Do Something Fun...and FREE!

You'd love to go on vacation but everything is just so expensive so you keep putting it off. But you don't have to anymore! Here are a few activities you can enjoy in Southwest Michigan for FREE!

The Cowboy Up in Mendon, MI on M-60 is a great place to let your hair down and have some fun, for FREE. Everyone is welcome to come on in and learn to two-step or blue-rose. Line-dancing instructions are held Wednesdays and Thursdas at 7:00 P.M and Cowboy Up's personal line dancing instructor, Gloria will be glad to show you how to do everything from the basics all the way up to advanced dance steps. If you don't feel like dancing go ahead and take a seat at the bar or head upstairs to Brewster's smokehouse located in front of Cowboy Up. Although the fun is FREE, the food is irresistible.
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If you're a member or become a member of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, located at 7000N. Westnedge Ave. enjoy FREE admission to on of Michigan's largest nature centers in the country covering more than 1,100 acres of diverse habitats.

Visitors to the Kalamazoo Nature Centercan take advantage of hiking any of the 14 trails, a 25 acre Arboretum and Prairie, Hummingbird Butterfly Garden and seasonal Butterfly House, Indoor exhibits, Expedition Gift Shop and a Tropical Sun/Rain Room. Open year round, visitors can experience the quiet beauty of the winter forest on cross country skis or snowshoes or view the many varieties of wildflowers throughout the beautiful Beech Maple forest and other native habitats.

Non-member admission: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, Children/Students (4-13) $4, Children 3 & under are FREE. Hours are Mon.-Sat 9am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm Check the website for extended Summer and Fall hours Website: www.NatureCenter.org Phone: (269) 381-1574

Visit the website at www.NatureCenter.org to view the public programs and special events offered for all ages, year-round.
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Everybody loves magic! Step into Abbott's Magic Company, known around the world as being the top supplier of magic paraphernalia. As a special treat, every Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Abbott’s hosts a magic show at 1:00 PM. Bring the family to enjoy the show or see what tricks you can observe while stolling through the Magic Company.
Regular hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
124 St. Joseph Street, Colon (269) 432-3235 www.abbottmagic.com
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There's nothing more amazing than taking advantage of some of life's simple pleasures. Take a stroll through a few of St. Joseph County's greatest parks.

Dr. T. K. Lawless Park-Mountain biking, hiking, and bird watching
Fred Russ Forest-hiking, bird watching, equestrian riding
Arthur Dodd Memorial Park-bird watching, hiking

Take time to appreciate nature in these long-standing parks great for relaxation, family picnics or just a days journey! Bike trails are now open. Contact 269--445-8611 for more information about park hours.

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There’s so much to see and you can see it, for free. Go on Self-guided Tours of Amish Country, the “Art District”, Birdwatching and more. Call ahead and businesses, galleries and bike trails will be open for you to see.

Amish Country
Discover history and heritage, intriguing attractions, countryside and friendly communities. Watch for horse drawn buggies clip clopping along country roads – catch glimpses of Amish life – cars and electricity are not part of Amish life. Visit Amish stores. Amish heritage is so special that it is worth the experience.

ART TOUR
Our small towns are home to many writers and artists who are no longer plugged into the big cities. We boast of serious art and it is definitely worth a “hey look me over”. Scrapbookers will not want to miss Magic Moments Scrapbooking in Sturgis. For some beautiful thread art, drop by Fishsticks Creations. Open Door Gallery is well worth the trip for very special art by local artists and beyond.

BIRDWATCHING River Country is an excellent place to birdwatch. Watch for various species on our rivers and small towns. Commonly sighted birds around River Country include: Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Sandhill Crane, Double-crested Cormorant, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, and more. Visit some of the Cass County Parks for some great bird watching opportunities. For more information on local birds and what to look for, contact Nottawa Wild Bird Seed at 269-659-8777.

GARDEN TOUR

Drive or cycle to our “beauty spots”. Whatever the season Rawson's Mill offers a tranquil and beautiful setting for a quiet moment amongst nature. See one of the last working grist mills in the country and enjoy the beauty of the millpond and weir. From there you can make your way across to Simpson Road (across Nottawa Rd Bridge) and take a drive past the garden of Sarah Stewart, author of The Gardener, The Library and many other well know children’s books. Remember to come back in December to get your Christmas tree at Timberly Tree Farm in Sturgis!

AND MORE!
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Tune into Next week's blog to learn more about FREE fun or getaways for you or the whole family.