Visit Southwest Michigan

From beloved classics to fresh new favorites, Twin City Players is preparing another year of live theatre in Southwest Michigan. Scott Bradford, president of Twin City Players, joins us to unveil the 2026–27 Mainstage Season, share what audiences can expect and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the productions, volunteers and community that have kept TCP thriving since 1932. 

What does it take to build a career in wine? Tim Godfrey, Director of Lake Michigan College's Wine & Viticulture Technology program and Lake Michigan Vintners, shares how students learn every step of the winemaking process—from vineyard management to fermentation, bottling and the business of wine. We also explore why Southwest Michigan's Lake Michigan Shore AVA has become one of the country's...

What does it take to grow world-class wine in Southwest Michigan? Dr. Dave Miller, owner and winemaker of White Pine Winery, shares his journey from grapevine researcher to one of Michigan's most respected vintners. We talk about the unique terroir of the Lake Michigan Shore, the science and artistry behind every bottle, and why Southwest Michigan has become one of the country's most exciting wine...

Gourmet pizzas, huge frosty beers, and one of the area's best spots for watching the sunsets - it's all here at Silver Beach Pizza in St. Joseph, MI.

Lari Lawrence-Gist shares her history as Director of Dance at Citadel Dance & Music Center in Benton Harbor, as well as information about the upcoming season.

Larry Wozniak, founder of the nonprofit organization Lest We Forget, shares details about the upcoming Revolutionary War reenactment event coming to Riverside Park July 18-19. 2026 in honor of our nation's Semiquincentennial.

Jamie Balkin, Executive Director of the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, shares information about the 64th Annual Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff.

In this episode, Brooke Margherone, owner of Yoga Life Studio in St. Joseph, shares opportunities to practice beach yoga and stand-up paddleboard yoga on Lake Michigan.

In this episode, host Dave Carlock speaks with Jennifer Cooper Peterson.

In this episode, Dave Carlock talks with musician John Schneider.

Host Dave Carlock catches up with singer - songwriter Lou Emery.

What happens when a world-touring rock star falls in love with Michigan wine country? We talk with Zach Filkins, founding guitarist of OneRepublic and co-owner of Filkins Vineyards in Coloma. Zach shares the story of how he and his wife, Lindsay, discovered Southwest Michigan's wine scene, purchased the former Karma Vista property, and transformed it into Filkins Vineyards. The conversation explor...

In this episode we chat with Brian Conybeare of the Harbor Impact Foundation about the return of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament to downtown Benton Harbor. Taking place June 26–28 2026, this family-friendly event will transform Riverview Drive into "Mackerville," featuring dozens of outdoor basketball courts, hundreds of teams, food trucks, vendors, entertainment and appearances by the...

Captain Megan Cairns of Tall Ship MJ, the region's resident tall ship based in St. Joseph, shares how a lifelong passion for sailing led her to bring this unique maritime experience to Southwest Michigan. Learn about the ship's rich history, its traditional design inspired by vessels of the 1860s, and the unforgettable experience of sailing Lake Michigan under wind power alone. The conversation al...

In this episode of "Making the Music Scene", host Dave Carlock talks with Mike Davis of the newly-formed Still Running band. You'll also hear a song from the Brian Randall Band.

What does a harbormaster do, and why does Southwest Michigan need one? In this episode, St. Joseph Harbormaster Mike Moran shares how he went from Coast Guard member and shipping enthusiast to coordinating activity in one of Lake Michigan's busiest small harbors. Learn how commercial freighters, tugboats, and research vessels move through the harbor, why ship watching has become a popular attracti...

Amy Birk, winemaker and operations manager at Domaine Berrien Cellars in Berrien Springs, shares how her background in chemistry led her to a career in winemaking, why Southwest Michigan's unique climate and soils produce exceptional grapes, and what makes Domaine Berrien's signature Syrah so special. She also highlights the winery's summer live music series and the 20th annual Art, Wine & Mus...

The free Shop & Shore Trolley is back for another summer in Southwest Michigan. Visit Southwest Michigan Executive Director Marcy Simpson shares what's new this season, where to ride, and how this fun, family-friendly transportation option makes it easy to explore the region. Find route details and more at swmichigan.org/trolley.

In this episode of Making the Music Scene, host Dave Carlock talks with local music veteran Mike Talbot. The episode also includes a performance of the song " This Heart's Been Around" by The Arkhoppers Band, featuring singer Jenna Mammina.

From Shakespeare and Agatha Christie to puppetry, comedy, and a classic Broadway musical, Twin City Players in St. Joseph is preparing for an exciting and wide-ranging 2026–27 season. In this episode, board president Scott Bradford shares details about the upcoming lineup, including Much Ado About Nothing set in the Roaring Twenties, Brave New World, Drinking Habits, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, a...

A new kind of golf experience has arrived in Southwest Michigan. In this episode, we learn more about the new Wee Course at Harbor Shores Resort in Benton Harbor — a short course designed to make golf more approachable, affordable, and fun for everyone. Hear how golf legend Colin Montgomerie helped shape the course, why it’s perfect for beginners and experienced players alike, and how this communi...

For award-winning beer, wood-fired pizza, and one of the most inviting beer gardens in Southwest Michigan, just head to Haymarket Brewery and Taproom in Bridgman. We talk with owner Mike Gemma about what makes the Makers Trail experience so special, from craft lagers and nationally recognized porters to laid-back summer nights around the fire pits. Plus, hear why Southwest Michigan might just dese...

From asparagus and strawberries to purple sweet corn and pumpkins, Alex’s Veggies has become a beloved stop for locals and visitors alike in Stevensville, Michigan. In this episode, we talk with fifth-generation farmer Alex Gallert about the family roots behind the farm stand, why Southwest Michigan’s produce culture is so special, and how an offbeat sense of humor helped turn Alex into a local so...

Learn about The GhostLight Theatre in Benton Harbor, MI. Our Town runs April 16-May 2. Get tickets now!

For more than two decades, The Citadel Dance & Music Center has been a cornerstone of the Benton Harbor Arts District. In this episode, Citadel Director of Dance Lari Lawrence-Gist shares her passion for dance as both an art form and a universal human language. From training young dancers to directing more than 100 productions, Lari discusses the role of movement in building community, fosteri...