|
|
 |
|
|
|
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
There are many family-friendly
fairs and festivals happening
throughout Southwest Michigan
all year round. Choose from
county fairs that feature
animals, musical acts, exhibits
and amusement rides, or from
festivals that celebrate a season
or regional specialty such as
tulips, wine, strawberries,
blueberries or peaches.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
MUSIC VENUES
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 many of
the summer music festivals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
FUN PARKS
How about a little miniature
golf? Or go-karts, arcades,
paintball, laser tag, bumper
boats or batting cages. There is
a wide variety of fun parks in
Southwest Michigan at which
to enjoy these activities. There
are also several indoor aquatic
areas, outdoor water parks and
amusement parks in the area for
the entire family.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
SPORTS AND FITNESS
Indoor or outdoor, summer or
winter, there's always a chance
to be active. Try the YMCA
for swimming, basketball,
volleyball or aerobics with
classes for both members and
non-members. There are also
several indoor and outdoor
aquatic facilities and several
communities have outdoor
skate/bike parks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
WINERIES
The 11 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
CAMPING, HORSEBACK
RIDING, CANOEING
There are many opportunities
to spend a little time in the
great outdoors. Try camping
at one of a number of private
campgrounds, state and
county parks. Canoe outfitters
offer a variety of trips on local
rivers and there are several
choices for horseback riding,
whether it be for a few hours
or an entire weekend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
MUSEUMS, THEATER AND
THE ARTS
There are many choices for
both children and adults when
it comes to learning and the
arts. Kids can 'learn-by-doing'
at a hands-on children's
museum or the whole family
can enjoy museums
specifically dedicated to cars,
boats or airplanes, art centers,
symphony orchestras, and
local theater productions.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
MOTORSPORTS
There are numerous
racetracks in Southwest
Michigan, both dirt and paved,
for cars or motorcycles.
There are also several places
where you can take a jeep ride
through the sand dunes or
even take a tour where you get
to drive the jeep yourself. For
those who really like
adventure, check out one of
the off-road parks.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
