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