Category: Saugatuck Blog

Tap To The Beat

Catch the American roots jam band Dustbowl Revival at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on September 12. You won’t want to miss this outdoor concert featuring their joyful, booty-shaking soul songs and heartfelt folk-rock ballads.

Then, on September 28, also at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, experience the music of Fleetwood Mac with Rumours ATL, as they deliver electrifying renditions of the iconic band’s hits. Formed in 2014, this tribute band is renowned for their authentic recreation of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary live shows.

Fill Your Cup

If you’re in the mood for a locally crafted libation, look no further than the Saugatuck/Douglas area in the fall. Bring the whole family to the Annual Crane’s Cider Fest Celebration on Saturday, September 7, where everyone can enjoy food and desserts, ciders and wine, a pie-eating contest, live music, hayrides, and, of course, their fabulous corn maze.

Microbrew fan? Visit Waypost Brewing Co. on Saturday, September 28, for a day of fall festivities on the farm during their Lagerfest 2024—honoring the light, golden beer beloved by many. Sample some of your old favorites from the cellar, and try new varieties yet to be released. Come for a pint and stay for the live music with The Bootstrap Boys.

Wine lovers should plan to attend the 4th Annual Nouveau Celebration at Modales on Saturday, November 23, to mark the end of the grape harvest season. Nouveau is a wine tradition that dates back to the early 1800s in Beaujolais, France, and Modales keeps the tradition alive with their own special twist on the celebration. Tickets sell out quickly, so don’t wait to purchase yours.

Take A Walk On The Art Side

On Saturday, September 14, in Wicks Park, Saugatuck will be holding an Art in the Park event, where artwork and fine crafts from local and regional artists will be featured alongside live Americana-style music. Take a stroll through all the booths and pick up something inspiring to bring home. Also, on Saturday, September 14, join us for Art in Douglas, hosted by The Button Gallery. This unique stroll will feature Douglas galleries as well as other downtown businesses as they share the art of cocktails, the art of furniture, the art of a smart appetizer…you get the idea.

Visitors are invited to experience the creative process in action during the 35th Blue Coast Artists Annual Studio Tour. This free event takes place the weekend of October 5-6. See a piece of pottery form on the potter’s wheel, learn how a wood bowl is created on a lathe, watch a rock’s inner beauty appear through the lapidary craft, and experience trees coming alive through brushstrokes. These are just a few of the demonstrations that art lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy during this exciting event.

And not to be missed is the Annual Fall Gallery Stroll on October 12-13, where you can wander through galleries and studios featuring local, regional, and national artists. This is your opportunity to chat with the artists, watch live demos, enjoy live music, and sample delicious bites and refreshments while expanding your artistic horizons. Explore work in various mediums, including contemporary painting, found material sculpture, hand-blown glass, and pottery. This tour is also a great time to watch the leaves change colors as you stroll the beautiful streets of Saugatuck and Douglas.

Join the Party

Join us October 10-13 for Fennville’s Annual Goose Festival. Featuring carnival rides, games, live music, a parade, a 5K run, and more, this event is sure to be fun for the entire family. Enjoy delicious food and drinks from Salt of the Earth, Root Café, Pizza Quest and El Jaripeo, as well as tasty fare from local food trucks.

Stroll scenic Main Street in downtown Douglas and support local community groups at the annual Douglas Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 12. Explore vendors offering crafts, food, and unique displays that keep people returning year after year. You’ll enjoy entertainment from singers, bands, choral and dance groups, and variety shows throughout the day.

If you’ve got big ideas for this year’s Halloween costume, you won’t want to miss the annual Halloween Parade for Adults in Douglas on Saturday, October 26. Leave the kiddos with a sitter, dress up in your Halloween finery, and line up for one of the most unique parades you will ever experience. Thousands of spectators from across the country come to watch the giant parade mascot, the Pumpkin King, rise from the ashes at 10 pm to get the party started!

Don’t Miss the Boat

A boat ride is an unforgettable way to view the changing red and gold leaves dotting the shoreline. Take your fall color tour on the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat, which offers cruises down the Kalamazoo River on weekends through October. Enjoy stunning views of the beautiful fall landscape on the open upper deck or the enclosed lower deck, along with an offering of fine wines, domestic beers, and signature cocktails. On Saturday, September 21, and October 19, there will be a Wine on the Water themed cruise. Beer lovers will want to join on Saturday, October 12 for their Beer on the Boat themed cruise.

Get Your Heart Pumping

Join us for our annual Mt. Baldhead Challenge, the Midwest’s Ultimate Multi-Terrain Race™, which takes place this year on Saturday, September 7. Two exciting and demanding courses have been carefully designed to showcase the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Art Coast of Michigan. Each course will take you through twisted tree-covered trails, forested dunes, beautiful waterfront vistas, the friendly streets of Saugatuck/Douglas, and the summit of Mt. Baldhead. The 10K+ challenge is a 7-mile course perfect for runners of all levels who want to push themselves, while the Half Marathon challenge provides 13.1 miles of adventure through the trails and dunes.

Bikers of all abilities are invited to join us on Saturday, September 14, for the 13th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride. Enjoy a countryside bicycle tour, where participants can visit art studios, wineries, cider mills, family farms, and fruit orchards along the way, including Khnemu Studio, Fernwood 1891, Dawn Stafford’s Peachbelt Studio, The Vintage Bee Company, Brian J. Newton Fine Wood Turning, Fenn Valley Vineyards & Winery, Waypost Brewing Co., Virtue Cider, and Summerhouse Lavender Farm.

Join us for The Vine Wine’d at Fenn Valley Winery on Saturday, October 5, for a scenic 5K or 1-mile tour through their beautiful vineyards and surrounding farm. Celebrate the 12th year of this annual event during the heart of the wine grape harvest, where the sights, smells, and tastes of the vineyards will envelop you. Enjoy live music, wine, cider, and food at the post-race party.

Bring your dog, kids, and friends for the Annual Turkey Trot 5K on Saturday, November 16. This fun run supports the Saugatuck Douglas Rotary Club and the Saugatuck Venetian Fest. Dress in your tutus, turkey costumes, feathers, and onesies for a chance to win a prize for the funniest, most spirited attire!

Catch A Flick

Celebrate independent film during the first annual Saugatuck Film Fest on Saturday, September 14, at the historic Saugatuck Women’s Club. Activities include screenings of short and feature-length film submissions, a prize-winning feature film, an artist Q&A, an awards presentation, and additional online screenings.

Join us for a showing of The Letter League on Thursday, October 17, at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. This documentary spotlights artist Heather Spooner of Ampersand Lettering Lab, who created an adult pen pal program during the 2020 pandemic, and features the poignant and humorous stories of connection and humanity that came from it. Meet the artist, who will be on-site after the film.

Eco-Friendly Accommodations

If you’re looking for a green place to stay, the Luckystone Inn offers all-natural, environmentally-friendly shampoos, conditioners, and body wash. Each suite features large, reusable containers rather than small, single-use plastic containers. Each guest room also has a recycling container to encourage and make recycling easy for guests. All food is sourced locally, when possible, to help keep their environmental footprint as small as possible, and they compost all food scraps.

For guests with electric vehicles, convenient EV charging stations are available at the Starlite Resort, Wickwood Inn, Judson Heath Colonial Inn, Holiday Hill Resort, and Best Western.

Green Transportation

Getting around Saugatuck/Douglas in an eco-friendly way is a breeze. The Interurban is a convenient demand-response public bus system that features four propane-powered buses, with more being added to its fleet. Providing transportation throughout Saugatuck and Douglas, the Interurban also allows you to avoid the hassles of finding parking.

Consider renting a bike to explore our scenic trails and charming streets under your own power. You can find bike rentals at In the Elements Rental, Big Lake Outfitters, or Blue Star Barns Coffee and Bikes and enjoy a leisurely ride along the lakeshore. For shorter distances, walking is a wonderful way to soak in the sights and sounds of our lovely towns. If you’re bringing your electric vehicle, there are also EV charging stations available for public use so that you can keep your car—and your trip—green. Find out where they’re located here.

If you’re traveling by boat, Safe Harbor Tower Marina has been part of Michigan’s “Clean Marina” program for years. Participants in the Michigan Clean Marina Program voluntarily pledge to maintain and improve Michigan’s waterways by reducing or eliminating releases of harmful substances and phasing out practices that can damage aquatic environments.

Food That’s Good For You and The Planet

Our culinary scene is as delicious as it is sustainable. Many restaurants, like Salt of the Earth, Borrowed Time, Duck Alley, The Southerner, Pennyroyal Café & Provisions, The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, J. Paul’s Restaurant, and Root Café feature locally sourced, sustainable, and organic ingredients. At Coast 236, their commitment to responsible food sourcing is exemplified through their involvement with a sustainable fish purchasing program. Chef Rick Bower was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a Smart Catch Leader in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and now holds the title of Smart Catch Ambassador in 2024, the program’s highest recognition highlighting the restaurant’s dedication to sustainability and responsible cuisine.

You’ll also find eateries committed to reducing waste, such as SaugaTaco, a fun, chef-driven, fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant that partners with My Green Michigan in their composting program. In addition to featuring locally sourced ingredients, Root Café has rain barrel water collection, uses compostable take-out ware, recycles all cardboard, and utilizes the composted soil from its farm in the raised bed gardens on the back patio.

While visiting our agriculturally diverse area, why not pick up some fresh produce and support local farmers? Visit the Farmers Market hosted by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, or stop by Barden’s Farm Market or Conner Farms U-Pick to discover a variety of fruits and vegetables and other Michigan-made goodies. You can also pick your own fruit at our many local U-Pick orchards and farms. Find out more about U-Pick farms here.

Environmentally-Friendly Activities

There’s so much natural beauty to explore in Saugatuck/Douglas. Spend a day hiking the miles of sandy trails at the Saugatuck Dunes State Park or the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. Or go kayaking on the Kalamazoo River. Both experiences offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Kayaks can be rented from In The Elements Rental or Big Lake Outfitters. For a more secluded excursion along protected wetlands and forested shorelines, try a guided or self-guided trip through a lower section of the Kalamazoo River with Water Trail Ventures in Fennville.

For a unique green boating experience, check out Retro Boat Rentals. Their vintage boats are retrofitted with electric motors, making them quiet and environmentally friendly. Another fun, environmental option is Lilypad Solar Boat Rentals, available at the Red Dock. These solar-powered boats are made from sustainable materials and are easy to navigate along the water.

Explore the grandeur of a historic estate that seamlessly integrates modern sustainability practices. Visit the Felt Estate, which features picturesque grounds and a lavish 12,000+ square foot mansion built in 1925. The mansion is a certified LEED-EB Gold recipient, a prestigious designation from the U.S. Green Building Council. The estate also hosts the Laketown Community Solar Garden, providing enough electricity to power the estate. This 100 kW solar array powers the mansion with clean energy, equating to the environmental benefit of preserving 71 acres of forest.

When it comes time to quench your thirst and experience the Art Coast’s craft beverage scene, check out Modales Winery, which incorporates sustainable practices in its vineyard and has the goal of organic certification by 2024. Also, plan a visit to Virtue Cider, whose farm has been recognized and awarded by the state of Michigan for its sustainability and environmental practices in water use, pollinator habitat, soil erosion, and animal welfare. Their farm features 200 solar panels that provide 61% of their electrical usage, and their cider houses use very little water or energy.

Sustainability-Focused Artisans and Businesses

Wander through our unique shops and boutiques, like Lucia’s World Emporium, a Fair Trade Marketplace offering clothing, jewelry, and accessories that celebrate the artistry and culture of global artisans. Committed to sustainability, Lucia’s ensures all products are thoughtfully selected with Mother Nature in mind, incorporating organic fibers, upcycled materials, natural dyes, and recycled packaging. Sea Bags offers a unique range of tote bags and accessories crafted from upcycled ship sails that would otherwise end up in landfills. Each Sea Bag starts its journey as a sail and is beautifully transformed into nautically inspired products by skilled artisans. Every item is a one-of-a-kind creation featuring eco-friendly inks and innovative solutions to minimize waste. Specializing in vintage furniture and home furnishings, Kim Neuens Design & Interiors in Douglas saves old furniture and décor from landfills, uses eco-friendly paints, soy-based strippers, eco-friendly packaging, and minimizes waste.

For the ultimate in sustainable inspiration, visit Khnemu Studio, located on the 30-acre sustainable Fernwood Farm, which uses green energy for its studio and kilns fueled by a 17.94 kWh solar array. The studio, built in 1891, has been lovingly restored and currently houses resident artist Dawn Soltysiak, who specializes in one-of-a-kind art pottery.

Some Tips for Sustainable Travel

Traveling sustainably can be simple and rewarding. Pack light to reduce your carbon footprint, and bring reusable water bottles and bags to cut down on waste. Be mindful of recycling and dispose of trash properly. When exploring, stick to marked trails to protect local wildlife and habitats. These small actions can make a big difference in keeping Saugatuck/Douglas beautiful and pristine.

Tour the Town

If you’re in downtown Saugatuck and looking for a place to rent kayaks, check out In the Elements Rental, which offers easy access to the Kalamazoo River. As you explore a part of the river that runs alongside town, you can also float in Kalamazoo Lake, enjoy views of downtown Saugatuck, and see stunning waterfront homes. If you’d like a rental company to deliver your boats to a specific location along the water or your vacation rental, just let them know. Both Big Lake Outfitters and In the Elements Rental will gladly do so.

Navigate Through Nature

Looking for a more remote kayaking experience? Try a trip with Water Trail Ventures, just south of Saugatuck/Douglas, in Fennville. They offer guided and self-guided trips through a lower section of the Kalamazoo River with protected wetlands and forested shorelines. The rental company will even meet you at the launch and valet your vehicle to the landing point.

If you’re a confident DIY paddler, try an open-water adventure. The Lake Michigan Water Trail Southwest offers a 10.3-mile paddle from Oval Beach in Douglas to Tunnel Park (near Holland). One of the two rest stops along the way includes Saugatuck Dunes State Park, where you can enjoy 2.5 miles of secluded shoreline, dunes over 200 feet tall, and dense forests with hiking trails. Consider packing a picnic and enjoying a few hours at the beach!

Float Along the Bayou

Perfect for newbies who need to get their bearings or those looking for a leisurely paddle, Wade’s Bayou near downtown Douglas is the ideal spot to launch a kayak, fish, and watch the sunset. If you’re feeling brave, paddle out beyond the cove and explore the Kalamazoo River.

Wade’s Bayou is also home to Third Coast Paddling. This rental company offers single and tandem kayaks, along with all the gear you’ll need to stay afloat. You’ll start and end your kayak journey in the same spot, so there’s no need to be dropped off or wait for a shuttle. If anyone in your group is a die-hard paddleboarder, Third Coast can accommodate them, too.

1. Unsalted Waves

Here along Lake Michigan, you get to enjoy all the sun, surf, and sand without the sting of salt in your eyes or the sticky residue on your skin. Our freshwater beaches and unsalted waves offer a refreshing and pleasant alternative to ocean coastlines. Whether you’re an avid swimmer, a paddleboard enthusiast, or someone who loves just wading in the shallows, you’ll appreciate the pure, clear water that’s easy on your senses.

2. Soft, Sugar Sand

One of the unique features of our beaches is the incredible softness and color of the sand. Primarily composed of fine-grained quartz particles, the sand here has a sugary, white appearance and a soft, comfortable feel underfoot. Over thousands of years, as rocks were weathered and broken down by the elements, these quartz particles were carried by rivers and streams and eventually deposited along our shoreline. This softness makes our beaches perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.

The sand along the beaches of Lake Michigan has also been known to “sing” due to its high quartz content. To try the phenomena out for yourself, find a dry patch of sand where the tide can’t reach and shuffle your feet quickly across.

3. Dynamic Dunes

Did you know the Art Coast is home to one of the largest freshwater dune systems in the world? This dune system is so extensive that it’s visible from space! These natural Michigan dunes are dynamic and constantly shifting in response to the elements, meaning the landscape can dramatically change from year to year. Our dunes are nothing short of spectacular and can be experienced by hiking along the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, which features 2.5 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline, climbing up Mt. Baldhead, a 230-foot dune that offers stunning panoramic views of the area, or taking an off-road excursion with the Saugatuck Dune Rides.