Soak up the last bit of summer in Michigan’s Great Southwest this holiday weekend! Enjoy everything from anniversary celebrations, water adventures, live music and a Farmers Market - there’s something for everyone! Read on for a full guide to ensure that you enjoy every last minute; #MeetMeLocally.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Enjoy the St. Joe Farmers Market every Saturday through October 10 from 9:00am-2:00pm in Lake Bluff Park. Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly St. Joe Farmers Market. Vendors will offer a variety of products including homemade goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more!
Get ready for a day outdoors with Third Coast Paddling! Rent kayaks or paddleboards at their three locations - Paw Paw River (Benton Harbor/St. Joseph), Galien River (New Buffalo) and Silver Beach (St. Joseph). All ages are welcome, schedule your trip today!
Explore the local nature trails at Sarett Nature Center. Their five-mile trail system includes boardwalks, observation platforms and a barrier-free walkway. Trails are open from dawn to dusk!
Cool off at the Whirlpool Centennial Compass Fountain! Open daily from 10:00am-9:00pm. Please observe the signs at the fountain entrances concerning COVID-19 modifications.
Explore St. Joseph with Scooter Joe’s Wheel & Water Rentals! They offer a variety of rentals - take a ride on a beach cruiser, surrey, electric bike or tandem. Guests can also rent kayaks/canoes at the Inn at Harbor Shores rental location in addition to pontoon boats, speed boats, dinghies and jet skis through a partnership with Blue Water Boat Rentals!
Heading to the beautiful Southwest Michigan beaches? Take a look at the links below. There’s a real-time update of the water temperatures as well as the swimming conditions, and the Silver Beach County Park Beach Cam.
GREAT LAKES WATER TEMPERATURES & SWIMMING CONDITIONS
SILVER BEACH COUNTY PARK BEACH CAM
LOVE LOCAL SHOPPING
Wanderlust Outfitters celebrates their 4th anniversary this September! Don’t miss their annual Wanderversary, held September 1-7. Shoppers will enjoy giveaways and in-store specials all week long!
Chartreuse Art Gallery is a collective of individual local artists who create a wide array of art media including ceramics, painting, photography, jewelry, metalwork and glass. Members work together year round to create a magical art experience and update displays almost daily. Stop in this fall to celebrate their 14th anniversary and to find that perfect gift or souvenir!
INSIDER TIP: NEW hours after Labor Day! Open daily,
Friday-Monday from 11:00am-6:00pm.
Wolf’s Marine has everything for you to have fun on or in the water! They’re new 2021 AB Inflatables have arrived. To make room for new inventory, they’re offering special package prices for models 2019 and older!
Enjoy specials throughout the month of September at White Pine Winery as they celebrate their 10th anniversary! Enjoy 5% off 4 bottles, 10% off 6 bottles and 15% off 12 or more bottles.
Oh My Darlings hosts a Labor Day Weekend Sale! Enjoy 20% off bathing suits and select summer merchandise!
LIVE MUSIC
Summer also brings live music, sometimes with a side of wine or craft beer! Check out these locations and even a virtual event this holiday weekend:
City of St. Joseph:
Sunday, September 6 - St. Joseph Municipal Band Virtual Concert
Monday, September 7 - St. Joseph Municipal Band Virtual Concert
Dablon Winery:
Friday, September 4 - The Backsliders from 3:45pm-5:45pm
Sunday, September 6 - Mike Talbot from 2:30pm-5:30pm
Free Run Cellars:
Sunday, September 6 from 2:30pm-5:30pm
Plank’s:
Friday, September 4 - Lexi Adams from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday, September 5 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Sunday, September 6 from 4:00pm-7:00pm
Sister Lakes Brewing:
Friday, September 4 - Midwestern Lull from 7:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday, September 5 - Terrestrial Peasants from 6:30pm-9:30pm
Sunday, September 6 - Vincent Hayes from 7:00pm-10:00pm
Vineyard 2121:
Friday, September 4 - Karaoke by DJ Dale Owen at 6:00pm
Saturday, September 5 - Dart Board Compromise at 6:00pm
Sunday, September 6 - Michael McIntosh from 2:00pm-5:00pm
BEER, WINE & SPIRITS
Explore Southwest Michigan’s local wines and craft beers on the Makers Trail! Featuring pet-friendly locations, unique tasting experiences and seasonal events - there’s something for everyone on the Makers Trail!
Silver Harbor Brewing and 221 Main present the Pleasant Street Plaza, weekends through the summer! Enjoy outdoor dining, live music and games. The fun starts Friday at Noon through Sunday at dusk!
Round Barn Estate celebrates this year’s harvest at their annual Harvest Party on Saturday, September 5 from 11:00am-7:00pm. Attendees will enjoy live music, delicious drinks (including a special fall cocktail) and food! This event also marks the release of the popular Salted Caramel Cream.
INSIDER TIP: Round Barn Estate will also host Jammin’
in the Vineyard on Sunday, September 6 &
Monday, September 7!
