South Haven has some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. I took about a zillion photos.
You may wonder why I haven’t posted in a while. The simple answer? I’ve been on vacation. Yes there is technology everywhere, but come on people! I rarely get vacations. My family has been summering in South Haven, Mi for almost my entire life. We make it up every couple of years and try to spend a week there. I love this place. It’s right on beautiful Lake Michigan and is just a cool town. In fact, it reminded me a lot of our little New Haven. Maybe that’s why I like it so much.
South Haven has embraced it’s tourist town nature. It’s a lake town up north which means limited peak seasons. But the fact that South Haven doesn’t try to be anything other than that is a good thing. They have a main drag of shops that’s only slightly larger than New Haven. They still have some empty storefronts, and some stores are filled with some pretty tacky tourist stuff, but amongst the t-shirts and flip flops, you find many local artists. They have a jewelry store called the perfect setting that is hand crafting one-of-a-kind pieces. They have a fudge shop making the best mocca latte I’ve ever had. My favorite store, however, was the Bowspirit Gallery run by local artist Tim Morris.
This is one of my favorite photos from Bowspirit Gallery. Tim took this lighthouse photo on Christmas morning. He also has one that he woke up at Midnight and sat on a frozen beach for hours for the perfect shot. #Passion!
Tim would fit right in with our local artists. Tim, and his daughter Erin, are avid sailors and have a hands on approach to creating Fine Art photography. I personally purchase 3 prints and can’t wait to display them in my home. The store just had a better feel too it. It was people doing things they loved and sharing their passion. With such an perfect location, you can’t help but me pulled back in.
South Haven has 2 piers. I took this at sunset standing on the opposite pier.
Another fine shop is the Artworks Gallery. It was a little shop displaying all sorts of media from local artists. The owners were fun and inviting and excited to show of the local art history.
2-Martini Monday started with a BLT Martini, a Classic Cosmo, a Cool Gin and a Firefly. All – amazing.
The one thing South Haven is doing better than New Haven is the food. We have a few amazing places to eat down there, but they had such a variety. We spent many hours at taste – a martini bar offering small plates and an amazing array of martini options. What I liked about South Haven’s strip was that you could walk a little and window shop and pop in and out of different styles of restaurants. It gave you a reason to stay down there longer. They gave you a reason to go – but more importantly – a reason to stay.
One of the highlights was the fresh oysters and muscles at the thirsty perch. This is some carnage after my dad and I stopped in for a drink.
I think New Haven is on it’s way to being a great place. Maybe our river town isn’t quite the same as that lake town, but the investment in local and hand-made is the same. Both towns share a spirit for doing things the right way, and sharing that with others. You know me, I”m a sucker for people with passions.
This is the historic Lighthouse off one of the piers. It’s a popular place at sunset. Thanks to the lovely couple that let me take this shot!
I took this from my towel after I had gotten out of 64 degree water. Gotta love the north!
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