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Harbor Country - Myths dispelled
After having read many inaccurate articles, blogs and web postings, I
decided it was time to provide some facts about the quaint region known as Harbor Country, and to dispel some myths, inaccuracies and misconceptions about the area. Repeat after me, It's Harbor COUNTRY not county! Michigan does not have a "harbor county". Where is Harbor Country? Well, contrary to many inaccurately published media reports, it does not comprise the entire Berrien County of southwest Michigan. It does Not include St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, South Haven, Grand Haven, Saugatuck, Bridgman, Stevensville, Buchanan, Niles or Baroda, nor does Harbor Country include any part of Indiana. For a brief time, LaPorte County, Indiana, just across the Michigan state line, wanted a piece of the notoriety and attempted to extend the region into their neighborhood by calling themselves "Northern Indiana Harbor Country". In the late 90's they began putting up billboards along the interstate, proclaiming to be the Harbor Country everyone was hearing about. This action unleashed the furor and contempt of original Harbor Country natives in Michigan, who appealed to their Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce in New Buffalo Michigan who owns the registered trademark for Harbor Country. In short order, a legal dispute ensued. LaPorte County initially refused to cease and desist, but under growing pressure of negative publicity, they finally conceded, and stopped promoting themselves under the name. This action was met with some consternation from some come-lately LaPorte county residents who had come into the area to buy second homes, only to find out that they could no longer associate themselves with the Harbor Country name. It's unfortunate, but they have their LaPorte County Visitor's Bureau to blame for attempting to usurp the name in the first place! Contrary to some perceptions, Harbor Country is NOT a "developer's coined phrase". The original founders of Harbor Country goes back to the late 70;s, when a group of citizens and small store owners wanted to bring their sleepy and near forgotten destination out of a depression that had persisted after the second world war. This alliance of eight southwest Michigan towns included and was limited to Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, and Sawyer. These small towns make up the 15 mile stretch that begins at the Mich/Ind state line and runs up the lake Michigan shoreline to Sawyer/Warren Dunes. That's it. These are the only 8 towns that are authorized to bear the Harbor Country name. Under the original banner of the "Harbor Country Council" of the late 70's they sought state recognition by forming the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce in 1981 to represent them. Their lifestyle, a quaint throw-back to another time was alluring to many nearby Chicagoans who wanted and needed a short 70 minute commute to a place with no pretenses, simple quiet living where one can relax without worrying about their dinner attire, and getaway stays without stressing, obsessing or critiquing the decor of their surroundings. Believe it or not, "luxury" is not a requirement for true relaxation. This notoriety has attracted the attention of some developers who have salivated over the open lands and opportunities to build condos and high end resorts. But for now they have been kept at bay by the locals who have launched preservation initiatives to lock lands from threat of the bulldozer, and zoning that restricts the amount of allowable density. So far it seems to be working. What's there to "Do" in Harbor Country? As one writer said "When you come to Harbor Country, don't ask where the night life is - it's the sunsets, stupid." - If you want to leave the city only to look for the same hype, noise, clutter and distraction, then Harbor Country will not satisfy those cosmopolitan addictions. (But you can find them within a 20 minute drive outside Harbor Country). There are no Wal-Marts, no major box stores, multi-plex cinemas, or water slide amusement parks. Just majestic sand dunes, miles of incredible sandy beaches, and rolling countrysides with tucked away inns, fruit stands, and mom & pop stores. The locals hope to keep it that way. If you come to visit, leave your road rage, anxieties and me-first aggressive behavior behind. You won't need it here. -RK Sources: Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce, New Buffalo, MI http://www.harborcountry.org/whereisharborcountry.php http://www.harborcountry.org/icannruling Harbor Country is a registered trademark of the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce |
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