Let's Eat!!

Not only are the events, shops and lodging great in St. Joseph County, so are the eats! There are family restaurants, hang-out spots and everything in-between. Whatever you may fancy, you can probably find it in Three Rivers, Constantine, Sturgis, White Pigeon, Centreville, or any of the other small cities that make up the county.

With affordable cuisine and a family atmosphere the Country Table in White Pigeon on West Chicago Rd. is sure to please, with daily specials and an expansive menu and affordable prices for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner you can eat all day!

The Oasis Restaurant is another family favorite where Breakfast is served all day on Friday and Saturday! If you're a late riser you don't have to miss the best part of the day, you can have the most important meal of the day, anytime. Open seven days a week until 9p.m. Sunday thru Thursday and until 10p.m. Friday and Saturday, your last stop of the day can be the tastiest.

If you are taking a week or weekend to just get away from it all but still want to be connected, visit Rachel's. Her gourmet coffee, ice cream, paninis, soup and salad keep your tummy happy and the FREE Wi-Fi keeps your mind buzzing and connected.

The Thunder Hog Saloon in Leonidas, MI is the best biker bar that touts the best beer and burgers around and has a fun menu that you won't find on a standard bar menu.

There are so many other restaurants, coffee shops and bars available to you. If you want to find more options, pick up your copy of the River Country Tourism Guide at your closest Michigan Welcome Center or on the I-80/90 toll road on your way to River Country.

Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head...

...but that doesn't mean you have to stay at home! Enjoy the rainy season despite the weather, or in spite of the weather--even better. Travel to Three Rivers, Michigan. Make the trip that'll bring you halfway between Chicago and Detroit and stay there. With the new River Country Tourism Guide on the shelves there's so much for you to choose from. From shopping, end-of-season skiing, dining with the locals, relaxing in some of the state's most customer service oriented hotels, and so much more.

In case you missed it last weekend, Phantom of the Opera is back for an encore weekend performance at Three Rivers High School. Come enjoy the historic and beautiful tale Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 25-27. For more information call 269-279-1120 or visit http://www.trschools.org/.

You can also enjoy the Quilt Show on Saturday, March 26 in Constantine, Michigan.

For every mini-vacation there's a location for you in St. Joseph County! On the top 200 list of flourishing economies, visit ST. JOE!

Musicals Abound

Spring in Michigan, you never know from day to day what the weather will be. This is a great time to make plans to see a play. Upcoming local productions include:

March 25-27 "The Phantom of the Opera" presented by the Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers. Visit www.trschools.org or call 269-279-1120 for ticket information.

April 29-30, May 1 and May 6-8 "Annie" presented by the Three Rivers Community Players. Full stage musical production of the story we all konw and love. Three Rivers Visit www.trcommunityplayers.org or call 269-273-1121 for ticket information.

Nature Awaits on the Water Ways!!

We love hearing from people who've take advantage of the great fun to be had in Southwest Michigan's River Country.
One of our Facebook friends shares the fun they have on the rivers of St. Joseph County when they paddle boat into Constantine.









"A group of us has paddled the Fawn from Greenfield Mills which is a water generated mill (that makes New Rinkel Flour and different pancake mixes, etc.) all the way into Constantine where it joins the St. Joseph River. We have to paddle in segments; can't do the whole thing in one day. I like the segment from Fawn River Township to (where Fawn River Road T's) to Big Hill Road.

Depending on the time of year, it generally takes us three hours (even more if you don't paddle steady). There is a spot at Kime Road Bridge that you can get out and stretch and another on down the river at abend to the left if the river is lower at a sand bar.

We see all kinds of deer, different turtles, ducks, hawks, Great Blue Herons, King Fishers, sometimes even an owl or two. The last time we were on that stretch we saw three different kinds of snakes, which are not my favorite critter!!! I own my own kayaks but Jeff Pant in Sturgis owns the Fawn River Kayak Rental right there. Also Karen and Ernie with the Liquid Therapy (another Canoe and Kayak Rental store) rent here in Three Rivers!

I could go on and on about the rivers here in St. Joe County, they are all special in different ways! The Rocky, Prairie, Portage, St. Joe, Fawn and the Pigeon Rivers are all great to paddle!"

If you'd like to kayak, canoe see and explore any of these rivers, visit http://www.rivercountry.com/ for more information. There's so much to see and we don't want you to miss out. River Country is half-way between Detroit and Chicago, take the trip, enjoy yourself!

Enjoy the weather-Have a fun weekend!

A glimpse of sun and fair weather in Michigan after a long and unpredictable winter is a dream. Don't spend this weekend in the house, instead head to Southwest Michigan's River Country.

Take a tour of the County; go shopping, hit the fairway and enjoy the local cuisine.

Visit McGrady Jewelers to look at their large variety and let them polish fine jewelry while you shop. McGrady's offers custom-made jewelry and has a goldsmith on-site if you'd like to appraise or sell your gold. Enjoy the locally-owned and locally loyal merchants.

Stay at the gorgeous, T&R "Inn" Between the Lakes if you're travelling with a small group or significant other. Or check in to America's Best Value Inn&Suites if you're bringing the whole family, including the dog....or cat, pets are allowed. Enjoy their fitness and swim areas among other precious amenities you may not find at most other B&B's or Hotel Suites.

You've got to enjoy the sunshine too! A true golfer will surely be on the green this weekend, why not hit a few in Centreville, Dowagic or Three Rivers-St. Joseph County has some of the best courses in the state from St. Joe Valley Golf Club, Pine View Golf Club and many more. Most courses feature 18 holes and everything you need to have a great golfing day, or two.

And of course, you've got to eat so stop for a bite at a family restaurant like Oasis in Three Rivers, the Country Table in White Pigeon or for a more mature crowd visit The Town Fryer, The Grille Tavern, or the Thunder Hog Saloon, just to name a few.

And be sure to support the arts and enjoy a showing of Don Quixote-Ballet in Cinema- performed by Moscow's Bilshoi Theatre on Sunday at 3p.m. before you start home.

These are just a few suggestions for an awesome weekend getaway when the weather is sweet and the sun is shining. If you'd like even more options pick up a River Country Tourism Guide at any Michigan Welcome Center, on the I-80/90 toll road or at a AAA Michigan shop. You can also grab a copy once you get to St. Joseph County.

For more information visit www.RiverCountry.com or pick up a copy of this year's Tourism Guide.

It's Finally Here!

The new River Country Tourism Guide has hit shelves! With the new layout and easy-to-read, color-coded map, now you can plan your trip around any of these awesome events! Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or a long vacation Southwest Michigan's River Country is the place for you. The Events & Festivals six-page calendar covers St. Joseph County happenings from March until December...just long enough to hold you until the NEXT guide's release.

There is such a variety of events it's impossible to list them all but I'll give you a sneak preview of a few.

March 25-27 Phantom of the Opera will be presented by Three Rivers High School. Visit http://www.trschools.org/ or call 269-279-1120 for more information.

April 16 the County-Wide Garage Sale takes place during the day on the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, collect new treasures at the sale, call 269-467-8935 for details. Later that night scour Lawless Park at the Night of Five Thousand Eggs. There'll be games, refreshments, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Call 248-445-8611 for more information.

May 8 the Antique and Collectibles Market is a collector's dream. You may find grandfather clocks, heirloom furniture and fine jewelry and so much more so be sure to make it out. Centreville has been flourishing since the fire in 1910, the abundance of wealth in the memorabilia is priceless pleasure.

May 13 is Ladies Night so bring your friends and make it epic! Enjoy the races on the M40 Speedway in Jones MI. For the full racing schedul and rates visit m40speedway.net or call 269-244-8580. Each lady will receive a free M40 t-shirt

I could go on and on but for a full list of events and festivals, get your copy of the 2011 River Country Tourism Guide.

Let the Rivers Flow

Start the fun now, a quick getaway every now and then is FAR better than no getaway at all...it's also better than waiting! Visit the Riviera Theatre THIS WEEKEND for the Rivers of Justice Film Festival. The Festival is tomorrrow and its three great films for only $5! Admission also includes a gift certificate to World Fare.

The Rivers of Justice Film Festival is an annual event that highlights films that explore themes of social justice. Come for the festival stay for the enlightenment that is guaranteed and the World Fare reception afterwards. World Fare is a fair trade store in Three Rivers, Michigan. They started the annual Festival in 2009 with a "Fair Trade Film Festival" that featured two short films a one feature length film. Just last year the name was changed to the Rivers of Justice Film Festival to widen the scope of viewing and dialog each year and keep the conversation moving forward.

This year Rivers of Justice will focus on Food Justice issues with a specific focus on local agriculture.

Join them for two feature films and one short this year.

Food, Inc. exposes much of the behind the scenes business and control of the food industry. Showing that the industry is controlled now by only a handful of corporations that often put profit above health, safety and the American farmer.

Asparagus! The asparagus capital of the world, Oceana County Michigan is currently struggling more with the U.S. War on Drugs, Free Trade and a Fast Food Nation in order to save their roots. Whether you like aspargus or not, this is a must see!

Pack up your car and hit the road if only to enjoy the scenery and expand your horizons mentally and physically. Southwest Michigan's River Country isn't your common area, instead its a whole new world with new things to explore right in your backyard. Take the trip, River Country is halfway between Detroit and Chicago, so let's go to 50 N. Main St., Three Rivers, MI.

To get more listings and information visit: TRRiviera.com or call 269-278-8068 or 269-273-7909