Let's Go Camping!!

Whether you're into "roughing it" or just enjoying the Great Outdoors from a distance, River Country has a campground for you, your family, your youth group, your Church or your best friends! Pitch your tent or pull in your RV and take your pick of the beautiful campgrounds St. Joseph County has to offer.

Choose from 5 campgrounds or 4 different rental areas for boats, cabins, cottages and RV property. Each rental area creates an anomoly of upscale camping.

Inhale the fresh air rolling in from the hills and drift off in the view of the reflecting lakes that create a breathtaking view from almost every campsite. Experience the comfort of modern bathhouses, RV or tent parking, electricity, swimming, boats and more when you're at Amigo Park. 27091 Amigo Park Drive, Sturgis 269-651-2734

Don't care for the tents or RV style camping? Come in from the cold and book a cottage at Miller's Landing for the weekend or for a discounted week-long stay. The fully furnished and beautiful history behind every cottage is the perfect for the small family reunion, enjoy the beautiful sunsets from any cottage. For reservations call 269-432-3528 or email mbolyard@tnc.org.

Bringing a big group to experience the peace and quiet and refreshing feel of life outside the big city? Take them to Bair Lake Bible Camp. From summer to winter they offer overnight stays for all ages, kindergarten to college as well as families. Get into the spirit of fun when you participate in Bair Lake programs or create your own retreat or conference structure. Call 269-244-5193 or 888-899-7712 for more information or to book your stay today.

River Country is the perfect getaway for couples or groups, camping or retreating, take time to enjoy the scenery the activity the peace there. If you want to learn more about camping, retreating or renting in River Country visit http://www.rivercountry.com/. There you will find the other outdoor activity options, also.

Winter Fun is on the Menu

It's not too late to hit the slopes at Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding Area or to crack the ice for some Ice Fishing at one of River Country's 16 rivers and streams just for fishing. . With the fresh snow fall this week it must be a sign to head to Southwest Michigan and enjoy some Winter sports.

If you're not ready to come in from the cold, you don't have to! Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding area still has everyday specials into early March.

Mondays are still Home School Day, any homeschooled students can come with their family for a day of skiing for only $18 which includes all area lift tickets and ski rentals. Make reservations by the preceding Sunday and receive Beginner Lessons for $5 per person. After hitting the slopes, dine in Swiss Valley's full cafeteria or their Fireplace Picnic Area.

Don't get left out on 2 for-Tuesdays. Get two for the price of one on all lift tickets, ski and snowboard rental and lessons.

Enjoy the Wednesday Afternoon Delight with a FREE beginner group lesson when you purchase an all day lift ticket for $18 and rentals for $10-$15.

Thursday, take a friend skiing with this BOGO deal and enjoy the day together.

As the weekend approaches College Students get to show their ID's on Fridays and get all day lift tickets for $15 and ski or snowboard rental for $15. Additional College Nights are Mon-Thur 3pm-10pm.

Don't hibernate, participate! Call 269-244-5635 or visit http://www.skiswissvalley.com/ for more information or for updates in the schedule.

If skiing isn't your thing or if you want to pack your days with fun direct your sights on Colon's Bait and Tackle shop. In business since 1966 grab everything you need for some good ol' ice fishing from their complete line of bait and tackle, sporting goods and licenses. And they know all the great fishing holes! Find them located on the corner of Blackstone Ave. and Franklin. 233 S. Blackstone Ave. 269-432-3633.

Support the Arts--Cinema

There are so many ways to support the arts, you can attend, participate, donate, and so much more? Don't know where to begin? Begin at the Riviera Theatre in Three Rivers, MI.

The historic Riviera Theatre originally openen in downtown Three Rivers on December 23, 1925. In 2000 the theatre closed its doors after its long run of events and films. However, the theatre didn't have to stay closed! Thanks to art supporters like you, it received quite the facelift and reopened in 2008 under new ownership. Long and meticulous renovations for the re-opening day began in 200.5

Riviera Theatre, when it opened in 1925, was filled with people coming to see the new "moving pictures" that were new to the arts scene. Since then people come for the ambiance, the live events and the still fascinating cinema.

There's always something showing at the Riviera Theatre and travelling to Three Rivers for a movie means enjoying many of the amenities of the cozy town. Spend the weekend or the winter break weak with your family and enjoy a few different styles of art in cinema. Come for the movies, stay for the culture.

February 19, 2011

The Punknecks

Showing @ 9p.m.

FREE

February 20, 2011

Rigoletto in Mantua- Opera in Cinema

Showing @ 3p.m.

$16

February 23&27 2011

Caligula- Ballet in Cinema

Showing @ 3p.m.&7p.m.

$12

March 6, 2011

Peppino D'Agostino

Showing @ 5p.m.

$12 in advance/$15 day of show

Free Fishing Weekend is Here!

As the snow begins to melt and the ice begins to thaw enjoy the scenery at the lake! The first Free Fishing Weekend of the year is this Saturday and Sunday, Feb 19th & 20th and NO license is required! Once a year the usual 17 and older Michigan rule is waived for your enjoyment.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city traffic, road blocks and potholes enjoy the stress free environment of any of the lakes and streams in River Country. Grab a rod, bait and hit the water! With no license required just head to Colon Bait and Tackle, they know all the great fishing holes. They're located on the corner of Blackstone Ave and Franklin at 233 S. Blackstone, for more information ahead of time call 269-432-3633.

Our waters offer Bullheads, Crappie, Northern Pike, Sunfish, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Rockmouth, Trout and Yellow Perch! River Country boasts 16 rivers and streams for great fishing! Request a guide to lakes, rivers and streams in St. Joseph County to make your fishing experience a memorable one!

There's nothing like an early morning of fishing and heading back to the B&B for breakfast afterward! Stay at Arrowhead Cove which is about midway between Schoolcraft and Three Rivers, MI; turn east on Michigan Ave. (Michigan Ave. only goes east from 131 and is one mile north of the stop light at 216 which goes west of 131 to Marcellus.)

There's something for everyone at the Cove, enjoy fishing and come back to relax to the holistic self- healing retreat. Call to make your reservation, toll free! 1-866-882-2683

Enjoy your Free Fishing Weekend for sure!

Jump the Broom in the Magical World of River Country

Valentine's day is around the corner and you may be looking for wedding venues soon! *fingers crossed* Congrats in advance, now you can scout out your location before Spring has sprung!

River Country is known, quite obviously, for the glorious rivers and lakes that roll through it. It's the perfect place to stand on the banks of a sun-glazed river and promise to create a paradise with the one you love. Or have the view of rivers and rolling knolls outside the window as you say "I do."

On your trip to River Country you can make a weekend of it; stay at Hampton Inn in Sturgis, MI or visit T&R "Inn" Between the Lakes while you check every venue worthy of your special day.

A Place in Time offers full service event planning for the special day. For an elegant affair or an over-the-top soiree, Meyer Ventures can plan your event and A Place In Time will provide venue and food all to your liking and specifications. Visit http://www.aplaceintimetr.com/ for more information and visit the venue today!

Need a florist engage, Designs by Vogts in Sturgis. With a unique and pure it also sets the atmosphere as the florists work to marry the relationship between flowers and atmosphere. Designs by Vogts stands on their quality and assurance that what you want you get and what you approve you'll receive on that big day, it's just their policy to make you happy. Visit http://www.designsbyvogts.com/ to see their arrangements and contact them.

Historic Mendon Country Inn has the outside venue of your dreams. Located halfway between Detroit and Chicago. Get great pictures on the lush grass and under beautiful arches. With an onsite chef and food tasting to boot, guest lodging and ability to have a vegan, vegetarian or unique menu for the reception, there's no holds barred for this luxurious creekside venue. Get a free quote over the phone or by email! Visit http://www.medoncountryinn.net/ to learn more.

Oh, the beauty of a beautiful venue! Find yours here and find more options at www.RiverCountry.com/Weddings.

Over the Lakes and Through the Woods

Don't have anything to do this Valentine's Day weekend? Don't want your significant other to "forget" to plan? Don't WORRY! Make a reservation to spend the weekend at 'T&R "Inn" Between the Lakes in Southwest Michigan's, Three Rivers in St. Joseph County. It's quick, it's easy, and it's not too pricey, if I do say so myself.

The Inn, surrounded by rivers, streams, lakes and rolling hills is beautiful anytime of year and the luxurious yet homey B&B is open to couples and small groups looking for a great getaway. T&R "Inn" Between the Lakes offers an Olympic sized swimming pool, a weight and aerobics room, a hot tub, indoor track and a deck overlooking the beautiful property, and more! Talk about a Winter Wonderland! Nearby restaurants also have great waterfront views. You can enjoy five-star dining, cafe's on the waterfront or, if you'd rather stay in, some restaurants will deliver.

If you want to get even more hands-on -- outside of the Inn that is-- head over to Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding Area just five minutes away from the "Inn" Between the Lakes where they'll be hosting the Cupid's Couple obstacle course race. You can participate or watch but you're bound to have a great time. And later, enjoy live entertainment and dance the night away at Swiss Valley's Chalet for dinner. If you're a novice ski or snowboarder, that's fine too, get the clothes, skis, lessons, and discounts to start you off.

Sounds so good, just thinking about it! Halfway between Detroit and Chicago, Southwest Michigan meets in the middle, and hopefully I'll meet you there!

For more information about T&R "Inn" Between the Lakes and other activities in Southwest Michigan visit http://www.innbetweenthelakes.com/ and http://www.rivercountry.com/

Valentine's Weekend Getaway

Enjoy a weekend in Southwest Michigan with your significant other or with a friend. Less than a hundred miles between both Detroit and Chicago.

Come to the Constantine Chili Throwdown and experience the best chili in Southwest Michigan! This taste fest and food contest will take place Saturday, Feb. 12 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Four local restaurants will compete for the title of Best Chili!
The Chili Contest will be held at 105 S. Washington St. (U.S. 131) More information is available by phoning 269-435-2085.

But don't let your weekend end there! Stay the Valentine's weekend at America's Best Value Inn and Suites and head to Swiss Valley's Cupid's Couple contest. Connected couples make their way through an obstacle course. The winning couple will receive sweetheart giftbags and dinner at Swiss Valley's Chalet. All participants can plan on listening to live music and making a date of it.

For more information visit:
www.wissValley.com and www.RiverCountry.com