Sand and Sun Make It Fun in South Haven

PART 1-A Girls Daytrip!

A First

I’m so excited! For the first time I will be making a post a two-part series! Why? Because this trip turned into much more than I expected.

First things first…this was a girls day out. My friend Pam had not been to South Haven before so we decided to make it a day trip. And, boy, was it a gorgeous day! Very windy but temperature wise, gorgeous!

Got To Eat!

The first thing we did was head straight to Clementine’s for lunch. Afterall, you need nourishment if you want to shop and walk on sandy beaches, right?

I admit, I am a huge creature of habit. It just never works out when I stray away from my norm. Never. If I try a new restaurant, I’m usually disappointed – not always, but usually. If I try a new food dish, it is never what I expect. So, I always head to Clementine’s when I’m in South Haven. The food is delicious and the service is great. What more could anyone ask for?

I always order the the Deli Corner, which is a scrumptious Reuben on marbled rye sandwich. Pam ordered the same thing and we were not disappointed. The best part? The sandwich is so big that I always get two meals out of it. Bonus! But if Reuben sandwiches aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Clementine’s has a pretty good menu offering everything from salads to steaks to burgers or fish. I won’t lie though…this isn’t fast food or at fast food prices. I’m just putting that out there…

If you’re like me and want to have a game plan before you go, check out their hours and menu here: https://www.ohmydarling.com/clems.html

And, if this doesn’t look like it’s your cup of tea, don’t worry there are lots of eating establishments around these couple of blocks, along the Black River and even away from this downtown area. Hey, the first time I went to South Haven, I had my daughter and a bunch of her college friends so we went to Arby’s…and it was good.

If you do go to Clementine’s, ask for Ashley. She was a fabulous waitress and I watched her go above and beyond for all her customers while we were there. Thank you Ashley! You were awesome!

Down On Phoenix Street

There is a decent variety of stores on Phoenix Street and nearby waiting for you! Do you like antiques? There are three antique stores around these few blocks. I have been into two of them myself and think they are definitely worth checking out.

In the shopping area you can find clothing stores, toy stores, a gem and mineral store (which had some interesting items). There are a few more eating establishments, as I said, but I have never been to any of the others personally. We saw a surf shop, a Dairy Queen, a bakery, a candy shop and The Blueberry Store (it smells lovely too)…quite a bit actually for only two blocks!

My Favorites

There are a couple stores that I HAVE to go into every single time I go to South Haven. My arm is twisted, so how can I say no?

The first is called Decadent Dogs. As I’m sure you can figure out from the name, it is a store mostly dedicated to the puppers in the family. My daughter introduced me to it. A terrible kid… Anyhow, they offer an assortment of items geared towards the pet owners that will allow you to proudly proclaim your love of German Shepherds, or Boxers, or Blue Heelers or…I think you get it. There is a good selection of canine merchandise to choose from. You can get coasters, socks, lounge pants and more for you or a new collar (we call them necklaces here), harness, treats and so on for them.

In case you’re not a dog person, they do have a few cat items inside too!

My favorite thing to buy here is from their “bakery” case. At the registers they have a case offering treats that look like they came straight from a bakery! They are a little pricey, especially if you are buying for more than one pooch, like me. That’s why it’s a once in awhile thing for me. But, my dogs love them! This time I controlled myself and only bought them each one “cannoli”, one “ice cream cone” and one turkey sausage treat. Today’s visit was $11.66 with tax. I can live with that but come Christmas…I’m always in trouble.

Another favorite store is the Sweet Haven Candy Store. This little place has fudge that is made right there, lots of flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans and a few candies from your childhood that aren’t so easy to find any more. I didn’t get anything this time but I like to go here just before Christmas to grab some “stocking stuffers”. If you’re in South Haven, stop and take a peek inside. It may be a trip down memory lane!

To The Beach!

After we spent an hour or so walking around Downtown South Haven, we decided it was time to meet the sand!

South Haven has two beaches…excuse me, they have SEVEN beaches – but for today I am only talking about the North and South beaches. Part ll will be about the other five beaches.

Parking

I’m going to be straight up honest with you…finding a parking spot in this town, and especially at the beach can be a bear. No lie. And, if you’re at the beach, it’s also going to cost you. Around the downtown area it can be difficult but there are a lot of parking spaces along the streets and there are a couple of lots that also offer free parking.

At the beach you’re going to pay.

From May 15th -September 15th paid parking is required. It is $10 daily and is payable at the electronic boxes along the parking sidewalk. Pay attention to your parking space number or you will be trotting back to get it. I’ve been there and done that. The daily parking is what I have always done but in doing my research I have found a couple other options that may work for some of you.

Parking Options Available:

Daily Parking $10. If you are doing a daytrip, this is the best and cheapest option for you. Look for free parking while walking around downtown.
Weekly Parking Pass: $30/week. If you are visiting the area for the week while on vacation, this is your best option. This pass allows you to park in any paid or sticker parking only lots for the week.
Multi-Year Sticker $80. Yes, you read that correctly. Multi-year pass. It is good for THREE years. The current stickers are valid for 2021-2023 and the feature design is by a local artist. If you are like me and make frequent trips to South Haven, this is the best option for you. Not only does it cover your parking at the beach but also any paid or sticker-only parking lots and streets.

I wish I had known about the multi-year pass before! I will definitely be purchasing one of them myself during my next trip to South Haven!

Keep in mind that the multi-year pass must be affixed to your vehicle according to directions and the state or DNR Recreation Passport are not valid here.

Also, I spoke to a very friendly and helpful woman named Megan Kiker who is the City Clerk and she clarified the following: the weekly pass is linked to a license plate, however, the multi-year pass is not. So, if you sell your vehicle, total it, give it away or the pass just starts to chip, PEEL OFF THE STICKER AND BRING IT TO CITY HALL AND THEY WILL REPLACE IT AT NO CHARGE. You must bring the old one in with you, though, or be prepared to purchase a new sticker.

Thank you Megan Kiker for your help answering my questions!

Take A Moment To Read, Please!

Water safety is very important and should be a priority for everyone. The City of South Haven initiated a new education program a few years ago and I would like to take a moment to introduce it to you. Together maybe we all can learn, share and perhaps save a life.

I know that sounds very dramatic but I have lost someone to drowning and it’s a terrible, terrible way to lose a loved one.

I would like to thank City of South Haven Fire Chief Brandon Hinz for not only talking to me about the city’s beach protocol but for sending me the below information. The QR code can be used to easily check the current flag conditions before you head to the beach and the printout is so you can familiarize yourself with more Beach Safety.

You can also check the flag status, which is always current and up-to-date, at the following link: https://www.southhavenmi.gov/parks_and_recreation/beach_flag_information.php or by signing up for text updates by sending “BEACHES” TO 888777. I did it yesterday and first thing this morning I had today’s update and anticipated day forecast! As I write this, I received another update that the South Beach flag status had changed. It really keeps you up to date! You may be charged data fees so know your plan first.

I have been to South Haven several times and I always watch the Flag Warning System. That’s me. I know a lot of people never look at it or think about it. I hope sharing information will change that way of thinking. It is there for a very good reason so please take a moment to check it before getting in to the water. The safety of your family and your friends may depend on it.

I was very saddened to see that on the day I was at the beach there were Red Flag warnings and so many people were ignoring it. Not just for themselves but also their children. Luckily, there were no injuries – or worse. Even the seagulls knew not to get in the water and were all on the shoreline! The next time someone says “bird brain” remember that may not be an insult afterall.

This is Lake Michigan and it is known for being volitile, just like Lake Superior. A couple of weeks ago I did a blog post on the Great Lakes Shipweck Museum in Paradise, Michigan and while doing research for that post I found out that professional military seamen do not like these waters because they are so unpredictable. The waves bouncing between Illinois/Wisconsin and Michigan create erratic currents and more.

Are You North or South?

Beach I mean. I, personally, prefer the North Beach because it’s bigger, the North Beach Concession Stand is there and it has actual toilets. Sorry, but at my age, that’s a good thing. And if I still had a little one around, actual toilets would be the best thing.

The cons about the North Beach: it’s bigger so there are more people, no access to the lighthouse and…wait, that’s about it.

The South Beach does offer the direct pier to the South Haven Lighthouse but the beach area is smaller, there are porta-potties instead of real toilets and it is always so crowded. Really crowded. And if it’s more crowded then that means it’s harder to find a parking spot. That means you will be parking along Water Street or further and walking. And hauling beach chairs, blankets, coolers and kids that far with you.

So, why don’ tpeople just park on either side and go wherever they want to ? Because the Black River separates the two beaches and there is no access across it except across the bridge on Dyckman Avenue. You must pick what is important to you – a nice, big beach with room to spread out and a pier to walk or a walk to the lighthouse. I’ve done both and everyone should see the lighthouse at least once but I almost always choose the North Beach.

Google Map of North and South Beaches South Haven

South Haven Light

Or, the South Haven South Pierhead Light, sits at the entrance of Lake Michigan and the Black River. It was built in 1872 and is still in operation to this day. The catwalk that stretches from the lighthouse to the shore is original and one of only four to have survived in Michigan.

Ther is no access into the lighthouse.

This lighthouse is a shorter version of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light located in Muskegon, Michigan.

South Haven South Pierhead Light/Iva Johnson

Yay or Nay?

South Haven gets an enthusiastic Yay!

I have loved going here since I ventured this way a couple of years ago! To me, it has the feel of Mackinaw City without the long drive every time I need that fix. If the Bridge was here, I’d never leave. Pam also enjoyed the day and said she would go back!

It does get crowded in the summer, especially during holiday weekends and we have one coming up very soon. But as long as you are aware before you go that direction, it’s not so rattling. And it has taken me four years to figure out a lot of what I have shared with you here today, such as cheaper ways to handling the parking.

What I really like about bringing this information to everyone is that I learned quite a bit while doing research, just like I always do. If you do go to the area, you will be boosting a local economy without a lot of effort. You are going to pay for parking in one way or another, you are going to eat – whether it’s Arby’s, Clementine’s or somewhere in between and you will most likely buy something in one of the many stores, even if it’s just a treat for your four-legged buddy. That right there is exactly why I write this blog. I’m hoping to help this beautiful state prosper!

Will I go back? In a red hot second. Probably very soon so I can do part 2 of this series. We have so much more exploring to do together!

Nearby

Whether you are going for the day or a week, here are some attractions nearby that may be of interest

Michigan Maritime Museum ( https://www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org/ ) – you can also charter boat/ship rides through their website or visit the US Coast Guard Exhibit nextdoor
South Haven Center For The Arts ( https://www.southhavenarts.org/ )
Cogdal Winery ( https://www.cogdalvineyards.com/ )
Saugatuck, MI – approx 22 miles north
Van Buren State Park – approx 5.5 miles south
Beachwalk Properties (real estate and vacation rentals) – https://lovemyhaven.com/
Jensen Charters ( https://www.jensencharters.com/ )
The Kal-Haven Trail
The Van Buren Trail State Park