Saugatuck Travel Guide

  Dee at Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan
by deecat
 
  • Dee at Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan
      Dee at Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan
    by deecat
  • Lazy Bear Enjoying the Harbor Front
      Lazy Bear Enjoying the Harbor Front
    by riorich55
  • James Brandess of Brandess Studios
      James Brandess of Brandess Studios
    by riorich55
  • Coral Gables Restaurant
      Coral Gables Restaurant
    by riorich55
  • Beautiful OutdoorSculpture in Small Park
      Beautiful OutdoorSculpture in Small Park
    by deecat
 

Explore Saugatuck

Things to Do  

The Keewatin Maritime Museum

The Keewatin Maritime Museum, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  Be sure to see all four photos [two of the ship, one of restaurant, one of lighthouse]For all you history buffs, there is the wonderful Keewatin Maritime Museum in Douglas, Michigan. It's located just south of the Saugatuck-Douglas Bridge. You cannot miss it because this... 

Saugatuck"s Oval Beach...Supreme

Saugatuck"s Oval Beach...Supreme, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  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... 

Hand Cranked Chain Ferry

Hand Cranked Chain Ferry, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  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... 

Wine Tasting at Fenn Valley Wine Shop

Wine Tasting at Fenn Valley Wine Shop, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  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 ShopThe Fenn Valley vineyards and wine cellar are... 

Art Galleries

Art Galleries, Saugatuck

 Toughluck Says:  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... 

Stop in at a Local Gallery

Stop in at a Local Gallery, Saugatuck

 riorich55 Says:  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% OFFWhat the sign really said was:'GOING OUT FOR BUSINESS - ALL... 

Visit a Local Garden

Visit a Local Garden, Saugatuck

 riorich55 Says:  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... 

Hotels  

Saugatuck Harbor Inn

 33 Opinions

Lake Shore Resort

 120 Opinions

Restaurants  

Coral Gales: Perfect Location; Excellent Food

Coral Gales: Perfect Location; Excellent Food, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  Before we left for Michigan, Mickey and I had perused the possible places to eat in Sagatuck. The one that we thought looked like a great location and had glowing reviews was called, of all things, Coral Gables It is located on the waterfront and has been a very popular spot... 

Butler: Indoor or Outdoor Eating

Butler: Indoor or Outdoor Eating, Saugatuck

 riorich55 Says:  While spending the day in town about a 20 mile drive from where we were staying in South Haven, we planned on meeting our 2nd son Greg and his girlfriend Amy for a few hours and having lunch. The day was a bit overcast and when it came time for lunch we attempted to eat out... 

Coral Gables: Great Waterfront Dining

Coral Gables: Great Waterfront Dining, Saugatuck

 LisaML Says:  The view from the deck is amazing. I love that they have 3 different decks with great views of the river. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond any other server I have ever had. I had a great bone in Kansas City strip that was cooked perfectly.... 

Transportation  

Routes to the beach

Routes to the beach, Saugatuck

 Toughluck Says:  To get to the public beach from Saugatuck, you'll have to take the Blue Star Highway south through Douglas. Center Street is the first stop light (at the top or near the top of the hill), turn west until you come to Ferry Street. North on Ferry, which become Park. When you... 

This Trip Requires a Car

This Trip Requires a Car, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  Monday, September 13, 2009, my long-time friend, Mickey [Michelle], and I left Libertyville, Illinois, for Michigan.The photo is of Mickey beside her car; she was braving the difficult part of our journey as our driver.We experienced about a thirty minute delay going through... 

Shopping  

The Olive Mill: Balsamic Vinegar/Greek Kalmta Olive Oil

The Olive Mill: Balsamic Vinegar/Greek Kalmta Olive Oil, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  Tlthough "The Olive Mill" is a franchise that I have visited before in different cities, this particular one was just a notch above the others. First off, the woman who assisted us was so knowledgeable, so honest, and so realistic. For those of you who have never been to... 

Cabbages & Kings: Excellent Children's Toy and Bookstore

Cabbages & Kings: Excellent Children's Toy and Bookstore, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  Poor, Mickey, I drag her into every toy store that we see because I am the "doting grandmother" and am always looking for unique gifts for Sabrina and Brandon. Mickey is a good sport and even sometimes finds gifts for her niece and/or other friend's children.Cabbages & Kings... 

Saugatuck Gallery: Affordable Art

Saugatuck Gallery: Affordable Art, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  Mickey and I were going in and out of the various shops in Saugatuck, Michigan, when a sign "caught our eyes" that read SALE! As many women, we are alert to sales, especially in these troubling economic times.It was called Saugatuck Gallery and consisted of hundreds and... 

Local Customs  

Painting in the Great Outdoors
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

riorich55 640 reviews
A Nice Smile From a Local Artisan
2 more images

As we continued our walk around town, slipping into an out of the many studios and other types of eclectic type shops we also stopped and watched 2 different lady painters applying their visions to their canvasses. The lady in the first picture was behind the town's bandshell and painting a scene along the inlet. In her picture was a couple seated on a bench.

Our 2nd picture is of the artist talking to those 2 people who she had been painting.

Finally, the 3rd picture of another artist near the gardens we had just walked through.

Written Aug 12, 2009

Related to:
 Women's Travel
 Seniors
 Arts and Culture

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Off The Beaten Path  

Unique Shops in Douglas, Michigan

Unique Shops in Douglas, Michigan, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  One of the shops that Mickey and I enjoyed viewing, mostly because of the lovely garden in front of the store was called Parrot in the Square. We were in awe of the flowers, the garden setting, and the fantastic merchandise of clothing for women as well as accessories.As a... 

Visit Saugatuck's Sister City: Douglas

Visit Saugatuck's Sister City:  Douglas, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  Just across the Kalamazoo River from Saugatuck, you are able to enjoy Douglas, Michigan. It has an historic main street with Early American style homes, absolutely lovely shops, and a sweet town clock. There is a very small marina and dock at the park on the river. The town... 

Favorites  

Historic Saugatuck Village Hall

Historic Saugatuck Village Hall, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  While walking around Saugatuck, I was attracted to a frame building that displays Colonial Revival influences. I walked up close and observed that it was the Saugatuck Village Hall.It was originally the Saugatuck Engine House and Council Room. After doing some research, I... 

The Mystery of Singapore, Michigan

The Mystery of Singapore, Michigan, Saugatuck

 deecat Says:  One of the strange happenings in this area has to do with a town that disappeared: Singapore, Michigan. The only evidence of this once thriving town are the sands near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. It is Michigan's most famous ghost town. This actual town was founded in... 

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Map of Saugatuck