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.

Do You Love Your Mother?

http://www.loveyourmotherstore.com/ Love Your Mother
Natural, Organic or Recycled Products


With Mother's Day quickly approaching, Sunday, May 8, how do you plan to honor your mother this holiday? Well, give to her and give back to Mother Earth by getting her great gifts from Love Your Mother, a retail shop in downtown Three Rivers Michigan that specializes in earth-friendly products.

Does your mother love gardening? You can get gardening supplies such as, Heirloom and organic seeds, organic fertilizers and pest control from Love Your Mother.

Does your mother love pampering herself? You can find personal items like shampoos, moisturizers, deodorants, soaps, massage oils, aromatherapy bath salts, makeup and more to fashion into a lovely gift basket from Love Your Mother!

Your mother can even spruce up her full or empty nest with unique eco-friendly home accessories like recycled glass from Italy and Mexico, wine glasses made from wine bottles, bamboo plates and utensils, soy and beeswax candles, llama wool rugs, adirondack chairs made from downhill skis and from recycled plastic, doormats and wastebaskets made from tires, and more.

Tell your mother how much you care with a Mother's Day card created from recycled paper. Your mother might also love the stationery made from topographic maps, recycled paper notebooks, mailers, journals made from tree-free paper, and more.

Is she in love with her pets? Give her natural cat and dog treats and food(wet and dry), shampoos, flea and tick treatments and more. It's good for her pets and she'll love you all the more for loving her pets.

And, of course, any woman would love to get more clothes. Give your mother the gift of CLOTHES from natural designers like Goodhumans, Earth Creations, Hempmania, Under the Nile, Over the Shoulder, Deva and others.

Although Earth Day has passed, take time to love your mother and Mother Earth with these great gifts that conserve resources and offer extra diversity to any home or wardrobe.

Your mother loves gifts from the heart so get her something she'll love from the store that allows you to show that you Love Your Mother.

Come into Love Your Mother TODAY!

Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10am - 6pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 3pm
Closed Sunday and Monday

Call: 269.278.1236

39 N. Main St. • Three Rivers, MI 49093
269.278.1236
T, W, Th: 10-6 • F: 10-5 • S: 10-3

150th Civil War Celebration in River Country!

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY pays homage to it's Civil War Heroes in the 150th Anniversary Year.

Are you a Civil War enthusiast? If so, you know that 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Be sure to take time this year to celebrate the anniversary. Visit the monuments in pivotal St. Joseph County, be or visit the vendors for the Civil War Show and Sale pay respect to the massive sacrifices that were made and history that was created for America.

This monument, consisting of a statue of a Civil War soldier, in the Prairie River Cemetery in Centreville was erected about 1909 by Isaac D. Toll, a veteran of the Mexican War, and by citizens of Centreville, as a memorial to area men who served in both the Mexican and Civil wars. The inscriptions read:

A tribute to our loyal sons, 1861-1865. In memory of St. Joseph Co. men who served in Mexico. Company E, 15th Infantry, Capt. I. D. Toll. [This is a reference to a Mexican War, not Civil War unit.]

Visit http://www.suvcwmi.org/memorials/mcwm3.html to learn more about the monuments in St. Joseph County.

The Annual Show and Sale by Zurko's Midwest Promotions is especially interested in bringing you the very best vendors for this auspicious occaision.
August 14, 2011 Zurko's Presents: the Civil War Collectors Show and Sale in Centreville, Michigan. If you're a civil war buff you'll find thousands of museum quality Civil War artifacts
o Guns
o Cavalry swords
o Historical autographs and pictures
“You can buy a real treasure of American History for yourself or a loved one to be passed down as a great family heirloom,” stated Bob Zurko of Zurko’s Midwest Promotions, a partner and promoter for numerous Civil War Collectors Shows and Sales. Admission $4 per person. (Fairgrounds, M-86). Antique & Collectibles Market. $4 per person

Show Hours: Sun 8am-3:30pm and Sat 10am-6pm

Honor every brave soldier with us in St. Joseph. Pembroke Somerset Beckwith, from Centreville, St. Joseph County, MI, a Union soldier of the American Civil War who fought bravely with the 19th Michigan Infantry, Co. D
To learn more about Union Soldiers, visit http://tfred.tripod.com/vetind.html and http://tfred.tripod.com/stjocw.html

Enjoy the Weekend!!

There's so much going on in River Country this weekend, come check it out. Although Earth Day isn't until April 22 the Kalamazoo Nature Center will host a day for learning about different animals and being GREEN while other shops and venues around Downtown Constantine give away white spruce seedlings and allow children to get their hands dirty! April 15-16 Home ShowCall for more information. St Joseph County Fairgrounds, Centreville 269-467-8935 http://www.centrevillefair.com/ April 16 Earth Day at Kalamazoo Nature CenterKalamazoo Nature Center Free Admission Day 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo 269-381-1574 April 16 11:00a-2:00p Earth DayFree White Spruce seedlings available at participating stores, clay bird making for kids and more from Downtown Constantine for more information call 269-435-2085 April 16 6:00p-8:30p A Night of a Five Thousand EggsHeld at Lawless Park. An evening at the park searching for eggs, enjoying games and other activities. A special appearance by the Easter Bunny is in store. Refreshments provided by The Friends of Cass County Parks. Bring your flashlight and Easter egg bag for a night of fun! Call 269-445-8611 for details. April 16 8:00p The "Grass Roots" PerformsSturges-Young Auditorium starting at 8pm. Get comfy in the auditorium and listen to The Grass Roots. Their a successful rock 'n' roll group that consistently produced hit songs in the 1960s and 1970s. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $15 for Students call 269-659-7211 or 269-651-8541 201 N Nottawa, Sturgis 800-778-7437

April 16 County-Wide Garage Sale AND the Home Show take place at St Joseph CountyFairgrounds, Centreville -Call for more information. 269-467-8935 http://www.centrevillefair.com/

With such a full day ahead you can get all of the adventures in and head back home or stay the night! Make it a fun family outing that everyone can enjoy! Bring your pets and stay at America's Best Value Inn & Suites!

Rawson's King Mill Park

RAWSON'S KING MILL PARK

Fast-running waterfalls into Nottawa Creek and a small waterfall behind the restored mill created the scenic view and relaxing sounds that make you want to linger in this retreat from city life. Although you won't find any bikes or pets in this wonderland, it's the perfect place to have a quiet picnic on the pavilion or on the luscious grasses under the thick of trees. The peaceful park gives way to long walking trails, has fishing holes and two scenic isalnds.

King Mill Park is one of many parks in St. Joseph County that's a favorite among residents and tourists alike. Open from dawn until dusk there is plenty of time to enjoy every inch of the park. Having a small wedding? The oasis that is Rawson's Park is a great place to have your small yet extremely elegant and visually perfect wedding. Choose either of two islands connected to the park or exchange vows along the Nottawa Creek. Accomodating to 100 people your wedding pictures will look like a fairytale.

The Rawson family restored the old mill in Leonidas, Michigan and created something beautiful. They cleaned and cleared the area and created this Rawson's King Mill Park on Nottawa Creek.

For more information about wedding reservations call 269-467-5519. To find yourself at this lovely retreat and to get a deeper look, just drive one mile west of Leonidas on King Rd. Rawson's King Mill Park is located off I-94 and I-90.

Get to Know Us!---Cities

Southwestern Michigan's St. Joseph County has everything to offer! All the amenities of everyday life tucked into Southwest Michigan so you can make your get-a-ways grand! The eight cities that make up River Country are filled with History, Tourists attractions, Amish Country, beautiful and rolling golf courses, shopping, historic and interactive parks, restaurants, continuous events, outdoor recreation, nature and wildlife and so much more.

The cities and villages of St. Joseph County

Burr Oak Although the community is rural and quaint, enjoy its small town charm. Enjoy a quiet weekend or an adventurous day at one of the many Festivals that take place during the Summer. You can also wonder the unique shops that cover their tree-lined streets. Founded in 1835, the village boasts blooming gladiola fields and the Prairie River. Burr Oak is the perfect place for a bike ride, Sunday drive, painting or photography setting, or urban escape, so make it your River Country destination!

Centreville Centreville was established in 1831 and is the county seat of St. Joseph County. Surrounded by small shops, businesses, and private homes, the stately Victorian style courthouse still graces the center square of town. Visitors will want to see the Langley Covered Bridge and visit the St. Joseph County Grange Fairgrounds, host to a variety of activities throughout the year including a county fair rated one of the top 5 in Michigan.

Colon The Magic Capital of the World! Colon’s role in the world of magic began in 1925 when Harry Blackstone, the great magician and illusionist, lived in the small town. Colon is home to Abbot’s Magic Company, the world’s largest producer of magic paraphernalia and sponsor of Abbott’s Magic Get-Together, a four-day magic convention held in August of each year. The event features performances by some of the World’s leading illusionists. Colon also is the site of beautiful Palmer Lake, which features swimming, boating, and fishing.

Constantine Settled in 1828, Constantine takes pride in its historic downtown district, with its well-preserved historic homes and unique shops. Constantine has three major parks, often the site of its summer celebrations, which include the Stock Hydroplane Boat Races, the Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America Show, as well as participation in River Country’s STAR Route, which includes plant tours at various locations. Constantine is a great place to visit and to live. Come see what we are about!

Mendon was pre-settled by the Nottawa-sepi Indian Tribe. The property was later purchased by the government and three tribes were displaced – although some returned and are present in the area. Mendon was also the half-way point between Detroit and Chicago for the railway and stage coach lines. Although the town burned down in 1916, it was rebuilt to reflect the early 1900’s architecture and interesting landmarks remain. Nine Amish districts surround the village and antique and artsy-craftsy shops are located in the quaint downtown.

Sturgis Sturgis offers a unique shopping experience with quaint shops and one-of-a-kind merchandise. Sturgis is proud of its rich heritage, outstanding schools, beautiful parks, and recreational opportunities. Special events are held throughout the year, including Michigan Week Celebration, Downtown Dreamfest, and the annual motorcycle Toy Run, to mention a few. Sturgis is truly a community with pride in its past and faith in its future.

Three Rivers Three Rivers is a symbol of the lively, appealing rivers, which gather at its heart. It has a new, state-of-the-art high school, a myriad of parks, a petting zoo, wonderful bed and breakfasts, and an historic downtown that is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It is an ever-changing, progressive, peaceful community with attractions such as culture, recreation, entertainment, and an abundance of shopping.

White Pigeon White Pigeon was incorporated in 1837 and is the oldest incorporated village in Michigan. The town was named after an Indian chief who lived there in the early 1800's. Today, White Pigeon remains a small, agricultural town, with several unique shops that visitors will want to see.

TOUR THE COUNTRYSIDE!!

RIVER COUNTRY SELF-GUIDED TOURS

To help with your planning, be sure to check out the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce and Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce. These are the people with their thumb on the pulse of the area and who can help you find those little known treasures of the area. This is also the best way to find out about the most up-to-date events and local driving maps to help you plan a successful visit. Click here to see a map showing where all River Country sponsors are located. Sponsors are noted in bold. Those with a website are linked in blue bold.

AMISH TOUR

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. See pages 6-7 of the 2010 River Country Visitor's Guide for all local Amish businesses with descriptions and refer to the map on page 23 showing their locations (call 800-447-2821 to get a copy of the guide.) The map will detail the Amish Meander. See Amish buggies on M-60 and Nottawa Road in Mendon and in Leonidas. Drive through the Langley Covered Bridge, Michigan's longest remaining covered bridge, located just three miles north of M-86, Centreville. From there it is a short jog to Bubbling Brook Farm where you can visit a CSA Farm where, if he has extra produce, you can pick up some fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables. Miller's Discount Store in Centreville is a variety store offering groceries, bulk spices, grains, specialty flours and a huge selection of candy, cheeses, glassware and many unique items. Be sure to plan your lunch at Yoder's Country Market in Centreville for homemade barbeque and submarine sandwiches! Crafters won't want to miss Dutch Kuntry Corner for a unique stock of supplies and so much more.

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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.

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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, Wood Duck, Bald Eagle, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Barred Owl, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Brown Creeper, Gray Catbird, Carolina Wren, Wood Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Prothonotary Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Red-wing Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch, Song Sparrow and Cardinal. 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.

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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. From there drive onto the Langley Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in Michigan. Remember to come back in December to get your Christmas tree at Timberly Tree Farm in Sturgis!

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PEDDLE TOURS OF THE B&B'S

For the cycling enthusiast you can choose to cycle our Amish area instead as this is a very flat cycling area. You can bring your own bike or arrange for the hire of a bike through the Innkeeper. Fall colors or Spring Dogwoods offer scenic beauty next to none. Cycling Tours are offered to you where you can enjoy a unique “Bike Inn to Inn” tour taking in some of the most picturesque parts of Michigan. This is for experienced cyclists who enjoy a challenge as well as the novice who wants to expand on their biking capabilities. Start at an Inn of your choice and bike leisurely to the next Inn. Participating Innkeepers will shuttle your luggage and car to the next Inn whilst you enjoy your tour. Bike maps are available from the Inns or you can choose your own tour. Pricing is based on Lodging at each Inn, length of stay, any equipment needed, meals etc. Be sure to stop in to Kickstand Schwinn Cyclery in Sturgis for any equipment needs or repairs.

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SHOPAHOLICS TOUR

Calling all Shopaholics!! Have we got a weekend for you! There is so much great stuff to do you will want to be sure to plan for at least two days!! Start your weekend in Three Rivers and check out such unique shops as Love Your Mother for natural and holistic items, Centsible Treasures for those antiques. Enjoy lunch at Fisher Lake Inn. Enjoy an evening drink and maybe a show at the beautiful Riviera Theater. Give your second day a magical start at Abbott's Magic Company in Colon then do some down home shopping at Yoder’s Country Market in Centreville. Maybe enjoy one of their special homemade barbeque or submarine sandwiches. While in Centreville also check out Tree of Life, a unique store featuring all organic goods from coffees and teas to personal grooming and pet care products. Finish your day with the wonderful shops in Sturgis, including Magic Moments Scrapbooking to record your wonderful weekend and enjoy a great dinner at either Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant or DaVinci’s Italian Restaurant. Don't forget to check the calendar and see if your visit coincides with some of the great events going on in River Country like regular shows at the Sturges-Young Auditorium and Civic Center.

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SPORTS TOUR Get your heart rate going and build a day around the sporting opportunities offered in the area. Begin your day with a light breakfast at Oasis Restaurant then get started with some skateboarding in a local skate park in Three Rivers. Cool off with a swim at Sand Lake or check out Pat’s Pontoon Services. Water enthusiasts be sure to visit the Colon Bait and Tackle Shop on your way to Corey On-The-Lake Marina in Three Rivers to rent a boat and enjoy a day on the water. Enjoy lunch at Fisher Lake Inn then continue on to Cade Lake County Park for some volleyball and hiking. Try your hand at Frisbee Golf at Meyer Broadway Park. Finish your day with fabulous burgers and drinks at Thunder Hog Saloon.

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WINE TOURS

You can explore the southwest Michigan wine country starting at Petersen & Sons Winery just 15 minutes from the Inn, proceeding onto Paw Paw where you can visit St. Julian's as well as Warner Estates. From there take the time to go onto Coloma to Contessa Winery where you can also stop off and purchase delicious chocolate truffles to compliment your wine. For more information visit: Southwest Michigan Wine Trail, Pioneer Wine Trail or http://www.miwinetrail.com/

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This and more information can be found on http://www.rivercountry.com/

FOR MORE INFO ON ST JOSEPH COUNTY, MICHIGAN VISIT: http://www.stjosephcountymi.org/history/