Discovering Harbor Country
Discovering Harbor Country, hosted by Diana Lagler, is a podcast all about Michigan’s Harbor Country, a region of Southwestern Michigan made up of eight small towns: New Buffalo, Union Pier, Three Oaks, Lakeside, Grand Beach, Michiana, Harbert and Sawyer. Get the inside scoop on places to explore – from beaches to forest trails, breweries to wineries, u-pick farms to antique shops - and meet the people who call Harbor Country home. Each week, we’ll explore something new or meet someone new in Harbor Country – you won’t want to miss it!
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
In Episode 8 of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover just a tiny sampling of the many different ways to dive into fall in Harbor Country. From apple picking and pumpkin picking, to taking in a concert, meeting a medium, tasting some local brews, wines, and ciders, and getting a jump start on holiday shopping at a local artisan market, there is so much to look forward to this fall! To leave a comment or review, I invite you to visit my website, Discovering Harbor Country .
Resource Links:
Pavolka Fruit Farm – Apple Picking in Michigan City, IN
Theresa Rose Firehouse Medium Group Reading Fundraiser for Elsa’s Acres – September 24 in Westville, IN
Elijah McLaughlin Ensemble – October 22 at Granor Farms
Journeyman Distillery Events – Artisan Market tentatively November 18-19 in Three Oaks, MI
The Acorn Center for Performing Arts – Three Oaks, MI
The Apple Cider Century – Bike Riding Event on September 24
Seedz Brewery Oktoberfest Pre-sale Tickets – Oktoberfest on October 7th
New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Festival – October 7th
Dinges Fall Harvest – Pumpkin Picking in Three Oaks, MI
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Friday Aug 18, 2023
In Episode 7 of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover Warren Dunes State Park, home to the most breathtaking beaches and incredible sand dunes, and Red Arrow Roadhouse, a great place to grab a bite and a local brew. To leave a comment or review, I invite you to visit my website, Discovering Harbor Country .
Resource Links:
Warren Dunes State Park - Sawyer, MI
Warren Dunes State Park – August Program Schedule
Third Coast Paddle – Kayak, Sandboard, and Paddleboard rental at Warren Dunes State Park
Red Arrow Road House – Union Pier, MI
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Show notes:
In Episode 6 of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover two gems in Michigan City, Indiana: The Friendship Botanic Gardens and Shady Creek Winery. To leave a comment or review, I invite you to visit my website, Discovering Harbor Country .
Resource Links:
Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City, Indiana – Tuesdays-Sundays, 9:00-5:00pm, May 1-October 31 (Members year-round)
Shady Creek Winery in Michigan City, Indiana
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
In Episode 5 of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover Skip’s European Market which takes place in New Buffalo every Saturday and Sunday through mid-October. We also usher in blueberry season here in SW Michigan with a visit to Stateline Blueberries in Michigan City, IN. To leave a comment or a review, I invite you to visit Discovering Harbor Country Website.
Resource Links:
Skip’s European Market in New Buffalo, MI – Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00-3:00pm ET
Stateline Blueberries in Michigan City, IN
Turkeyfoot Farm in La Porte, IN – and at Skip’s European Market
Nature’s Goodies - Find them online and at Skip’s European Market
My Simple Changes: My Story and Approach for Achieving My Autoimmune Disease Remission - Amazon
Blueberry Rake - Amazon
Beet & Onion Salad Recipe on Food & Wine.com
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Show notes:
In Episode 3 of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover authentic Vietnamese food right here in SW Michigan at Saigon City Bar & Grill. We learn about Chikaming Open Lands, two nature preserves in Three Oaks that this conservancy is dedicated to preserving (Robinson Woods & Sugarwood Forest),and a few events they are hosting in July.
Resource Links:
Saigon City Bar & Grill – Michigan City, IN
Chikaming Open Lands – Land Conservancy
Chikaming Open Lands 10 Trail Challenge – Month of July 2023
Chikaming Open Lands Kayak & Brews Event – July 31, 2023
Robinson Woods Preserve in Three Oaks, MI
Sugarwood Forest Preserve in Three Oaks, MI
Discovering Harbor Country Website - Leave me a Comment and let me know what you think!
Sunday Jul 02, 2023
Sunday Jul 02, 2023
Show notes:
In Episode 3 of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover the New Buffalo Farmers Market and discover what it’s like to find ourselves in a field of lavender in full-bloom at Lakeside Lavender & Herbs in La Porte, IN.
Resource Links:
Lakeside Lavender & Herbs – La Porte, IN
New Buffalo Farmers Market – Thursdays 5-8pm ET, New Buffalo, MI
Growing Lavender in Michigan – MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan
Friday Jun 23, 2023
Friday Jun 23, 2023
Show notes:
In this episode of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover what it’s like to bike ride in Harbor Country, from Michiana to Harbert. We have a lovely Sunday lunch at Union Pier Social’s outdoor patio and check out Issa Vibe Café which specializes in coffee and paninis in downtown New Buffalo. We also discover Sari Asher Memorial Dog Park in New Buffalo.
Resource Links:
Harbor Country Bike Routes
Union Pier Social in Union Pier, MI
Sari Asher Memorial Dog Park in New Buffalo, MI
Issa Vibe Café in New Buffalo, MI
Monday Jun 12, 2023
Monday Jun 12, 2023
In this first-ever episode of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover BIXBY Farm,, a most delightful u-pick Strawberry Farm, just as the strawberry season kicks off here in Southwest Michigan. We’ll also discover an open air market in Bridgman, and Froehlich's Kitchen & Pantry, a must-visit restaurant / retail & event space in Three Oaks.
Resource Links:
BIXBY Farms in Berrien Springs, MI – U-pick.
Bridgman Open Air Market – Bridgman, MI on Sundays 9am-3pm.
Froehlich’s Kitchen & Pantry – Three Oaks, MI.
Three Oaks Flag Day Parade – Three Oaks, MI.
Barney’s Market (Grocery Store) – New Buffalo, MI.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
Lynne & Gary’s Acre – Veggies, Microgreens & Flowers – lynnegarysacre@gmail.com.
WELCOME TO HARBOR COUNTRY, MICHIGAN!
Michigan’s Harbor Country is a region of Southwestern Michigan made up of eight small towns: New Buffalo, Union Pier, Three Oaks, Lakeside, Grand Beach, Michiana, Harbert and Sawyer.
Growing up, I loved spending time with my friends at their grandparents’ tiny cottages in the lakeside towns of Michiana and Union Pier. We'd spend hot, lazy summer days at the beach and then gather around backyard campfires in the cool woods at night. Laughing, singing, dreaming, and sipping on Boone's Farm when we were older - life really couldn't have been more simple, and fun.
In 2022, my dream of having a place of our own tucked in the woods along the Lake Michigan shore came true. Each day I stumble upon a happy discovery - from blue jays and snowdrops to delightful restaurants and antique shops.
I invite you to join me in exploring this magical little corner of southwest Michigan!