Photo credit to Gary Wojcik

Lots of things improve with age, antiques and wine among them.  Whether you’re looking for a cabinet or a cabernet, the big tent at Harrisville Harbor is a fine place to spend July weekends.    The annual Antique Show is held on the second weekend in July. More than 44 antique dealers and vendors set up at the site overlooking Lake Huron for a two-day celebration of fine workmanship and nostalgia.  “It’s a great time,” said show chairman Erlene Ranger.  “It’s grown every year, with vendors and visitors returning time after time.  It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, we have something for everyone.”  Hundreds of visitors browse the booths each year, some seeking serious antiques, others happy to discover their childhood dollhouse or mom’s canister set, lovingly preserved. In previous years, booths have included such varied collections as comic books, buttons, redware, china, dolls, aprons, silverware, linens and vintage clothing. Antique furnishing vendors display a range of items from mirrors to desks, loveseats, armoires and more.

Refreshments are available on-site and Sunday features live music with room for dancing.   Many local antique dealers in the area offer special sales to go along with the event.   Admission is kept low, at just $2 and dealers are often willing to negotiate prices on items along with help lugging the larger items to your vehicle. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.   On the third Saturday in July the tent hosts what vintners and visitors alike have dubbed the "best wine event on Michigan's east side."   The Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival offers the perfect day to oenophiles (wine connoisseurs) and amateurs alike. The event showcases Michigan wines from a dozen or more wineries in a range from light, fruity blends to deep cabernets and merlots.   “Michigan’s wines have finally come of age,” says Manuel Pompa, a festival coordinator  and owner of The Flour Garden restaurant and wine shop in Harrisville.  “They’re as good, if not better, than wines from California and other countries.”   In past years, wineries have included the highly awarded Black Star Farms, Good Harbor Vineyards, St. Julian and Chateau Fontaine. The festival has worked hard to expand its offerings, adding vintners from as near as Alpena (Stoney Acres Winery) and as far as the Michigan border (Contessa Vintners) to traditional western Michigan wineries.   For those who’d rather have a beer, the festival provides that, too.  Beer tastings are available from Bell’s Brewing Company of Kalamazoo, Mich. who offers the crowd-pleasing “Oberon” along with Mt. Pleasant Brewing Company and Traverse City’s Short’s Brewing.    The event also offers tastings from local restaurants, ranging in the past from tapas-sized plates of London broil to bread, cheese and fruit or shrimp skewers. Other favorites include chocolates and sorbets guaranteed to pair well with wine.  The family-oriented event also offers food and soda for children, along with a child’s admission.   Admission includes an etched wine-glass and two tasting tickets. Additional tickets are available within the tent. Add to that an array of wine-related items to peruse, some cool jazz, an exhibit of local art and the beauty, sun and breeze of Lake Huron in the background and you've found the perfect day. Paradise-it's all available in Harrisville in the month of July. For more information contact Huron Shores Chamber of Commerce (800) 432-2823 or visit their website at: www.huronshorescc.com.