Most everybody loves a ride through the
country to see at the rolling hills, enjoy the peaceful
country roads, the enormous barns and silos, and herds of
farm animals. It can really be fun if there is the
occasional farm market or petting zoo along the way or if
there is a special place where you can stop and visit the
farmers, tour the farms and get up close with the animals.
Lake Shore Harvest Country offers all of this and much more.
Even better, the whole region is close in, well mapped and
has all kinds of special events to help you plan that
perfect day trip.
There are farms to visit and farm markets galore in this
region including some that have been in the same family for
generations like Overhiser Orchards,
www.overhiserorchards.com where you can pick your
own cherries, peaches, plums, apples and pears. There is
plenty of homemade food to sample on the way along with the
fresh produce. You will discover locally produced wines,
jams, jellies, artisan breads, salsas, homemade pies and ice
cream.
There is more in Lake Shore Harvest Country. As you go from
farm to farm you can discover some real hidden treasures
like the working artist studio in Fennville, the antiques in
Glenn or the quilt shops and quilt blocks scattered along
the way. The quilt blocks on the trail mark farms to
visit and provide a cool way to tour the region. When you
spot one of these on the side of a barn you know that there
is a story waiting about the farm itself, an heirloom quilt
or a family tradition.
Finally, if you are looking for events to attend as well,
there are several that happen in this unique area each year.
One that is very popular is the Annual Road Rally. It is a
neat way to enjoy the back roads, listen to tall tales by
the farmers and celebrate with other participants at the
end.
Lake Shore Harvest Country is a creation of the farms and
businesses located there. The region is just inland from
Lake Michigan from just south of South Haven to just south
of Holland and, roughly speaking, runs about 10 – 15 miles
inland from the lake shore. The group responsible has a
website you can find with an online search and produces
printed maps and brochures. All of this great Michigan fun
and agriculture is an easy day trip for visitors to the west
side of the state.
Remember that this is an agricultural region and many of the
destinations are only open during the harvest season.
www.lakeshoreharvestcountry.com -
www.overhiserorchards.com - For nearby lodging check -
www.southmilodging.com