2. Contents
FALL/WINTER 2011/12
SHORELINE COMMUNITIES TO VISIT
Southwest Michigan 8
South Haven 10
Saugatuck/Douglas Area 14
Fennville 17
Holland 18
Zeeland 30
Grand Haven/Spring Lake Area 32
Grand Rapids 35
Muskegon 36
White Lake 38
Pentwater 40
Ludington 42
Manistee 44
Benzie County 46
Traverse City / Leelanau County 49/50
*Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore was chosen by viewers of
ABC’s Good Morning America as “the
SHORELINE CALENDAR most beautiful place in America”.
Read more about this area on page
Area Farmers Markets 3 46, 50 and our back outside cover.
Events 4
Festivals 6
Halloween Spooktaculars 7
Arts, Crafts & Collectibles 27
Holiday Celebrations 28
Cover Photo: Ludington, Todd Reed
Cover Inset Photo: courtesy Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Back Outside Cover: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Todd Reed
Other photo contributors: Rhonda Cobb, Bill Cobb, Gerald R. Ford Museum, Greg Holcombe, Angie L. Martinez, Muskegon Museum of Art, Karen Jousma, and
Sharon VanderBoon.
Also, a special thank you to our Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau partners for their photo contributions.
4. September 17 September 24
4th Annual Barbeque & Brew Fest Du North Duathlon
Downtown Glen Arbor Manistee
September 17 September 24
Holland Rescue Mission Foghat
Benefit Car Show Little River Casino Resort, Manistee
Immanuel Church, Holland September 24
September 17 “Evita”
Ronnie Milsap Mendel Center Mainstage,
Little River Casino Resort, Manistee Benton Harbor
September 17 September 24
SHORELINE
CALENDAR
2011/12
Leland Heritage Festival ArtPrize Art Walk
Downtown Leland & Fishtown Downtown Grand Rapids
September 17 September 24
Saugatuck Douglas Heritage Festival Park2Park ½ Marathon & 5K
Saugatuck/Douglas Area Holland
Through December 30 September 17 September 24
“Unsolved Mysteries: Clothesline Art Show, 10 am - 2 pm 2nd Annual Tri-City Heritage Tour
The Shipwreck Thomas Hume” Wicks Park, Saugatuck North Berrien Historical Museum,
City Barn at the Hackley & Hume September 17 Coloma
Historic Site, Muskegon Morton House Cemetery History Walk September 24-25
Through December 31 Crystal Springs Cemetery, Allegan Historic District Home Tour
“Serving You for 75 Years” Benton Harbor Allegan
Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon September 17-18 September 24-25
Through December 31 Fall Family Day & Herb Festival Autumn Air Fall Festival
“Dutch Arcadia: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Fernwood Botanical Gardens &
19th Century Romantic Landscapes” Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Nature Preserve, Niles
Festivals........ 6 Holland Museum, Holland September 17-18 September 24-25
September 21 - December 31 Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Fair
Halloween “Sculpture Today: Centennial Park, Holland On the Village Green, Pentwater
New Forces, New Forms” September 17-18
Events .......... 7 Heritage Harvest Days and Civil War September 25
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Allegan Antique Market
Park, Grand Rapids Muster - “Return to Bull Run”
Arts, Crafts & Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan
Through January 8, 2012 Van Raalte Farm Park, Holland
September 25
Collectibles “Benjamin Franklin: September 17 – October 8
Concert On the Hill: OCTET
................... 27 In Search of a Better World” ‘Gallery Exhibition: A Lifetime of Art:
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church,
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Retrospective of Selected Area Artists”
Ludington Area Center for the Arts, Beulah
Holiday Grand Rapids September 25
This exhibit presents artifacts related to Benja- Ludington
Celebrations ... min Franklin’s inventions, including bifocals, the September 18 “Committed”
..............28-29 Franklin stove, the armonica (glass harmonica), House of David Echoes vs Howard Performing Arts Center,
microscope, and his activities in publishing, Chicago Salmon Berrien Springs
firefighting, postal service, libraries and educa-
Eastman Field, Mary’s City of David, September 25
tion, abolition of slavery, and diplomacy and 2011 Apple Cider Century Bicycle Tour
government. Benton Harbor
We suggest that you call ahead to confirm the September 18 Three Oaks, MI
details before finalizing your plans. Most times Through February 19, 2012
“Tiny Treasures” Blessing of the Animals & September 29 - October 1
the convention and visitors bureaus in the area Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon Farm Olympics, 1:30 pm Four Flags Area Apple Festival
are the best to contact - listed on page 3. Circle Rocking S Children’s Farm, Niles
Through July 31, 2012
“Bling: A History of Costume Jewelry, Freesoil September 30
ONGOING September 18 Critical Discourse
Through September 25 1920-1970”
Tri-Cities Historical Museum, Hospice Harbor Walk, 2-4 pm Ladies Literary Club, Grand Rapids
2nd Annual Regional South Haven Share your opinions on the works selected as the
Juried Art Exhibit Grand Haven Top 10 ArtPrize finalists.
September 20, 2011 -
South Haven Center for the Arts, January 15, 2012 September 30 - October 1
SEPTEMBER
South Haven “To the Rescue with ‘Lil Red #7” exhibit “The Carve IV”
Through September Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Holland
“Early 20th Century Team Photos” September 9-17 Grand Rapids Culinary student ice sculpting competition.
Holland Museum, Holland Allegan County Fair September 21 September 30 - October 9
Through September Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan Song Swap Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival
Free Tours - Hackley & Hume Historic Site September 10 - October 31 Foundry Hall, South Haven Grand Valley State University, Allendale
Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon Fall Fun, 9 am - 6 pm September 21 September 30 - November 13
Open Wednesday through Sunday, Lewis Farm Market & Petting Farm, ArtPrize Artist Meet & Greet, 7 pm “Metamorphose”
12 noon - 4 pm New Era Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, South Haven Center for the Arts,
Through October 3 September 16 Grand Rapids South Haven
“Your Picture Here: Live Mannequin Night September 21 - October 8 Metamorphose is an exhibit of new media
An Exhibition of Faces in Places that artworks exploring surrealism and the identity of
Downtown Holland Grand Haven ArtWalk 2011 a new art movement.
Define Saugatuck & Douglas” September 16 Downtown Grand Haven
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Friday Night Conversations: ArtPrize September 21 - October 9
OCTOBER
Saugatuck Grand Rapids Art Museum, Art Prize
September 8 - October 20 Grand Rapids Downtown Grand Rapids & Frederik
“Farm Fresh” Art Exhibit September 16-17 Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Saturdays in October
Nuveen Community Center for the West Michigan Symphony, ArtPrize offers the largest art prize in the world Bottle House Museum open Saturdays
Arts, Montague “Oh, What a Night!” 7:30 pm and is open to any artist in the world. only, 12 noon - 4pm
Through October 23 Frauenthal Center, Muskegon September 21 - December 31 Kaleva
“International Connections: September 16-17 “Sculpture Today: New Forces, Fishermen will want to see the
Selected Works of Art from the David Paint the Town New Forms” Makinen Tackle Collection.
W. Baas Collection” Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Through October 1
Downtown Zeeland Four Flags Apple Festival
Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon Watch local artists at work throughout town. Park, Grand Rapids
Through October 28 September 16-18
An invitational exhibition of emerging sculptors. Niles
“Victoriana” Bangor Harvest Festival September 22 October 1
Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon Bangor “VW Bug Makeover” exhibit opens White Lake Area Guided Nature Walk
September/October Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, White Lake Area
September 16-18 Grand Rapids On the first Saturday of the month, naturalists
U-pick apples Michigan Irish Music Festival Take a test drive in the museum’s recently tuned lead guided tours of local natural areas talking
Crane Orchards, Fennville Heritage Landing, Muskegon up VW Bug! about native plants and wildlife.
September/October September 16-18 September 23-24 October 1
Crane Orchards Hayride Weekends Tulip City Gem & Mineral Show AAUW Annual Used Book Sale Fall Fun Fest, 4-7 pm
Crane Orchards, Fennville Holland Civic Center, Holland Holland Civic Center, Holland Brethren Heritage Museum, Brethren
Open weekends only from 12 noon to 5 pm for September 16 - October 30
as long as the U-pick apples are available.
September 23-24 Enjoy pumpkin painting, bobbing for apples,
“Posters, Fans & Songbooks: Oktoberfest West Michigan and Native American activities. Hot stew, corn
September/October 19th Century Prints by Toulouse-Lau- bread, and dessert will be served. Donations
Corn Maze John Ball Zoological Garden Park, welcome.
trec and his Contemporaries” Grand Rapids
Lewis Farm Market & Petting Farm, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph October 1
September 23-24 Weko Beach Brewers Fest
New Era September 16 - October 31 Indie Rock Music Festival
Through November 6 Chrysanthemums and More! Grand Haven
Bridgman
“Neighbors: Photography by Frederik Meijer Gardens September 24 October 1
David and Kathy Myers” & Sculpture Park Open Hours at Marilla Museum DeGrandchamp’s Cranberry Harvest
Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon September 17 and Pioneer Place, 2-4 pm South Haven
Through November 6 Scottville Harvest Festival Parade, Marilla October 1
“Local Interest: Photography from The 1 pm September 24 Oktoberfest
Muskegon Chronicle Archives” Downtown Scottville Fall Fest, 10 am - 5 pm Downtown Ludington
Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon North Mears Parking Lot, Whitehall
4 Shoreline Visitors Guide | FA L L / W I N T E R 2011/12 www.shorelinevisitorsguide.com
5. October 1 October 7 October 9 October 22
Happy Apple Days / “An Evening with George Winston” One Sky, One World International “Pop Go the Sailors - Home Again”
Annual Fall Festival Frauenthal Center, Muskegon Kite Fly for Peace Frauenthal Center, Muskegon
Downtown Traverse City October 7-8 Charles Mears State Park, Pentwater October 22-23
Merchants share apples with customers as they Wedding Walk 2011 October 9 Hands-on Porcelain Workshop,
browse shops decked out in fall splendor. Downtown Holland Chili Cookoff, 1-5 pm 10 am - 4 pm
October 1 October 7-8 Downtown Saugatuck Khnemu Studio, South Haven
Holland Symphony Orchestra Season Fiber Festival Enjoy chili from your favorite area restaurants October 23
Series, “Classics I” Old Art Building, Leland while listening to local performers. Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra
Zeeland East High School, October 7-8 October 11 Concert, 4pm
DeWitt Auditorium, Zeeland Autumn Days, 10 am -5 pm West Michigan Drum Circle Benzie Central High Schoo
October 1 Historic White Pine Village, Ludington Shore Acres Park, Near Felt Mansion, Auditorium, Benzonia
St. Simon Applefest October 7-8 Saugatuck October 23
St. Simon Family Center & Gym, Viva Little River - An Elvis Tribute October 13-14 The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats
Ludington Little River Casino Resort, Manistee “See the Site in a Different Light,” Lake Michigan College Mendel Center
October 1 October 7-8 4:30-6:30 pm Mainstage, Benton Harbor
Scottville Old Fashioned Barn Dance, Buster Keaton Society Convention & Hackley & Hume Historic Site, October 23
5-10 pm Film Festival Muskegon Francesca Battistelli
Scottville Riverside Park, Scottville Special tours of the homes of Muskegon’s most
Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon famous lumber barons featuring the carvings of Howard Performing Arts Center,
October 1 October 7-9 the Hackley House. Reservations required. Berrien Springs
Autumn Glory Day, 10 am - 4 pm 15th Annual Oktoberfest & October 13-16 October 23
Bear Lake School, Bear Lake Classic Car & Hot Rod Show “Hairspray,” Muskegon Civic Theater Bridal Show 2011, 11 am - 3 pm
Enjoy the Quilt & Fine Art show plus food, live Pentwater
music, a pumpkin chuck contest, quilt raffle, Frauenthal Center, Muskegon Little River Casino Resort, Manistee
pumpkin patch, children’s activities, and more. October 7-9 October 14 - December 31 October 23
October 1 Annual Pulaski Days Celebration “Van Raalte the Visionary: Star of Saugatuck Last Trip
Oktoberfest, 12 noon - 8 pm Grand Rapids The 200th Birthday of Holland’s of the Season
Downtown Douglas October 8 Founder, Albertus Van Raalte” Saugatuck
October 1 Pentwater Home Tour & Used Book Holland Museum, Holland October 25
Fall Fest Sale, 10 am - 4 pm Oct. 14-16 & 21-23 “C. Schoenknect & W. Paul Sculpture
East End Park, Grand Haven Pentwater “Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber Lecture: Sean Henry”
Watch as re-enactors recreate what it was like October 8 of Fleet Street” Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture
to be Art & All That Jazz Historic Ramsdell Theatre, Manistee Park, Grand Rapids
a fur-trader in the tri-cities area in the 1800s. Douglas October 14-23 October 26
October 1 Stroll through galleries and shops, listen to mel- “Crème de la Crème!” David Sedaris Live
Oktoberfest low jazz, grab a drink, have a bite, and dance in Manistee Art Institute, Manistee Frauenthal Center, Muskegon
St. Joe Kickers Sport Club, Berrien the streets of beautiful downtown Douglas.
Small works from well-known artists October 28
Springs October 8 on exhibit. Monty Python’s “Spamalot” &
October 1 Empire Heritage Days
Empire Museum Complex, Empire October 15 Holy Grail Ale Party
Lumber Baron’s Ball Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour Lake Michigan College Mendel Center
Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon October 8 White Lake Area and Muskegon Mainstage, Benton Harbor
October 1-2 Fire Truck Parade Experience vibrant fall color along the lakes and October 28-29
Annual Blue Coast Artists’ Fall Tour, Downtown Holland through the dunes as you travel from the White West Michigan Symphony,
Antique and modern fire trucks parade down 8th Lake Depot to the Muskegon Union Depot on
10 am - 6 pm Street from College Avenue to the fire station. Brahms Symphony #3
South Haven to Saugatuck one of Michigan’s most scenic drives.
October 8 Frauenthal Center, Muskegon
October 1-2 October 15
5th Annual Lakeshore Harvest 6th Annual Peak2Peak Mountain October 28-30
Benzie County Fall Festival Country - Road Rally Ski & Snowboard Sale at
Beulah and Benzonia Bike Classic
Riverbend Farms, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Mountain Sports
October 1-2 South Haven/Saugatuck Areas Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa,
Grand Valley Renaissance Festival Thompsonville
A rollicking ride through the countryside - it Thompsonville
October 15
Grand Valley University, Allendale is not a race! Follow clues to farms and other
Tour de Tykes Bike Race October 29
October 1, 8, 16, 22 notable locations in your own car. This family- Claudio Gonzalez & Carlos Flores
Jammin’ in the Vineyard friendly ride through the countryside will take Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa,
Thompsonville Howard Performing Arts Center,
Round Barn Winery, Baroda about three hours - including closing festivities.
Berrien Springs
Live music and wine tasting. October 8 October 15
Fall Fest October 29
October 1-30 Onekama Fall Funfest Mr. Speed - America’s KISS Tribute
Exhibit by Artist Steven Donley Village Park, Onekama Marilla Museum and Pioneer Place,
Little River Casino Resort, Manistee
White River Gallery, Montague October 8 Marilla
October 29
October 2 Barns & Byways Tour, 10 am - 5pm October 15
Fall FunFest Day, 11 am - 4 pm Ski Swap, 9 am - 4 pm
“The City of Tomorrow” Ludington Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa,
Howard Performing Arts Center, October 8 Coghlin Park, Saugatuck
Thompsonville
Berrien Springs Pumpkinfest October 15-16
Fall Bonsai Show October 30
October 2 White Lake Area The Closing Open
6th Annual Betsie Valley Run - October 8 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa,
Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Luncheon & Style Show Park, Grand Rapids
Thompsonville
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Gull Landing, Pentwater October 16 A unique cross-country golf event. Put together a
Thompsonville Proceeds benefit Oceana County Five by Design’s “Radio Days” three-person scramble team for a day of golf, hot
October 2 Animal Friends. Lake Michigan College Mendel Center chili, soup, and prizes.
“Kids’ ArtFest 2011: October 8 Mainstage, Benton Harbor October 31
A World of Creativity” Harvest Festival October 19 Open Hours at the Kaleva Bottle House
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Downtown St. Joseph Song Swap Museum, 12 noon - 4 pm
Grand Rapids October 8 Foundry Hall, South Haven Kaleva
October 2 New Buffalo Wine & Harvest Festival October 20-23
NOVEMBER
White Lake CROP Hunger Walk Downtown New Buffalo Frankfort Film Festival
Montague October 8 Garden Theater, Frankfort
October 2 5th Annual Harvest Party / Pig Roast, October 21-25 November 1
Antiques on the Bluff 12 noon - 3 pm Holland Founder’s Fest Celebration Writers Series
Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph Whitehall Holland Armory and other locations in Frederik Meijer Gardens &
October 3-23 October 8 West Michigan Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Crystal Spa Days Taste of Mason County, 6-9 pm A celebration of the 200th birthday of Rev.
Albertus November 1-30
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Ludington Area Center for the Arts, C. Van Raalte, founder of Holland. Artist Marilyn Ryan
Thompsonville Ludington White River Gallery, Montague
October 22
Enjoy select services and experience the tranquil- October 8-9 Whirlpool 100th Celebration, South- November 1-30
ity of this luxury oasis. 34th Annual Gallery Stroll Weekend, west Michigan Symphony Orchestra Lake Michigan Art Walk
October 5 12 noon - 5 pm Downtown Muskegon
Song Swap Mendel Center Mainstage,
Saugatuck/Douglas Area Benton Harbor November 3, 2011 - January 15, 2012
Foundry Hall, South Haven October 8-9 “Ancient/Modern: Textiles
October 6 October 22
Benzie County Fall Festival Downtown Holland Groove Walk, 9 pm by Frank Connet”
Fall History in Action Day Beulah and Benzonia Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon
Historic White Pine Village, Ludington Downtown Holland
October 8-9 11 Different Bands. 11 Different Locations. All November 3
October 6 Western Michigan Old Engine Club in Downtown Holland! Autumn Harvest Dinner
Pumpkinfest - Dinner On Us, 5 pm Tractor Pulls October 22 Fenn Valley Winery, Fennville
Downtown Zeeland Scottville Fall Frenzy November 4-5
Downtown merchants cook and serve FREE October 9
dinner to the community. Downtown Leland and Fishtown Holland Gallery Walk
Holland Train Show, 10 am - 3 pm Enjoy end of season sales, cider, and Downtown Holland
October 6-8 Holland Civic Center, Holland
Zeeland Pumpkinfest - donuts. Participating galleries will showcase artists and
October 9 October 22 their works, hors d’oeuvres, and libations. Fri-
“Harvesting Goodwill” Last sailing day of the season day walk hours, 6:30-8:30 pm; Saturday hours,
Downtown Zeeland Fan Halen 12 noon - 4 pm.
for the S.S. Badger Little River Casino Resort, Manistee
October 6-9 Ludington
Paint Our Towns Pink
Benton Harbor & St. Joseph
SHORELINE CALENDAR CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
www.shorelinevisitorsguide.com FA L L / W I N T E R 2011/12 | Shoreline Visitors Guide 5
6. Festival Fever
F ollowing is a sampling of upcoming festivals and events. Mark your calendar
now so you won’t miss a moment of merriment. Please consider calling ahead
for more information and to recon rm dates and times. (We suggest using the
local information contacts listed on page 3.)
September 2-5 September 16-18 December 3
Shoreline Spectacular Michigan Irish Music Festival Nouveau Fest, 1-5 pm
Downtown Muskegon Heritage Landing, Muskegon Fenn Valley Vineyard,
Car show/parade, motorcycle show, human foos- Three days of Irish and Celtic music, vendors, October 7-8 Fennville
ball tournament, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, food, and fun. Buster Keaton Society Taste the first wines from the 2011 vintage, hors
battle of the rock air bands, paint ball games, dog September 17 Convention & Film Festival de oeuvres, and cellar tasting tours. A great
and cat petting and adoption, poker walk, bever- 8th Annual Heritage Fest way to kick off the holiday season with family
age tent with music, children’s area with games, Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon and friends.
art, craft fair, food court, and much more.
Saugatuck/Douglas Area Film and vaudeville star, Buster Keaton, grew up
Discover the rich historical and architectural in the Blufton Neighborhood of Muskegon. This January 21, 2012
September 2-5 heritage of the Saugatuck-Douglas area. Hosted tribute features some of his film and television Winter Delights :
Breakwater Festival by the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society. footage, a tour of the Keaton family home, and A Festival of Wine, Food & Jazz
Pere Marquette Beach, Muskegon Visit www.sdhistoricalsociety.org, for details. more. Lake Michigan College, Mendel Center,
Come celebrate the last few days of September 17 October 7-9 Benton Harbor
summer at the most beautiful beach in 2011Annual Green Art Fair Annual Pulaski Days Celebration
West Michigan. January 21-22, 2012
Douglas Valley Winery, Manistee Grand Rapids White Lake Annual Perch Festival
September 3-4 This competition will present creative uses for This annual celebration commemorates and
Hart Heritage Days salvaged materials. Montague
honors revolutionary war hero, General Casimir Ice fishing tournament, chili cook off, fish dinner,
Hart Historic District September 17-18 Pulaski. Local private clubs open their doors to and more.
Enjoy activities in the Historic District where Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival the public to promote Polish music, food, and
buildings from the past have been moved and dance. January 26-29, 2012
restored for all to view.
Centennial Park, Holland Grand Haven Winterfest
Free festival celebrating Latino culture through
September 8-11 art, film, music, dance, and more. October 7-9 Grand Haven
Antique Engine & Tractor Show September 21 - October 9 Goose Festival January 31 - February 4, 2012
Michigan Flywheelers Museum, Art Prize Fennville Snowfest 2012
South Haven Downtown Grand Rapids & Frederik October 7-9 Downtown Muskegon
Hundreds of antique engines and tractors are 15th Annual Oktoberfest & Great events that include snow volleyball, trivia,
on display during the four-day show. Other
Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a game night, broomball, and our famous soup
activities include outdoor flea market, equipment Grand Rapids Classic Car & Hot Rod Show and chili cook-off.
parades, blacksmith shop, saw mill and shingle ArtPrize offers the largest art prize in the world Pentwater February 3-5, 2012
mill demonstrations, and musical entertainment. and is open to any artist in the world. Car show, chili cook off and streusel bake off,
Ice Breaker Festival
Lots of kids activities too! September 23-24 entertainment tent, live auction, sprint for the
Downtown South Haven
September 9-10 Oktoberfest West Michigan stein, barrel race, face and pumpkin painting,
music, chicken and polka dance contest, beer, Ice carving, Chili cook-off, Texas hold-‘em, ice
Annual Silver Lake Apple & John Ball Zoological Garden Park, brats, and kraut. MSU football on the big skating, and more.
BBQ Cook-Off Festival Grand Rapids screen. February 10-12, 2012
Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area September 24 October 8 Magical Ice Carving Festival
All day activities include crafts show, fresh farm Fall Fest Arts & Crafts, 10 am - 5 pm Pumpkinfest Downtown St. Joseph
produce, entertainment, golf scramble, and apple North Mears Parking Lot, Whitehall Montague February 11 & 18
pie contest. Farmer’s market, live entertainment, arts and Celebrate the icon of fall, the pumpkin, with Hart & Pentwater Winterfest
September 9-11 crafts, cider mill, hayrides, and food vendors. pumpkin decorating, seed spitting contests, Hart & Pentwater
Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival September 29 - October 2 pumpkin carving, the largest pumpkin competi- February 11, 2012
Paw Paw Four Flags Apple Festival tion, and the pumpkin roll down Dowling Hill. Winterfest in Benzie County
A grape time for everyone! Grape stomp, Niles October 8 Beulah & Benzonia
fireworks, parade, car show, craft show, and Four day festival with carnival rides, food ven- 5th Annual Harvest Party / Pig Roast,
several entertainment stages. Wine tasting, beer dors, arts and crafts on Saturday and Sunday, Fun Activities for the whole family, including a
tent, and more.
12 Noon - 3 pm frozen fish toss, a chili cook off, turkey bowling,
parade, live entertainment, and more.
September 9-17 Whitehall bonfire on the beach, fireworks and more.
October 1 October 8 February 17-19, 2012
Allegan County Fair Douglas Oktoberfest, 12 noon -8 pm
Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan Onekama Fall Funfest Cherry Capital Winter Wonder Fest /
Downtown Douglas Village Park, Onekama Downtown’s Sweetheart of a Sale
September 10 Fun for the whole family! Parade, rifle ceremony,
Craft and food vendors, bounce house, wagon,
Barodafest tapping of the keg with Alphorn performance, Downtown Traverse City
bier tent, food court, traditional German bands, pony, and miniature train rides, plus face paint- Enjoy President’s Day weekend with live music,
Baroda ing, and more. ice sculptures, Frozen Bed Races, a Soup’r Bowl
A small-town festival with live entertainment, dancing, kinderplatz kids games, root beer barrel
roll, face painting, and sack and mug races. October 8 Competition, Monster Dog Pull, and more.
kids games, crafters, food vendors, tractor pull, Harvest Festival February 17-20, 2012
Duck race, and more October 1
September 10 Oktoberfest Downtown St. Joseph Winterfest Weekend
Port City Street Fair Downtown Ludington October 8-9 Saugatuck/Douglas Area
Downtown Manistee Music, food, games, craft fair, and many more Benzie County Fall Fest February 18, 2012
Enjoy autumn at the Port City Festival in his- events make up this day of fun. Frankfort and Elberta Winterfest
toric Manistee. Stroll the scenic Riverwalk and October 1 Enjoy pumpkin chucking, gourd and pumpkin Empire and Glen Arbor
enjoy entertainment, food, an antique car show, Fall Fun Fest, 4-7 pm carving by masters, kids’ activities, and more. February 18-19, 2012
arts and crafts, historic building tours, special Brethren Heritage Museum, Brethren October 15 Shiver By the River
exhibits, and more. Enjoy pumpkin painting, bobbing for apples, Fall Fest, 2-5 pm Frankfort
September 15-17 and Native American activities. Hot stew, corn Marilla Museum and Pioneer Place, Snow Activities, Ice Cravings, Snowmobile Sno
Scottville Harvest Festival bread, and dessert will be served. Donations Marilla Cross Races and More.
Downtown Scottville welcome. Pumpkin painting and carving, campfire and February 25, 2012
Ox roast, midway carnival, annual queen and October 1 hotdogs, and “screaming” apples. Outhouse 500
princess contests, farmers market, grand parade, Fall Fest October 15 Coopersville
horse shoe tournament, garden and antique East End Park, Grand Haven Fall FunFest Day, 11 am - 4 pm March 10, 2012
tractor pulls, the Scottville Clown Band, and Watch as re-enactors recreate the life of fur trad- Coghlin Park, Saugatuck
entertainment tent. ers in the tri-cities area in the 1800s.
St. Patrick’s Day Festival & Parade
Pumpkin carving, pumpkin launch, pie eating, Saugatuck/Douglas Area
September 16-18 October 1-2 food vendors, band, tug-of -war. Great family
Bangor Harvest Festival Benzie County Fall Fest fun! Mid-March, 2012
Bangor Beulah and Benzonia October 20-23 2nd Annual Benzie County
Craft show, antique and classic car show, quilt Enjoy pumpkin chucking, gourd and pumpkin 3rd Annual Frankfort Film Festival Water Festival
show, children’s events, food, and family fun. carving by masters, kids’ activities, and more. Garden Theater, Frankfort Frankfort
September 16-18 October 6-8 Enjoy the best films from prestigious festivals Celebrate the waters of Benzie County. Listen
Grand Haven Salmon Festival Zeeland Pumpkinfest - worldwide at the recently restored Garden to world-class Michigan musicians and speeches
Theater. from water experts; attend workshops and
Grand Haven Municipal Marina “Harvesting Goodwill” presentations; and enjoy art, theater, dance,
Music, wine tasting, gourmet salmon cook-off Downtown Zeeland children‘s activities, artisan foods and beverages.
contest, beer and entertainment pavilion, art fair, Enjoy games, scarecrow displays, entertainment, Visit www.visitbenzie.com for more information
and fishing contest. a parade, and more. as it becomes available.
6 Shoreline Visitors Guide | FA L L / W I N T E R 2011/12 www.shorelinevisitorsguide.com
7. September 3 through October 31 October 8 October 28
Amazin’ Corn Maze Pumpkinfest Downtown Halloween Walk, 3:30-5 pm
Lewis Farm Market & Petting Farm, New Era Montague Downtown Traverse City
Celebrate the pumpkin with pumpkin decorating, seed spit- Pint-sized ghosts and goblins parade downtown streets,
September 3-5, 10-11, 17-18; ting contests, pumpkin carving, the largest pumpkin competi- trick or treating at participating shops.
September 24 through October - Daily tion, and the pumpkin roll down Dowling Hill in Montague.
Corn Maze October 28
Crane Orchards, Fennville October 8 The Great Halloween Spectacle, 5-9 pm
*Please note - a special Haunted Corn Maze will be open from Zeeland Pumpkinfest Parade, 3 pm Downtown St. Joseph
dark until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Not Downtown Zeeland
recommended for children 10 years and under. October 28
October 8-9 Halloween at VanRaalte Farm
September 24-25; October 1-30 Benzie County Fall Festival VanRaalte Farm Park, Holland
(Saturdays and Sundays only) Frankfort and Elberta Start your journey on the trails at the VanRaalte Farm. Volun-
The Famous Pumpkin Train Pumpkin carving, kids’ games, parades, pumpkin chucking, teers and staff will be on hand to help you discover wild
and much more. creatures, fun activities, and treats. Enjoy a campfire, cider,
Coopersville & Marne Railway, and cookies at the end of the trail.
Coopersville October 14-15
Enjoy a train ride and pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch! October 29
Tickets required; contact C&MR for departure times. Haunted History Hayrides
Honor Hometown Halloween, 12 noon - 2 pm
Downtown Allegan
Through October October 15
Macabre Manistee County October 29
Manistee County Fall FunFest Day, 11 am - 4 pm
All month long enjoy haunted houses, costume parties, Coghlin Park, Saugatuck Haunted Museum, 2-4 pm
harvest festivals, live theater, intriguing museums, the Manistee Pumpkin carving, pumpkin launch, pie eating, food vendors, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, Grand Haven
Ghost Ship, and much more! band, a tug of war, and loads of family fun!
October 29
October 15 Halloween on the Green, 12 noon
Through October In Search of the Great Pumpkin, 3 pm
Scarecrow Harvest The Village Green, Pentwater
Overhiser Orchards, South Haven Children’s activities, costume contest,
Bear Lake
Come visit Bear Lake and see a creative collection of scare- and more.
crows displayed throughout town.
October 15, 22, 29
Scenic chairlift rides to view fall color, October 29
October 1 live entertainment, and the Haunted Annual Halloween Spooktacular
Autumn Glory Day, 10 am - 4 pm Forest. Downtown Pentwater
Bear Lake School, Bear Lake Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Trick or treating at downtown merchants, 12 noon - 6 pm.
Browse the Quilt & Fine Art Show and enjoy food, live music, Thompsonville Parade at 4 pm. Haunted trolley rides at 7 pm.
the pumpkin chuck contest, quilt raffle, pumpkin patch,
children’s activities, and more. October 21 October 29
Flashlight Tour of Ice Age Imperials, Downtown Trick or Treat, 3-5 pm
October 1 6-7:30 pm Downtown Ludington
Scarecrow-making Workshop Heritage Museum and Cultural Center,
Ludington Center for the Arts, Ludington St. Joseph October 29
Trick-or-treat with the giants of Ice Age Imperials! Enjoy a Halloween Harvest Festival & Parade
October 1-2 spooky flashlight tour of the exhibit, treats, and crafts. Fun for 10 am - 5 pm
Benzie County Fall Festival the whole family! Ages 5-10 are free with paid adult admis- Saugatuck/Douglas Area
Beulah & Benzonia sion and fee for members of The Heritage. Musical entertainment, storytelling, and arts and crafts featuring
Enjoy awesome fall color, food, pumpkin carving, kids’ games, harvest and Christmas items. Parade at 4 pm.
parades, pumpkin chucking, and much more. Beulah and October 22
Benzonia host the festival Oct. 1-2; Frankfort and Elberta host a Boos, Brews & Brats Halloween Event October 29
second weekend of fun Oct. 8-9. Downtown Manistee Adult Halloween
Kids will enjoy trick or treating downtown and a pet costume Celebration & Parade, 10 pm
October 6 parade. Gourmet brats, an event tent, and costume contest Saugatuck/Douglas Area
Zeeland Pumpkin fest round out the activities on tap.
Dinner on Us, 5 pm October 30
Downtown Zeeland October 22-23
Haunted History Hayrides Free admission to both museums.
Free rides on the Silver Beach Carousel, 4-6 pm.
October 6-8 Honor Curious Kids’ and Curious Kids’ Discovery
The Village of Honor hosts two trips each night on an excur-
Zeeland Pumpkinfest - sion through its haunted history. Refreshments included. Zone Museums, St. Joseph
“Harvesting Goodwill”
Downtown Zeeland October 23 October 31
Boo on Your Bike Halloween Downtown, 4-6 pm
October 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 Kal-Haven Trail, South Haven Downtown Grand Haven
Manistee’s Ghost Ship Participating merchants provide treats for downtown’s annual
S.S. City of Milwaukee trick or treating event. Come join in on the fun on Washington
Historic railroad car ferry, Manistee Avenue from Harbor to Third Street.
www.shorelinevisitorsguide.com FA L L / W I N T E R 2011/12 | Shoreline Visitors Guide 7
8. welcome to
Southwest Michigan
S outhwest Michigan is a delightful destination for a getaway on crisp fall days or snowy afternoons. Here you will nd quaint little resort towns with
gingerbread-trimmed cottages, curious antiques shops, lovely boutiques, romantic bed and breakfast inns, and gourmet restaurants tucked away among the
rolling dunes. In autumn, the forested hills resemble a patchwork quilt of reds, golds and yellows; U-pick orchards, wineries, and farmers markets display the
fruits (and vegetables!) of the season; and corn mazes and fall festivals promise bushel baskets full of family fun.
When the snow ies, so do outdoor enthusiasts - down hills, along trails, and over the ice. ere are trails in state, county, and local parks, as well as ski
slopes within an hour’s drive of St. Joseph. Southwest Michigan’s web-like snowmobile trail system spreads out in every direction, threading through the dunes
and rambling through the woods with adventure waiting around every bend. Cozy cottages, inviting res-
taurants, and intriguing museums make fall and winter especially memorable in Michigan’s great southwest.
For more information, visit www.swmichigan.org, or call (269) 925-6301.
www.swmichigan.org
8 Shoreline Visitors Guide | FA L L / W I N T E R 2011/12 www.shorelinevisitorsguide.com
