ridge Golf Club 26831 Dutch Settlement (269) 782-5827

Plym Park 401 Marmont St. (269) 684-7331 Signal Point Club 1475 W. River Road (269) 683-7073

Warren Golf Course 110 Warren Golf Course (574) 631-4653

South Bend

Blackthorn Golf Club 6100 Nimtz Parkway (574) 232-4653 Bowlers CountRy Club 55839 Pine Road (574) 237-9150 ELBEL GOLF COURSE 26595 Auten Road (574) 271-9180 Erskine Park Golf Club 4200 Miami Street (574) 291-3216 Morris Park Country Club 2200 McKinley Avenue (574) 282-3726 South Bend Country Club 25800 Country Club Drive (574) 282-2527 *This list is not exhaustive and lists the most popular courses in the Michiana area.

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 21

GREAT OUTDOORS

Beaches

Benton Harbor

Jean Klock Park Jean Klock Road (269) 208-5278 Lake Michigan swimming, paved parking, boardwalk, volleyball courts, observation tower, pavilion, bathhouse, concession area, playground and picnic shelter. The park is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission is $25 per vehicle.

Rocky Gap County Park 1100 Rocky Gap Road (269) 983-7111, ext. 8435 Swimming, picnicking and scenic view, three acres along 1,100 feet of shoreline. No restrooms or lifeguard on duty. Park is open dawn to dusk April through October.

St. Joseph

Lion’s Park Beach 1701 Lions Park Drive (269) 983-6341 Located off Exit 27 of I-94 below the bluff in downtown St. Joseph, south on Lions Park Drive. Sheltered pavilions, parking and sidewalks. (No lifeguard on duty). Playground, picnic areas,

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restrooms and a superb view of St. Joseph’s piers and lighthouse. The park is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday year-round.

Silver Beach 101 Broad Street (269) 982-0533 Located off Exit 27 of I-94 below the bluff in downtown St. Joseph, it has a 600-space parking lot off Broad Street, men’s and women’s bathhouses, park office and visitors’ center, pavilion, south pier, bike racks, playground equipment, volleyball nets and a 1,600-foot beach for swimmers (lifeguard on duty during the summer). The park is open 5 a.m. to sunset daily May through September.

Parking fee is $6 per vehicle for Berrien County residents; $10 for non-residents.

Tiscornia Park 80 Ridgeway Street (269) 983-6341 Located just north of the St. Joseph River Channel off Upton and Marina Drives in St. Joseph. The park features a public beach and access to the North Pier and lighthouse for a stroll or fishing.

Restrooms, parking fee. No lifeguard on duty. The ark is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday through Sunday year-round.

Bridgman

Weko Beach Park & Campground 5237 Lake Street (269) 465-3406 Weko Beach features a modern beach house with a concession stand, camping, changing areas, restrooms, a cold outdoor shower, a boat launch directly into Lake Michigan and volleyball nets. There is also a boardwalk, two dune overlooks and the playing of “Taps” at dusk on summer evenings. Leashed pets allowed only in campground. Reservations are accepted on cabins only. Entrance fee required.

Daily beach pass is $10 per car.

Sawyer

Warren Dunes State Park 12032 Red Arrow Highway (269) 426-4013 Warren Dunes State Park is located off Red Arrow Highway, 2.5 miles south of Bridgman in the heart of Harbor Country. The beach features three miles of coast, giant sand dunes, clay pits and more. Warren Dunes also features a campground and trails.

Taste our Hand-Crafted Recipes We select high quality extra virgin olive oils and richly aged balsamic vinegars. Our own hand-crafted recipes of gourmet creations including tapenades, glazes, BBQ sauces, pastas, salsas and numerous other gourmet creations always available for tastings.

421 State Street St. Joseph, MI 424 Phoenix Street South Haven, MI www.olivecart.com

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 23

To market, to market

SHOPPING

Area farmers offer organic, homemade shopping opportunities STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY KELSEY HAMMON

T

he South Bend Farmers Market draws people to frequent a variety of vendors on a yearround basis at its location at 1105 Northside Blvd. Inside the market, artisans offer intricately hand woven garments not found in big box stores, while entrepreneurs and farmers peddle juicy greenhouse tomatoes or tantalizing freshly baked Polish style pastries, among a variety of other items.

For those wishing to fuel up before they shop, the Farmers Market Cafe offers a variety of meals, which are prepared daily, using seasonal produce and fresh market meat and cheese.

Fresh produce On an average Saturday, Mark Hetler, a Berrien Center farmer, can be found standing behind his “Hetler Farms” produce counter answering customers’ questions about his fresh produce.

If the plump red tomatoes, bearing a sign that boasts “tastee tomatoes,” along with yellow squash, sweet corn and bundles of fresh herbs are not enough to draw one to Hetler’s stand, then his reputation for fresh produce that is indeed “tastee” will.

Hetler has been selling his produce at the South Bend Farmers market since 1983.

“I enjoy going home empty,” Hetler said.

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Hetler said local farmers offer something that supermarkets cannot.

“You can come here and talk to me and find out exactly how my produce is grown,” Heltler said. “You are better off being able to know your grower.”

Hetler’s greenhouse-grown tomatoes are a popular pick.

Besides being able to talk to the farmer, Hetler said what makes his produce unique is its freshness and the fact that it has not been transported a great distance. Hetler is also able to offer

produce that is not typically shipped, such as the heirloom tomatoes.

Hetler has been farming for more than 20 years and said he is concerned about the future of agriculture.

“The average age of the farmer is 58,” Hetler said.

But perhaps when people taste the fresh tomatoes, they could be encouraged to try growing food for themselves.

“Until you try one you do not know,” Hetler said.

Hand woven items A couple of booths away, Nancy Brenner Sinnott, of Mishawaka, weaved a tapestry of red and black stitiches using a loom at the “Wee Bit Warped” booth.

Creating pieces customized to her customers’ taste is only one of the talents the artisan is known for. On this particular Saturday, Brenner Sinnott worked on a traditional Scottish tartan — which will be worn by a customer as a skirt on a trip to Scotland. The item will take between 20 and 22 hours to create, not including the hours it takes to set up the thread on the loom.

“Every step takes a fair amount of time,” Brenner Sinnott said.

For the past year and a half, Brenner Sinnott has had a stand at the market, offering hand woven scarves, wraps, rugs, pillows and even woven bracelets made from handspun silk and wool.

She said she chooses to offer her products at the South Bend market because it draws so many people to the location.

Brenner Sinnott started weaving 15 years ago as a hobby. Since then, she has earned many accolades recognizing her talent, including being juried into the prestigious Indiana Artisans. She also has a license to weave for Notre Dame and creates a variety of hand woven items that fill Notre Dame’s gift shops and bookstores.

“I could not get this many people to come to a standalone shop on a Saturday,” Sinnott-Brenner said. “The market was perfect.”

While the colorful garments draw many to the stand, watching Brenner Sinnott loom is also a draw.

“I am very, very careful about the fibers that I use,” Brenner Sinnott said. “Customers here are very appreciative of handmade items and I like that. That is the other reason I am here. This is the right kind of crowd.”

A piece of South Bend History The South Bend Farmers Market originally opened on July 25, 1911, on the Colfax Bridge, drawing vendors from a 40-mile radius.

The market eventually became such a big attraction that the location had to be moved to its current spot at 1105 Northside Boulevard. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday year round.

The Bakers Dozen. Margaret Buchanan, of South Bend, works to hand out some of the most popular treats including the packzi, kieflies and kolacczki pastries.

Much like the treats, the bakery, which regularly operates at 2909 Sample St., is unique.

As Buchanan puts it, her mother, Rzeszutek, opened the store with “a bang” on July 4, 1988.

“She always dreamed of having a bakery,” Buchanan said.

Rzeszutek moved to America from Poland with her family. The family converted what was once an old gas station into the bakery.

All of their goods are made without preservatives or additives and everything is baked fresh.

Buchanan said while she does not bake the treats herself, she helps her mother to sell the treats.

Food Behind a glass counter, an enticing selection of baked-from-scratch pastries draws a constant flow of customers to EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 25

SHOPPING

Art galleries Benton Harbor

Dean’s Place Art Gallery 918 E University Drive (574) 241-0101 deanloucksart.com/

South Bend

Artpost Gallery 216 W. Madison St. (574) 287-6293 artpostblog.com

Chartreuse Studio & Gallery 304 State St. (269) 983-0931 chartreuseartgallery.com

Water Street Glassworks 140 Water St. (269) 925-5555 waterstreetglassworks.org

Harbert

CircaArts Gallery 528 E. Colfax Ave. (574) 233-8400 circaartsgallery.com

Krasl Art Center 707 Lake Blvd.

(269) 983-0271 krasl.org

Fire Arts Inc. 305 E. Colfax Ave. (574) 282-2787 fireartsinc.com

Three Oaks

ARS Gallery 147 Fifth Street (269) 277-5090 arsartsandculture.org

Buchanan

Buchanan Art Center 117 W. Front St. (269) 697-4005 buchananartcenter.org Skye is the Limit Art Studio 103 E. Front St. facebook.com/ skyeisthelimitartstudio/

Dowagiac

Art Enah Suit South Front St. (574) 229-8950

Granger

Ben Roseland Studio & Gallery 16081 Brick Road (574) 239-5988

Judith Racht Gallery 13707 Prairie Road (269) 469-1080 judithrachtgallery. wordpress.com

New Buffalo

Courtyard Gallery 813 E. Buffalo St. (269) 469-4110 courtyardfineart.com Roger Harvey Gallery 17 W. Merchant St. (269) 655-4684 facebook.com/RogerHarvey-Art-Gallery

Sawyer

Fritz Olsen Sculptures 6914 Holloway Dr. fritzolsen.com Hindley Fine Art 5861 Sawyer Road (269) 426-8516 hindleyfineart.org

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Global Fine Art Inc. 1139 Mishawaka Ave. (574) 288-2738 gfafineart.com Make South Bend 2228 Mishawaka Ave. (574) 855-2271 makesouthbend.com

St. Joseph

Box Factory for the Arts 1101 Broad St. (269) 983-3688 boxfactoryforthearts.org

Edington Gallery 22 N. Elm St. (269) 841+4165 facebook.com/EdingtonGallery Judith Ferrara Fine Art Gallery 16 S. Elm St. (269) 756-9338 judyferraragallery.com Studio B Gallery 114 N. Elm St. (269) 756-9954 studiobgallery.com Three Oaks Arts & Education 14 E. Maple St. (269) 409-1191

Antiques Baroda

Beardsley-527964263927761/

Buchanan

Hart City Resale Mall 2301 S. Nappanee St. (574) 293-0133 facebook.com/ HartCityResaleMall

Coloma

Hearts Desire Antique Mall 3030 Old U.S. 2 (574) 294-6096 facebook.com/Hearts-DesireAntique-

Shawnee Road Antiques 638 E. Shawnee Road (269) 422-1382 shawneeroadantiques.com Alan Robandt Antique, Vintage, & Modern 114 E. Front St. (312) 560-7482 halanrobandt.com Great Lake Antique Mall 210 Ryno Road ((269) 468-3208 greatlakes-antiques.com

Dowagiac

Granger

A A Antique Buyers 12131 Cheyenne Court (574) 271-1380 aaantiquebuyers.com

Hidden Treasures Antiques & More 57470 M-51 (269) 462-9247 facebook.com/ hiddentreasuresantiques andmore/

Lakeside Antiques 14866 Red Arrow Highway (269) 469-4467 facebook.com/LakesideAntiques-101341063244425

Edwardsburg

Mishawaka

Mishawaka Antiques 118 Lincolnway E. (574) 252-5400 mishawakaantiques.com

Michiana Antique Mall 2423 S. 11th St. (269) 684-7001 michianaantiquemall.com

((574) 210-1000 facebook.com/Rock-TheHouse-Antiques

Elkhart

Pack Rat Pats 3005 Lincolnway E (574) 259-5609 facebook.com/pages/PackRat-Pats/134379646614409

Picker’s Paradise Antique Mall 2809 S. 11th St. (269) 683-6644 facebook.com/pickers. paradise.14/

Days of Yore Antiques 215 State St. (269) 983-4144 daysofyoreantiques.com

Chicago Road Antiques 26878 W. Main St. (269) 663-8303 chicagoroadantiques.com 820 Antiques 820 N. Ward St. (574) 326-3355 facebook.com/820Antiques-818057651590091/ The Amish Mall 1216 W. Bristol St. (574) 262-8001 theamishmall.com Antiques & More By Fretta 1000 W. Beardsley Ave. ((574) 389-7600 facebook.com/ Antiques-and-More-byFretta-742060199143279/ Antiques On Beardsley 816 W. Beardsley Ave. (574) 523-1955 facebook.com/Antiques-On-

Lakeside

Painted Chair 3835 Lincolnway E. ((574) 993-5111 facebook.com/The-Painted-Chair

Niles

Four Flags Antique Mall 218 N. Second St. (269) 683-6681 facebook.com/ Fourflagsantiquemall/ Main Street Antique Mall 109 E. Main St. (269) 684-9393 mainstantiquemall.com

Sawyer

Dunes Antique Center 13560 Red Arrow Hwy. (269) 449-4103 dunesantiques.com

South Bend

Liberty & 33rd Furniture Co. 225 N. Lafayette Blvd.

(574) 607-3031 liberty33rd.com Rock the House Antiques 19238 Orchard Heights Dr.

St. Joseph

Elephant’s Breath Antiques 203 State St. (269) 982-5210 elephantsbreathantiques.biz

Three Oaks

Ipso Facto 1 W Ash St. (269) 756-3404 facebook.com/Ipso-FactoAntiques Trilogy Antiques & Designs 19 S. Elm St. (269) 756-3300 trilogyantiques.com

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 27

FAMILY FUN

SKYZONE - MISHAWAKA

rainy day blues Beat the

10 family-friendly alternatives to staying cooped up inside

F

2

1

3

STORY SARAH CULTON PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

or folks who live in and visit Michiana, summer means shedding sweaters and soaking up the sun, so it can be disappointing when the weather turns and pushes people back indoors.

Many may see cloudy skies and rain as a sign to stay in, get under the covers and turn on the TV, but there is no need to stay cooped up. There are plenty of fun indoor attractions fun for the whole family.

To help you plan your rainy-day adventure, we have complied a great list of 10 great, family-friendly indoor activities across the Michiana region for you and your family to enjoy.

Sky Zone – Mishawaka, Indiana If you want the kids to stay physically active and have a blast at the same time, take them to Sky Zone. The creators of this indoor trampoline park market themselves as the “inventors of fun fitness.” The park will provide guests with a unique workout that is both fun and safe.

Sky Zone, 5604 Grape Road, Mishawaka, is open 4 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday to Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Tickets range in price from $15 to $22. For more information, call (574) 208-5005.

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Krasl Art Center – St. Joseph, Michigan To expose the little ones to a slice of culture, consider taking them to the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan. The center’s goal is to promote art appreciation and communication through education, according to its mission statement. With a diverse selction of exhibitions and programs, there is bound to be something at the center for everyone in the family. Pencil sketching is permitted in the galleries, so the kids can get creative, as well.

Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday, Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The galleries are free and open to the public.

For more information, call (269) 983-0271.

Surfari Joes’s – Watervliet, Michigan If you’re already wet from the rain, why not head to Surfari Joe’s? This 18,000-sq. foot indoor water park offers a swimming pool, two “extreme” water slides, a relaxing Zambezi River Run and a play area for children. If you tire of the water, Surfari Joe’s also boasts an arcade with more than 30 games to keep the children busy.

Surfari Joe’s, 8258 Arnt Blvd., Watervliet, is open 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday. For more information, call (269) 463-7946.

HEALTHWORKS! KIDS MUSEUM

4

Healthworks! KidS Museum – South Bend, Indiana For a healthy bit of fun, head to Healthworks! Kid’s Museum. With exhibits geared toward educating children about physical and nutritional heath, the museum was designed to inspire young people to lead healthy and active lifestyles.

Healthworks! Kid’s Museum, 111 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $6 per person; children under the age of 2 will be admitted for free.

For more information, call (574) 647-5437.

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The History Center at Courthouse Square – Berrien Springs, Michigan Another great place to check out a slice of local history is the History Center at Courthouse Square. Established in 1967, the history center is committed to preserving the history of Berrien County. With exhibits ranging from a recreated blacksmith’s forge to artifacts from the fur-trapping trade, the history center is equipped to be educational for the whole family.

The History Center at Courthouse Square, 313 N. Cass St., Berrien Springs, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The center is free and open to the public. For more information, call (269) 471-1202.

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Strikes and Spares – Mishawaka, Indiana For a full day of fun-filled activities, it’s tough to beat Strikes and Spares. The bowling alley offers a widerange of activities including, mini bowling, mini golf, indoor go-kart and bumper kart tracks, inflatables and arcade areas.

There’s even a toddler specific area for younger children.

Strikes and Spares, 5419 Grape Road, Mishawaka, is open 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. WednesdayThursday, 11 to 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday and noon to 10 p.m.

Sunday. Prices vary upon activity. For more information, call (574) 243-2695.

7

New Buffalo Railroad Museum – New Buffalo, Michigan If you’re looking for a more specialized museum, the New Buffalo Railroad Museum, located on what was once the largest train yard in southwest Michigan, is a great option. The museum, which was established in 1989, highlights the role the railroad played in the southwest Michigan area. The museum building itself is a replica of a train depot that existed near the site in the 1920s.

The New Buffalo Railroad Museum, 530 S. Whittaker, St., New Buffalo, is open noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Sunday. The museum is free and open to the public. For more information, call (269) 469-8010.

8

Curious Kids Museum – St. Joseph, Michigan The Curious Kids Museum was founded by educators and parents to provide an experience that invites curiosity and exploration in a way that inspires learning in children.

With exhibits like simulated apple orchards and veterinarian clinics, The Curious Kids Museum is sure to provide young people with hands on activities and a unique museum going experience.

Curious Kids Museum, 415 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday-Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 per person or $10 for one-day joint admission to both the Curious Kids Museum and Discovery Zone. For more information, call (269) 983-2543.

30 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 DOWAGIAC HISTORY MUSEUM

curious kids museum

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Dowagiac Area History Museum – Dowagiac, Michigan If you are craving some local history, the Dowagiac Area History Museum is the place to be. The museum showcases historical artifacts from the Dowagiac, Sister Lakes and Cass County area. Notable sights include a Potawatomi wigwam, an Underground Railroad exhibit and an installation on industrial Dowagiac.

The Dowagiac Area History Museum, 201 E. Division St., Dowagiac, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The museum is free and open to the public. For more information, call (269) 783-2560.

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South Bend Chocolate Company – South Bend, Indiana If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the South Bend Chocolate Company is the place for you and your family. In addition to delicious treats, the chocolate company offers tours of the facility, so you and your family can see how the magic is made.

The South Bend Chocolate Company, 3300 Sample St. #110, South Bend, is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The 20-minute basic tour of the facility is free, and the 30-minute “Inside the Scoop” tour is $4 for adults and $1 for children.

For more information, call (574) 233-2577.

th

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 31

FAMILY FUN

Theaters

Movie theaters Benton Harbor

Celebration! Cinema 1468 Cinema Way (269) 934-7469 celebrationcinema.com/location/ BentonHarbor

Coloma

Loma Theater 221 N. Paw Paw St. (269) 468-5662 lomatheatre.mooretheatres.com

Dowagiac

Five -Mile Drive-in 28190 M-152 (269) 782-7879 fivemiledriveinsouthwestmi.com

Benton Harbor

The Mendel Center 2755 E. Napier Ave. (269) 927-1221 themendelcenter.com

Berrien Springs

Howard Performing Arts Center 4160 E. Campus Circle Drive (269) 471-3560 howard.andrews.edu

Buchanan

Tin Shop Theatre Roe Street (269) 695-6464 tinshoptheatre.org

Dowagiac

Beckwith Theatre 100 New York Ave. (269) 782-7653 beckwiththeatre.com

Edwardsburg

Barn Swallow Theatre 22334 US-12 (269) 445-2511 barnswallowtheatre.com

Elkhart

Beickman Performing Arts 59117 Minuteman Way (574) 875-4105 concordmusic.info Grand Horizon Center 1610 S Nappanee St.

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(574) 862-3776 theghc.net

Elkhart

The Lerner Theatre 410 South Main St. (574) 293-4469 thelerner.com

Carmike Encore Park 14 2701 Cassopolis St. (574) 262-0698 carmike.com/ShowTimes/city/ elkhart/IN

South Bend

Mishawaka

DeBartolo Performing Arts Center 100 PerformingArts Center (574) 631-2800 performingarts.nd.edu

Cinemark Movies 14 910 W. Edison Road (800) 326-3264 cinemark.com/theatre-194

Morris Performing Arts Center 211 N. Michigan St. (574) 235-9190 morriscenter.org

Wonderland Cinema 402 N. Front St. (269) 683-1112 wonderlandcinema. mooretheatres.com

South Bend Civic Theatre 403 N. Main St. (574) 234-1112 sbct.org

St. Joseph

Twin City Players 600 W. Glenlord Road (269) 429-0400 twincityplayers.org

Three Oaks

The Acorn Theater 107 Generations Drive (269) 756-3879 acorntheater.com

Niles

South Bend

AMC Showplace South Bend 16 450 W. Chippewa Ave. (574) 299-6060 amctheatres.com/movietheatres/south-bend/amcshowplace-south-bend-16

Three Oaks

Vickers Theatre 6 N. Elm St. (269) 756-3522 vickerstheatre.com

Museums Benton Harbor

Morton House Museum 501 Territorial Road (269) 925-7011 mortonhousemuseum.org

Heddon Museum 414 West St. (269) 782-4068 heddonmuseum.org

Edwardsburg

Berrien Springs

Edwardsburg Area Historical Museum 26818 W. Main St. (269) 663-3005 facebook.com/pages/EdwardsburgArea-Historical-Museum/

Siegfried H. Horn Museum 9047 US Highway 31 (269) 471-3273 andrewsarchaeology.org/museum/

Elkhart

Berrien County Historical Association 313 N. Cass St. (269) 471-1202 berrienhistory.org

Cassopolis

Pioneer Log Cabin Museum 400 S. Broadway St. (269) 445-3759 facebook.com/ pioneerlogcabinmuseum/

Coloma

North Berrien Historical Museum 300 Coloma Ave. (269) 468-3330 northberrienhistory.org

Dowagiac

Dowagiac Area History Museum 201 E. Railroad St. (269) 783-2560 dowagiacmuseum.info

Midwest Museum of American Art 429 S. Main St. (574) 293-6660 midwestmuseum.us Ruthmere Mansion 302 E. Beardsley Ave. (574) 264-0330 ruthmere.org

Mishawaka

Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum 1402 S. Main St. (574) 254-4540 hlcm.org

New Buffalo

New Buffalo Railroad Museum 530 S. Whittaker St. (269) 469-8010 new-buffalo-railroad-museum.org

Niles

Niles History Center 508 E. Main St. (269) 683-4702 nileshistorycenter.org

South Bend

HealthWorks!

111 W. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 200 (574) 647-5437 Healthworkskids.org The History Museum 808 W. Washington St. (574) 235-9664 historymuseumsb.org South Bend Museum of Art 120 S. St Joseph St. (574) 235-9102 southbendart.org Studebaker National Museum 201 Chapin St. (574) 235-9714 studebakermuseum.org

St. Joseph

Curious Kids’ Museum 415 Lake Blvd.

(269) 983-2543 curiouskidsmuseum.org The Heritage Museum & Cultural Center 601 Main St. (269) 983-1191 theheritagemcc.org

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 33

DESTINATION DINING

legend Bite into a

34 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

Redamak’s a must-visit coastal restaurant for more than 70 years STORY TED YOAKUM PHOTOGRAPHY WES JERDON

F

or most American restaurants, hamburgers are a staple on the menu, an old standby that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

For the staff of Redamak’s, though, burgers are not simply a go-to dish — they are religion.

For more than 70 years, the New Buffalo burger joint has made its name on serving juicy beef patties nestled between two perfectly toasted buns to hungry patrons. The establishment’s dedication to the bun has made it a destination for burger aficionados across the area, as the restaurant’s logo sports the phrase “The hamburger that made New Buffalo famous.”

“We truly believe we bring a lot of people to town,” said owner Chuck Maroney. “We are proud to make that claim.”

In spite of their demand, there is no special ingredient or trick that makes the restaurant’s burgers so irresistible to customers — the magic is all in the love and dedication the kitchen pours into each beef-and-bun masterpiece.

The staff cuts and grinds its beef on the premises, painstakingly forming the ground chuck into patties before searing them on the stove. The cooked beef is then topped with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, placed between two buns and sent out to the eagerly waiting customer.

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 35

DESTINATION DINING

George and Gladys Redamak established Redamak’s in the 1940s. From early in the restaurant’s life, the Redamak burger became the trademark of the restaurant, with the owners purchasing the beef for the dish from a butcher in town.

Maroney has been an adherent to the power of the Redamak’s patty since he was a child. He and his family frequented the New Buffalo restaurant during their summer trips to the city from their home in Chicago, spending their Friday nights enjoying the restaurant’s perch, Maroney said.

“As a treat, my parents would let me get a burger to go along with our meal,” he said.

The Maroney family became friends with George and Gladys — a relationship that laid the groundwork for the next chapter of the restaurant’s life.

“My dad [James] would always joke with Gladys, after her husband died in 1973, that one day he was going to end up owning the joint,” Maroney said. “Sure enough, she called him in 1974 to tell him she was ready to sell.”

As she and her late husband’s name was still attached to the business, Gladys was very particular in who she wanted to pass the reins to. James and his wife, Angie, were among only three people the woman considered selling the business to, Maroney said.

Recognizing the responsibility they were handed, the couple set out to maintain the same level of quality Redamak’s delivered to customers after they acquired the business in 1975.

In spite of their family’s lack of experience in the restaurant business, Jim and Angie poured their hearts and souls into the

business, transforming it from a small mom and pop restaurant to a destination that can seat 300 customers and employs 190.

The restaurant has expanded several times throughout the last 42 years, including the installation of a new kitchen, bar area and two patios. Throughout all the expansions, though, the restaurant maintains the same knotty pine-style paneling as it had when it first opened, which gives it a quaint, small-town diner feel, Maroney said.

Maroney has worked at the restaurant himself since 1975, joining after he graduated high school that year. He currently owns the business, along with his wife, Linda, and brother, James L., who took over following the death of James in 2013 and Angie in 2014.

“We have seen so many people over the last 42 years,” Maroney said. “Grandkids, great-grandkids — generations of families.”

The owners have made some expansions to the menu in recent months, adding a new selection of gourmet burgers to the mix, as well as sliders — smaller burgers customers can eat several of in one meal. They are also planning to overhaul the kitchen in the fall, updating the equipment and heating/ cooling systems, Maroney said.

Whether it is the great, freshly prepared food, the nostalgic dining experience or the friendly service, customers keep marking Redamak’s as a place to stop during their trips to the coast — something Maroney and his family have no intention of ending any time soon.

“It takes tradition to be a legend,” he said.

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 37

crafting 21 & OVER

Creative

Local breweries finding their niche to stand out in the crowd

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY JOE KUHARIC

I

f you want to make it as a brewery in 2017, you’ve got to stand out from the crowd. It is not good enough anymore for a company to simply craft its own brew; discerning beer drinkers want a full experience.

This is a fact that the owners of Haymarket Taproom in Bridgman, which opened Jan. 12, had to bear in mind.

“We’ve really put a lot of love and thought into our ingredient sourcing,” says Ayla Batton, general manager of the taproom. “Our kitchen is a completely from-scratch kitchen.

We make the pizza dough from scratch. We have the Italian wood-fire pizza ovens that we had shipped over from Italy; they get up over 900 degrees. We can cook a pizza in less than two minutes.”

The taproom is the primary production facility for Haymarket Pub and Brewery on Randolph Street in Chicago, producing kegs and cans of Belgian and contemporary American-style ales — signature beers for the brewery — for

38 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

distribution in Chicago and southwest Michigan, and also includes a full menu and extensive tap list.

The brewery takes its moniker from the internationally famous Haymarket Affair, which were the events that took place after a labor demonstration was bombed by an anarchist on May 4, 1886, not far from the site of the brewery in Chicago.

Demonstrators were striking for an eight-hour workday when a bomb was thrown at police. In the chaos and gunfire that followed, several police and civilians were killed.

It is little wonder, then, that it is with a tip of the hat that the taproom in Bridgman calls the old Michigan State Police building at 9301 Red Arrow Highway its home, a building that sat vacant for eight years. “[Co-owner] John [Neurauter] has had a home in Stevensville for more than a decade. They’ve [John and coowner Pete Crowley] spent a lot of time coming to the area,” Batton says. “I think they realized that Michigan has such a booming beer industry. They wanted to be a part of it, and they saw something magical was happening down here.”

The taproom is situated on 17 acres, within walking distance of Weko Beach, and includes a helipad. Batton says there are big plans for this summer.

“We have a big open area in the back where we’re planning to do music festivals this summer,” she says. “Bridgman in general is awesome, because we have Tapistry, Transient, there’s a winery opening up this summer we want to be a part of that [kind of] community.”

“One of the things we [Haymarket] really believe in is community,” Batton says. “We want to be part of the community, give back to the community. They were generous enough to let us come here and be a part of the community and let us in. We want to show them that we care about that, and that we want to do right by them.”

The taproom is collecting a percentage of its revenue to distribute to charities around the area. Batton says that

during the first quarter, proceeds will be distributed through the Michigan State Trooper’s Assistance Fund to be given to the families of fallen officers. For the first year, Haymarket will choose a different Bridgman-based charity each quarter to donate money to, and will likely expand to southwestern Michigan charities in general after that period.

While Haymarket’s name may be steeped in a divisive event in American history, the company hopes instead to bridge the gap.

“We try to represent both sides of what happened there [at the Haymarket Affair],” Batton says. “We want to tell that story, and make sure people are aware of the story. We have beers that are named after the police that were there, and we have beers that were named after the anarchists that were there. It’s important to all of us that we continue to tell that tale.”

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 39

21 & OVER

Breweries Baroda

Dowagiac

South Bend

Benton Harbor

Granger

South Bend Brew Werks 216 S. Michigan (574) 334-0356 southbendbrewwerks.com

The Livery Microbrewery 190 Fifth Street (269) 925-8760 liverybrew.com

Mishawaka

Round Barn Brewery & Public House 9151 First St. (269) 326-7059 roundbarnwinery.com/brewery Cravings Bistro and Brew Pub 1599 Mall Dr. (269) 934-9700 cravingsbistroandbrewpub.com

Berrien Springs

Sister Lakes Brewing Company 92500 County Road 690 (269) 332-5135 sisterlakesbrewing.com Bare Hands Brewery 12805 Sandy Ct. (574) 277-2258 barehandsbrewery.com Evil Czech Brewery 3703 N. Main St. (574) 855-3070 evilczechbrewery.com

Cultivate brewing company 961 E Shawnee Road (269) 422-1324 cultivatebrewing.com

Granite City Food & Brewery University Park Mall (574) 243-0900 gcfb.net

Bridgman

Scotty’s Brewhouse 4340 N. Main St. scottysbrewhouse.net

Haymarket Brewing Company 9301 Red Arrow Hwy. (269) 266-5050 haymarketbrewing.com Tapistry Brewing 4236 Lake St. (269) 266-7349 tapistrybrewing.com

40 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

Sawyer

Greenbush Brewing Company 5885 Sawyer Road, (269) 405-1076 greenbushbrewing.com

Crooked Ewe Brewery & Ale 1047 Lincoln Way E. (217) 0881 crookedewe.com

Stevensville

Watermark Brewing Company 5781 St. Joseph Ave. (269) 281-0872 watermarkbrewing.com

St. Joseph

Silver Harbor Brewing Company 721 Pleasant St. (269) 281-7100 silverharborbrewing.com

Three Oaks

Pleasant House 9 N. Elm St. (269) 756-3600 pleasanthousethreeoaks.com

Watervliet

Arclight Brewing Company 544 N. Main St. (269) 332-0718 arclightbrewing.com

Wineries Baroda

Dablon vineyards & WINERY 111 W. Shawnee Road (269) 422-2846 dablon.com Founders Wine Cellar 8963 Hills Road (269) 426-5222 Round Barn Winery 10983 HIlls Road (800) 716-9463 roundbarnwinery.com Gravity 10220 Laurel Road (269) 471-9463 gravitywine.com

Benton Harbor

12 Corners Winery 1201 N. Benton Center Road (269) 927-1512 12Corners.com

Berrien Springs

Domaine Berrien Cellars 398 E. Lemon Creek Road (269) 473-9463 domaineberrien.com Free Run Cellars 10062 Burgoyne Road (269) 471-1737 freeruncellars.com Lemon Creek Winery & Fruit Farm 533 E. Lemon Creek Road (269) 471-1321 lemoncreekwinery

Karma Vista Vineyards 6991 Ryne Road (269) 468-9463 karmavista.com

Niles

Lehman’s Orchard 2280 Portage Road (269) 683-9078 lehmansorchard.com

Buchanan

St. Joseph

Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant 185 Mount Tabor Road (269) 422-1161 taborhill.com

Three Oaks

Coloma

Union Pier

Hickory Creek Winery 750 Browntown Road (269) 422-1100 hickorycreekwinery.com

Contessa Wine Cellars 3235 Friday Road (269) 468-5534 contessawinecellars.com

White Pine Winery 317 State St. (269) 281-0098 whitepinewinery.com Willow Harbor VIneyards 3223 Kaiser Road (269) 369-3900 willowharbor.com St. julian winery 9145 Union Pier Road (269) 469-3150 stjulian.com

Distilleries Baroda

Round Barn Distillery 10983 Hills Road (800) 716-9463 roundbarnwinery.com

Mishawaka

18 Vodka 4211 Grape Road 18vodka.com (574) 876-4450

South Bend

The Indiana Whiskey Company 1115 W. Sample St. facebook.com/INWhiskey (574) 520-1915

Three Oaks

Journeyman Distillery 109 Generation Dr. (269) 820-2050 journeymandistillery.com

EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017 | 41

HEALTHY LIVING STARTS HERE

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OTHERS

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TM FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

HELP

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Niles-Buchanan YMCA

905 N. Front St. • Niles • 269-683-1552 • www.nb-ymca.org

42 | EXPLORE MICHIANA 2017

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