Falling in Love with the Art Coast of Michigan
Michigan is one of the most underrated states in terms of its beauty, culture, art and food.
I have a long history with Michigan, one that stems back to my great-grandparents settling “up north”—a term you only know if you know it. I spent many summers, falls and even winters in Northern Michigan and love the clean air, quiet roads, pine trees and slower pace of everyday life. It reminds me of Maine with its sand, water, organic nature and the relaxing feeling you get when you enter the area.
There are so many hidden gems across the state and into the Upper Peninsula. The Saugatuck/Douglas region is one that will fill you to the brim with all it has to offer and surprise you along the way. It is nestled along the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan and overflows with apple orchards, wineries, boutiques, live music, art and stellar food.
It’s one of those places that is small yet abundant, quiet yet vibrant, and a place you might run into someone you know even from Indianapolis. In our short trip to the streets of Saugatuck and Douglas, my ride-along partner, Ellie, and I both randomly ran into friends from Zionsville and Indianapolis. One was on a family road trip; another was trailblazing with their dogs; and the last were cousins in town for a wedding, taking advantage of Harvest Hosts a membership program that allows travelers to overnight at unique locations around the country like our newfound friends at Modales, a vineyard and winery located in Fennville just outside of Douglas. All these encounters were by chance, with no warning. How lovely to know this must be the place to be.
What does the “Art Coast of Michigan” mean? Since the early 20th century Saugatuck and the village of Douglas have been home to many artists, painters and writers; even more visiting artists have fallen in love with the scenery and written, painted and even sculpted it. This region has been the home to Ox-Bow School of Art since 1910, affiliated with the Art Institute of Chicago. It offers year-round programming in an inspiring environment of people, resources and rich history all with the intent of lifting up artists of the present and future while honoring those from the past.
When you walk through the streets of Saugatuck and Douglas you will notice rainbow-colored crosswalks, rainbow flags and a plethora of other rainbow objects declaring its openness and inclusive of everyone. According to Orbitz in 2019, the area was highlighted as one of the top gay destinations in the world. There are more than 140 LGBTQ+ owned and friendly businesses and lodgings including the famed Dunes Resort.
While summer is a shining season for lake goers, we are in love with the fall (and winter) of this region as well. The smell of warm apple cider donuts; the vivid maple, oak and aspen leaves; the cool breeze greeting you off the water and the sound of a crackling fire keeping you warm on a cool fall evening are only small parts of why this place is spectacular. Let us share with you the places we have fallen in love with, hoping to inspire you to grab your family, friends or sweethearts—or go it alone—and create a journey to remember.
ART
At any point in your meanders around Saugatuck, Douglas or Fennville you will come across art. Sidewalks painted, murals flowing on the sides of buildings, words on benches or sculptures in random places to admire. Gallery strolls, exhibitions, markets, artist studios, meet-and-greets and live performances are some of the immersive experiences to be had on the Art Coast. The global culture and talent is first class and is something people travel here to experience.
Douglas offers a tremendous amount of talent gracing the likes of J. Petter Wine Gallery, where you can sip a glass of wine while taking in the art. The Button Gallery, which moved from Chicago to Douglas in 1966, features a mix of art that evokes emotion, conversation and inclusion. Don’t pass Mr. Miller’s Art Emporium and Other Useful Things, not only because the name itself is worth the look but you can go from room to room and never see the same thing twice.
On October 14, Saugatuck/Douglas celebrates the 46th annual Fall Gallery Tour. With dozens of artist studios and galleries to visit, locals and tourists alike can experience a weekend of culture in the stunning setting of a Michigan fall. The studios and galleries extend their hours while live music and delicious noshes and sips are available to complement this phenomenal event.
Saugatuck is filled with galleries of handmade jewelry, paintings, collectables, stoneware, sculptures and more. Looking for something outside of a gallery? Experience the Saugatuck Center for Arts, which is full of unique exhibitions like the creative world of culinary explorations or live performances of music, dance, comedy, storytelling and other touring acts.
It’s one of those places that is small yet abundant, quiet yet vibrant, and a place you might run into someone you know even from Indianapolis.
BEVERAGES
Douglas Root Beer Barrel: Head to Oval Beach (one of the famous beaches of the region) and step back in time with a visit to the gigantic root beer barrel. This historic site has been around for more than 60 years and serves up the best hot dogs and root beer floats around. It’s cash-only. Bonus: Make sure to grab a mac ’n’ cheese dog.
In the mood for a good cup of coffee? Check out Uncommon Roasters or order yourself a honey lavender latte at the Outside Coffee Company and enjoy it in a hammock or at a swinging picnic table. At either spot you will find a stellar cup of joe.
Modales: This vineyard and winery is a stunning work of art from the 76-acre vineyard with its numerous grape varieties to the local artwork on the walls. The wine exceeded our expectations with something for everyone from a fruit-forward El Suelo (earth) red to a 2020 Cremant sparkling and a bright 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, which won Michigan Governor’s Cup. Their guided tastings offer knowledge and tastes topped with entertaining commentary from the guides. Bonus: Ask for Cat, her wit and charm paired with her many years of Sonoma wine knowledge will make your trip all the more special. (And check out her photography for sale… it is stunning).
Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery: Fall, apples, cider, warm donuts, apple picking and pie. Crane’s is the place to be. Grab a basket and pick your own or spend time inside picking up any and everything apple related. The place is hopping with locals and tourists all enjoying lunch, donuts, live music and oftentimes a glass (or a bottle) of wine and a flight of pies. Yes, a flight of pies.
Want some local spirits, wines and brews? Guardian Brewing Company, a 100% LGBTQ+ and woman-owned brewery, offers some of Michigan’s finest craft brews in a historic community theater called the Red Barn. New Holland Spirits’ tasting room in downtown Saugatuck is a great spot to stop for a killer cocktail or nightcap or a bottle or six-pack to go. And for wine lovers, Fenn Valley Vineyards is a great place for winemaker’s dinners, swine roasts, live music and, of course, wine.
FOOD
Duck Alley: One of the newest culinary treats in Saugatuck. Opened by a chef from Chicago in the summer of 2023, this spot should not be overlooked. The unique flavors of Indian, Mediterranean and American fused together on this menu are nothing short of glorious. Pick the fried chicken naan served with a puréed giardiniera sauce or the gourmet burger that tastes like an elevated Big Mac and pair them with a bottle of Xisto Ilimitado Tinto from Portugal and you will be more than happy. Bonus: Ask for the puréed giardiniera as a dipping sauce for the fries and don’t skip the Halloumi in tomato sauce…
Phil’s Bar & Grille: A local favorite where everyone knows your name and where the menu pleases every palate. The must-tries are the lobster cobb salad with balsamic vinaigrette and gorgonzola dressing and the portobello mushroom fries served with horseradish mustard. After 5pm things can get a little busy, but the wait is worth it!
Farmhouse Deli: Pre-order housemade sandwiches piled high with fresh ingredients on freshly baked bread and the gourmet salads for your picnic adventure. Build a meat and cheese board from the locally sourced cheeses, like the Fennville favorite Evergreen Lane Creamery Chèvre. Bonus: Get there early and they might still have vases of fresh-picked wildflowers to make your basket even more romantic and special.
The Southerner: Fried chicken heaven. This little yellow building cozied up on the river is highly recommended. The vibe is cozy yet fun with gingham tablecloths, a tiny bar, patio and indoor seating and the smell of Southern fried chicken. Nana’s Fried Chicken Dinner is served up with homemade biscuits and two sides and you can order it up for the table family style. Need something a little smaller? The chicken biscuit is the way to go. Like it hot? Make it habanero hot and prepare to lick your fingers clean! Bonus: Don’t skip the libations; the Porch Elders will quench your thirst. (Thanks to Cindy Hawkins of Circle City Sweets for the recommendation.)
On the water in Saugatuck and Douglas, The Butler, Red Dock and the Old Boat House provide gorgeous and tranquil views of the river and fun people-watching—oftentimes with live music. Grab a spot outside, order up pizza, hot dogs, beer or Bloody Mary and remember, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. This is a fabulous spot to watch the sunset.
Other not-to-miss spots to enjoy some grub: Since 1971 Marro’s Italian Restaurant with its neon sign hits all the Italian dishes out of the park from April thru September. Grow Café + Bistro caters to vegan and gluten-free diets and promotes their gratuity-free menus. Pennyroyal Café & Provisions serves up terrific locally sourced and prepared Midwestern food with a twist with pre-order pastries to enjoy with your morning coffee and is one of our cousin Edible Michiana’s favorite spots to visit.
Lakeshore Convenience & Pizza: Yes, a convenience store! Order a large pepperoni pizza and the world’s best cheesy cheese bread and head to Oval Beach to watch the sunset. You will not regret a moment of this, Ryan Martin of Indianapolis promises!
ICE CREAM
Dairy Dayz Ice Cream: Love a good dairy hut? Dairy Dayz is it! Serving up everything from Chicago dogs to nachos, frozen bananas to malts, soft serve and hard ice cream—you will be hard pressed to find ice cream better than at Dairy Dayz. Bonus: Serving sizes are a mile high; the kids “itty bitty” size may be the way to go unless you want the challenge of finishing it all!
Charlie’s ’Round the Corner: Ice cream, loads of it. There is almost always a line, but it is worth the wait to share in one of Michigan’s staples: Sherman Ice Cream. Bonus: Watch the fresh waffle cones being made in the front window!
PLACES TO STAY
There is an abundance of places to stay around the area. Cabins, houseboats, Harvest Hosts, resorts and bed and breakfasts give every budget an option of staying in the area comfortably.
Rosemont Inn Resort: Across from Lake Michigan, this quiet and quaint bed and breakfast is reminiscent of a something you might come across in New England with a long porch featuring rocking chairs and love seats, a quaint garden with a koi pond, a small heated pool, hot tub and sauna with the bonus of Dave and Fuzzy, the Rosemont Inn cats. Kerry and Tammy Cunnion stumbled across the 120-year-old inn during Covid shutdowns and decided they wanted a change of pace from Chicago. A darling couple with great taste in comfortable mattresses, sheets and pillows plus the ability to cook a gourmet breakfast each morning is a winning combination. Bonus: Grab a bike for free to use during your stay and wake up early to walk down to the beach and enjoy the quietness.
Hotel Saugatuck: A luxurious hotel with hundreds of five-star reviews. It is located in the historical district and overlooks the Kalamazoo River. Rain showers, luxury bedding and towels, and breakfast delivered Bureauto your room each morning all within walking distance to downtown Saugatuck. And from what we hear, the warm cookies in the evening are a piece of heaven.
Wickwood Inn: Farm-fresh breakfasts, luscious gardens, afternoon wine and cheese, all in the charm of this historic home with all the fine touches of elegance. Centrally located in town, the rooms include fluffy robes, slippers and towels and all of the hospitality you would expect from an inn like this.
SHOP
Coastal Society: Brunch, bubbles and shopping. A corner boutique that smells of the ocean, is bright and has bubbles to enjoy all while shopping unique clothing, books, housewares and more. Bonus: Grab a table for brunch and bubbles and then shop!
Endora Bohemian: Walk into this boutique and get all of the feels of Paris and Marrakech. The owner spends her winters traveling the world and bringing her favorite global gifts back for everyone to admire and love. From ornate jewelry to perfume oils from France, unique art from Morocco to the fan-favorite candle that the owner says sells so well it pays for her to travel and find new goodies to fill her store year after year.
The Book Nook: If you love books, wander through the Book Nook. We scored a copy of the Herb Almanac along with a new dad joke book.
American Spoon: What started as a morel mushroom expedition turned into a love of making the freshest and finest preserves from Michigan fruit. The American Spoon features their famous preserves, along with jams, syrups, butters, granola and more. “Give jam. Spread joy” is their motto and we recommend going home with a big jar of something.
FUN
Retro Boat Rentals: Bundle up and get out on the river to experience Saugatuck a different way. Donut, Duffy and pontoon boats are perfect for a party, but we recommend you rent one of the classics like the 1958 Glass Magic, Laverne, the pink beauty to take for an hour or two! See the shoreline, stunning houses and nature while floating in style. Bonus: The boats are dog friendly!
Star of Saugatuck: Cruise on the Kalamazoo River or Lake Michigan on an old-fashioned paddlewheel boat perfect for daytime or sunsets and people of all ages.
Saugatuck Dune Rides: See the beach in a different way. It’s like the most fun roller coaster you’ve ever ridden except it’s not a roller coaster. You’ll ride in retrofitted Ford trucks flying up and down the sand dunes and over the top of Singapore, a ghost town that was lost to nature due to over-logging in the area when Chicago was being rebuilt after the great fire.
Summerhouse Lavender Farm: Relax on the farm where the aroma of over 1,000 plants will provide a peaceful place of enjoyment. The farm has an aromatherapy store, an event venue and a modern-day vacation rental called the Lavender House. Bonus: Check out their events to see when they offer yoga on the farm.
Coral Gables: This historic place was known as the Leiendecker Inn when it opened back in 1906. The panoramic views of the Kalamazoo River along with the two-tiered deck and cold drinks make it a great place to entertain a crowd. From comedy shows to the piano bar and other live music, this place knows how to party. And every once in a while, a surprise guest might pop up and sing a tune or two.
And last but not least… water, hiking and nature. Mount Baldhead is the perfect place to hike to the top and view both the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. There are 303 wooden steps (be prepared) that take you to the top of this dune, where you then can take the trail and hike to Oval Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan. Condé Nast even named it one of the top 25 beaches in the world.
There are endless opportunities to be entertained, to relax, to be one with nature or to just find yourself connecting with someone or something in this magical place. Take a day trip, a weekender or become a local for 10 days and immerse yourself into the thousands of things to do in the Saugatuck/Douglas area. The history itself is deserving of everyone’s attention, not to mention the culture and traditions of this region. The Michigan outdoors provides all seasons of play from swimming to hiking and snowmobiling to skiing, and will give you memories of a lifetime.
Want to learn more about what Saugatuck/Douglas has to offer? visit saugatuck.com for an even more in-depth guide of the region.
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SPOTS
ART
Button Gallery
33 Center St.
Douglas
J. Petter Galleries
161 N. Blue Star Hwy.
Douglas
Mr. Miller’s Art Emporium and Other Useful Things
48 W. Center St.
Douglas
BEVERAGE
Crane’s Pie Pantry, Restaurant, Winery
6054 124th Ave.
Fennville
Fenn Valley Vineyards
6130 122nd Ave.
Fennville
Guardian Brewing Co.
3657 63rd St.
Saugatuck
Modales Vineyard
2128 62nd St.
Fennville
New Holland Spirits
201 Culver St.
Saugatuck
Outside Coffee Co.
450 Center St.
Douglas
Root Beer Barrel
501 W. Center St.
Douglas
Uncommon Coffee Roasters
127 Hoffman St.
Saugatuck
FOOD
Charlie’s ’Round the Corner Ice Cream
132 Mason St.
Saugatuck
Dairy Dayz Ice Cream
6471 Blue Star Hwy.
Saugatuck
Duck Alley
220 Culver St.
Saugatuck
Farmhouse Deli
100 Blue Star Hwy.
Douglas
GROW Café + Bistro
302 Culver St.
Saugatuck
Lakeshore Convenience & Pizza
147 Water St.
Saugatuck
Marro’s Italian Restaurant
147 Water St.
Saugatuck
Pennyroyal Café & Provisions
3319 Blue Star Hwy.
Saugatuck
Phil’s Bar & Grille
215 Butler St.
Saugatuck
Red Dock
219 N. Union St.
Douglas
The Butler
40 Butler St.
Saugatuck
The Old Boat House
730 Water St.
Saugatuck
The Southerner
880 Holland St.
Saugatuck
STAY
Hotel Saugatuck
900 Lake St.
Saugatuck
Rosemont Inn Resort
83 Lakeshore Dr.
Douglas
Wickwood Inn
510 Butler St.
Saugatuck
SHOP
American Spoon
308 Butler St.
Saugatuck
Coastal Society
35 Center St.
Douglas
Endora Bohemian
36 W. Center St.
Douglas
The Book Nook
242 Butler St.
Saugatuck
FUN
Coral Gables
220 Water St.
Saugatuck
Mount Baldhead
769 Park St.
Saugatuck
Oval Beach
690 Perryman St.
Douglas
Retro Boat Rentals
730 Water St.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck Dune Rides
6495 Blue Star Hwy.
Saugatuck
Star of Saugatuck
716 Water St.
Saugatuck
Summerhouse,Lavender Farm
2975 65th St.
Fennville
