Oink’s Dutch Treat is a beloved, family owned ice cream parlor in New Buffalo, MI serving over 50 flavors of Ashby’s ice cream in a whimsical pig themed environment.
Oink’s was founded by Roger Vink, a long time P.E.teacher at New Buffalo High School who retired after 20–25 years in the early 1980’s. During summer breaks, Vink and his wife Sharon visited Baldwin, Michigan and were inspired by the lively atmosphere of the ice cream shops like Jones Ice Cream Shop. Observing the joy people experienced on warm summer nights fueled his dream of opening his own ice cream parlor.
In 1986-1987, he purchased a building that formerly was hamburger restaurant. In 1987,he converted this into his into his ice cream parlor called Oink’s Dutch Treat.
Oink’s Dutch Treat
From its inception, Oink’s Dutch Treat became famous not only for its ice cream but also for its whimsical and elaborate decor. The shop is adorned from floor to ceiling with thousands of pig themed items and nostalgic ice cream memoribilia creating a visually engaging, immersive environment for the customers. Over the years, the shop has expanded its offerings to include over 50 flavors of Ashby Ice Cream, low fat and sugar free options and selection of candies, chocolates and souvenirs at the adjacent Oink’s Chocolate Pig Store.
Roger ran Oink’s Dutch Treat for 33 seasons, earning strong community recognition. In 2020, after over 35 years of ownership, he decided to retire. He successfully sold the shop, which included both the business and its collectibles to Michael Schimanski with the transaction facilitated by Small Business Deal Advisors.
Timothy’s Restaurant is an upscale New American destination just a few minutes outside New Buffalo, MI
It has a rich, resilient 25 year history in the Harbor Country region, heavily intertwined with both its founder’s culinary journey and the deep history o f its physical locations
Timothy’s Restaurantom
Chef Timothy Sizer’s Early Career
After graduating from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, Chef Tim Sizer built a reputation as the Executive Chef at the Ragtime Inn and Seafood Grille in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Pulling from his family roots in Southwest, Michigan, he returned to the area in the early 2000’s to launch his own venture.
The Gordon Beach Inn Era (2000-2017).Timothy’s officially opened in 2000 anchored inside the historic Gordon Beach Inn in Union Pier
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The Gordon Beach Inn (2000–2017)
Timothy’s officially opened in 2000, anchored inside the historic Gordon Beach Inn in Union Pier
The 2001 Fire: Just into their second year of operation, a catastrophic kitchen fire broke on.August 1–the busiest month of the resort season. Sized managed to rally contractors and completely rebuild,remarkably reopening the restaurant in just 3 weeks
Growth and Legacy
Operating out 0f a 3,000 square foot space, the res spent 17:years building a massive local and regional following for its innovative Asian inspired seafood,distinctive signature sauces, fine dininng
atmosphere
The move to Red Arrow Hwy (2017–present)
As the restaurant outgrew its original home and contract negotiations at the Inn faltered, Chef Sizer chose to relocate a few hundred yards down the road. Timothy’s officially debuted at its current location, 16409 Red Arrow Hwy, on Valentine’s Day in 2017
The property that Timothy’s currently occupies has a colorful past dating back nearly century.
Prusa’s Cafe: Decades ago,the site originally began as Prusa’s Cafe and Tourist Cabins before’ transitioning into a local biker bar.
Miller’s Country House: From the mid–1980’s until the mid 2000’s, it operated as the famous Miller’s Country House, run by Ron and Trisha Miller. Coincidentally,Chef Tim Sizer actually worked as a chef at Miller’s Country House early on in his local career.
Mickey’s Bar and Grill: prior to Sizer buying the building, he.had a brief stint at Mickey’s Sports Bar
Harbert Road Beach Access in Harbert, MI.offers a serene sugar white Lake Michigan beach, ideal for sun bathing,swimming, and relaxing in a peaceful natural setting.
Stairs to the Beach
Location: Beach Trail Harbert (also referred to as Harbert Road End Beach)
Access: Beach is reached via a road end access and a 35 step descent to the beach.
Parking: limited roadside parking
Beach access
Highlights: Offers a natural and tranquil atmosphere, part of the Harbor Country, known for its pristine beaches.
Beaches stretches for more than 50 yards along Lake Michigan and provides scenic views of the crystal clear water.
. The Michigan City Lighthouse aka East Pierhead Lighthouse is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Michigan City Indiana
It was constructed in 1904
It is notable for its iron catwalk.
It has a concrete foundation pier, steel bricks. It is 49 feet tall. It is listed on the national register of historic places
. The Michigan City Lighthouse aka East Pierhead Lighthouse is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Michigan City Indiana
. It was con
. The Michigan City Lighthouse aka East Pierhead Lighthouse is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Michigan City Indiana
. It was con
. The Michigan City Lighthouse aka East Pierhead Lighthouse is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Michigan City Indiana
. It was con
. The Michigan City Lighthouse aka East Pierhead Lighthouse is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Michigan City Indiana
. It was con
Michigan City East Light, LaPorte County, Indiana, USAMichigan City East Light, LaPorte County, Indiana, USA
The Saint Joseph Swing bridge allows for passage of maritime and rail commerce. The bridge opens for vessels to cross. It closes for railroad passage.
The current bridge was built in
In 1904. There were 2 prior bridges at this site. The current bridge is 231 feet long and weights 200 tons. It was designed to provide maritime and train passage.
This bridge is still in use. It is owned and maintained by CSX.
Harbert Swedish Bakery operating as Lisa’s Swedish Bakery and Market bakery in is a historic and beloved bakery in Harbert, MI. It is known for its taradional and Swedish pastries and baked goods made fresh daily.
The bakery.is located at 13698 Red Arrow Highway Harbert, MI 49115
The bakery began when the Erickson family (originally from.Chicago) purchased 40 acres of land in Harbert, MI in 1912. They built their bakery on this site. They were fulfilling their dream of establishing na home and business in Harbert.
Over the years, the bakery had several different owners. They preserved the original recipes and techniques maintaining its authentic Swedish Baking history.
Since 20o1, mother and daughter proprietors Lisa Mills and Vivian May have run the bakery, preserving the original Swedish recipes and techniques of the founders. The is celebrated for its yesteryear charm and cozy atmosphere and familiar smells.of bread and pastries. In addition to bake goods they offer coffee and espresso to compliment pastries.
Side Yard was established by Cam Mammina.and Alex Cihlar, who envisioned a laid back “back party” atmosphere where locals and visitors alike could feel at home. The restaurant and bar quickly gained a reputation as the “Cheers of Sawyer” reflecting its friendly vibe and patronage. It is located across the street from the former Greenbush Brewery
Side Yard
Concept and Atmosphere
Side Yard was designed with a relaxed, community attic used ethos. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating , with a spacious shaded patio perfect for gatherings. Patrons can enjoy lawn games, fire pits, and regular live entertainment, emphasizing a casual yet engaging environment. The venue is family and dog friendly, catering to a broad audience s and reinforcing a sense of neighborhood inclusivity.
Side Yard Restaurant
Culinary and Beverage Experience
Side Yards menu, known as the “” Fresh to àDeath” menu, includes a wide variety of globally inspired bar food such as Thai peanut noodles, falafel salad, and kimchi quesadillas, alongside vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. The beverage selection ranges from craft cocktails to local microbrews, earning praises for creative twists on classic drinks and approachable pricing for canned beers.
The Saint Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights are a pair of historic, interconnected lighthouses located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Saint Joseph River in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Originally established a shore station in 1832 the current pierhead structures were built between 1906 and 1907 and remain famous for their preserved elevated catwalk.Architectural Highlights and Range System The lighthouses serve as a critical navigation system for vessels entering the river channel The Outer Light: A round, 35 foot tall black and white cast iron tower positioned at the very edge of the pier The Inner Light: A 57 foot tall white octagonal structure built atop a square fog signal building notable for its bright red roof. The range system: By aligning the shorter outer light directly beneath the taller inner light,sailors can verify that their ship is perfectly on course to enter the channel safely. The Catawalk: A 12 foot high elevated steel walkway connects the shore to the towers. It historically protected keepers from being washed out into the turbulent lake during intense stotms.
Galien River County Park is a highly rated nature preserve located at 17424 Red Arrow Highwsy, New Buffalo, MI. It features a mix of upland and wetland habitats, highlighted by an elevated canopy walkway, a marsh boardwalk and a 60 foot overlok tower providing a panoramic views of the Galien River valley. It is open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Admission is free. Portable restrooms are available near the entrnce
