The Vineyard Side of South Haven
With light beach-like soil and lake effect climate, southwest Michigan offers a great environment for vineyards. There are several wineries within a 15 to 35 minute drive from the Victoria. You may want to visit Fenn Valley Winery or McIntosh Winery to the north, St. Julian and Warner Vineyards to our east, and to the south you'll find Contessa and Karma Vista. Plan a driving tour with the help of the Michigan Wine Trail website, or check out our personalized map.
The Snowy Side of South Haven
The adventures don’t stop just because there is snow on the ground! Try ice skating at South Haven’s outdoor ice rink, downhill skiing at Timber Ridge, cross country skiing or even snowshoeing at Sarett Nature Center. Plus, a stop at Café Julia or the Chocolate Café will surely warm you after your adventure.
The Natural Side of South Haven
Mother Nature has treated our area quite well. The sandy beaches along Lake Michigan shoreline are perfect for sunset strolls. Take a hike at Van Buren State Park or the quiet North Point Property, explore the trails at Sarett Nature Center, or plan a bike ride or walk on the Kal-Haven Trail.
The Artistic Side of South Haven
The Blue Coast Artists has seven studios located between South Haven and Saugatuck, featuring everything from handmade pottery to blown glass. In addition to a handful of galleries downtown, the South Haven Center for the Arts features the works of local artists year round, plus the annual Mistletoe Market.
The Dining Side of South Haven
For a small town, South Haven has excellent restaurant choices. Fine
dining establishments include
Tello
Bistro,
Hawkshead and Sophie's Steakhouse. Casual spots include the historic
Clementine's, the
Thirsty Perch,
Phoenix Street Cafe, Su Casa, Joe's Bar & Grill, Maria's and the Black River Tavern. Several coffee shops offer sweets and
sandwiches, and if all of this sounds confusing don't worry - we keep all of the restaurant menus
in the bed and breakfast!
The Entertaining Side of South Haven
The up and coming
Foundry Hall has brought performances by various groups with acoustic, rock, country, and blues filling the hall. The local theatre group, Our Town Players, performs at Listiak Auditorium several times throughout the year.
During the summer, enjoy a free outdoor concert
at Riverfront Park every Thursday evening!
The Festive Side of South Haven
There’s no doubt that summer is the most popular time to visit South Haven. Visitors can attend Harbor Fest, Blueberry Festival, Fine Arts Fair, All Craft Fair, the Festival of Cars and more. Thursday nights bring free outdoor concerts at Riverfront Park, and don't miss the farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the spring, summer and fall. The best kept secret in South Haven is Ice Breaker Festival, held the first weekend in February with ice carving competitions and a free chili cook-off.
The Healthy Side of South Haven
Shorelines Wellness Center offers everything you could expect from a top-notch fitness center. Guests are also invited to schedule an in-room massage while staying at the Victoria. Please contact us for appointment availability and pricing information.
The Sailing Side of South Haven
Arguably the best way to enjoy Lake Michigan is aboard South Haven's tall ship, a sailboat, or even a kayak. The Michigan Maritime Museum has a replica tall ship called the Friends Goodwill offering afternoon cruises and sunset sails throughout the season. We also suggest Gypsy Rose (sailboat) or the folks at Cat’s Meow (catamaran) for a more private experience. If you prefer your own paddle power, Kayak-Kayak can put you on the big lake or the Black River here in town, or try Old Allegan Canoe for a trip down the Kalamazoo River.
The Fishing Side of South Haven
Lake perch, Chinook, Coho, steelhead, and more can be found in the waters off South Haven. If you’re ready to drop in a line, contact the folks at Finn Fighter Fishing Charter.
Most Importantly...The Helpful Side of South Haven
If all of this seems overwhelming, don’t worry – that’s why we are here! When you arrive at the Victoria Resort, we’ll let you know what events are happening during your stay. We love helping with suggestions, maps, directions, and plenty of insider information. Feel free to call or email us before you arrive, or stop by while you’re staying with us. |
