Welcome to Lake-side Chronicles

Welcome to the Lake-side Chronicles a compendium of news, views, listings and anecdotes celebrating life by Lake Michigan. News will cover the region from Michigan City to St. Joseph, with other areas added in for spice from time to time.







Sunday, April 22, 2012

Attack Art to Kick Off Spring

Next weekend- April 27th,28th and 29th, is Art Attack weekend in Harbor Country. Lots of arts exhibits, fun activities ! Visit Middlebrook Farm, a working grass-fed beef farm in Three Oaks.  Learn how to rewire your lamp at Catherine's in New Buffalo. Take an acrylic painting class at JLN Studio in New Buffalo.  Sip wine at St. Julian winery in Union Pier with cheese pairings. Listen to  Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues Band or the Pokagon tribal drumming and dancing.  There are too many things going on next weekend to even count, so come on out,  especially if the weather is good.  And get a sneak preview of some of the new places that have opened in your absence over the winter!  Visit harborcountry.org for a complete listing of events.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Spring Welcome


After a lovely, short winter, we're back, bringing you news and notes of what is going on in Harbor Country! There are some new faces this spring-- fun things to do and visit! And old favorites continue to delight! Come out and visit us, this early spring. It feels like May and looks like April!

Violets Color Blocking for Spring

Color blocking is one of the in things for spring fashion, and this band of violets seems to au courant! They grow in a swath about a food wide along the side of the road and last for about 5 days.

Come out and catch the violets while you can!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A Quieter, Gentler Time in Harbor Country

The summer is over, but honestly, September is one of the most beautiful months of the year out here. The weather is lovely ( 70s and sunny as I write), the beaches aren't crowded, the restaurants are open, serving wonderful local produce and the pace is a bit more relaxed! There is still plenty to do this month-- walk on the beaches; pick apples or peaches at a local orchard; watch the 5,000 cyclists as they ride in the Apple Cider Century on September 25th, enjoy the early leaves turning!
On Saturday, September 24th, the Tabula Rasa gallery will have their opening party from 1-5 p.m. The gallery is at 8918 First Street in Baroda.
Chikaming Open Lands' annual fall event at Middlebook Farm will be held from 5-7 pm onSaturday September 24th. Call 269-469-2330 for more details.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

17TH ANNUAL OUTSIDERS OUTSIDE FAIR

Judith Racht is at it once again. This Friday, September 2nd, kicks off her 17th annual Outsiders Art Fair with its opening party starting at 6 pm EST. Get a first look at the art, listen to music by String Theory, raise a glass of your favorite beer and help Chikaming Open Lands raise money.
Admission $20 per person and includes admission throughout the weekend.
Saturday and Sunday 10-6 pm EST. Admission $10 each day; kids under 12 free.
Judith Racht Gallery Prairie Road and Red Arrow Highway Harbert

Copper Capers

Times are tough for many people, particularly here in Michigan... so tough that some enterprising thieves have apparently been keeping an eye on my brother's house this summer and finally got their opportunity! Using prybars, they ripped all the copper gutters off the house.
Sad to see it now, denuded and banged up.
But!! The wonderful Chikaming Police Department went to work and may have a suspect already, by contacting recycling and metals dealers. Keep your fingers crossed that some sort of justice may be done.
Our story is not the only one--- friends sold an older home in Chicago that had been in the family for a long time. Just before the closing --- I am told this is a pattern these days-- the thieves hit, taking all the copper pipes and plumbing fixtures. What a mess!! After a lot of work and expense and hassle, the house finally closed.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

ReSale at Ship and Shore Festival

Just down the street from the center of Ship and Shore Days, visit the Goodwill Donation Center at 601 W. Buffalo Street ( on Red Arrow Highway), Auguts 12th-14th for antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing and more. Friday and Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11- 4.