Serving New Buffalo, Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, South Haven, Fennville, Glenn, Douglas, Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Muskegon

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The Blueberry Store sign - South Haven, MI

West Michigan is the Blueberry Capital of the World. Lakeshore visitors who want to sample these delectable berries should check out The Blueberry Store in downtown South Haven. Along with fresh, frozen and dried local blueberries, the store sells a number of gourmet blueberry items. From all-natural juices, candies, freshly baked muffins and donuts to tee shirts and mugs, it's all here.

Don't forget to stop by for a blueberry smoothie or blueberry ice cream sundae, especially during the week of August 11-14 when South Haven celebrates
The Blueberry Festival.
Great Lakes shipping was crucial to the growth of our nation, and lumber was the engine of this burgeoning economy. However the lumber would never have safely reached port without lighthouses to guide them. By the 1870s, the White Lake/Muskegon area was proudly dubbed 'Lumber Queen of the World' - a title that would have been difficult to achieve without the White River Light Station. Ghost lovers take note - the lighthouse is said to be haunted by its first keeper Captain Robinson. - White River Light Station.


White River Light Station - Whitehall, MI

photo: michigan.org

Ripe blueberries in a pile
Food, Glorious Food: Blueberries

Blueberries are the healthiest fruit you can eat. In fact, blueberries rank number one in antioxidants compared to 40 other fruits and vegetables. But we didn't need USDA researchers to persuade us to eat these delicious berries. Even better we don't have to hull, pit, peel or core these fruits to enjoy them.

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS, BLUEBERRY PANCAKES, BLUEBERRY & CHICKEN PASTA SALAD, BLUEBERRY SOUP, BLUEBERRY BUCKLE CAKE, FIVE-MINUTE BLUEBERRY PIE
The Late Summer issue of Recommended Reads reviews:
  • The Hunger Games - Young Adult Science Fiction - by Suzanne Collins
  • I Don't Know How She Does It - Contemporary Fiction - by Allison Pearson
  • The Last Kashmiri Rose - Historical Mystery - by Barbara Cleverly
Don't forget to check out the Calendar of Events for August and September. For boaters we've compiled a directory of marinas. Foodie and locavore alert: LEL has compiled a list of Apple Orchards and Cider Mills along the lakeshore. History buffs haven't been forgotten. This issue our Lighting the Lake section features Whitehall's White River Light Station. So sit back and enjoy our latest Lake Effect Living. And let the lake work its magic on you.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs
are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.