Happy weekend, Berrien County! In today’s happening-today edition: Student-made hard cider, a solstice herb walk, and a guided rosé tasting + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Berrien County protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Student-made beverage debut: Lake Michigan College students launched Grand Lac, a hard cider blending Southwest Michigan apples. Created in the Wine and Viticulture Technology program, it is available at the Vintners Tasting Room -- meet Grand Lac cider.
New leader chosen: Berrien County commissioners unanimously voted to negotiate a contract with Greg Vlietstra, a Kalamazoo County transit official, as Berrien County administrator. No set timeline as he wraps up in Kalamazoo -- see the administrator pick.
Wellness spot opens doors: Bridgman welcomed Beachside Salt and Soul with a June 8 ribbon cutting. Founded by Sarah Buist, the studio offers halotherapy, massage with Salt Room sessions, and a Himalayan Salt Room -- see the ribbon cutting.
Thoughtful Father's Day gifts, ready by Sunday. Father's Day is tomorrow, which makes shipping anything now a gamble you'll probably lose. Skip it entirely. A whole range of Father's Day gifts is ready for same-day pickup in hours, so something personal is well within reach by tomorrow. -- get it today.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Local RV escape: Skip the long haul and point the rig to Eden Springs Park RV Campground in Benton Harbor, a year-round spot with 42 full-service RV sites plus a few primitive tent options. Easy local reset this week, less packing and more porch sitting.
Brunch, but better: When your fridge holds only vibes and condiments, Mason Jar Cafe comes through with fresh, local, organic comfort that actually tastes like Saturday, plus legit coffee and Arts District energy. Put it on this week's rotation, Benton Harbor.
Year-round fairway fix: When the weather acts up, Pipestone Indoor Country Club keeps your game sharp with Golfzon simulators, leagues, and lessons in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Grab a bay with friends, settle that group chat handicap debate, and actually work on those wedges you keep side-eyeing.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏃 Dad Strong 5K @ The Pillar Center (Benton Harbor) | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Join Dad Strong 5K, with a finish line party, music, games, and vendors. Run or walk, yes walking counts, solo or with a team in person or online. Proceeds fund gym passes, rec leagues, mental health, and financial wellness for men and fathers.
🧺 Skip’s New Buffalo Farmers Market @ Skip's Restaurant and Catering | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – If your crisper drawer has been auditioning for a tumbleweed scene, Skip’s New Buffalo Farmers Market at Red Arrow and Lakeshore delivers the cure. Local produce, handmade goodies, and neighborly chatter, plus that smug feeling of tomatoes that actually taste like summer.
🚶 Walking tour - Chapin Family @ Riverfront Park (Niles) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Think you know Main Street? It sets off from Riverfront Park Amphitheater for a stroll through Chapin family lore, the late 1800s, and a peek inside the Mansion you’ve always wondered about. Free, donations welcome, weather permitting, part of Niles History Center’s Summer Walking Tours.
🌿 Solstice Herb Walk & Make-and-Take @ Fernwood Botanical Garden (Niles) | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Celebrate the summer solstice with a guided herb walk at Fernwood, where herbalist Carly Pinto shows you what’s edible, what’s medicinal, and what to politely leave alone. Forage a little, make sun-soaked remedies, then feel smug about your apothecary, hydration, and sensible shoes.
🧶 Tree of Life - Macrame Workshop @ The Sandpiper Fashion, Fiber & Gifts (Bridgman) | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Take a break from errands and learn to knot a macrame Tree of Life, no scout badge required. It is beginner friendly, pleasantly meditative, and you actually leave with art. Bring a buddy, trade stories, and pretend it counts as home improvement.
🍷 Rosé Soirée @ Houndstooth (Benton Harbor) | Sunday (6/21) at 2:00 PM – Take a break from the grind and hit Houndstooth’s patio for the 2 p.m. Rosé Soirée, a guided tasting of 12 rosés from around the world. Expect summer in a glass, lively chat, and zero patience for mediocre pink.
🎤 Van Dyke Revue @ Weko Beach (Bridgman) | Sunday (6/21) at 7:00 PM – Van Dyke Revue is rolling into Weko Beach with live tunes that pair nicely with a lake breeze, a beach chair, and the sense to leave your dress shoes at home. Expect crowd-pleasers, easy dancing, and one of those why we live here nights. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Berrien County report Weather forecastToday — High: 76°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 34%
A chance of rain showers before 8am. Sunny, with a high near 76. West wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 76°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 66%
Rain showers likely between 8am and 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. This house is wildThis 2024-built Grand Beach modern farmhouse offers 3,889 square feet of polished living on nearly half an acre, just a quick golf cart ride from Lake Michigan. Six bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a double-sided fireplace, chef’s kitchen with prep space and wine cooler, plus a recreation room, wraparound deck, sauna, spa pool, and hot tub create a standout retreat.
Take a peek inside → |
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