 Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival! September 5-7, 2014 
South Haven and Van Buren County lie in the heart of Southwest Michigan's wine country, where almost half of the state's wine grapes are grown. For more than a century, the region's wineries have produced clean, crisp, balanced wines, attracting the attention of wine lovers, whether visiting during the first blush of spring, summer's glory, the fall harvest or even in the deep of winter.
Step into the world of our winemakers, who blend award-winning wines, champagnes and sparkling juices. Visit their wine cellars and learn about the wine making process. Walk through the vineyards to see the carefully nurtured grapes basking in the sun, waiting to be plucked from the vine. Even pets can join in the fun at this fest that includes a dog jumping competition, an old-fashioned grape stomping contest, a kids' carnival and a bicycle trip through the vineyards. Tour wineries or sample local vintages at tasting tents throughout the area. Most events are free, although there is a $5 charge for admission to tasting tents. Details at www.wineandharvestfestival.com!
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Lodging Specials
and
Packages!
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From quaint B&Bs to cozy cabins, and from modern hotels to waterfront resorts and vacation homes, visitors can find quality lodging to fit every taste and budget! Check out fabulous
Specials &
Packages here!
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Quick Links
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Summer in South Haven makes us want to dance too! Thanks for sharing your photo with us Instagram friend, @thedpc!
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 | | This stunning South Haven sunset photo was shared by Instagram friend, @kaitymjohnston! |
 | | This photo of the Lindy Lou River Launch courtesy of Tammy Jean West. From the late 1890's through the early 1930's, motorized launches traveled the Black River delivering guests to resorts and taking picnickers to up-river parks. Now an all electric powered launch, the Lindy Lou is easy on the environment and easy on the ears. For details on catching a ride, check out the Michigan Maritime Museum's website, www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org! |
 | | The Idler Riverboat on the Black River in South Haven! Photo by Karly McCullough. |
 | | Renaissance & Papyrus in downtown South Haven offers women's clothing, linens, beautiful candles, greeting cards, jewelry, home decor, books, & much more! Instagram friend, @countrystrong7, found their secret garden! |
 | | Our colorful South Haven Farm Market will be under the Huron Street Pavilion through October! Thanks again for sharing all of your fun vacation photos with us, Instagram friend @rockywalls! |
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A New Tradition! South Haven's
4th Annual
Women's Only Weekend! November 13-16, 2014
Kick up your heels to music, catch up with the latest in fashion and home décor, treat yourself to wine and cheese pairings, chocolate, massages, manicures, sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast, double over with laughter at comedians, take in a classic chick flick, savor fine delicacies specially prepared by our local chefs, enjoy a chocolate fondue, special demonstrations at our local merchants, take pleasure in significant savings and relish a margarita, all at your own pace.
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Dyckman Avenue Bascule Bridge Construction
 | | South Haven's drawbridge captured on a perfect July night by Jamie Garvison. |
The City of South Haven, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, will be completing rehabilitation work on the Dyckman Avenue Bascule Bridge over the Black River during the fall, winter, and spring of 2014-2015.
The tentative schedule is as follows: the roadway will be closed to vehicles beginning October 1, 2014 through May 15, 2015; sidewalks will be closed to pedestrians beginning October 6, 2014 through April 30, 2015; and the Black River Channel will be closed to boats from October 15, 2014 through April 30, 2014.
The City realizes the hardship this will create for businesses in the Dyckman Avenue Bridge area. Plans are being developed to assist impacted businesses, such as signage using an identifying logo to direct motorists to the "Historic North Side"; weekly updates to the public via the city web site, facebook page, city manager blog, city listserv; brochures; postings at city hall; and coordination with the CVB, Chamber and local media.
It is the hope of the City that we can all work together to get through this rehabilitation project as smoothly as possible. If you have suggestions of ways the city may communicate to the public that you are "open for business", please email ddavidson@south-haven.com
For more information about the project, please contact lhalberstadt@south-haven.com or 269.637.0770.
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YouTube Channel!
Be sure to check out our YouTube Channel & send us your favorite South Haven video footage!  | | Thanks Instagram friend @sherlockphoto for this shot! |
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Greetings!
We're taking advantage of these final summer days in South Haven/Van Buren County and we hope you will join us! There are still stunning sunsets to soak up, sails on Lake Michigan to delight in, and peaches and raspberries to be picked and savored.
Labor Day weekend celebrations are still awaiting at Lawrence's 30th Annual Ox Roast & Homecoming, Hartford's 18th Annual Hartford Old Engine and Tractor Show, and South Haven's 38th Annual All-Crafts Fair in Stanley Johnston Park! Details on all can be found at www.southhaven.org!
Be sure to give our office a call if you need assistance with lodging in Van Buren County! We are always happy to answer any questions and pass along availability updates!
Your friends,
South Haven/Van Buren County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
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City of South Haven
Opens Public Access to Downtown WiFi System!
The City of South Haven has opened free public access to a wifi system in Downtown
South Haven, including service to South Beach and North Beach. The system allows wireless devices such as tablets, smartphones or laptops to connect to the internet. The City is working with Secant Technologies to design and install the system and Bloomingdale Communications will provide internet connectivity.
Free wifi service is now available in the downtown and along the Black River from the Michigan Maritime Museum to the South Haven channel. About 40 access points have been placed throughout the area. Bandwidth speeds will depend on distance from an access point and the level of use of the system. To access the service, select the Harbortown wifi access point, open a browser and agree to the terms of service.
The City's municipal marinas will receive upgraded service, which will be available to marina boaters throughout the downtown and on the beaches.
Mayor Robert Burr said, "The goal of the downtown wifi system is that everyone will be able to connect to the internet while they are enjoying our parks, downtown street cafe's and beaches. This is another way to make South Haven a fun place to visit".
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Lawrence's 30th Annual Ox Roast & Homecoming Celebration!
Join us this Labor Day Weekend for the 30th Annual Ox Roast and Homecoming Festival! Held in picturesque Village Park, Lawrence's signature annual event is fun for the whole family.
If you're in the mood to shop, check out what local farmers and artisans have to offer this fall and enjoy the freshest produce at the Farmers' Market in the park, held throughout the morning on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Also all weekend there will be: various booths to explore, food vendors, Lawrence Lions Club Bingo Tent, Lions Club Beer Tent, The Knightwinds Renaissance Group exhibition, and music performances at the Pavilion. Fun for all ages this Labor Day in Lawrence!
Friday night: Lawrence comes alive to celebrate the arrival of Ox Roast weekend.
Saturday: The fun continues Saturday in the park for The Classic Car and Motorcycle Show, children's games, live entertainment, a local talent show, and a variety of booths to explore and food vendors from around the region. Also, residents will hold yard sales throughout the Village on Saturday.
Sunday: Wake up early as the 5k and 15k Run/Walk kicks off in the park, followed by a Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion hall, and spend the afternoon in the shade watching the Pedal Pull in the park.
Monday: Monday wraps up the festival with our huge parade through the heart of Lawrence, so come early and get great seats. In the afternoon we have the Rubber Duck Race at the Paw Paw River bridge, followed up by the traditional performance of the Jeff and Jim.
Full schedule can be found at www.lawrencemi.org!
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Forever Young: Photographs of Bob Dylan by Douglas R. Gilbert at the
South Haven Center for the Arts!
Showing through September 9,
Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat & Sun 1-4pm.
Join us for this specially added exhibition by famous Michigan photographer, Douglas R. Gilbert! Free admission.
"In July of 1964, one year before his music changed from acoustic to electric, I photographed Bob Dylan for LOOK magazine. I spent time with him at his home in Woodstock, New York, in Greenwich Village, and at the Newport Folk Festival. The story was never published." -Douglas R. Gilbert
For more information on the South Haven Center for the Arts, please visit
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Antique Engine & Tractor Show at Michigan Flywheelers Museum!
September 4-7. Gates open at 8am rain or shine!
One of the largest shows of its kind in the state, the four day event will draw antique farm equipment collectors from all over the United States.
Giant steel steam traction engines, old antique tractors, parades, and live musical entertainment are just a few of the things visitors can see during the show.
Besides displays of antique farm equipment, there will be demonstrations at the sawmill, shingle mill and blacksmith shop along with exhibits in Old Towne. Patterned after a 1920's rural village, Old Towne features places like Old Tyme Jail, Abbert & Sons Farm Machinery Repair Shop, a migrant farm camp and a hand built log cabin.
Not only does the show have plenty of displays to see, it has lots of activities. Daily parades, antique and lawn tractor pulls, a large outdoor flea market featuring crafts, antiques and items for the home, plenty of old fashioned music, consignment auction on Sunday, nightly entertainment, and valve cover racing.
One of the popular activities for young and old is the "South Haven Tractor Cruise." Participants drive tractors of all makes and models into South Haven, cruise along the South Beach, and then stop downtown for an evening of dining and shopping.
Rustic camping sites are available on a first-come basis. Pets are allowed with exhibitors, campers and vendors only. Pets are restricted to owners' camp sites at all times. Personal transportation vehicles, such as golf carts, will be charged a registration fee.
For more information, please contact 269.639.2010. A complete show schedule is available on Facebook or at www.michiganflywheelers.org.
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Get Lost in Our Corn Maze at Crane Orchards in Fennville!
Weekends: 12-6pm, Weekdays: 10am-6pm.
A lot of creative energy and a huge amount of work goes into this 20-acre project every year to make it the best corn maze anywhere (and, of course, so customers can enjoy even more family fun during their visit to Crane Orchards).
Compared to the corn maze designs of previous years, this one will have many new and different challenges, For those of you who've tested the maze in previous years, it will be a new challenge and for you new maze visitors, this is a great family fall event. Each year we have a completely new maze design.
Pricing Adults: $7,
Ages 6 years to 10 years: $5.
Kids 5 years old and below are free !
Crane Orchards accepts credit cards. For more information on Crane Orchards, check out their website! www.craneorchards.com
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Garden Club Flower Show
at South Haven Memorial Library!
September 13 & 14,
Sat 1-5pm, Sun 10am-2pm.
This annual event is always special with the many beautiful and unique flower arrangements & interesting flowers... Don't miss this two day show!
The South Haven Garden Club was first organized in 1930 by a group of likeminded plant enthusiasts who were members of the Scott Club. The club joined the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan, Inc. and the National State Council of State Garden Clubs (now the National Garden Clubs) in 1933. There were 40 members in the club at that time.
The object of this club was to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs; to aid in the protection of native trees, plants and birds; and to encourage civic planting. Through the years the club members have been involved in community beautification projects throughout the city.
Check out www.southhavengardenclub.org to learn more!
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South Beach Fall Fitness Festival in South Haven!
September 20, 9am.
Crystal clear Lake Michigan, miles of beaches and a picture perfect downtown make up the venue for this breathtaking course in Michigan. Hundreds of athletes from all over the Midwest will be racing in this triathlon season staple. Racers have an option to either do the Sprint or Olympic distance. They also will receive a top of the line event t-shirt, finishers medal (there will be medals for top finishers in different categories as well), custom swim cap and access to the post event party. Details here!
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