Frequently Asked Questions

1.	WHERE IS HARBOR COUNTRY? This is the name given to the towns of Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert & Sawyer in the Southwest Corner of Michigan. Known as the “Hamptons of the Midwest”….
	We have homes in: GRAND BEACH, approx 3 miles south of New Buffalo. Grand Beach has a well manicured 9-hole golf course, two tennis courts, a basketball court, children's playground AND BEAUTIFUL WHITE SANDY BEACHES. NEW BUFFALO, a quaint town with wonderful shops, restaurants, harbor and A BEAUTIFUL WHITE SANDY BEACH UNION PIER is a true cottage community approx 5 miles north of New Buffalo with BEAUTIFUL WHITE SANDY BEACHES LAKESIDE is also north of New Buffalo with a rich variety of restaurants, antiques & shops and BEAUTIFUL WHITE SANDY BEACHES MICHIANA,  approx 4 miles south of New Buffalo, just next to Grand Beach. Winding roads, lots of trees and BEAUTIFUL WHITE SANDY BEACHES

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HOW DO I RENT A PROPERTY? Either phone: 269.449.9292, or via our online Renter's Inquiry Online Form.  You can also email us at beachnutrentals@sbcglobal.net with the name of the property and dates you are interested in.  We will need your name, address phone number & Credit Card number/expiration date.  50% of the total rental fee is due along with the signed RENTAL CONTRACT to hold the reservation. The remaining monies are due no later than 30 days before the rental begins.

3.	WHAT’S TO DO IN HARBOR COUNTRY?
	Art There are many galleries to visit in the Harbor Country area. Visit Steve Rubinkamp's Gallery, Whittaker Street for colorful flowers and seaside scenes...Fenway Gallery features contemporary abstract, Michigan landscapes, photography, and sculptures...Local Color Gallery features 90 artists and also has jewelry...Judith Racht Gallery specializes in contemporary art and vintage finds. Beach & Fishing Info There are many gorgeous beaches to visit including New Buffalo Beach and Warren Dunes where you can climb the dunes for a spectacular view.  If you go to the City Offices, you can purchase a parking pass which is much more economical than daily parking fees and it lasts ALL SUMMER! There is harbor fishing on Lake Michigan at the Galien River east of Union Pier.  Day fishing charters and sailing charters available out of New Buffalo Harbor as well.  For a fishing report for the area, visit http://www.newbuffalo.com.   Ask us about the secret fishing holes!  If you’re adventurous you can also enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing on Lake Michigan. Festivals & Special Events Many festivals and events occur year round in Harbor Country including the Apple Cider Century Bike Tour, and the Art Attack festival. For a more complete listing of events, visit http://www.harborcountry.org/events. TRY YOUR LUCK?? If you like to gamble, Blue Chip Casino is in Michigan City, IN about 20 minutes away... Places to Visit Don't miss Hesston Steam Engine Park, or the museums in St. Josephs.  And there are amusement and theme parks within driving distance. Restaurants Where do we start on places to eat? You’ll find fine dining, family restaurants, fast food, pizza, ice cream shops and more close to your BeachNut rental home.  Ice cream treats are plentiful at Oinks Dutch Treat (269-469-3535), Also, don't miss Nancy’s Hot Dogs, The Whistle-Stop Café, and the famous Red Arrow Roadhouse (269-469-3939). Or Enjoy Rios, Stray Dog, Moxies and more....and don't forget the Harbert Swedish Bakery for you-know-what! Shopping So many shops!! Visit local specialty stores for gifts, jewelry, art, food treats and more.  For a “deal” visit the Lighthouse Outlet Mall for lots of great bargain hunting. In the mood for antiques? Go north on Red Arrow Highway where you will find large and small antique shops...be sure and visit CHARM COTTAGE and say hello to Alan & Bill! Sports & Activities Sports fanatics will not be bored in Harbor Country! Bowlers can visit the Diamond Bowl in New Buffalo.   Golfers have numerous choices including Whittaker Woods Golf Course in New Buffalo, Michiana Golf, and the Grand Beach Golf course.  If tennis is your game, there are two hard surface courts at River Valley High School. Learn to horseback ride at Red Arrow Stables, or take a sailing lesson at Michigan City Sailboat Charters.   Like to fly? Visit Michigan City Municipal Airport for more information.  Of course you can also just enjoy a day of hiking, kite flying, or diving in Lake Michigan.  Don't forget to explore the wonderful bike trails in the area, and cool off with a daily swim off your Lake Michigan beach Theaters Visit the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks for a live show, or take in a movie at Vickers in Three Oaks – click here for current listings. UPick for apples, blueberries, pumpkins, asparagus, and more.. Visit Dinges Farm for fabulous pumpkins & gourds in fall.  Lemon Creek Winery has wine, of course,  but you can also take a tractor ride out into the orchards for picking apples, pears, grapes, blueberries, peaches, raspberries and more.   For a guide of local UPick locations, visit http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/fresh/swmichigan.html. Don’t have time to pick your own? Visit PAUL’s in New Buffalo for a fantastic selection of seasonal fruits and veggies. Wineries Many local vineyards provide the best Michigan has to offer in fine local wines. Visit The Round Barn Winery and sample wine in a century old barn overlooking the vineyards.  Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant specializes in gourmet foods and winery tours. Lemon Creek Winery is nearby as well and offers tastings and tractor rides through the vineyard. Winter Fun There are plenty of winter activities including sledding, snowmobiling and tobogganing.  If you’re a cross country skier, take a ride out to Love Creek County Park , Madeline Bertrand County Park, Robinson Preserve, Warren Dunes State Park, or Grand Mere Park for miles of trails. Downhill skiers will enjoy the short one hour trip to Swiss Valley Ski Resort. Renting a BeachNut vacation home during the holidays?  There’s plenty to do during the holiday season including Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm where you can pick or cut-your-own tree, purchase wreaths or take a hayride.  Or visit Red Arrow Stables for a cozy sleigh ride. Zoos and Botanical Gardens Take the family for a stroll through Fernwood Botantical Gardens or explore the Washington Park Zoo for a special afternoon with the kids. Pet Information Need to board your dog while you're enjoying your vacation?  Why not pamper him instead?  Contact The Petz Carlton (near Three Oaks, MI) for more information on boarding your dog locally. Visiting Chicago? Check out The Local Tourist website for information on things to do while in the windy city.   Other Resources for Information About Michigan West Michigan Tourist Association Michigan's Official Economic Development and Travel Site

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DIRECTIONS From Chicago and Suburbs: Take I90 Skyway to I94East/Detroit EXIT.   Just past the WELCOME TO MICHIGAN signs is EXIT 1 for New Buffalo & Grand Beach.  Continuing on you will see EXIT 6 for Union Pier & Lakeside and EXIT 12 for Harbert & Sawyer. From South Bend: Take I80/90 to LaPorte EXIT and turn Right! From Detroit: Take I94 West From Indianapolis: Take I65 North to I94 East Public Transportation Links: South Shore Train