It's Almost Here!!!--so read this!

The River Country Tourism Guide will be hitting the racks, NEXT WEEK! Do you know what that means!?! It means there'll be no limit to your vacation choices in Michigan, whether its for spring break, summer vacation, or a getaway to the oasis known as Michigan's River Country.

The book will list this year's calendar of events so you can plan ahead for different shows that you might want to see at the Auditoriums, Riviera Theatre or Abbott's Magic Shop. There'll be so much to do and it'll be at Your fingertips! The Guide will also list some discounts in which you can participate, discounts exclusive to those with a copy of this year's guide!

You can also check out the new and improved map, now sectioned and color-coded so its much easier to read! Oh how time flies, it's already time for the new River Country Guide, its so exciting! There are so many great things to do that you would never hear about without the guide and its so simple to get your copy. Just visit our website http://www.rivercountry.com/!

Keep an eye and ear out for the new Visitor's Guide, with all the deals and events and new design, it'll knock your socks off!

2011 Visitor's Guide

The River County 2011 Visitor's Guide will be in travel racks starting next week. Be sure to check it out for activities, history, maps, dining, lodging facilities and so much more!

This year's guide is chock full of great local businesses, unique items and fun events for everyone. Visit our website, www.rivercountry.com to request a guide or to explore more about all the possibilities.

-Cycling
-Canoeing
-Farmer's Markets
-Dining
-Amish
-Birdwatching
-Geocaching
-History
-Golf
-Shopping
-Entertainment

This is just a small taste of all the treasures waiting to be discovered in St Joseph County Michigan's River Country.

Support the Arts!---Three Rivers Community Players

Maintaining a balance between excellence and fun the Three Rivers Community Players (TRCP) work hard to put on dramas, musicals, and comedies all for you. Come support their art form.

Unlike many community theatre troops they own their building and have transformed it into a complete with new seating and a flexible staging area. The building used to be a storage pole barn. See the artistic side of life! Every admission ticket includes a hospitality table at intermission and an Afterglow reception on opening nights.

TRCP has lasted 38 seasons in Three Rivers thanks to all its participants, from charter members, veterans, novice actors and guests from neighboring civic and community theatres. Through auditions many of their actors have discovered their true talent, and you can too! If you want to be part of the community theatre group check their audition schedule at www.trcp.homestead.com/trcp.html or come see their next show.

Not everyone is an actor so if you're interested in another "role" just let them know. There are no auditions to join TRCP's chorus.

The cast and crew is working hard to prepare this next masterpiece, they will be performing Annie April 29-30, May 1 & 6-8, 2011. They will also perform Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" in June.

What better what to support the arts than to support a grass roots effort to keep the arts alive in Three Rivers with Community Theatre where everyone can be of service. If you're in Three Rivers around the play date, be sure to stop by, or make a trip of it and enjoy the play and shopping in Three Rivers while you're there.

There's no better way to give back than to give to the institution of freedom of mind and creativity, that creates the next singer, dancer, inventor...the next smile.

Support the Arts!

Despite the Groundhog Day verdict, winter is roaring on so if you love winter sports, you don't have to say goodbye just yet. (Yay!) Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding Area is going for the gusto and you can too! Bring your friends to their College Student Day also known as $15 Friday to anyone with a current College I.D. Enjoy the discounted price of $15 rentals and $15 ski lift tickets. Spend the day skiing and the night enjoying live music in the Chalet, Swiss Valley's on-site restaurant and club.

Not quite college age? Gather your troop, troop leader, or just you and your family for Scout Day! Get group rates and a low priced ski lesson to boot! Call Group Sales for rates and reservations at 269-244-5635.

Your weekend doesn't have to end there, wake up Saturday morning just minutes from Swiss Valley and head back to the park for the Rail Rides and Slope Style Events! Registration begins at 12:30pm and it only costs $10 to enter! For more information on categories and prizes visit http://www.skiswissvalley.com/ or call 269-244-5635.

Just want to ski with no pressure? No problem! Just come on over to Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding area to enjoy the slopes, relax in the Chalet or enjoy the area lodging only minutes and miles from Swiss Valley so you can head over whenever your heart desires. And we mean whenever! Swiss Valley offers night skiing! We WILL leave the lights on for you! So Cool!

Pile everyone into the car for a ski trip this weekend or the upcoming week because no matter what, skiing with friends can be the best time you'll have! So go for it! See you on the slopes!

Support the Arts!!--Open Door Gallery

Yes!! The arts are SO important and what would River Country be without them? Before, we talked about their historic Riviera Theatre, but there's more!



Open Door Gallery in the heart of downtown Sturgis displays original artwork, both modern and contemporary, as well as unique gifts from regional guests. The Open Door policy at the gallery means you don't just have to watch. You can participate in the classes for all ages, see the student shows or view the work of guest artists and exhibits. You can also help Open Door Gallery keep its doors open by donating supplies and materials, volunteering your time and your talents, attending Open Door events, and of course contributing financially.



Since the Gallery is supported solely by volunteer efforts, every bit counts to support their mission to "Encourage, Enable and Educate about the arts in Sturgis and the surrounding area; to provide a supportive environment for artists, to engage the community in artistic pursuits, and to encourage the exploration and cultivation of individual creative visions. The Gallery also continues to rejuvenate one of the oldest buildings in Sturgis."



Because the gallery is serious about displaying artists in the regional area, every artist whose work is shown in the gallery lives within a 50 mile radius of Sturgis, MI.

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Open Door Gallery is located at 101 W. Chicago Rd. in downtown Sturgis. For more information visit OpenDoorGallerySturgis.org or call the gallery at 269-659-9977.

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.