Saugatuck Things to Do

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I think one of the most memorable moments of our entire trip for both Mickey and I came when we visited the famed OVAL BEACH. We were literally "taken aback" by our first view...truly it reminded both of us of the beaches in Hawaii ,

We had read all the ratings and raves about this beach:

"Conde Nast Traveler rates it as one of the 25 best shorelines in the world

MTV has rated it "as one of the top two freshwater beaches in the country."

An article in the Chicago Tribune says it is ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the world".

We were afraid that we would be disappointed after all that acclaim...fortunately, we were not disappointed.

Of course, when we visited, it was the beginning of September, and although it was quite warm for that time of year [75 degrees F ], it was not swimming weather in frigid Lake Michigan. The beach was relatively empty; lifeguards were not on duty; and parking was not a problem nor did it require a fee.

Part of the beauty of the beach is its shape (an oval) and the towering sand dunes. Also, the crystal white sand, its seclusion, and the spectacular views add to its charm.

In season, one is able to take a freewheeling ride on a converted pickup truck that is called a "dune schooner". That way people climb the towering nearby sand hills.

Photographs:

1. A view of the Oval Beach
2. Mickey holding her shoes and walking barefoot on Oval Beach
3. Seagulls on Oval Beach
4. Dee wading in Lake Michigan at Oval Beach
5. A lone red kite flying above Oval Beach

The facilities are really good here with cold water fountains, clean restrooms, concessions, and lifeguards in season.

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I visited Saugatuck over 25 years ago with my husband Allan, and one of the experiences I remembered most was the ride on the Chain Ferry. So, when Mickey and I decided to include Saugatuck on our Michigan trip, the famed Chain Fair was on our agenda.
Woe to us...The hand-cranked chain ferry is operated only in the summer from Memorial Day until Labor Day! But at least, we were able to see it and to take photos.
See Photo #1 of the ferry with its "gingerbread trim"

It is one of the oldest [if not the oldest hand-cranked chain ferry in America]. This ferry is claimed to be the ONLY remaining chain- driven ferry in the United States.It goes across the Kalamazoo River via a person who hand cranks it along a chain that stretches across the river. The unique operation has been going on since 1838. However, this present ferry was built in the 1930's.

I recall my trip and being impressed that 3 pullys kept the ferry in line, and when it was ready to cross the water, the operator would use an air horn that alerted all boat traffic to STOP. The operator turned a wheel on the inside which, in turn, pulled the ferry along the chain.

This is a short ride because it goes from its location [in Wicks Park on Water Street ] across the Kalamazoo River to the other side of town. See Photo #3This is great because you can then walk a short distance to Oval Beach and not have to pay the steep parking fees. HOWEVER, to arrive at the beach, you climb the 282 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead (600 feet high) [a giant sand dune] and then run the dune to Oval Beach.

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Both Mickey and I love to do wine tasting...Mickey is partial to red wines, and I prefer blushes and whites. While in Saugatuck, we had several opportunities to do tastings. Our favorite was at the Fenn Valley Wine Tasting Shop

The Fenn Valley vineyards and wine cellar are located at 6130- 122nd Avenue in Fenneville, MI 49408 very near South Haven, Michigan. They have been growing award winning wines since 1973. They are a small family owned vineyard and winery. There location along the shores of Lake Michigan is perfect for the unique great lakes climate and the deep sandy soils.

We did not visit the vineyard; instead, we visited the tasting room in downtown Saugatuck.
It was very organized and a lovely experience. We were giving a brochure listing all the wines. We were each able to select 5 wines that we wished to taste.

Between us, we tasted: Sparkling Riesling, Dry Riesling 2007, Meritage 2007, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Mulled Wine, Blueberry, and classic port.

I purchased a bottle of "Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 with a rich and fruit laden taste with a long tannic finish. There are notes of oak and berry throughout" for my husband Allan. It cost $16.00.

I also purchased Mulled Wine with its "lightly sweet red wine with cinnamon, clove, & orange taste for $7.00." It is for the winter and to be served warm. Mickey also purchased a Mulled Wine[$7.00] and the Meritage 2007 [$18.00] for she and her husband.

Of all the wines that we tasted on this trip, The Fenn Valley Wines were the best by far.

There are dozens of Art Galleries in Saugatuck. I've visited serveral, but I don't have an eye for art (painting, sculture, clothing, etc). So, I can't advise on any particularly good places. There are some that have a specific theme, i.e., painting, or there is a natuical shop in the west end of town. Even the bookstores have an artsy style to them, including one in the east side of town that's much more literary than in it's books than the others.

After our garden tour we walked a little bit down the street and were attracted by a sign posted on the window of an art gallery which we thought said:

"GOING OUT OF BUSINESS - ALL PAINTINGS AND FRAMES 60% TO 75% OFF

What the sign really said was:

'GOING OUT FOR BUSINESS - ALL PAINTINGS AND FRAMES 60% TO 75% OFF.

Good marketing!! Anyway having been to this store the only other time we were in Saugatuck 12 years ago we bought yet another painting, but this was one of a Parisian scene with the Eiffel Tower in the background. If you've been to our Paris page here on VT you know that we didn't visit the Eiffel Tower when we were there even though we did get some distant shots similar to the painting. We had it framed while we waited and then I walked the 3 blocks back to the car so I didn't have to carry it around with us the remainder of the day.

The picture shown here and on the opening of this page is not the art studio where we bought the painting but one of the other working studios and galleries in town. The owner granted me permission to take this picture of his workshop.

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We spent most of Saturday on our 3 day weekend trip in the town of Saugatuck about 20 miles from South Haven. After cruising around a bit we found a FREE parking spot at the north end of town which is just a short 3 block walk from the main area. After watching and video taping a story teller reading several books to children in a quiet park we strolled forward where we saw our first painting artist of the day. (Another tip in this section)

In the back part of a shop which sold signs, and various other nick nacks was a small garden open to the public. We ventured through and I happened across a couple of Monarch butterflies flittering through the garden area. After a couple of minutes trying to capture them on film I finally met with success as you can see with the 2 pictures posted here.

It was then time to move on to our next stop a visit to one of the many art galleries in town.

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Saugatuck is busiest in the summer and during color season. Because of my work, we're usually out and about in the fall or spring. We've found that this is one place that's great, even off season. It's cold and the wind is brisk. Down on the beach you'll find more seagulls than people. If you dress warm, you can enjoy the time on the beach and some magnificent views. They'll change with every turn of the winds.

There are days when the stiff breeze allows the seagulls to hang motionless in the sky. If you've wanted a picture of a bird in flight. You'll be able to get close and not have to worry about motion.

A bid hard to get to, you can take the ferry across the waterway and walk the 1/2 mile out or drive around through Douglas. All roads west lead to the beach or a dead end. Please be sure to find a public beach as much of the shoreline (disputed between public & private) has no public access, i.e., parking.

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County seat for Allegan County and wonderful country drives wtih fun things to do. A single main shopping street (Locust) is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

But be sure to get down to the river front. Once the backside of the city, the riverfront has a growing boardwalk that will surround the city on three sides. More restaurants and shops are opening on the bottom level of the buildings along Hubbard. Beginning as the west or southwest end here's what's up:

Allegan County Historical Society (Walnut & Hubbard)
Allegan County Library
Riverwalk along Riverfront Plaza

Second Street Bridge (visible from the Riverwalk) - A wrought-iron Bridge built in 1886, still open to traffic.

A bit of a break at State Street (at the bridge), but continue to water street and you'll find the walk continues once the river returns from it's wide bend.

This second is a bit wilder and you'll come out at Cutler Street, a block from the north end of Locust.

Just under a mile (.75 maybe).