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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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!
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I love spending time in London. I think if you want to spend time out of the city, Brighton is also a great place to visit, especially as it’s close by. There are a number of family-friendly hotels, too, like The Brighton Hotel:
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It’s a steam excursion train, shorter ride, probably many kids on board. This would be better suited to younger children. Much better choice for the under-12 set.
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Originally created as a recreation area for employees of the Hershey Chocolate factory, today Hershey Park boasts plenty of chocolate paraphernalia, as well as roller coasters and a water park. Tickets include admission to the nearby ZOOAMERICA. Originally owned by the Knott’s jam producers, Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park is one of the older parks in the US, Knott’s Berry Farm is a classic for those looking for thrill rides, water rides and family fun.
Hi Ralph, thank you for your reply. I haven’t booked it yet as I had similar reservations that since it’s an 8-hr journey, it will not be wise to take the kids at this age but would love to take them on a shorter train tour, I’m currently looking at the Jacobite express (here in the UK).
Hello Zeb,
For children under 10, It would simply be too long a day in too confined a space for them, might get a little boring for them after the first 20 minutes; it’s an eight-hour journey.
If they are active, there isn’t a lot of room to run around on the train, which is smaller than the ones we are used to here in the U.S.
If you have already booked a space, and will have toddlers or young children, suggest you bring lots of things to keep the little ones entertained.
Ralph
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Have been to Switzerland but missed the Glacier Express, I’ve heard it really one of the best train journeys in the World with amazing mountain/alps view. Is it good to travel with kids 7 and 4 years old) too, since it’s 8 hours long?
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Fall is very busy in the mountainous regions with the influx of leaf peepers from the New England area, around the United States and the world. In these extremely popular areas, you ll want to make lodging reservations at least several weeks ahead, especially on weekends. Columbus Day weekend (Oct 7-9, 2017) is another time in which advanced booking is advised throughout the region.
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Good to know : West Valley is open daily from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Apples are $0.85 a pound. Follow their Facebook page for updates on U-pick apples. And be sure to bring containers for their popular juice pressed right on site!
Minneapolis, Minnesota is a great pick for outdoor-loving families thanks to kid-friendly (and free) favorites like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to more than 40 outdoor works of art
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