Victoria Resort in South Haven Michigan

Ice Breaker Festival heats up South Haven this February

2012-01-22T14:10:00.000-05:00

Ice Breaker Festival is the hottest festival during the coldest time of the year, and South Haven is gearing up for the fun on February 3rd, 4th and 5th.

Ice Breaker Festival Map, 2012

Downtown will literally be buzzing with chainsaws as carvers tackle big blocks of ice on the sidewalks. Watch as professionals, students and amateurs go to work with chainsaws, irons, routers, chisels and a host of other tools. Judging begins at 2 pm, with the awards presentation at 5:30 pm in Foundry Hall.

Plan a light breakfast for the day of the chili cookoff, because the public not only enjoys free samples of the competing chilis but they also are the judges. Pick up a ballot to score each sample on heat, consistency, flavor and other factors. Ballots are quickly tallied that afternoon, and bragging rights (plus an awesome trophy to display) are awarded in the evening.

The ice skating rink will host performances by three synchronized skating groups. The Western Michigan University synchronized skating team will be back this year, as well as Grand Valley State University's team and Skater's Edge of West Michigan. Saturday afternoon performances will be 1:30 to 2:15pm and 3:30 to 4:15pm, so bring your camera to capture these talented performers.

For adult participants, the "Pub Slide" focuses on a different method of warming up. Stop by participanting bars and restaurants for special beverages, entertainment and more. South Haven Yacht Club's deck party on the river is always a hot spot, while Joe's Bar & Grill will have a fire pit, BBQ pit, heaters for the outside patio and live music. The Black River Tavern will host a "Don't Break the Ice" challenge Friday evening and live music by TimVelez on Saturday.

Bitter-Sweet Acres will have their team of Belgian horses offering wagon rides through the streets of downtown, sponsored by Chemical Bank in downtown South Haven. In addition to the wagon rides, there will also be a heated bus sponsored by Mervenne Beverage.

Lodging is available for rooms in the bed & breakfast at the Victoria Resort in South Haven. Festival maps and event schedules will be provided to all guests that weekend, and the Getaway Packages are also available. Reserve two nights in select rooms and cottages to receive $50 towards dining in downtown South Haven for free. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-473-7376 or reserve online at http://www.victoriaresort.com/.

South Haven's Cafe Julia Offers Winter Warm Ups

2012-01-21T15:27:00.000-05:00

This winter, Cafe Julia presents a new menu geared toward the modern, mature crowd seeking a little warmth after time spent outside. Located within sight of the outdoor ice skating rink, Cafe Julia already has an outstanding reputation for coffee, lattes and other specialty morning drinks.

Jay and Julia, the owners, have introduced new offerings perfect for the evening hours. Their "small plates" menu includes some warm comfort foods, such as the melted Gouda on sourdough with a cup of tomato soup and a crock of homemade mac 'n cheese. The edamame, tossed with olive oil, sea salt and garlic, is a little more cutting edge. The Mediterranean plate includes hummus, grilled pita and tasty Mediterranean olives. Best of all, these are small portions at a reasonable five dollar price.

The cocktail offerings are worth noting, because what could be better than watching the snow fly with a warm drink in hand? Autumn Mist features hot tea with a twist of Grand Marnier and the Fireside cocktail includes cider, honey, lemon, ginger, bitters and Makers Mark. Local residents extoll the espresso martini, which includes the house made Kahlua, vanilla vodka and chilled espresso.

For those with a sweet tooth in the evening hours, the Italian Almond Torte and Mocha Latte Torte are divine - beautiful to behold and heaven in each bite. The surprise success through, has been the Affogato. An affogato is a traditional Italian espresso-based treat that you’ll find on the menu at many Italian restaurants, as well as at many cafes serving espresso and other coffee drinks. The full name is really “affogato al cafe” or “drowned in coffee,” in Italian. The name really suits the dessert, as it consists of a scoop of ice cream/gelato with a shot of espresso poured over the top.

Venitia Sekema performs at Foundry Hall in South Haven

2012-01-18T09:27:00.000-05:00

Foundry Hall welcomes singer/songwriter Venitia Sekema with musician Danny Dine for a performance this Friday, January 30th at 7:30 pm.

Venitia's style is hard to pin down, a typical performance ranges from delta Blues to uptown Jazz, down-home Country to the most modern Folk. Even with so much variety, the audience connects with what she has to say, since deep down she has the heart of a storyteller, and each person can find something in her songs that relates to their own life. Sekema's brand new album, "Boomland," is about achieving dreams, empowerment, love....lost and found, a little bit of heartache, humor and hope.

If you are headed to the South Haven area this weekend, tickets for the show are just $5 per person and can be purchased in advance through http://www.foundryhall.com/. Overnight accommodations are available at the Victoria Resort Bed & Breakfast in South Haven.

Cottages at Victoria Resort for Weekly Rental - 2012 update

2012-01-16T08:24:00.000-05:00

While the calendar still reads winter, the summer season is on the horizon. The Victoria Resort's guest cottages are available for weekly rentals in June, July and August. The following weeks are available as of this posting:

June 16 - June 23, two bedroom/one bathroom Cottage D, featuring a beautiful whirlpool tub in the bathroom, king bedroom with flatscreen tv/dvd, living room with large fireplace and flatscreen tv/dvd, second bedroom with a bunkbed. $1470

June 16 - June 23, three bedroom/three bathroom Cottage C, offering space for a big family gathering with two queen beds and two twins, large living room with a fireplace, $1630

June 23 - June 30, two bedroom/one bathroom Cottage B, one queen, two twin beds, bathroom with extra long whirlpool tub, screened porch. $1470

July 14 - July 21, two bedroom/one bathroom Cottage A, one queen, two twin beds, nice size living room, eat in kitchen and long screened porch. $1470

July 21 - July 28, two bedroom/one bathroom Cottage D. $1470

August 4 - August 11, three bedroom/three bathroom Cottage E, $1630 and two bedroom/one bathroom Cottage A, $1470. Together, they accommodate ten people for a great family reunion opportunity!

August 18 - August 25, two bedroom/one bathroom Cottage B, $1470

August 25 - September 1, the very last week of summer! If you stay the week, you have the option of adding on two more nights at only $100 per night to stay through Labor Day (Monday, September 3rd).

If you are looking for any other weeks in June, July or August, please call us directly. This is the time of year that the most changes happen, and there may be a spot open that we haven't had time to post! Get ready for your summer vacation in South Haven by calling 1-800-473-7376.

Winter Sports in West Michigan (and the best place to recover)

2012-01-15T16:42:00.001-05:00

After a very long wait, snow has arrived in West Michigan. The sleds, snow shoes, skis, boots, gloves and assorted winter gear will finally have a purpose.

Sarett Nature Center, a non-profit organization, offers cross country skiing on their property. Nearly five miles of trails loop through the lowland marsh, the upland prairie and a particularly beautiful stretch goes through a grove of pine trees. Snow shoes are also available to rent, and designated trails are available for anyone on snow shoes. Sarett Nature Center is located just off I-196, about twenty minutes from South Haven.

Timber Ridge is celebrating fifty years of downhill skiing, and has opened all runs & lifts on their ski resort. Snowboarders are welcome to have some fun on the resort, and of course the tubing runs are great for kids of all ages and sizes. Timber Ridge is located in Gobles, Michigan - about a forty-five minute drive from South Haven.

Once again, the Victoria Resort Bed & Breakfast has teamed up with Timber Ridge to put together the ultimate ski package. Stay two nights, and two all-day lift tickets are included! Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the inn, hit the slopes, then return in the evening to enjoy the warmth of the whirlpool tub and fireplace in your room. Packages begin at $135 per night, depending on the room selected. Rooms at the Victoria feature large whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces, and even some guest cottages with wood fireplaces.

The city of South Haven proudly reports that the outdoor ice rink is open six days a week for public skating time - more than any other rink in the area. Each evening the snowflake lights illuminate the rink, and just steps away are local restaurants, bars and coffee shops to warm up. This is also the second year that the South Haven Ice Rink has offered curling, a sport less familiar to most winter enthusiasts. To read more about opportunities to try curling, click here.

Packing the Kitchen for a Week in South Haven

2012-01-06T11:00:00.000-05:00

If you're planning a family vacation to South Haven, there are a few tips to make packing a little easier. Here are some ideas for the kitchen...
Aluminum Foil: Works perfectly for wrapping up a few leftovers or wrapping potatoes for the grill.
Salt-Pepper-Garlic: Use an old spice container for a mix of sea salt, ground pepper and a little garlic powder. It's an easy, all purpose seasoning for steaks, baked potatoes, corn on the cob and more.
Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo: Bring the basics to keep kids happy, or bring the upscale versions to spice up your meal times.
BBQ, Ranch and Italian Dressing: For dipping, for dousing burgers and for keeping the kids happy. Of course, the Italian dressing can double as a marinade.
Can of Cooking Spray: Even the open one from your cupboard will be fine - it's only a week!
Zip Bags: Pack a variety of zip bags into one large bag. You'll need a few for munchies, marinating grill food and saving some leftovers. Use a quart size bag for some basics from home (sugar, ground coffee) to make packing easier.
Disposable Drinkware & Sharpie marker ~ Let the kids write their names or make their mark on their cup for the day. It will save your stack of cups and settles arguments!
Disposable Plates & Silverware: Perhaps not the most eco-concious item to pack, but it sure saves a lot of dishwashing (it is a vacation, after all)
Paper Napkins & Paper Towel: There's a roll of paper towels provided, but your family may need more.

So what can you leave at home? Dish soap, dish cloths and dish towels, garbage bags, coffee filters and dish soap. Feel free to email us with any questions as you begin to pack...and if you have any ideas to share, feel free to post them below!

South Haven to host the Queen's Cup in 2012

2012-01-04T13:28:00.000-05:00

The Milwaukee-based Queen's Cup annual yacht race will come to South Haven in 2012. The Milwaukee club announced it has accepted the South Haven Yacht Club's invitation to host the 2012 Queen's Cup, the organization's 74th annual race. Next year's race will begin in Milwaukee the evening of June 29 and finish in South Haven throught the day on Saturday, June 30th.

“We are pleased to have South Haven as our finish destination in 2012,” Queen’s Cup Committee chairman Dave Wehnes said in a written statement. “All can join the excitement of the post-race festivities in South Haven where I expect that the hospitality will be outstanding.”

“The Queen's Cup is a terrific way for us to showcase South Haven, a premier Lake Michigan beach town and boater's paradise,” South Haven Mayor Bob Burr said in a news release.

More than two hundred craft take part in the event every year, and requires nearly 1,400 crew members to make the 76 mile crossing of Lake Michigan. The finish line will be located about a mile off shore, with the replica tall ship Friends Good Will marking the official end of the race.

Visitors to the area this June should be able to spot many of the yaghts on their last leg of the journey from the beaches. Guests of the Victoria Resort are encouraged to pack a pair of binoculars for an even better view of the participants. Reservations for rooms in the bed and breakfast should be booked soon for the best availability.

A New Restaurant in South Haven with a Familiar Face

2011-12-11T14:26:00.001-05:00

Sophie's Steakhouse opened the doors very quietly in October, and as the months have passed the opinions have started circulating around town. Fabulous food, beautiful decor, melt in your mouth dry aged beef...

You may recognize the owner from his three other successful restaurants in the area - Tello Bistro, the Pullman Tavern and the Thirsty Perch. Dave Militello is keeping busy with all four establishments this year!

If you're headed to South Haven, Sophie's Steakhouse is open seven days a week for dinner. Less than a mile away, you'll find the Victoria Resort Bed & Breakfast, where every room has a cozy fireplace to enjoy after a fabulous meal at Sophie's. For Sophie's menu, visit http://www.sophies-steakhouse.com/. For room reservations, visit http://www.victoriaresort.com/.

What is Curling? South Haven invites you to find out!

2011-12-08T17:00:00.000-05:00

Say the word "curling" and the most common reaction is confusion or a brief moment of recognition, and then it's gone. Banish the images of the Revlon curling iron, because the hottest sport in South Haven Michigan takes place on the ice rink this winter.

For most people, their exposure to curling came through the Winter Olympics television coverage of the event. It was like shuffleboard on ice - highly controlled, incredibly serious and not much fun. Contrast that to the raucous, laughter filled pavilion in downtown South Haven, and you can see why so many people are trying curling in South Haven.

The random factors make curling at South Haven's rink fun - a dusting of snow, a breeze from the east instead of the west, the mixture of young and old participants, the multitude of approaches to sliding the forty pound granite stones across the ice. You might meet Barb one evening, whose Canadian heritage includes previous experience in curling. You'll find the rink manager running around the facility, but when Spencer decides to place a stone in dead center there's no stopping him. One of the gals is notorious for falling down every time she releases a stone...and her aim is deadly, although the delivery is unconventional.

New participants are welcome any time. Tuesday evening, the rink is ready for curling around 7:15pm and Saturday morning stop by around 10:30am. The cost is $10 per person, and all of the stones, sweeps, blocks and other supplies are provided. Wear several layers of warm clothes, boots or shoes with decent traction, hats, gloves...and a smile, because this is going to be fun!

Resources:
http://www.shicerink.com/ for skating times, curling information and contact phone number.
http://www.victoriaresort.com/ for overnight lodging in the area (and ask Amanda about curling!)

Spicy Cheese Quick Bread

2011-12-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

I found this recipe on AllRecipes.com while chatting with Lacey about some ways to prepare for the onslaught of family and friends during the holiday season. The challenge during this season is to be a gracious hostess, prepared for the unexpected. Our expertise has always been in the breakfast arena, so having a few tricks up our sleeves for those other two meals can come in handy! This sounds particularly tasty, so I'm loking forward to giving it a try!

Spicy Cheese Quick Bread, for a 9 x 5 loaf pan
Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil

Directions
1.Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
2.Mix flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and Cheddar cheese together in a large bowl. Whisk in half-and-half cream, milk, and vegetable just until blended. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3.Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

All creative credit goes to "ecolter" on AllRecipes.com.

Ice Rink Opens for the Season in South Haven

2011-12-01T14:57:00.001-05:00

The ice rink in downtown South Haven has opened for another Michigan winter, and this year the indoor space has been expanded. The additional 2,000 square feet comes from the former Carlson and Associates real estate office. A doorway was opened between the original rink office space into the new space, giving skaters additional space to don their skates and warm up indoors.

The iconic rink is housed under the large pavilion downtown, and the skies darken, the snowflake lights provide a romantic touch for evening skaters. Just steps away is Cafe Julia, which welcomes skaters with hot chocolate, lattes and new this year, adult beverages like red wine, hot toddies and Irish coffee.

Visitors to South Haven will find the daily passes and skate rental quite affordable, at only seven dollars per person for a full day of skating. The rink is open every day of the winter season, beginning on Thanksgiving Day through the beginning of March.

Martha Bassett in South Haven Michigan November 26

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Raised on the bluegrass and gospel native to West Virginia farmland, then later classically trained with her crystal clear voice, Martha Bassett has a signature blend of jazz, folk and country. That unique blend is what audience members react to - combined with her crystal clear voice and heartfelt honesty. Foundry Hall is thrilled to introduce Bassett to South Haven for a performance on Saturday, November 26th. Tickets are available through the Foundry Hall website, http://www.foundryhall.com/, or can be purchased at the door just prior to the 7:30 pm performance.

Visitors to the South Haven area can find exceptional lodging and packages at the Victoria Resort Bed and Breakfast that weekend, as the area opens it's doors for the bright, beautiful beginning of the holiday season. For more information about guest cottages and room reservations, visit http://www.victoriaresort.com/.

Edie Carey at Foundry Hall in South Haven Michigan

2011-11-17T14:55:00.001-05:00

This weekend, South Haven's Foundry Hall welcomes singer-songwriter Edie Carey to the stage. Carey is based in Chicago, but will be visiting the Lake Michigan shoreline to share her heart-grabbing songs. A performer at festivals, colleges and listening rooms across the US, Canada and the UK, Carey has nearly fifteen years of experience. The intimate setting at Foundry Hall is a perfect match to the engaging, wry and often self-mocking Carey. Her unmistakable, soulful voice brings passion to her performance and audience members respond, making a performance feel more like an evening with a close friend.

South Haven's Foundry Hall has tickets available either online at FoundryHall.com or at the door just prior to the performance. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the local Humane Society chapter.

Visitors to the South Haven area will find many other events planned for the weekend, including the Mistletoe Market at the South Haven Center for the Arts, a second concert at Foundry Hall on Saturday evening, and the Victoria Resort's Getaway Packages. For accommodations and other infomation, concact the Victoria Resort at 269-637-6414 or visit www.VictoriaResort.com/specials.htm.

Autumn Harvest Dinner featuring Michigan produce and local wines - 11/3

2011-10-30T12:57:00.000-04:00

If you happen to be in the South Haven area this week, make plans to attend the second annual Autumn Harvest Dinner at Fenn Valley Winery. Chef Christine Ferris will be using local foods from the Lakeshore Harvest Country farms and matching Fenn Valley's wines for a fabulous dining experience.

The Lakeshore Harvest Country farms produce some of the area's finest blueberries, peaches, blackberries, potatoes, squash, herbs, apricots, pumpkins, chestnuts and grass-fed beef. This year's dinner features the results of their hard work, crafted by the talented Chef Ferris.

A sneak peek at the menu reveals some of the mouth-watering items:

~ Bruchetta topped with honey, peach and blueberry salsa, and fresh chevre

~ Roasted squash salad with roasted beets on local greens

~ Grass-fed roast beef with garlic and fresh herbs

~ Port poached pears with cinnamon

~ Flourless chocolate torte with a raspberry/blackberry coulis

For tickets, contact the South Haven Visitors' Bureau as soon as possible at 269-637-5252 to make your dinner reservations. The dinner is $40 per person and includes all courses plus the wine, and please note vegetarian options are available. The event will be hosted at Fenn Valley Winery, and overnight lodging can be reserved at the Victoria Resort Bed & Breakfast in South Haven.

Fred Eaglesmith at Foundry Hall, South Haven MI, Oct 27

2011-10-23T10:49:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, October 27th, Foundry Hall welcomes Fred Eaglesmith to the stage for a 7:30 pm performance. Fred Eaglesmith left the family farm at the age of fifteen, hopping freight trains and hitchhiking the trail of a troubadour. His experiences have forged a distinguished and unique career as a popular grassroots artist, not only in the United States but also in Europe and Australia. His music is a product of many influences, and this performance promises nothing less than an interesting trip down the byways of rock and folk styles.

Visit Foundry Hall's website for tickets and visit Victoria Resort's website for lodging information. As supporters of South Haven's Foundry Hall, the Victoria Resort is proud to share all concerts and performances at our local venue.

Bulgarian Mandolin Quartet at South Haven's Foundry Hall, Oct 26

2011-10-21T09:17:00.000-04:00

Wake up your ears and expand your musical horizons at Foundry Hall on Wednesday, October 26th. The Seasons Bulgarian Mandolin Quartet will perform at 7:00 pm, providing a unique insight into the Bulgarian traditions of mandolin and guitar. The quartet was formed in 1996 by Assen Dimitrov (1913-2000) and continues today. This classical and global instrumental performance promises to be a unique experience for all who attend. For tickets and more details, contact Foundry Hall through their website www.FoundryHall.com.

Event information proudly shared by the Victoria Resort Bed & Breakfast in South Haven, a longtime supporter of Foundry Hall.

Book Now for South Haven's Women Only Weekend

2011-10-20T11:31:00.000-04:00

The Women's Only Weekend is shaping up as November's best event, outranking Thanksgiving as the "big" weekend to plan. South Haven is hosting a fantastic experience for women only, weaving together a little learning and laughter throughout the weekend.

Friday, participants are invited to the opening reception at the Michigan Maritime Museum with fruit, wine and a little mingling. The evening also offers opportunities to try a painting class at the South Haven Center for the Arts, comedy night at Foundry Hall or even the classic flick "Thelma & Louise" at the Michigan theatre.

Saturday includes a scavenger hunt throughout downtown with grand prize give-aways. At the Wellness Center, ladies are invited to attend the "Focus on Women's Health" series. Three doctors are scheduled to share their insights and advice on women's health, and other health professionals will be on hand to discuss the benefits of massage, correct posture and healthy eating. At the Michigan Theatre, the classic films "Breakfast at Tiffany's", "Steel Magnolias" and "Grease" will be shown. National speaker and author Judy Pearson will be at Foundry Hall to speak about women and courage. Throughout the day, local merchants (many owned by women) will have special savings, treats and events for anyone participating in the WOW event. That evening, Foundry Hall hosts a dueling piano party and all participants are invited.

Sunday morning, refresh your soul and spirit with a performance by Theressa Ruppert, Louisiana bayou native singer and songwriter. Her uplifting songs express the importance of embracing opportunities in our lives and celebrating our accomplishments.

For registration and more information about the Women Only Weekend, visit the webpage http://www.wowsouthhaven.com/. The Victoria Resort of South Haven has the perfect solution for gathering a group for this special weekend - a three bedroom and three bathroom house for rent that would easily accommodate up to six people. For accommodation reservations, visit http://www.victoriaresort.com/.

We Care I.N.C. Christian Concert, Oct 23

2011-10-20T09:08:00.000-04:00

We Care I.N.C. is a phenomal organization, combining the chartible efforts of multiple area churches to help with heating assistance, disaster recovery and other community needs. On Sunday, October 23rd Foundry Hall will host a contemporary/pop/spiritual concert to thank the countless donors and supporters of We Care I.N.C. Featuring area choirs and ensembles, the doors will open at 2:30pm and all are invited to enjoy the music and joy.

The Victoria Resort is happy to share this information as supporters of We Care I.N.C. and the music venue, Foundry Hall.

Summer 2012 weekly cottage rentals in South Haven

2011-10-13T10:06:00.000-04:00

Planning a visit to South Haven next summer? Consider the weekly rentals offered by the Victoria Resort. The Victoria Resort offers an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, bicycles to borrow, a small playground and even a playhouse for the kids. Stop by the office to chat with our knowledgable staff about your plans for the day, a restaurant recommendation or tips for finding fossils on a lesser known beach.

As of this posting, the following weeks are available:
June 9 - June 16 for Cottage C, a three bedroom and three bathroom unit, available with a 20% discount
June 16 - June 23 for Cottage B, a two bedroom and one bathroom unit, whirlpool tub, screened porch
June 23 - June 30 for Cottage D, two bedrooms and one bathroom, whirlpool tub, near the pool
July 14 - July 21 for Cottage A, two bedrooms and one bathroom, screened porch
July 28 - Aug 4 for Cottage B, two bedrooms, one bathroom, whirlpool tub, screened porch
Aug 4 - Aug 11 for Cottage C, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, great living room

For more information about a summer vacation at the Victoria Resort, please visit our Cottages page or contact us directly at 269-637-6414 or info@victoriaresort.com.

Great Lakes Ghosts with Lee Murdock, Oct 22

2011-10-13T08:56:00.000-04:00

Lee Murdock, folk singer/songwriter and accomplished storyteller, returns to Foundry Hall for an evening of supernatural tales. The setting is Michigan's Great Lakes which abound with stories of hard work, hard living, ships that go down and ships that come in. Murdock's performance weaves these fascinating stories into his music, incorporating both historical research and contemporary insights. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, October 22nd at 7:30 pm. Purchase tickets in advance through Foundry Hall's website or at the door prior to the performance.

Accommodations for the weekend will be available at Victoria Resort for either guest cottages or rooms in the bed and breakfast, but advance reservations are strongly suggested. Reserve online or call the inn directly at 1-800-473-7376.

Free concert at Foundry Hall in South Haven, Oct 12

2011-10-10T08:45:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, October 12th, Jake Simmons will release his new album with a free concert at Foundry Hall in downtown South Haven, Michigan. An indie/rock musician from West Michigan, Simmons has created a quite a following in the area with frequent performances and interesting lyrics. Simmons performs vocals, guitars, bass & drums. Other band members include Matt Blasco, AJ Draper and Kristi Thurston as backup vocals A sampling of his music can be found on JakeSimmons.bandcamp.com. The doors open at 7pm, and all are invited.

Shared by Victoria Resort Bed and Breakfast, as supporters of all new music and especially South Haven's music venue, Foundry Hall.

Fenn Valley's Winemaker's Dinners Nov 5 & Nov 12

2011-10-04T12:09:00.000-04:00

Fenn Valley Winery plans to host two Winemaker's Dinners this November, featuring a fabulous menu designed to complement select wines from their cellars. The dinner includes five courses, wine and fine company at the table. These events are incredibly popular, so advance reservations are highly recommended. A sneak peek of the menu, borrowed from the Fenn Valley newsletter:

November 5th - featuring Chef Christine Ferris
Terrine of forced pork and duck, flavored with Calvados and roasted apples, paired with Fenn's Dry Reisling 2010.
Smoked quail glazed with a ginger plum sauce on a bed of wild rice, paired with the Edelzwicker 2010
Hazelnut Flourless Torte, paired with the Late Harvest Vignoles 2010

November 12th - featuring Chef Jim LaPerriere
Smoke salmon and crispy chive-polenta, paired with Pinot Noir 2009
Upside-down wild mushroom tart, mixed local baby greens, goat cheese, truffle oil vinaigrette paired with Fenn Valley's Proprieter's Reserve Riesling 2010
Pancetta wrapped roast pork loin, roasted shallot and dried fruit stuffing, roasted autumn vegetables, butternut squash gnocchi with brown butter, parmesan and sage with the Dry Reisling 2010 or Merlot 2010.

Gather some friends for a fantastic weekend of wining, dining and fun. The dinner experiece is $70 per peson, all inclusive, and reservations should be made soon - contact Fenn Valley Winery. For overnight lodging, the Victoria Resort has several guest cottages that can accommodate a group of four or six people for the weekend with rates from $125 to $175 per night.

Live Music at Foundry Hall in South Haven Sep 30th

2011-09-27T08:31:00.000-04:00

Foundry Hall, an iconic music venue in downtown South Haven Michigan, is bringing the bluegrass folk singing duo Adler and Hearne to the stage this weekend. The pair perform a variety of songs that reflect their life stories and home, the Spring Hollow Organic Song Farm in Winnsboro, Texas. The performance begins at 7:30 pm and tickets are available through the website http://www.foundryhall.com/ or can be purchased at the door just before the show.

Guests traveling to the area can reserve overnight accommodations at the Victoria Resort in South Haven, which features a bed and breakfast with nine rooms as well as several guest cottages for family or group gatherings. The website can be accessed at http://www.victoriaresort.com/ or call the innkeepers directly at 269-637-6414.

Last Minute Getaway in South Haven

2011-09-24T16:14:00.000-04:00

A last minute cancellation for Saturday evening, September 24th has us wondering who will be the lucky person to snag this spot. First of all, there's a wood burning fireplace...with firewood and everything. A whirlpool tub for two promises a good long soak...and a nice big king bed tops it off beautifully. This guest cottage has it's own kitchen if you feel ambitious enough to cook, or simply use the fridge for chilling the wine!

To make a reservation, call us directly at 269-637-6414 or check out more photos and details here. If you can't make it tonight, that's quite alright because we're open all year...grab your calendar and reserve a little R&R time for yourself!

Saturday, 4pm: A lovely couple from Tecumseh dropped by this afternoon, thrilled to find our real wood burning fireplace and the horizon promising a spectacular sunset over Lake Michigan.

South Haven's Independence Day Celebration "Light Up the Lake"

2011-06-20T14:49:00.001-04:00

South Haven, Michigan will celebrate Independence Day in fine style, with fireworks over Lake Michigan and a hometown parade through the streets of downtown.

This year's "Light Up the Lake" fireworks display is scheduled for Sunday, July 3rd at dark. The fireworks are set to music, so visitors are encouraged to bring a portable radio to enjoy the sounds and sights combined together. The fireworks will be launched off the north pier, and viewing is available along any portion of the shoreline and along the river.

Also on July 3rd is the South Haven Center for the Arts annual Fine Art Fair, hosted in Stanley Johnston Park. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the shaded park to admire, and perhaps purchase, works of art created with a variety of mediums.

To wrap up the celebration, the parade will proceed through downtown South Haven on Monday, July 4th.

The holiday weekend brings many visitors to the shoreline, so advance reservations are strongly recommended for any of the lodging establishmets in South Haven.