Things to do in Three Rivers, Michigan

Lowry’s Books, on Main Street, is Michigan’s third largest used and rare bookstore, with over 150,000 volumes. With a new book section, a kids’ book and toy section (educational, fun and classic toys) and a brand new coffee shop on site, I could spend an entire day browsing the shelves full of favorite and local authors. Originally just one storefront, they’ve expanded to five with the renovations, including the café finished a couple years ago. We stopped in one morning while Lauris was in Bizbiz, trying out one of the wraps, a cookie and a coffee from Boundary Waters Coffee and Café. The wrap was fresh and the coffee strong, and I imagine I might have spent more time there if it weren’t for an impatient toddler anxious to get going. I hope to get a chance to return and try some of the other baked goods as both the scones and muffins looked appetizing, and what better place to enjoy a great cup of coffee than a bookstore? I’ve heard the soup is worth the trip, too.

The Three Rivers Public Library isn’t the largest but has something for everyone and can be ideal for a rainy day. During the summer they host programs for children on Tuesday mornings, and the day we stopped in we stayed for a puppet show of Sleeping Beauty by Rick Morse. With a teen book club and movie day as well as gardening, music and crafts, there is a diverse program, and the newest releases and shelves full of books make me think I could easily find a ton of beach reads for the sunnier days!

 

A little further down Michigan Avenue is the petting zoo and Scidmore park. Although the petting zoo is only open on weekends, the animals are there all week. We always spend time on the brand-new playground which is always clean and well-maintained. For the history buffs make sure you check out the 1847 “town cannon” on the other side of the zoo. Already obsolete in 1888, it was purchased by Three Rivers from the state of Michigan for 12.5 cents/pound to use for ceremonies and celebrations, and although retired due to safety reasons it remains a testament to the days as a frontier state.

 

Just across the street is L.A.s Coffee Cafe, a great local coffee shop to stop in for coffee, lunch or just ice cream to fill an empty stomach after playtime at the park. We vote for the peanut butter ice cream and a blueberry muffin! If dining inside you have your choice of interesting rooms (all sorts of nooks and crannies!), or if taking your coffee to go, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Rocky River, Memory Isle Park and several bridges and walking trails just adjacent to the parking lot.

 

If you’re in town on a Tuesday afternoon you might want to visit the Farmers’ market. Located in Scidmore Park, the vendors set up shop from 2 to 6pm and provide an ideal opportunity to buy fresh, local produce.

Whenever I'm in town I always swing by the church where my husband and I tied the knot

But if it’s fresh, local produce you are after, and you have time to venture a few minutes outside of Three Rivers, make sure you visit Corey Lake Orchards. Located about 10 minutes west of town, they started out in 1962 selling only their own produce but have expanded in recent years and now are the best source for everything local: in-season fruit, vegetables, flowers, you-pick, herbs, brandy and honey. A new bakery has just been finished, guaranteeing a steady supply of delicious breads, pies and cookies. I can vouch for the blueberry pie!!! They also have a weekly update to keep subscribers in the loop about what produce is in season, and you can sign up for that here.

We always enjoy our time in Three Rivers, but the fact remains that the best times are had at the Latvian Center, Gaŗezers. It's a good thing we have another week to spend in the lake, hanging out with family and enjoying the beautiful weather. This is what summer is about!