Summer may be over but the romance of summer in a beachy coastal town is alive and well at Hotel Nichols, all throughout the year. This historic hotel, located in the heart of downtown South Haven, is an elegant, architectural masterpiece where you will want to come and stay over and over again! Here, luxurious and tasteful rooms vibe the magic of Lake Michigan’s shore with soothing names like, Seaglass, Sandcastle, Lighthouse and Harbor. With over 100 years of family hospitality at the helm of this beautiful hotel, it’s all about the experience. Whether it be the delight of sharing stories at happy hour, being greeted with a cool and frosty pint, enjoying curious clues and a delicious dinner at one of their legendary Murder Mystery Nights or discovering the allure of the shops and restaurants downtown, this is one place that truly delivers. If you can still snag a room you might want to watch the South Haven ball drop for New Years Eve – yes, that’s over 1000 beach balls! Because it’s always summer someplace, right!?
Frederik Meijer Gardens Holiday Traditions and More!; Ongoing thru January 7.
Winter is truly a magical time to visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and the Holidays especially so! The Holiday Traditions exhibit, with over 46 uniquely-themed Christmas trees and intriguing cultural displays will be on display until January 7. Stroll through this stunning array of Holidays around the world and take in the beloved Railway Garden too. Waiting for the choo-choo to come around can entertain the kiddos for a very long time! But there is so much more! Venture outside and enjoy a beautiful day or evening stroll among the frosty trees with over 350,000 twinkling lights. January 2 and 3rd there will be Winter Break Day Camps that you can pre register for – they’re only $ 35 .00 – and your children will be thrilled to be creating and discovering unusual art, or painting in the snow and making ice sculptures. Kids can get wild and crazy outside with a Winter Adventure Walk in the Children’s Garden on January 3, at 10:30 a.m. or stay warm and cozy inside discovering all the beauty and wonder of sculpture, plants and nature in winter. (Note that the Gardens will be closed December 31 and January 1).
Air Zoo Winter Break Family Fun Days; December 31 10:00 – 1:00 p.m. and January 3
The Air Zoo in Kalamazoo is Counting Down to Noon! Because it’s midnight somewhere, right? This annual ball drop in the museum is, of course, at noon on December 31, but loads of family fun party activities will begin at 10 a.m. so be sure and come early! And while you’re there, take in all the other wonderful discoveries and exhibits that make the Air Zoo such a popular and engaging place to bring the family. This is a very hands-on and active place – think flight simulators, dropping from the sky like a paratrooper, an indoor amusement park – themed to all things that fly through the air – the Missions Theatre where you can watch thrilling and educational movies, and open cockpits galore where kids can climb to their heart’s content. On January 3 there will be special activities for Winter Break – think Shades of Science with prisms and kaleidoscopes and scavenger hunts or Snowbotics with robots and an engaging winter wonderland maze. Really, science can’t get any more fun than this! Admission is $ 16 for kids and $ 18.00 for adults.
