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!
Episode 18 - Prana/Life Studio, Power of Energy Retreat April 26, & Solar Eclipse
Show notes:
In Episode 18 of Discovering Harbor Country, we check out Prana / Life Studio in New Buffalo, tell you about an amazing One-Day Power of Energy Retreat coming right here to Harbor Country on April 26, and get ready for the Solar Eclipse on April 8.
Resource Links:
Prana / Life Studio (https://www.pranalifestudio.com/) – New Buffalo, MI
Power of Energy One-Day Retreat (https://form.jotform.com/240307335522144) – Coming to Michiana, MI on April 26
A Michigander’s Guide to 2024’s Total Solar Eclipse (https://www.michiganpublic.org/weather/2024-03-22/a-michiganders-guide-to-2024s-total-solar-eclipse) – Coming April 8
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Eclipse Viewing Guide (https://www.in.gov/dnr/places-to-go/events/2024-solar-eclipse/eclipse-viewing-times/)
Solar Eclipse Eyewear Suppliers (https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters)
24 Feb 2024
Episode 17 - Grand Mere State Park, Full Circle Cafe, & Watermark Brewing
In Episode 17 of Discovering Harbor Country, we head a bit north of Harbor County to check out Full Circle Café, Grand Mere State Park, and Watermark Brewing – all in Stevensville, Michigan.
Resource Links:
Grand Mere State Park (https://www.michigantrailmaps.com/member-detail/grand-mere-state-park/) – Stevensville, MI
Watermark Brewing Co (https://www.watermarkbrewing.com/). – Stevensville, MI
Full Circle Café (https://www.fullcirclestevensville.com/) – Stevensville, MI
9 Feb 2024
Episode 16 -White Ditch Nature Trail & Farina's Supper Club
In Episode 16 of Discovering Harbor Country, we take a short walk along the White Ditch Nature Trail in Michiana Shores and learn a bit about its history. We'll have a bite to eat at the charming Farina's Supper Club tucked away in the neighborhood of Duneland Beach.
Resource Links:
Farina's Supper Club (https://farinasupperclub.com/) - Duneland Beach, Indiana
White Ditch Nature Trail (https://townofmichianashores.org/white-ditch-trail/) - Michiana Shores, Indiana
19 Jan 2024
Episode 15 - Glass Class at Rising Phoenix Gallery, Pizza at Brewster's New Buffalo, & Winter Birding
In Episode 15 of Discovering Harbor Country, we take a glass class at Rising Phoenix Gallery in Michigan City, visit Brewster’s in New Buffalo for woodfired pizza, and talk about birds that winter on Lake Michigan, here in Harbor Country.
Resource Links:
Rising Phoenix Gallery Glass Classes (https://risingphxgallery.com/glass-classes-1) – Art Classes and Gallery in Michigan City, IN
Water Street Glassworks (https://waterstreetglassworks.org/) - Benton Harbor, MI
Hot Shop Valpo (https://hotshopvalpo.com/) - Glass Studio in Valparaiso, IN
Brewster’s New Buffalo (https://brewstersnewbuffalo.com/) - Restaurant in New Buffalo, MI
Merlin Bird ID App (https://ebird.org/home) - Bird Sightings, Identification & Tracking App provided by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
5 Jan 2024
Episode 14 - Granor Farm, Local Artisans, & River St. Joe
In Episode 14 of Discovering Harbor Country, we visit Granor Farm, meet a handful of incredible local Artisans (Verdant Hollow Farms, P&E Bottle Shop, BlackTree Studio Pottery, Karen Helen, and Tim Hall), and have lunch and sample ciders and beer at River St. Joe Brewing Company in Buchanan.
Resource Links:
Granor Farm (https://granorfarm.com/) – Three Oaks, MI
Verdant Hollow Farms (https://www.verdanthollowfarms.com/) – Buchanan, MI
P&E Bottle Shop (https://pebottleshop.com/about-us/) – Three Oaks, MI
BlackTree Studio Pottery (https://blacktreestudio.com/) – New Carlisle, IN
Karen Helen Crafts (https://www.instagram.com/karenhelenlinen/)
Tim Hall Made (https://timhallmade.com/)
River Saint Joe Brewing Company (https://www.riversaintjoe.com/) – Buchanan, MI
21 Dec 2023
Episode 13 - Leeds Public House, Pets in Harbor Country, & Winter Activity Ideas
In Episode 13 of Discovering Harbor Country, we dine at Leeds Public House, share tips for traveling with pets and hosting pets visiting during the holidays, and we’ll wrap the episode with ideas for things to do over the winter in and around Harbor Country.
Resource Links:
Leeds Public House (https://leedspublichouse.com/menu/) – Michigan City, IN
Brandt’s Old Fashion Emporium (https://www.facebook.com/BrandtsOldFashionEmporium) – Michigan City, IN
Michigan City Animal Hospital (https://www.mcanimalhospital.com/) - Michigan City, IN
Emergency Veterinary Care Center (https://vet.purdue.edu/hospital/small-animal/services/emergency.php) at Purdue U NW - Westville, IN
Rising Phoenix Gallery (https://risingphxgallery.com/) – Michigan City, IN
Fusion Gallery (https://www.facebook.com/p/Fusion-Gallery-Studio-100070861909149/) – Bridgman, MI
Lights at Fernwood Gardens (https://www.fernwoodbotanical.org/lights) – Niles, MI
Dancing Feet Yoga Studio (https://www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/dancing-feet) – New Buffalo, MI
1 Dec 2023
Episode 12 - Boutiques & Antiques, Shoreline Brewery, & Warren Woods State Park
In Episode 12 of Discovering Harbor Country, we do some holiday shopping at local small businesses in Michigan City, Indiana, and do some beer tasting and have lunch at Shoreline Brewery. We also take a cold weather hike with our dogs in Warren Woods State Park in Three Oaks.
Resource Links:
Uptown Arts District (https://www.theuptownartsdistrict.com/) – Shopping & Arts District in Michigan City, IN
Unsalted No Sharks (https://www.nosharksgear.com/) – Lake Michigan themed Apparel & Home Shop in Michigan City, IN
Good News Vintage (https://www.facebook.com/goodnewsvintagemc/) – Vintage Shop in Michigan City, IN
Hoity Toity Home Décor (https://www.facebook.com/HoityToityConsignments/) – Consignment Shop in Michigan City, IN
Line Mullins Group Interior (https://www.lmginterior.com/) – Upscale Boutique in Michigan City, IN
Shoreline Brewery (https://www.shorelinebrewery.com/about-2) – Michigan City, IN
Warren Woods State Park (https://www.michigan.org/property/warren-woods-state-park) – Three Oaks, MI
Merlin Bird ID (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/) – App for identifying birds
Discovering Harbor Country (https://discoveringserendipity.com/harbor-country)- Podcast Website
20 Oct 2023
Episode 11 -Cafe Gulistan, Dancing Feet Yoga, Evolve Spa, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour at Vickers Theater
Show notes:
In Episode 11, the final episode of Season 1, of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover Café Gulistan in Harbert, Dancing Feet Yoga and Evolve Spa in New Buffalo, and for all you Swifties out there – we’ll check out Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour musical at Vickers Theater in Three Oaks, MI. We’ll learn about bald eagles, too! Please rate & review this podcast, and visit Discovering Serendipity/Harbor-Country. (https://discoveringserendipity.com/harbor-country)
Resource Links:
Café Gulistan (https://www.cafegulistan.com/) – Harbert, MI
Dancing Feet Yoga (http://www.dancingfeetyoga.com/) – New Buffalo, MI
Vickers Theater (https://vickerstheatre.com/) – Three Oaks, MI
Evolve Spa (https://evolvespallc.com/) – New Buffalo, MI
Bald Eagles (https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/description/10937/Haliaeetus-leucocephalus) – Michigan State University - Bald Eagles
30 Sept 2023
Episode 10 - The Perfect Girls Weekend in Harbor Country
In Episode 10 of Discovering Harbor Country, we go on the perfect 2-night girls weekend to Harbor Country. We relax at the beach on a sunny Friday afternoon, enjoy cocktails at the bar and dinner at Hummingbird Lounge in New Buffalo, visit Oinks not once, but twice, do a little shopping in Three Oaks, pick up some produce at Michigan Local Harvest in Sawyer, and spend some low key time outdoors in nature. We also explore a few different lodging options in Harbor Country. In invite you to rate & review my show – and to leave a comment or review, I invite you to visit my website, Discovering Harbor Country (https://discoveringserendipity.com/harbor-country).
Resource Links:
Hummingbird Lounge (https://www.hbirdlounge.com/) – New Buffalo, MI
Michigan Local Harvest (http://www.michiganlocalharvest.com/) Produce Stand – Sawyer, MI
Oink’s Dutch Treat (https://oinksdutchtreat.com/) – New Buffalo, MI
Poppy Hill Vintage (https://www.facebook.com/poppyhillvintage) – Three Oaks, MI
Alapash (https://www.facebook.com/Alapash/) – Three Oaks, MI
Beachy Bu (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12901159?source_impression_id=p3_1695955799_GJXIos9hjXVWcSVS) – AirBnB in Michiana, MI
The Neighborhood Hotel (https://www.theneighborhoodhotel.com/location/grand-beach/) – Grand Beach, MI
Red Arrow Ride (https://www.redarrowride.com/rentals-indiana/sup-rentals/) – Paddleboard, Bike, and other Gear Rental – Union Pier, MI
15 Sept 2023
Episode 9 - Blue Moon Vintage Market, Coulter’s Farm Produce & Pavolka Fruit Farm
In Episode 9 of Discovering Harbor Country, we discover Blue Moon Vintage Market, home to 5500 square feet of vintage, industrial, architectural, salvaged, home decor and more located in Westville, IN. We gather pumpkins, mums, and straw bales at Coulter’s Farm Produce, and pick apples and pears at Pavolka Fruit Farm. I’d love to hear from you – visit my website Discovering Harbor Country (https://discoveringserendipity.com/harbor-country) and drop me a note by selecting “contact us.”
Resource Links:
Pavolka Fruit Farm (http://www.pavolkafruitfarm.com/home.html) – Michigan City, IN
Coulter’s Farm Produce (https://coultersproduce.com/index.html) – Westville, IN
Blue Moon Vintage Market (https://www.bluemoonvintagemarket.com/) – Westville, IN
Westville Pumpkin Festival (http://www.westvillepumpkinfestival.com/) in Westville, IN - September 30
Harvest Cozy AF Candle (https://thesisterproject.shop/products/fall-af-candle) from The Sister Project
31 Aug 2023
Episode 8 - Fall Happenings in Harbor Country
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 (https://discoveringserendipity.com/harbor-country).
Resource Links:
Pavolka Fruit Farm (http://www.pavolkafruitfarm.com/home.html) – Apple Picking in Michigan City, IN
Theresa Rose Firehouse Medium Group Reading Fundraiser for Elsa’s Acres (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teresa-rose-firehouse-medium-group-reading-fundraiser-for-elsas-acres-tickets-692544217397) – September 24 in Westville, IN
Elijah McLaughlin Ensemble (https://newbuffaloexplored.com/events/nbx-concerts-2023/) – October 22 at Granor Farms
Journeyman Distillery Events (https://www.journeyman.com/events/) – Artisan Market tentatively November 18-19 in Three Oaks, MI
The Acorn Center for Performing Arts (https://www.journeyman.com/events/) – Three Oaks, MI
The Apple Cider Century (https://www.applecidercentury.com/schedule) – Bike Riding Event on September 24
Seedz Brewery Oktoberfest Pre-sale Tickets (https://seedz-brewery.square.site/) – Oktoberfest on October 7th
New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Festival (https://www.harvestandwinefest.com/vendor-list) – October 7th
Dinges Fall Harvest (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077479183347) – Pumpkin Picking in Three Oaks, MI
19 Aug 2023
Episode 7 - Warren Dunes State Park & Red Arrow Roadhouse
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 (https://discoveringserendipity.com/harbor-country).
Resource Links:
Warren Dunes State Park (https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=504&type=SPRK) - Sawyer, MI
Warren Dunes State Park – August Program Schedule (https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/659406FDD34344459148EB0E2CC839C9.ashx)
Third Coast Paddle (https://www.thirdcoastpaddling.com/location/warren-dunes-state-park) – Kayak, Sandboard, and Paddleboard rental at Warren Dunes State Park
Red Arrow Road House (https://www.redarrowroadhouse.com/) – Union Pier, MI
10 Aug 2023
Episode 6 - Friendship Botanic Gardens & Shady Creek Winery
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 (https://discoveringserendipity.com/harbor-country).
Resource Links:
Friendship Botanic Gardens (https://friendshipbotanicgardens.org/) in Michigan City, Indiana – Tuesdays-Sundays, 9:00-5:00pm, May 1-October 31 (Members year-round)
Shady Creek Winery (https://www.shadycreekwinery.com/) in Michigan City, Indiana
26 Jul 2023
Episode 5 - Blueberry Picking at Stateline Blueberries & Skip’s European Market
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 (https://discoveringserendipity.com/harbor-country).
Resource Links:
Skip’s European Market (https://www.skipsrestaurantandcatering.com/market) in New Buffalo, MI – Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00-3:00pm ET
Stateline Blueberries (https://www.statelineblueberries.com/) in Michigan City, IN
Turkeyfoot Farm (https://turkeyfootfarm.org/) in La Porte, IN – and at Skip’s European Market
Nature’s Goodies (https://www.naturesgoodies.me/) - Find them online and at Skip’s European Market
My Simple Changes: My Story and Approach for Achieving My Autoimmune Disease Remission (https://www.amazon.com/My-Simple-Changes-Autoimmune-Disease-ebook/dp/B07TMQ3G6W) - Amazon
Blueberry Rake (https://www.amazon.com/LFSEMINI-Ergonomic-Blueberries-Lingonberries-Huckleberries/dp/B09QSY4481/ref=asc_df_B09QSY4481/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=589406943556&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2241819158359184007&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021697&hvtargid=pla-1651277716071&psc=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsK3jyqumgAMVAsrjBx2zxwnkEAQYASABEgJcqPD_BwE) - Amazon
Beet & Onion Salad (https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/beet-and-onion-salad) Recipe on Food & Wine.com
14 Jul 2023
Episode 4 - Saigon City Bar & Grill, Chikaming Open Lands, Robinson Woods & Sugarwood Forest
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 (https://www.facebook.com/saigoncitygrill/) – Michigan City, IN
Chikaming Open Lands (https://www.chikamingopenlands.org/our-preserves/sugarwood-forest-preserve) – Land Conservancy
Chikaming Open Lands 10 Trail Challenge (We%20are%20excited%20to%20bring%20the%20kayaking%20portion%20of%20this%20program%20to%20the%20community%20free%20of%20charge!%20Participants%20will%20be%20responsible%20for%20covering%20their%20vehicle%20parking%20fees%20at%20the%20City%20Boat%20Launch%20and%20their%20bills%20at%20Ghost%20Isle%20Brewery.) – Month of July 2023
Chikaming Open Lands Kayak & Brews Event (https://www.chikamingopenlands.org/events/kayak-brews-june-1) – July 31, 2023
Robinson Woods Preserve (https://www.chikamingopenlands.org/our-preserves/robinson-woods) in Three Oaks, MI
Sugarwood Forest Preserve (https://www.chikamingopenlands.org/our-preserves/sugarwood-forest-preserve) in Three Oaks, MI
Discovering Harbor Country Website (https://discoveringserendipity.com/harbor-country) - Leave me a Comment and let me know what you think!
2 Jul 2023
Episode 3 - New Buffalo Farmers Market & Lavender Fields at Lakeside Lavender
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 (https://www.lakesidelavenderandherbs.com/) – La Porte, IN
New Buffalo Farmers Market (https://newbuffalofarmersmarket.com/) – Thursdays 5-8pm ET, New Buffalo, MI
Growing Lavender in Michigan (https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/growing-lavender-in-michigan-advice-for-a-purple-garden) – MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan
24 Jun 2023
Episode 2 - Biking Harbor Country, Union Pier Social, Issa Vibe Cafe & Dog Park
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 (https://www.berrientrails.org/harborcountry.asp)
Union Pier Social (https://unionpiersocial.com/) in Union Pier, MI
Sari Asher Memorial Dog Park (https://cityofnewbuffalo.org/sari-asher-memorial-dog-park/) in New Buffalo, MI
Issa Vibe Café (https://www.issavibecafe.com/) in New Buffalo, MI
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 (https://www.facebook.com/people/Bixby-Farms/100064954801210/)in Berrien Springs, MI – U-pick.
Bridgman Open Air Market (https://bridgmanopenairmarket.square.site/)– Bridgman, MI on Sundays 9am-3pm.
Froehlich’s Kitchen & Pantry (https://www.shopfroehlichs.com/kitchen-and-pantry/)– Three Oaks, MI.
Three Oaks Flag Day Parade (http://threeoaksflagday.com/index.html) – Three Oaks, MI.
Barney’s Market (Grocery Store) (https://www.barneysmarket.com/) – New Buffalo, MI.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker (https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-ICE30BC-Cream-Maker-Silver/dp/B0006ONQOC/ref=asc_df_B0006ONQOC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167155690034&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9063200435747984073&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017359&hvtargid=pla-273692482766&psc=1.)
Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe (https://www.cuisinart.com/recipes/desserts/fresh-strawberry-ice-cream---5-cups-ten--cup-servings/)
Lynne & Gary’s Acre – Veggies, Microgreens & Flowers – lynnegarysacre@gmail.com (mailto:lynnegarysacre@gmail.como).
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
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