The town of Saugatuck, Michigan is many things. It’s an artist’s community–wander the picturesque streets of this small coastal town and you’ll be welcomed by art galleries and co-ops on every corner. It’s also a resort town, as one never has to look far for either luxury or a cozy bed and breakfast. Additionally, it’s surrounded by an alarmingly beautiful landscape, from its brilliant beaches and dunes to the endless freshwater Lake Michigan. It’s a colorful little city with much that could be said about it, but all you need to know is this: Saugatuck is for everyone. No matter who you are, the first thing you’ll notice is how it all feels like home.
Though there’s no wrong place to start exploring in Saugatuck, I’m consistently attracted to the downtown streets’ small, independent shops and restaurants. You’re never without something fresh and exciting to take in here. Saugatuck’s penchant for the arts is evident as soon as you enter downtown; it’s impossible to miss the bright red, post-mod exterior of the Mason Street Warehouse theatre. Stop for a performance and you’ll be shocked that such a quality show didn’t come from Broadway itself. But keep going and you’ll find the restaurants. Oh, the restaurants. There’s truly a meal for everyone here. Treat yourself to an authentic French bistro feast at Restaurant Toulouse, then pop into Scooter’s Pizza (home of the famous spaghetti pizza) for the best thin crust of your life. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled to different worlds. Or have a deliciously fresh, organic meal at the Boardwalk Deli–it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s Saugatuck’s best-kept secret. For dessert, be sure to take a walk along the boardwalk to American Spoon, where they take their gelato seriously. A handpainted sign outside their doorway boasts, “To get Italian gelato this good, you’d have to fly our fruit to Italy!” It may sound prideful, but with good reason. I’ve never found anything quite like their homemade gelatos and sorbettos elsewhere.
If you’re not too full, it’s time to discover the adventurous side of Saugatuck. Ride the Victorian hand-cranked Saugatuck Chain Ferry (the last of its kind) across the harbor, then trek up Mount Baldhead, a massive sand dune that will give you a stunning panorama of the town and the lake beyond. Afterward, descend back into the grassy, secluded sands of Oval Beach for a swim, a walk down the coast, or just to watch the sunset in this awe-inspiring setting.
However, no Saugatuck experience is complete without some shopping, and there’s nowhere with more fascinating local shops to savor. Definitely take a walk down to the Santa Fe Trading Co. Here, not only can you peruse their eclectic merchandise, but you’ll meet my favorite Saugatuck denizen, Peanut the rescue cat. She quickly became my best friend, and no one is immune to her charm. But, on the way, you probably strolled right past my favorite place in the world. Hidden away in the upper floor of the Saugatuck Art Gallery, accessible only by a flight of steep, narrow stairs, lies the Singapore Bank Bookstore. Find your way up and you’ll be greeted by books floor to ceiling, along every wall of the historic former bank. Take a moment to notice the silence. The peace. The endless stacks of books, modern and antique, seem to whisper to you. This place is unlike any other. In a world dominated by assimilation and big business, Saugatuck’s daring and appeal rests in its individuality. Endlessly fascinating and welcoming to all, Michigan’s “Art Coast” is a work of art itself.
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Hello Lansdell family! This is a great place for a long weekend of outdoors exploration and a beautiful park. In late May, a new business is opening = https://www.floattheriver.net/ = which will run float trips on inner tubes on portions of the river. I asked some locals and they suggested that after biking and hiking and riding the train, your kids might enjoy day trips to nearby Canton, Akron or Cleveland. Each has lots of Metroparks (the public system of urban parks) and museums, etc to do and see. With some planning, all your days can be as full of variety as you would like. We hope you have a wonderful trip.
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Thanks for all the info. We are planning on going in August, and are trying to find a nature-centered vacation for our family of 4, kids ages 7 and 4. We are from Southern Ontario, Canada and we came across this national park. Would you recommend this place for 3-4 days? Is there enough to do (hiking, train rides, exploring etc)? Somewhere else? We also looked at the Smoky Mountains but its about a 11-12 hours vs the 5-6 hours to Cuyohoga. Any advice would be helpful.
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I would like to travel out of the US with my son. I understand that I would need his father to sign and notarize a letter. He had not been a stand up dad to take care of his responsibilities so he left and I can’t find him. What can I do in a situation like that to travel with my son?
happy you enjoyed the story. This park is in Ohio where the climate can be capricious! It’s hottest between late April and November, however even April has the danger of some snow. In case you’re enjoying the great outdoors with children, the most secure wager is June to August, since it’s hotter and there’s little downpour. Make the most of your trek.
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