Join Pshaw for more travel tips. Today I'll be taking you to Saugatuck, Michigan. First, our map of the lower peninsula:
That's Saugatuck, there on the left side of my hand the state. It's on Lake Michigan, where the Kalamazoo River flows. If you've never seen one of the Great Lakes, it's like seeing the ocean, minus the wicked riptides and the sticky, sting-y salt.
Saugatuck has two really great public access points to the lake. The first is Oval Beach, right in town. Family friendly, lots of play structures, volleyball nets, and bathrooms. It gets a little crowded on the most beautiful weekends, but the constant breeze from the big lake keeps mosquitoes and black flies at bay.
For the more adventurous (read: without too many small children to carry) there is Saugatuck Dunes State Park. A glorious, mostly-empty, white-sand beach a short drive from town that can only be accessed by a half-mile long path over wooded dunes. Totally worth every step.
Next to the state park, is the dune buggy ride place. Beautiful views, but don't try it if you get motion sickness--they are wild drivers!
From Saugatuck/Douglas Points of Interest Map
When you've had some sun, it's time to head into town. The west side of the state is known as the Art Coast of Michigan, and is home to dozens of galleries and art studios. When we visit other areas, I'm always glad to see the local summer art fair. In Saugatuck, it's every day! These are all withing easy walking distance in a neat little downtown area. Mixed in are fudge shops (a Michigan MUST!), boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
A few favorites:
American Spoon Foods - Every trip to Saugatuck, Petoskey, or Harbor Springs features a stop at this shop. The best jams, preserves, sauces, and salsas ever! You can mail-order their stuff as well. The fun part about stopping in is that everything is available for sampling!
The Mermaid - this waterfront restaurant is where I was introduced to Cedar Plank salmon. I tried not to moan out loud, but it was difficult.
Saugatuck Drug - Much more than a drug store (though this is very handy for the emergency Pepto-Bismol run), Saugatuck Drug has the best local souvenirs, the best beach toys, and a way-cool 1950's soda fountain in the back.
Last, but not least, you'll need a place to stay. There are certainlt Best Motel Western Holiday 6's around, but if you'll be there awhile, I recommend renting a vacation property. This is especially a good deal if there are two families, as most of them accomodate 6-12 people comfortably, and you can split the cost. Here is one of the places we've rented:
It's called The Chestnut Tree (located at about the Letter "E" on the above map) and is available through Mill Pond Realty, which is where I got the image. I recommend staying right in town, as you can, for the most part, park your car and walk to everything.
Husband and I also shared a romantic weekend at the Bentley Inn B&B.
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but is just gorgeous on the inside. Antique furnishings meet luxury spa. We stayed there in the dead of winter. Saugatuck pretty much rolls up the sidewalks when it's snowy out, but a few places are open at bargain rates.
One more very important fact: Saugatuck is very gay-friendly. Families with same-sex partners can visit there without fear of harassment, which pleases me no-end. There are a lot of places in Michigan where that is not necessarily the case, so I like to spread the word when I can. Neanderthals still lurk.
Next week, a visit to the east side of the state and Lake Huron.
