Van Buren State Park captured by staff photographer, Jamie Garvison.
February 2015

Greetings!  


 

Happy New Year! What are your travel plans for 2015? We'd love to hear about them! If you're not already, get social with South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!

If this year flies by like the last, it's important to take time for what matters most - making memories with family and friends. That's where we can help. Feel free to call us anytime! The friendly and knowledgeable team at the South Haven/Van Buren County CVB is here 12 months a year to answer your questions. Call 1.800.So.Haven or email [email protected].

Take time now to plan those special getaways in 2015. Even though it's only January, coordinating schedules, locking in dates and booking your lodging now can save you time and money later. Here are some of the most popular festivals and events you won't want to miss in South Haven and Van Buren County in 2015:


Waterfront Film Festival, June 11-14

Harborfest, June 18-21

52nd Annual National Blueberry Festival, August 6-9

Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival, September 11-13

Women's Only Weekend, November 12-15


 

Your friends, 

  

South Haven/Van Buren County 

Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

269.637.5252/1.800.SO.HAVEN 
[email protected] 

www.southhaven.org
 


GEARING UP FOR A NEW BRAND!

We are conducting research into South Haven/Van Buren County as a travel brand, and your opinions are invaluable to this process! 

The research is being facilitated by our third-party research partner, Destination Analysts. As a loyal e-newsletter subscriber, if you would like to be considered for an in depth interview, please email us at [email protected]

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EVENTS

Night for the Museums at Amicarelli Vineyard
in South Haven 

Help support your local South Haven museums this year by dining out! This is the sixth year for the event! Thanks to the continuing support of the restaurants we will again be dining out on the 1st Thursday of each month in support of our museums.

 

The money raised will be divided equally between the Michigan Maritime Museum, Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, Historical Association of South Haven, and South Haven Center for the Arts.  

 

February 5, 5-9pm.

Open Mic Night
at Black River Tavern
in South Haven
 

That's right, folks; South Haven's longest-running Open Mic has moved to the 3rd Thursday of every month in the lower level (the "Black River Bottom") of the Black River Tavern! All proceeds benefit Foundry Hall's mission to build community through music and performing arts in South Haven. As always, you can expect a friendly and appreciative audience who love to applaud, our finest regional talents, your inimitable and gracious host, Paul Hogan, and a huge pile of Mary Hogan's amazing chocolate chip cookies!


 

There's a great stage, plenty of seating, all of your favorite South Haven-area musicians and performers, a full meal menu, and even a selection of beverages for adults and kiddos.

$5 reserved, $2-5 suggested donation at door.


February 19, 7pm.
 

Basic Digital Photography Class at Lake Michigan College's South Haven Campus

Learn how to get the most from your digital camera! This course covers the basics of photography and more, including basic theory, exposure control, depth of field, and basic composition. Participants will practice what they have learned and bring their images to class to share with the class and the instructor. Bring your camera and the instruction manual, after having read it please. $29. 

 

Wednesdays,
February 25-March 25,
6:30-8:30pm. 

Lodging Specials and Packages!




From quaint B&B's 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!
 

 

 

 

 

Visitor Photos!


South Haven's South Pier and lighthouse. Thanks for sharing your photo with us, Instagram friend @rkramer62!



Cousin's is a cozy breakfast spot... Perfect on a cold winter day! Thank you, Emily Belden, for the photo!  




 Handstands on the pier in South Haven with Instagram friend @art_martins! Thank you for sharing your photo!    




Save the Date for Ice Breaker Festival! January 30-February 1, 2015


West Michigan's predominant and growing winter festival is showcasing dazzling ice sculptures, a Chili Cook-off, Pub Slide, horse drawn wagon rides, kid crafts, and many more exciting, fundraising events for local communities.

A major highlight of the event is the sculpting of more than 50 blocks of ice, weighing 300 pounds each, into incredible works of frozen art. The Ice Sculpting competition has three divisions - professional, amateur and student. While admiring all the amazing ice displays along the way; make sure to enjoy the Pub Slide, with food, drink & entertainment specials offered at participating bars and restaurants all weekend long.

The streets of South Haven will also be blazing on Saturday from hosting the Chili  Cook-off, along with the Boy Scouts' "Heat the Streets," offering 3 fire pits open for s'more roasting! The Chili Cook-Off provides downtown South Haven restaurants & bars the opportunity to vie for the coveted "Con Carne Trophy." You can click on the Events tab at www.southhaven.org for the full schedule of events!

The South Haven/Van Buren County CVB will be sponsoring a shuttle bus at this year's Ice Breaker Festival and here it is! The route and schedule! The bus will run from 12-10pm on Saturday, January 31, and reaches the North Side and several points downtown. Guests ride for FREE!

Looking for more events and activities in Van Buren County?
No problem! 

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