Red Arrow Highway

August 7th, 2011

Red Arrow HighwayThe Red Arrow Highway follows along Lake Michigan from New Buffalo to Sawyer. It’s a perfect way to explore Michigan’s Harbor Country. The scenic road was named after a WWI army (the 32nd Infantry Division) unit that included many local men.

Not only is this road historic, it was also named a Great Summer Drive by Travel + Leisure. The tree-lined road links the beachfront towns and features art galleries, unique eateries and restaurants, wineries and antique shops.

Beyond shopping and dining, the Red Arrow Highway also connects to Warren Dunes State Park, the perfect destination for hiking, birding, winter sports and just exploring nature in general.

There’s something for everyone along Harbor Country’s Red Arrow Highway so get in your car and drive!

Golfing in Harbor Country

July 17th, 2011

Firefly Resort it perfectly located for a golfing getaway. The golf courses here have been named some of the best in the Midwest!

This is a Golf Tee

Image by KRO-Media via Flickr

New Buffalo offers Whittaker Woods Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course. Its Clubhouse is just as stunning as its amazing course. Check them out online to book a tee time or take advantage of their online specials.

Just west of Whittaker Woods is Grand Beach Municipal Golf Course, a 9-hole course in Grand Beach. Tee times are not required here so it’s perfect for those last-minute getaways.

Further north is Pebblewood Golf Course, a beautiful 18-hole course in Bridgman, and Meadows Family Golf Center, a 9-hole course in Baroda.

On the outskirts of Harbor Country, in Benton Harbor, is Harbor Shores, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with diverse terrain challenges and incredible views of Lake Michigan.

So start making your plans — it’s time to tee off in Harbor Country!

Firefly Resort’s Top 5 List: Summer Activities

July 6th, 2011

Summer is here and you know what that means — it’s time to head to the beach! There are a lot of summer activities in Harbor Country. Here’s our top 5 favorites:

Beach shoes

Image by doug88888 via Flickr

1. Play in the sand: Nothing says summer like heading to the beach. Firefly Resort is in the perfect location for beach fun! Many nearby towns have public beaches to choose from but you can also head to Firefly Resort’s private beach, just a few steps away from our cozy cottages.

 

2. Be active: Whether you go for bird watching or hiking trails, there are plenty of state parks and nature preserves in Harbor Country. For hiking, head to Chikaming Nature Preserve and Park or Warren Woods Forest Preserve. Excellent bird watching (and more!) can be found at Grand Mere State Park and Warren Dunes State Park.

3. Celebrate with the town: There are many festivals in Harbor Country every summer!

4. Book a tee time: Spend a day on the golf greens! Tee off at Briar Leaf Golf Club, Pebblewood Country Club or Whittaker Woods Golf Course.

5. Paddle Away: Whether you prefer canoes or kayaks, Harbor County has you covered with many boat rentals. There’s nothing like spending the afternoon on the water!

What are your favorite summer activities in Harbor Country?

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Antiquing in Harbor Country

June 26th, 2011

If you’re coming to Firefly Resort for a Girlfriend Getaway or a Couples Weekend, exploring the antique stores in Harbor Country is the perfect activity! Whether you’re looking for unique treasures or the perfect piece of antique furniture to compliment your decor, there are stores to fit every budget and style.

As you venture north from Firefly Resort on the Red Arrow Highway, you’ll come across many antique stores. Here are a few of our favorites:

The first stop will be Lakeside Antiques, on your left. This store is comprised of three large buildings and has some great antique pieces for your home.

Continue north on the Red Arrow Highway for approximately three miles and you’ll find Harbert Antique Mall, on your right. The prices here are very reasonable and with over 50 dealers, you’ll find everything from outdoor furniture and housewares to knickknacks and jewelry.

From Millie's AntiquesJust a little north of Harbert Antique Mall, also on your right, will be Millie’s Antiques. If you love vintage kitchen accessories, dishes and cookware, this is the shop for you! There’s also a small collection of Dutch decor including wooden shoes, figurines and Delft blue.

Just a little further north, on your left, will be Dunes Antique Center, featuring jewelry, fine art, glass and accessories for your home.

These are only a sampling of what’s out there! Spend the weekend shopping in the many more antique stores in the region and you’ll be sure to find a special treasure…or three.

Save

Fourth of July in Harbor Country

June 16th, 2011

Most summer weekends in Harbor Country can be filled with shopping, relaxing and exploring nature but the Fourth of July weekend brings all of that plus an incredible fireworks display and musical performance. Right on the beach!

Friday and Saturday (July 1-2) celebrates the holiday weekend with music in Downtown New Buffalo as well as surfing and paddleboard demonstrations at the New Buffalo Public Beach. Saturday also offers other beach activities such as volleyball.

The highlights of Sunday (July 3) will be an outstanding performance by the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra and an amazing fireworks display over Lake Michigan. Both events are free to the public. The concert is at Lions Pavilion Park.

Whether you’re celebrating our nation’s birth or just a summer weekend, Union Pier’s Firefly Resort is in the perfect location to make your Harbor Country getaway memorable!

Distant fireworks along the lakefront

Festivals

May 29th, 2011

Summer is quickly approaching and that means it’s time to plan your Firefly Resort getaways around local festivals!

Music in the Park: Head to Three Oaks every Saturday from June 12 – September 4 for an enjoyable evening full of live music! Free admission.

Fireworks over Lake Michigan, New Buffalo, MI 2007July Fireworks: The sky above the New Buffalo lakefront beach will light up in jubilation once again on the Fourth of July!

Moonlight Madness: Prepare to stay up late! Local galleries, shops and more along the Red Arrow Highway will be open late on July 16 for a special evening of discounts!

Ship and Shore Festival: Going on its 27th year, this New Buffalo festival, August 12-14, celebrates all things summer with kid-friendly events, arts and crafts, beer tents and wine tastings, games and a Lighted Boat Parade!

Apple Cider Century Bike Tour: This annual bicycle tour, September 25, has become the Midwest’s largest one-day century event! One of the best ways to explore Harbor Country is by bicycle!

Harvest Days: Fall is a beautiful time if year in Harbor Country and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than the Harvest Days festival, October 6-8.

Pick your favorite festival and book your getaway online or call Firefly Resort directly at (269) 469-0245.

Spring Savings at Firefly Resort

May 1st, 2011

The warmer weather can only mean one thing — it’s time for a spring getaway!

For the entire month of May, book a 2-night getaway at Firefly Resort and receive a $50 gift certificate for either Frankie’s Other Place or the Red Arrow Road House, both in Union Pier.

WKitchenhether you’re looking of a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day or just an early getaway, Firefly Resort is your answer!

You have a choice from 18 charming cottages, all with amenities such as a kitchen with refrigerator, stove and oven; dishes, glasses, cooking utensils and pans; bathroom with shower; and basic cable.

Firefly Resort offers 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and mini-suite cottages so whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a family trip, it’s easy to get the perfect space for your getaway.

Take your time browsing through our 18 cottages and when you’ve found the perfect one, book online or call (269) 469-0245 to make your reservation.

Firefly Resort’s Top 5 List: Spring Activities

April 10th, 2011

The weather is getting warmer and flowers are almost ready to bloom. This can only mean one thing — spring is here! There are a lot of spring activities in Harbor Country. Here’s our top 5 favorites:
Union Pier 2004-4 024

1. Breathe Fresh Air: It’s time to get outside and take joy in nature as it comes to life after the winter temperatures. Warren Dunes State Park, Warren Woods, Chikaming Township Park & Preserve and Firefly Resort’s private beach are perfect for walking, hiking or just enjoying nature.

2. Cast Your Hook: In Harbor Country you can charter a boat for a Lake Michigan fishing excursion or try your luck off the Galien River Bridge with your fishing buddies.

3. Travel the Wine Trail: There are 11 wineries and several tasting rooms along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Indulge in an afternoon or evening of wine tasting and decide which local wine is your favorite.

4. Enjoy the Arts: From open mic nights to musical performances, you can’t beat live entertainment. The Acorn Theater in Three Oaks has great Thursday Night programs.

5. Shop ‘Til You Drop: Whether you enjoy antiquing, art galleries or boutiques, Harbor Country has it all.

What are your favorite spring activities in Harbor Country?

A Relaxing Weekend at Firefly Resort

April 2nd, 2011

Even though the weather was cold for a spring getaway, I recently explored Harbor Country with a relaxing stay at Firefly Resort.

Before heading to the cottage, I stopped at the Harbert Antique Mall to do a little shopping. I picked up a beautiful pair of wooden candlestick holders and two vintage postcards for my collection. Next stop was the Firefly Resort cottage to refresh before lunch.Kitchen

This was my first stay at Firefly Resort and I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised. As cute as the cottages are on the outside, the inside is even more charming! The cottage I stayed in (Unit #9) had beautiful wainscoting and cream-colored walls in both the living room and bedroom. The bathroom had calming green walls with the cutest beach decor. The kitchen was stocked with dishes, glasses and cooking essentials. I immediately wished that my stay was longer than just a weekend because this kitchen would be such a benefit to longer stays, especially during the summer or fall.

Back PorchOne of the best features, in my opinion, was the cozy screened-in back porch. There were two Adirondack chairs and a side table. I could imagine sitting out there in the evenings, relaxing in the summer breeze.

After freshening up, it was time for lunch. I went to Redamak’s, known for the “Hamburger that made New Buffalo famous.” They had just opened for the season and even though there were a lot of people there for lunch, the service was good and the food was delicious. I continued south to downtown New Buffalo for a little more shopping and a quick stop at the beach.

I headed back to the cottage for a little down time and then selected El Rancho Grande for dinner. Their posole soup hit the spot on that cold evening.

After a great night in my cottage, I started the next day with a walk down to the private beach, just a short walk from the cottage. I didn’t want this weekend to end so I stopped at Millie’s Antiques before heading back to the city. If you love vintage kitchen accessories, dishes and cookware, this is the shop for you! I instantly fell in love with several items. It was the perfect end to the perfect weekend. I can’t wait to come back to Firefly Resort again to further explore the beach, shops and everything else that I couldn’t fit in on this trip!

~Anne

Mother’s Day weekend – Girl’s Getaway

March 27th, 2011

Whether you’re a mom, daughter or grandmother, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to bond with loved ones. Make this year even more special by planning a Girl’s Getaway in Michigan’s Harbor Country and Firefly Resort.

Spend the afternoon antiquing at Millie’s Antiques, Harbert Antique Mall or one of the many other antique stores along the Red Arrow Highway. Or head to New Buffalo to shop in the beautiful boutiques and art galleries.

After a little shopping, it’s time to treat yourselves to a little “me” time with a massage, facial or pedicure at one of the relaxing day spas in Harbor Country.

Or take a culinary journey while wine tasting, discovering the best local wines along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.

End the night in one of the charming cottages at Firefly Resort. It’s the perfect place for a Girl’s Getaway!

5 living room

Save