Staying Fit
Photo Illustration: MOA Staff; (Source: Hudson: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images; Background: Nick Hagen)
Ernie Hudson, 77, starring on the NBC reboot of Quantum Leap and in the movie Champions with Woody Harrelson, was raised by his maternal grandmother in the small town of Benton Harbor, Michigan.
“Ghostbusters” star Ernie Hudson was raised by his maternal grandmother in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Courtesy Hudson
About 185 miles west of Detroit, Benton Harbor and the city of St. Joseph are separated by the St. Joseph River and are known locally as the “Twin Cities.” Hudson returns to the city to visit relatives and to speak at the schools, prison and at the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor [Greater Southwest Michigan]. “I get back at least once a year, sometimes twice,” he says. “My mom died when I was 3 months old, but her sisters, aunts — now they have all passed on — [but] their kids are there.”
Book a room at …
There’s a newer, renovated hotel right at the edge of Benton Harbor called The Inn at Harbor Shores. It’s a really nice restaurant and hotel. If I’m back there, that's where I’ll stay, unless I do an Airbnb.
The Inn at Harbor Shores features 92 guest rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, multiple dining options and a full-service spa.
Nick Hagen
Eat like a local at …
The Mason Jar Cafe. Years ago it was a barber shop. It’s a nice place.
The Mason Jar Cafe serves fresh, seasonal fare prepared with organic ingredients such as eggs, asparagus, potatoes, strawberries, kale, arugula and blueberries sourced from local farmers.
Nick Hagen
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Go for a stroll at …
Jean Klock Park. Benton Harbor is right off the river. When I was growing up, they had a huge farmers market, and at one time there were boats that came over from Chicago. It’s always been a cool place to go. ... They also revitalized that park with great walking trails all along the river. It’s a beautiful place just to get away and be right on the water. The area is known for the dunes. The lake is beautiful. At that park they have different events and concerts.
Historic Jean Klock Park offers walking trails, picnicking and swimming facilities and access to long stretches of beach along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
Nick Hagen
Take in a show at …
The Ghostlight Theater in the Benton Harbor Arts District. A good friend, [artistic director and co-founder] Paul Mow, he [helps run] The Ghostlight Theater. I’ve worked with him and gone back a couple times. He’s really doing some nice work. They have been really active, and even during COVID they managed to get productions up.
Hudson has remained close friends with the theater's artistic director and cofounder, Paul Mow.
Courtesy Paul Mow
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