Summer Fun 2012

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Michiana Summer Fun

Michiana Summer Fun

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Michiana Summer Fun

GEOcaching

Modern treasure hunters follow GPS to log finds

By KATIE ROHMAN katie.rohman@ leaderpub.com

Photo provided by Melinda Watson

The local group (mostly GeoCats) treks through the rain toward Beverly (GC28), one of the oldest active caches in the world.

Nick Bogen, 17, enjoys guiding people on modern-day treasure hunts.

But unlike the days of rolled maps, compasses and pirate ships, today’s searches involve handheld GPS units, the internet and cars.

The Dowagiac Union High School sophomore is active in geocaching (pronounced “geo-cashing”) — a worldwide game of seeking “treasure.” A GPS unit and coordinates are used to locate treasure — caches — which are generally defined as

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Michiana Summer Fun

hiding places for concealing provisions.

A cache can range in size from something that can fit on your fingertip to one larger than a person. Each cache contains a logbook or logsheet, which contains information from the owner of the cache and notes from visitors.

Bogen located a “bookworm” cache at the Cass District Library in the form of a hollowed out book that is found by using the library’s catalog.

Bogen created one cache from a PVC tube painted brown and fastened to a tree.

The cache, named “Slippery When Wet,” continued page 6

This cache was Nick Bogen’s 100th cache. It is an earthcache. He had to guess the size of this giant rock near Fort St. Joseph in Niles.

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6 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

continued from page 5

must be filled with water so a small container floats to the top.

“Slippery When Wet” has been located nine times since it was placed in April, and 78 percent of people who logged it favorite it online.

“For my age, to have a cache like that in the area with favorite points is a real honor,” said Bogen, whose geocaching name is “bogentracks2.”

Caches are hidden in nearly every community in the U.S., according to Bogen. Downtown Dowagiac has 20 to 30 caches. Russ Forest in Dowagiac is a popular site for geocaching. Niles is the most saturated community for caches in the Dowagiac area, he said.

Cachers unite Bogen has become so immersed in the hobby he is in the process of forming a geocaching group — the Cass County Geocaching Association.

The cachers

Photo provided by Melinda Watson

This view is from a bridge along an isolated dirt road in Berrien County.

There was a cache hidden in the guardrail, but the view was the real prize, cacher Melinda Watson said.

Learn the lingo Archive — Removing a cache from public view on geocaching.com Cache — A shortened term of the word “geocache” EarthCache — A special place people can visit to learn more about a unique geoscience feature of the Earth Hitchhiker — An item placed in a cache with instructions to travel to other caches Muggle — A non-geocacher, based on Muggle from the “Harry Potter” series Multi-cache — Involves two or more locations Travel Bug — A trackable tag you attach to an item Virtual (cache) — About discovering a location rather than a container Source: geocaching.com

would meet quarterly to talk about creative caches and community involvement. For example, association members would host a “Cache In, Trash Out” event in which they clean out trash that can accumulate in cache areas.

“The main purpose of the group is to get as many local caches as available,” Bogen said.

But the Cass County Geocaching Association would not be the first local group of its kind.

The GeoCats consists of cachers from across Michiana, including St. Joseph, Berrien Springs and South Bend.

Melinda Watson, of Baroda, said the informal group visited Chicago last year to see one of the oldest active caches in the world.

It was hidden on May 15, 2000, in the city of Hoffman Estates; geocaching began in May 2000.

“We get together from time to time and go geocaching,” Watson said. “We celebrate milestones.”

The GeoCats hide and maintain caches

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Michiana Summer Fun

at Fernwood Botancial Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles. They held a beginners’ geocaching training in May at Fernwood.

“There were a lot of caches hidden out there (Fernwood),” Watson said. “Fernwood likes to have caches because they bring people out to the center.”

First-timers Watson became hooked on geocaching when her daughter, who was

a college student in Ohio, took her on a search at Baroda Township Park.

Her daughter starting geocaching using Google Maps.

“She actually scared me to d e a t h , ” Wa t s o n said. “She called me one day and said, ‘Mom, can you look on Google Maps and tell me the coordinates? Oh wait, there are two men in the woods looking for it, too, so I’ll just ask them.’”

Watson said that — besides using a handheld GPS and not a GPS cell phone app or an online map program — first-time cachers should attempt lower-level caches and attend geocaching events. Nature centers, parks and libraries often host geocaching groups or classes.

“Don’t jump right into the hiking three miles,” said Watson, who has logged 866 finds.

Watson also recommends trying

virtual caches, which involve finding a location rather than a container.

The requirements for logging a virtual cache may include answering a question, taking a photo or completing a task.

“There have been some wonderful, beautiful places,” Watson said.

For more information about geocaching, visit www. geocaching.com.

8 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

Art

Music Theater KRASL ART CENTER

Vickie Phillipson photo

The keyboard player with the Kalamazoo Avenue Band jams at the Beckwith Summer Concert Series in 2011.

Where: 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph Phone: (269) 9830271 Website: krasl.org June 25 — Third annual Swinging for Sculpture Benefit Golf Outing July 14-15 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff

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Michiana Summer Fun

ACORN THEATER

Where: 107 Generations Drive, Three Oaks Phone: (269) 756-3879 Website: acorntheater. com Weekly Tuesdays: Open Mic: Pastiche Thursdays: Thursday Night at The Acorn May 25 — 8 p.m. Jefferson Starship 26 — 8 p.m. Judy Tenuta 31 — 8:30 p.m. Adult Education: Storytelling After Hours June 2 — 8 p.m. Opera at the Acorn: Opera Gala

9 — 8 p.m. Mike Toomey 16 — 8 p.m. Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael 17 — 7 p.m. It’s My Party 28 — 8:30 p.m. Adult Education: Storytelling After Hours July 7 — 8 p.m. Opera at the Acorn: Not Just Another Tenor!

13 — 8 p.m. Callaghan 20 — 8 p.m. Mississippi Heat August 17-18 — 8 p.m. Opera at the Acorn: Pagliacci 22 — 8 p.m. Bodeans September 15 — 8 p.m. Opera at the Acorn: La Vie en Rose

BUCHANAN SUMMER CONCERTS

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays in July and August All concerts are free and open to the public.

The Common is an outdoor venue on the corner of Roe Street and Days Avenue, across from Tin Shop Theatre.

Some seating is available, but you may want to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Concerts are held rain or shine. In case of rain, they may move seating to the stage area or relocate to the senior center.

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10 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

BECKWITH PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES What: Fills Dowagiac with music on Thursday evenings.

Sponsors: Huntington Bank underwrites this presentation of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). n 7:30 p.m. May 31: DUHS Chamber Choir and its Women’s Chorale launch the art series. n 7:30 p.m. June 7: Round Oak Cornet Band performs music in the tradition of municipal or factory-sponsored bands from the 19th century. n 7:30 p.m. June 14: The Mickey’s offer a blend of Americana and folk. n 7:30 p.m. June 21: The Wild Woody’s perform hits from the 1940s to today in its unique rockabilly style. n 7:30 p.m. June 28: Otsego Jazz Ensemble, an 18-piece swing band, takes the stage. n 7:30 p.m. July 5: The award-winning Los Bandits combine the richness of Norteno and Tejano music with R&B, blues, gospel, country and rock.

Out of Favor Boys n 7:30 July 12 Schlitz Creek presents bluegrass with some bite. n 7:30 p.m. July 19: Lake Effect Jazz Big Band performs as a concert jazz ensemble. n 7 p.m. July 26: Kalamazoo Avenue Band presents a rock, rhythm and blues revue, featuring music by Chicago, The Beatles and The Blues Brothers. n 7 p.m. July 27: Wildfire presents country and Southern rock, featuring ballads and dance tunes.

n 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2: The Boogie Woogie Babies present a blend of the Andrews Sisters and celebrateds songs from Broadway in this 1940s revue. n 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9: Out of Favor Boys, one of Kalamazoo’s favorite blues bands, presents bass-popping blues with an original blend of boogaloo and soul. n 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16: Five Spacious Guys present the favorites of The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Phil Collins.

Baroda Music in the Park Free Concert Series n The series kicks off June 26 with Uphill Climb, a classic bluegrass gospel group. n The Ed Bagatini Jazz Quartet performs July 24.

n Carl Payne brings more than 25 years of experience to his Aug. 28 concert, which will include a variety of instruments and genres.

All concerts start at 4 p.m. at Baroda Village Park, 8938 Fourth St. and 1500 Lemon Creek Rd. For more information, visit www.barodavillage. org or call (269) 422-1779.

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Michiana Summer Fun

NILES RIVERFRONT PARK SUMMER CONCERTS Bands perform weekly live summer concerts at Niles’ Riverfront Park Amphitheater from June through August.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax by the St.

Joseph River in Riverfront Park.

Live music is presented on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Concerts are sponsored by the Niles Parks and Recreation Board.

The schedule is usually released by the end of May. For more information, call at (269) 687-4332.

WATER STREET GLASSWORKS Where: 140 Water St., Benton Harbor Phone: (269) 925-5555 Website: waterstreetglassworks.org

The Glass Garden & Other Whimsies When: Exhibit June 22Aug. 4; opening reception 6-8 p.m. June 22 What: Found Objects, mostly man-made, fuel Akers’ art. Don’t miss this

exhibit of objects with new intents and purposes.

From glass to metal, paper, plastic, wood — you name it — the exhibit is great for everyone as they guess, “What is it”?

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Michiana Summer Fun

WEKO BEACH IN BRIDGMAN CONCERT SERIES Friday, May 25 — Don Savoie, BlueEyed Soul, Memphis R&B, Motown boogie and Chicago blues.

Saturday, May 26 — Top Secret, classic rock.

Sunday, June 10 — Smaka’s Polka Band.

Sunday, June 24 — Lake Street Station, mixes classic and new rock.

Sunday, July 15 — Route 66. Six decades of iconic rock and pop.

Sunday, July 29 — Hired Hands, classic country and rock.

Sunday, Aug. 12 — Chicago Voice Exchange, acapella.

Sunday, Aug. 26 — Everyday People, traditional and current country.

Sunday, Sept. 2 — Silverock, classic rock.

Concerts start at 7 p.m.

Free admission to park and concert.

Mark Alstott photo

Music fills the Niles Riverfront Amphitheater during the city’s summer concert series.

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Where: 211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, Ind. Phone: (574) 235-9190 Website: morriscenter.org June 1 — 7 p.m., Jerry Seinfeld 8 — 7 p.m., Kevin Hart “Let Me Explain Tour”

FUN FOR THE

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22 — 8 p.m., Dierks Bentley 23 — noon, 2nd Annual Blues & Ribs Fest at Coveleski Stadium July 18 — 7:30 p.m., Jeff Dunham “Controlled Chaos” September 16 — 7 p.m., Ron White “Moral Compass Tour”

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Entertainment • Dragon Boat Races • Raft Race • Mr. & Ms. Riverfest • Arts & Crafts • Car & Truck Show • Children’s Activities

ON THE MIGHTY ST. JOE RIVER ON AUGUST 2-5 2012

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Michiana Summer Fun

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra throws the ultimate beach party to start summer.

Summer in Paradise will be at 6:30 p.m. June 23 at Silver Beach in St. Joseph.

Live music will be provided by duo Lana D. Wordel and Joe Sonnefeldt of the Pan Go Steel Band, as well as Jimmy Buffett tribute band The Last Mangos, featuring such songs as “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Fins.”

If you can’t spring for $100 tickets to see Buffett

himself in Chicago the following weekend, Summer in Paradise guarantees devoted Parrotheads the same “island-escapism” experience without breaking the bank.

Entrance to the party is $25 in advance or $30 at the gate. Tickets are available through the SMSO at (269) 982-4030, online at www.smso.org.

Beach series July 3-4, July 15, Aug. 4, Aug. 18 Lawn seating (bring a chair or blanket) costs $10

At the common Buchanan Farmers’ Market Saturdays May-October 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

fresh produce - baked goods - crafts - plants - jewelry organic meats - heirloom vegetables Summer Concert Series Last Saturday Concert Series Thursdays June 14 - August 23, 7:00pm June, July, August Stop, Lunch & Listen Historic Pears Mill Thursdays, June 21 - August 9, Noon Saturdays, Memorial Day - Labor Day Tin Shop Theater Performances June, July, August, September

Downtown events Unsanctioned - Memorial Day Weekend Non-Pareil - Labor Day Weekend White Saturday - Saturday after Thanksgiving Harvest Buchanan - September 29 Visit the Buchanana Art Center!

For more details visit discoverbuchanan.org and follow the links

in advance, $15 the day of the concert; children under 12, $5/$10.

Reserved seating with chairs provided, $25/$30.

Reserve tables for $250, which includes 10 concert tickets and two parking passes. Or, four-ticket beach passes are available for $35.

Casual Classics Thursday evenings at Priscilla Byrns Heritage and Cultural Center in St. Joseph. Uncork Tabor Hill wine, enjoy a light dinner and unwind with music.

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Michiana Summer Fun

Festivals

Lemon Creek Winery Art Festival, May 2627 More than 30 artists on exhibit, live music, grilled food and more. No admission.

Address: 533 E. Lemon Creek Rd., Berrien Springs, Mich.

Website: www. lemoncreekwinery. com Edwardsburg Memorial Day Festival, May 28 Parade, vendors, food, games and a flag ceremony.

Address: Parade is on U.S. Highway 12; festival is at Gunn Park Contact: (574) 343-3721 10th Annual Niles Bluegrass Festival, May 31-June 3 More than a dozen bluegrass, rock and Americana acts perform.

Address: Riverfront Park, downtown Niles, Mich.

Website: www. nilesbluegrass.com

Car show at Riverfest in Niles

Regatta Craft Fair, June 2 Coincides with the Rhumbline Regatta and the open-

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Michiana Summer Fun

ing weekend of the farmer’s market.

Admission is free.

Address: Lake Bluff Park, Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, Mich.

Website: www. sjtoday.org Coloma BBQ Blues and Cruise June 16 Bring a lawn chair for this free, non-alcoholic event. Vendors will provide barbecue and live blues bands will perform.

Address: Baker Park, Paw Paw

The

Amusement park rides at Berrien County Youth Fair Street, downtown Coloma Website: www. facebook.com/ colomabbqbluee sandcruise Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival, June 16 This event showcases local

wines on the beach. Live music and food vendors.

Address: 5239 Lake St., Bridgman, Mich.

Website: www. lakemichigan shorewinetrail.com Free Run Cellar’s Wine and Wags

Sandpiper

Flowers, decor, accessories...

Unique gift giving starts here...

4217 Lake St. l Bridgman, MI 269-465-5936

Fest, June 23 Bring your dogs for a fun-filled day.

Address: 10062 Burgoyne Rd., Berrien Springs, Mich.

Contact: (312) 543-5401 Website: www. freeruncellars.com

16 • May 2012

Reds, Whites and Brews, June 30July 1 Taste eight craft brews on draft; wine, drinks and food will be available. Live music all weekend.

Address: The Round Barn Winery, 10983 Hills Rd., Baroda, Mich.

Website: http:// roundbarnwinery. com Cass County Fair, July 29-Aug. 4 Pedal pull, 4-H events, demolition derby, parade, pickup truck and semi pulls and more.

Address: 590 N. O’Keefe St., Cassopolis Website: www. casscountymifair. com Niles Riverfest, Aug. 2-5 Dragonboat races, Anything That Floats Race on the

Michiana Summer Fun

St. Joseph River, car show, vendors, entertainment and more.

Address: Riverfront Park, downtown Niles, Mich.

Website: www. nilesriverfest.net

Coloma Glad-Peach Festival, Aug. 3-5 Carnival, arts and crafts show, bike and running B races, food, youth parade and more.

Address: Colo- Youth at Cass County Fair ma, Mich.

Moore as well as Website: www. 470-1550 Bullmania, motocolomapeachfest.

South Bend 8th cross, a tractor pull, com Annual Reggae/ midway, 4-H events World Music and more.

New Buffalo Festival, Aug. 11 Address: 9122 Ship and Shore Family friendly Old U.S. Highway Festival, festival featuring 3 1 , Berrien Aug. 10-12 local and internaSprings, Mich.

Local wines, tional acts.

Food, Contact: (269) cuisine and live crafts, beer garden 473-4251 music.

Website: www.

Address: Whit- and kids’ entertainment. bcyf.org taker Street, downAddress: St. Jotown New Buffalo, seph County Fair- Barodafest, Sept. 8 Mich.

Family activities, Contact: (269) g r o u n d s , S o u t h Bend, Ind. 5K run/walk, panWebsite: www. cake breakfast, car southbendreggae. show, live music, com garden tractor pull, games and more.

Berrien County Address: Parking Youth Fair, Aug. at Third and Second 13-18 streets, Legion G r a n d s t a n d Field, Baroda, headliners this year Mich. include Bret MiContact: (269) chaels and Justin 422-1779

On the water at Riverfest in Niles

May 2012 • 17

Big Bear

Michiana Summer Fun

Summer Festival will be ‘chili’

By JOHN EBY john.eby @leaderpub.com

EAU CLAIRE — Big Bear Auction

C o . ’s i n a u g u r a l Summer Festival isn’t until Aug. 25, but Aimee Glassman already knows it will be “chili.”

Probably not the weather, but pots simmering for the

International Chili Society (ICS)-sanctioned cook-off, which sends the winner to the championship in West Virginia.

Glassman said sponsors are needed for trophies and prize money for the event, which draws competitors from Detroit and Chicago.

A portion of proceeds from the $5 admission benefits the Berrien County Council for Children to fight child abuse.

Prizes include red chili, $500, first

place; $200, second place; $100, third place; and trophy, fourth place; chili verde, $250, first place; $100, second place; and trophy, third place; salsa, $150, first place; and trophy, second p l a c e ; p e o p l e ’s choice, $100, first place; $75, second place; and $50 third place.

There will be a kid zone with two bounce houses, inflatable basketball and football, face painting, clowns and fire safety continued page 18

www.fernwoodbotanical.org 269.695.6491

18 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

Big Bear Auction hosts gun and knife show

By JOHN EBY john.eby@leaderpub.com

Leader photo/JOHN EBY

Aimee Glassman of Big Bear Auction Co. is preparing for a summer festival. continued from page 17

information provided by the Sister Lakes Fire Department.

Glassman and her husband, Jerry, also plan arts and crafts booths, car and motorcycle shows, music, dancing, a beer tent, a pie-eating contest and a dessert bake-off at their 17-acre spread at 5580 M-140, three miles northeast of Eau Claire.

Big Bear is Michiana’s largest

open-air auction market with a 7,000-square-foot barn and sales second and fourth Thursdays each month, plus holiday and specialty sales which attract 1,000.

“We’re ‘go big or go home,’” Glassm a n s a i d . “ We don’t do anything small here. Big Bear’s been doing events at this location for 20 years.

We call them auctions. A normal crowd is 600 people.”

EAU CLAIRE — Big Bear Auction Co. hosts its first two-day gun and knife show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 29 at 5580 M-140, three miles northeast of Eau Claire.

Besides guns, knives, archery, military collectibles, Army surplus, hunting and survival gear, Big Bear will serve apple brats and quarter-pound hotdogs.

“We hope this will be a success because we’re offering something to our area that’s not been offered here,” Aimee Glassman, owner of Big Bear Auction Co. with her husband, said.

“You have to drive to Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids or, at minimum, South Bend. This area does not have anything for gun dealers to participate in or hobbyists who want to buy guns, own guns or look at guns. We rent tables for $30 for the weekend. We’re going to have 125 tables. It could be 125 different people or 50, depending on how many tables they book. We’re not selling anything ourselves.”

Outside the auction barn there will be a swap meet, a farmers’ market and a flea market.

General admission is $5 daily.

May 2012 • 19

Michiana Summer Fun

Disc golf Andrews University 18 holes 8522 E. Campus Circle Drive, Berrien Springs, Mich.

Dr. T.K. Lawless Park 18 holes M-60 west of Three Rivers, south on Lewis Lake Road, follow signs, Vandalia, Mich.

Lake Township Park DGC 18 holes 10801 Gast Rd., Bridgman, Mich.

Madeline Bertrand Park 18 holes IN 933 north or MI 33 south to State Line Road, go west half-mile, right on Adams, park on left, Niles, Mich.

George Wilson Park 18 holes 2605 S. Clover Rd., Mishawaka, Ind. Rum Village Park 18 holes South Gertrude Street, South Bend, Ind. Ox Bow County Park 24 holes 23427 County Road 45, Elkhart, Ind.

20 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

New Buffalo Lakefront Park and Beach Where: Whittaker St., New Buffalo, Mich.

Amenities: Restrooms, playground, concessions, restaurants, shopping Phone: (866) 494-6371 Warren Dunes State Park Where: 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, Mich.

Amenities: Camping, cabins, picnicking, trails.

Phone: (269) 426-4829 Grand Mere State Park Where: Thornton Drive, Stevensville, Mich.

Amenities: Hiking, picnic shelter, dog friendly Phone: (269) 426-4013 Silver Beach County Park Where: 101 Broad St., St. Joseph, Mich.

Amenities: Playground, concessions, restrooms, volleyball, lighthouse, restaurants, shopping Phone: (269) 982-0533

Beaches

Leader Publications photo/GARY RIGGS

Michiana Summer Fun

Weko Beach Where: Bridgman, Mich.

Amenities: Beach house, picnic tables, playground, camping, hiking, showers Phone: (269) 313-0877

May 2012 • 21

Amenities: Hiking, camping, RVs Phone: (269) 764-1421

Jean Klock Park Where: Jean Drive, Benton Harbor, Mich.

Van Buren State Park Amenities: Bathhouse, concessions, Where: 23960 Ruggles Rd., South Ha- volleyball, playground, picnic shelter. ven, Mich.

Phone: (269) 927-8479 Amenities: Picnicking, playground, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping Rocky Gap County Park Phone: (269) 637-2788 Where: Rocky Gap Rd., Benton Charter Township, Mich.

South Beach Park Amenities: Picknicking Where: Water Street, South Haven, Phone: (269) 983-7111 Mich.

Amenities: Skateboard park, lightMount Baldhead and Oval Beach house, concessions, playground, historic Recreation Area memorials.

Where: 698 Water St., Saugatuck, Phone: (269) 637-0726 Mich.

Amenities: Concessions Covert Park Beach Phone: (269) 857-1701 and Campground Where: 80559 32nd Ave., Covert

Let us help you get your Summer projects done right!

Our store remodel is done and we have the products you need for everything around your home. We have expanded our Sporting Goods, our Paint Department, our Lawn and Garden has a bigger variety of products.

We have a larger selection of fishing products and outdoor games. We have all the products you need for getting those painting projects done in and around your home. We have soils, and fertilizers and mulch to get your yards and flower beds dressed up and looking great this Summer. We have more gifts for every occasion in our newly remodeled Gift and Housewares departments as well as, Radio Shack, if you need something for a Graduation gift or maybe a Wedding - we have it.

Stop in and let us help you get what you need so you can enjoy your Summer!

22 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

Trails

Madeline Bertrand Park Madeline Bertrand features three miles of mostly level trails through pine and oak forests and along the St. Joseph River. Map available at park office.

Address: 3038 Adams Rd., Niles, Mich.

Contact: (269) 683-8280 Website: www. berriencounty.org/ parks Love Creek Park Love Creek features five miles of rolling trails through old fields, areas of mature beech-maple forest and along the Love Creek Valley.

Map available at park office.

Address: 9228 Huckleberry Rd., B e r r i e n C e n t e r, Mich.

Contact: (269) 471-2617 Website: www. berriencounty.org/ parks

Riverfront Park The 2.25-mile paved trail following the St. Joseph river was completed in 2010.

Address: Front Street, downtown Niles, Mich.

Website: www. ci.niles.mi.us

Leader Publications photo/FRANNIE STITES

Riverwalk The Riverwalk is a circular system of pedestrian/bicycle trails on both banks of the St. Joseph River. Pedestrian bridges connect the Riverwalk at strategic points such as Central Park, Kamm Island and Robert C. Beutter Riverfront Park. A footbridge connects Beutter Park on the south shore to Battell Park on the north.

Address: North Main Street and West Mishawaka Avenue, Mishawaka, Ind. Website: www. mishawaka.in.gov/ riverwalk

Michiana Summer Fun

May 2012 • 23

Dr. T.K. Lawless Park map is available online.

This park offers seven miles of hiking Address: 12043 Red Arrow Highway, and bicycling trails. A map is available on- Lake Charter Township, Mich.

Contact: (269) 426-4013 line.

Website: www.michigandnr.com/parkAddress: 15122 Monkey Run St., Vandasandtrails lia, Mich.

Contact: (269) 445-4456 Warren Woods State Park Website: www.casscountymi.org/CounThis park offers 3.5 miles of hiking tyParks/DrTKLawlessPark.asp trails, which run from the northern boundary on Warren Woods Road to a parking Warren Dunes State Park Michigan’s sand dunes begin at this park, area accessed from the southern boundary which includes a network of eight marked on Elm Valley Road. A map is available online. trails that total nearly six miles.

Address: 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Three of the trails — Mt Randal Trail, Nature Trail, and Blue Jay Trail — along Sawyer, Mich.

Contact: (269) 426-4013 with a stretch of the shoreline form a fourWebsite: www.michigandnr.com/parkmile loop through the dunes in the park’s interior, along Lake Michigan and back to sandtrails a trailhead near the modern campground. A

• Adult 55+ condominiums • One-of-a-kind services

• Purchase or lease options • Year round exterior maintenance

103 Lexington Pointe Dr. • Niles www.agingenriched.org • Call 269.615.0631

24 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

Wineries Where’s the Party?

Reserve your Tents, Tables & Chairs Today for All Your Graduations, Spring & Summer Parties!

Call Judd Rental Center Today to Reserve for Your Next Party Date!

Michiana Summer Fun

BARODA

Founders Wine Cellar Where: 8963 Hills Rd., Baroda Hours: Sunday through Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.

Phone: (269) 426-5222 Website: founderswinecellar.com About: Enjoy “Wine Down Friday:” soft music, cheese & sausage plates, wine by the glass and happy times from 5 to 8 p.m.

Round Barn Winery Where: 10983 Hills Rd., Baroda Hours: Check website or call for hours Phone: (800) 716-9463 Website: roundbarnwinery.com About: Home of DiVine Vodka & Round Barn Brewery; Harvest Party (August), Winemaking Experience (October)

May 2012 • 25

BERRIEN SPRINGS

Domaine Berrien Cellars Where: 398 E. Lemon Creek Rd., Berrien Springs Hours: noon to 5 p.m. April through December, open every day; January through March: open Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Groups of 10 or more with advance reservation only. A $5 per person group fee will apply. Please call at least seven days in advance to book.

Phone: (269) 473-9463 Website: domaineberrien.com About: Enjoy a glass of wine with locally made cheeses and sausages on our deck overlooking our vineyards. Self-guided tours of our winemaking area are available.

Free Run Cellars Where: 10062 Burgoyne Rd., Berrien Spring Gravity Hours: Seasonal, noon to 5 p.m.

Where: 10220 Lauer Rd., Baroda Phone: (269) 471-1737 Hours: Sunday through Thursday, noon Website: freeruncellars.com About: Beautifully landscaped grounds to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 and vineyard set in the heart of the Lake p.m.; Call for winter hours.

Michigan Shore American Viticultural Phone: (269) 471-9463 Area.

Website: gravitywine.com About: Wines by the flight served at a beautiful setting overlooking the vineyards and lake, with plenty of tables and chairs so you can sit down and relax with friends.

26 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

Lemon Creek Winery & Fruit Farm COLOMA Where: 533 E. Lemon Creek Rd., BerContessa Wine Cellars rien Springs Where: 3235 Friday Rd., Coloma Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; Sunday, Hours: noon to 5 p.m. daily, year-round noon to 6 p.m.; winter: noon to 5 p.m. daily Phone: (269) 468-5534 Phone: (269) 471-1321 Website: contessawinecellars.com Website: lemoncreekwinery.com About: Incredible views with ample terAbout: The vineyards at this 155-year- race and patio seating. Free tasting. old family farm produce wines that are 100 percent estate grown and bottled.

BUCHANAN

Hickory Creek Where: 750 Browntown Rd., Buchanan Hours: Memorial Day to Oct. 31, Open Daily; Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.; Nov. 1 to Memorial Day; Phone: (269) 422-1100 Website: hickorycreekwinery.com About: Wines made from only Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area grapes.

Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant Where: 185 Mount Tabor Rd., Buchanan Hours: Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. (seasonal hours) Phone: (800) 283-3363 Website: taborhill.com About: Chocolate salon, award-winning wines, full production on-site winery and guided tours.

Always a Good Time! $1.50 Draft Beer every Day! Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Fish Saturday: Prime Rib Open Til 2am

55986 Indian Lake Rd. Dowagiac, MI Off M-62 (269) 782-3151 M-Th 11:30am-10pm Fri & Sat 11:30am-2am Sun 11:30am-10pm (except during winter)

Jukebox • Pool • Club Keno • Pull Tabs

May 2012 • 27

Michiana Summer Fun

Karma Vista Vineyards Where: 6991 Ryno Rd., Coloma Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily; closed Tuesday; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Phone: (269) 468-9463 Website: karmavista.com About: Gorgeous views, great wines and good karma await atop one of the most spectacular vineyards in the state.

FENNVILLE

Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar Where: 6130 122nd Ave., Fennville Hours: Winery open year-round. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Tours: Saturday, 3 p.m., November through June, weekends, July through October.

Phone: (800) 463-6265 Website: fennvalley.com About: Vineyard tasting-tours Saturday and Sunday in the fall. Cellar tours with the winemaker, 3 p.m. Saturday, November through June.

KALAMAZOO

Lawton Ridge Winery Where: 8465 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo Hours: Open year-round; Monday through Saturday: noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Phone: (269) 372-9463 Website: lawtonridgewinery.com About: Lawton Ridge Winery may be one of Michigan’s newest wineries, however, its grapes are from one of Michigan’s oldest wine vineyards.

Lawton Ridge Winery photo

Family Camping at its Best on a Beautiful Clear Lake!

Our campers enjoy a host of amenities, activities & conveniences including:

Tent Sites • RV Sites • Cabin Rentals • Private Lake • Canoe & Kayak Rentals • Concession Pavillion • Playground • Recreation Barn • Fishing • Laundromat

1622 E. Clear Lake Road • Buchanan, MI 49107 for reservations

269-695-3785

28 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

NILES

years of third-generation winemaking.

Lehman’s Orchard St. Julian Winery Where: 2280 Portage Rd., Niles Where: 716 S. Kalamazoo, Paw Paw Hours: March through December, 9 a.m.

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Phone: (269) 657-5568 Phone: (269) 683-9078 Website: stjulian.com Website: lehmansorchard.com About: St. Julian is Michigan’s oldest, About: It makes eight fruit wines, two largest and most-awarded winery. grape wines, one ice cider and six hard ciders. It sells frozen apple cider year-round THREE OAKS and fresh apple cider in the fall.

Dewey Cannon Winery & Brewery Where: 9 N. Elm St., Three Oaks PAW PAW Hours: Call for hours Warner Vineyards Phone: (269) 820-4011 Where: 706 S. Kalamazoo St., Paw Paw Website: deweycannonwinery.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Sunday, About: Dewey Cannon is a boutique noon to 5 p.m.; excludes major holidays winery and brewery featuring a selection of Phone: (800) 756-5357 artisanal wines and hand crafted beers.

Website: warnerwines.com About: Come visit and help celebrate 72 our own fresh produce, flowers, hanging baskets, and perennials available during the growing season

Rajzer's Farm Market Quality, Unique Flowers & Plants

and Greenhouse

Our specialities: Asparagus, Strawberries, Blueberries, and Sweet Corn (in season)

"From Our Fields And Greenhouses To You"

A Michigan Family Farm For Three Generations

269-423-4941

76301 M-51 Hwy., Decatur, MI 49045

May 2012 • 29

Michiana Summer Fun

Warner Vineyards photo

ST. JOSEPH

White Pine Winery Where: 317 State St., St. Joseph Hours: March, April November and December, Saturday through Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

Phone: (269) 281-0098 Website: whitepinewinery.com About: All of our wines are produced from estate-grown and locally grown grapes by winemaker Dave Miller, who has more than 30 years of experience.

to 6 p.m.; Satursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (central standard time) Phone: (219) 874-9463 Website: shadycreekwinery.com About: Featuring custom-crafted wines and first-calls facility on nearly 20 acres with expansive views.

GRANGER, IND.

D’Avella Family Winery Where: 51225 Bittersweet Rd., Granger, Ind. Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Satusday, noon to 8 p.m.; Sunday, MICHIGAN CITY, IND. noon to 5 p.m.

Shady Creek Winery Phone: (574) 386-4443 Where: 2030 Tryon Rd., Michigan City, Website: dfwinery.com Ind. About: Proud to be one of the most afHours: Wednesday through Friday, noon fordable wineries in Michiana.

Open

June thru October 7 Days a Week

Nye’s Apple Barn

Open during construction! Call for other locations while the bridge is closed.

3151 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI Just north of I-94, exit 27 • (269) 429-0596 www.nyesapplebarn.com

Farm Fresh Fruits & Veggies, Honey, Syrup, Jams, Jellies & much more!

Honey Crisp Apples in the fall!

30 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

Breweries and distilleries

BARODA

Round Barn Winery, Brewery & Distillery Where: 10983 Hills Rd., Baroda Hours: Check website or call for hours Phone: (800) 716-9463 Website: roundbarnwinery.com About: Home of DiVine Vodka & Round Barn Brewery; Harvest Party (August), Winemaking Experience (October)

BENTON HARBOR

The Livery Microbrewery Where: 190 Fifth St., Benton Harbor Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight; Satusday, noon to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m.

Phone: (269) 925-8760 Website: liverybrew.com About: The Livery features 12 taps of microbrew, three Real Ale taps, an outdoor beer garden, wi-fi and a cafe.

Bestofbeerdinner.com photo

Make a statement

...Make it yours!

Visit our new Showroom!

Brick - Pavers - Stone - Tools Retaining Walls - Mortar Area’s Largest Selection of Pavers & Landscaping Products!

Michiana’s Masonry Supply Center • Brick • Stone • Retaining Walls • Flagstone

574-234-2133 918 Oliver Plow Ct. • South Bend, IN www.rosebrick.com

May 2012 • 31

Michiana Summer Fun

KALAMAZOO

Bell’s Brewery Where: 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Hours: Open seven days a week Phone: (269) 382-2332 Website: bellsbeer.com About: Brews more than 20 beers for distribution and many other small-batch beers served at the pub.

PAW PAW

Paw Paw Brewing Company Where: 929 East Michigan Ave., Paw Paw Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Phone: (269) 415-0145 Website: pawpawbrewing.com About: Established in January 2010 by two brothers-in-law

SAWYER

Greenbush Brewing Company Where: 5885 Sawyer Rd., Sawyer Hours: Friday through Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.

Phone: (269) 405-1076 Website: greenbushbrewing.com About: Tasting, out-the-door sales and on-site brewing.

THREE OAKS

Dewey Cannon Winery & Brewery Where: 9 N. Elm St., Three Oaks Hours: Call for hours Phone: (269) 820-4011 Website: deweycannonwinery.com About: A boutique winery and brewery featuring artisanal wines and handcrafted beers Journeyman Distillery Where: 109 Generation Drive, Three Oaks Hours: Friday, 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

Phone: (269) 820-2050 Website: journeymandistillery.com About: Handcrafted artisan spirits with a focus on whiskey. Tasting room.

SOUTH BEND, IND.

Four Horsemen Brewing Company Where: 710 Fellows St., South Bend, Ind. Hours: Call for hours Phone: (574) 387-5772 Website: fourhorsemenbrewco.com About: Handcrafted beers. Taproom.

MICHIGAN CITY, IND.

Shoreline Brewery & Restaurant Where: 208 Wabash, Michigan City, Ind. Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Fabrics

Current Designer Closeouts & Excess Goods

Home Dec Fabrics • Trims Woollens • Linens • Silks Bridal Laces • Veils 95% of Our Decorator & Upholstery Fabrics are 50% to 90% Off Retail

Lemon Creek Fabrics

Downtown Berrien Springs, MI 49103

269-473-2201

Open Sunday thru Thursday Closed Friday & Saturday Call for hours

32 • May 2012

Michiana Summer Fun

Don’t forget your camera when you are out having fun this summer

Win 500 in our Summer Fun Photo Contest $

Enter online at any Leader Publications website or Facebook Fan Pages.

Click contests and Summer Fun for more details.

All entries must be submitted digitally online.

www.leaderpub.com www.nilesstar.com www.dowagiacnews.com www.cassopolisvigilant.com www.edwardsburgargus.com www.offthewater.com