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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
There are many family-friendly
fairs and festivals happening
throughout Southwest Michigan
all year round. Numerous
county fairs feature animals,
musical acts, exhibits and
amusement rides, and a
multitude of festivals celebrate a
season or regional specialty
such as tulips, wine,
strawberries, blueberries or
peaches.
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MUSIC
From small nightclubs and
intimate theaters to large arenas,
there are many different places
in Southwest Michigan to enjoy
the hottest local, regional and
national music acts all year
long. Included in this section is
a list of top name bands coming
to the area as well as local
music series and summer music
festivals.
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FUN PARKS
How about a little miniature
golf? Or go-karts, arcades,
paintball, laser tag, bumper
boats or batting cages. There
are many fun parks in
Southwest Michigan at which
you can enjoy these activities
and more. There are also indoor
and outdoor water parks,
amusement parks, dune rides
and ATV parks and much more.
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SPORTS
Indoors or outdoors, summer
or winter, there's always a
chance to be active. Try the
YMCA for swimming,
basketball, volleyball or
aerobics. Enjoy indoor and
outdoor aquatic facilities, disc
golf, climbing, outdoor skate
and bike parks, paddlesports,
running, or play in a youth
soccer league.
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FARMS, FARM MARKETS
AND U-PICKS
Some of the finest fruits and
vegetables in the country are
grown right here in Southwest
Michigan. Many of the farms,
orchards and vineyards located
throughout Berrien and Van
Buren counties allow you to
purchase the freshest produce
right at the farm and many
even offer the chance to pick
the fruit or vegetables yourself.
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WINERIES
The 12 wineries and 8 tasting
rooms that make up the
Southwest Michigan Wine
Trail are part of a region that
boasts 10,000 acres of grapes.
Many of the wineries offer
opportunities to sample their
wine and take tours to learn
about wine making. Several of
the wineries even host their
own special events featuring
wine tasting, food, and music.
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NATURE AREAS
Southwest Michigan has ample
opportunities to get out and
enjoy or learn about nature.
Nature areas, botanical
gardens, zoos and other
facilities, both private and
governmental, offer a wide
variety of opportunities to
attend special events and
programs, learn or try
something new, or just go for
a walk in the woods.
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OUTDOORS
There are many opportunities
to spend a little time in the
great outdoors. Try camping
at one of a number of private
campgrounds, state or county
parks. Numerous outfitters
and campgrounds offer
horseback riding or a variety
of paddlesports experiences
like canoeing, kayaking, rafting
and tubing.
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SPECIAL TREATS
If you're looking for a special
treat, there are many unique,
locally-produced items to
choose from. Ice cream,
chocolates, honey, baked
goods, jams and jellies, and a
number of specialty items
produced locally or regionally
can be purchased at stores and
farm markets throughout
Southwest Michigan.
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MUSEUMS, THEATER AND
THE ARTS
There are many choices for
both children and adults when
it comes to learning and
experiencing the arts. Learn by
doing at a hands-on children's
museum, or visit a museum
dedicated to cars, boats,
airplanes or local history. You
can also enjoy art centers,
symphony orchestras, and
local theater productions.
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MOTORSPORTS
There are numerous
racetracks in Southwest
Michigan, both dirt and paved,
to watch car and motorcycle
racing. You can also
experience the thrill of taking a
jeep ride through the sand
dunes or create you own
adventure on your ATV or
ORV and one of several
off-road parks.
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WINTER ACTIVITIES
Just because it's cold outside,
it doesn't mean you can't have
a little fun. Try ice skating,
skiing, tubing, or tobogganing.
You can also do some
cross-country skiing or
snowshoeing at a nearby
nature area or winter sports
area. Purchase season passes
early for the biggest discount.
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