An Art Lover's Guide to the Coastal Michigan City of Saugatuck

With its thriving arts and culture, rich array of farm experiences, dynamic dining landscape, and long stretches of Lake Michigan soft sand beaches, Saugatuck is Michiganders' scenic Midwest escape with plenty of small-town charm. Together with neighboring towns Douglas and Fennville, the region has become known as the Art Coast, drawing painters, writers, sculptors, and musicians for decades and helping to establish myriad local makers. That ethos has inspired this November’s Art Coast Food & Wine Festival (November 5-7), a three-day celebration of Southwest Michigan’s vibrant food and drink scene. Led by several local chefs (along with a few out-of-towners), the inaugural event will feature talks, demonstrations, and collaboration dinners. It’s just one more reason to plan a trip to the area this fall, when summertime crowds have subsided and autumn colors and flavors are underway. What to do in Saugatuck: Beaches, wineries, and art galleries to know The region’s largest outdoor draw is Oval Beach, recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Pack the umbrella and take in the shoreline activities—visitors and locals alike come here for swimming, sunbathing, and rounds of frisbee. A large parking lot is right next to the beach, helping to ensure a smooth transition from vehicle to vacation mode. Taste some wine and enjoy the vineyard views at Modales Wines in Fennville. Owners Jim and Carol Gonzalez opened the winery in 2019 with the mission of making local bottles with sustainable practices and world-class vision. Today, they have been recognized as one of Michigan’s only certified organic wineries, with nearly two dozen bottles on offer. Book a guided tasting to sample through several of them, including favorites like the rose, syrah, and the award-winning Sauvignon Blanc or Gruner Veltliner. Pair it up with any of their onsite snacks (especially the goat’s and cow’s milk cheese spreads from nearby Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery). Explore the area by water with a Star of Saugatuck cruise, a 90-minute sternwheel ride down the Kalamazoo River and onto Lake Michigan. Enjoy the trip during the daytime, or book a sunset cruise for golden hour photo opps. Near this dock, spot the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, a hand-cranked chain ferry that connects the downtown district to Mount Baldhead Park and Oval Beach (in use since 1838, it is the only remaining chain driven ferry in the country). Discover the area’s rich arts scene with visits to local galleries, including J. Petter, Dune, and Button Gallery. And check the calendar at Saugatuck Center for the Arts for regularly scheduled concerts, author talks, and artist exhibits (including the recent Mother Lake from local artist Bryanna Manning). During warmer months, swing by the parking lot on Fridays for a weekly farmers market. Saugatuck has several wonderful downtown shopping options—visit Brass Anchor for women’s clothing and accessories, Leon Footwear for handcrafted footwear, and The Book Nook for many beach read contenders. Spend some time exploring Lulu Cadieux—housed in a historic bank building, the lifestyle boutique celebrates everyday joys through a culinary learning center and thoughtfully curated retail selection. The shop features items across multiple categories, including home, garden, and beauty, and owner Terry Walker plans frequent trips abroad to procure goods (including vintage apparel and accessories). Guests can learn about different cuisines and techniques with the team’s onsite cooking classes, which take place in a spacious, state-of-the-art kitchen (complete with a beautiful cookbook collection). And those seeking more of the shop’s aesthetic and ethos can stay overnight at The Polo Shed, their private guest house. Located a short distance from the shop, the property sleeps up to 12 and features comforts and charms such as feather chandeliers, a grand piano, a stone fireplace, and a chef’s kitchen. Where to eat and drink in Saugatuck and Douglas Noble Twist Taphouse recently opened in the heart of downtown, bringing with it house-made beer and spirits, local wine, and from-scratch, New Haven-style pizza. An old-world patio with string lighting greets diners, who can start with one of the beers brewed onsite. Pair them up with creative salads or sandwiches (think the PBLT, with pork belly, tomato jam, and arugula), or any of the pizzas (with options like hot honey pepperoni or Michigan mushroom). For decades, locals and visitors have been flocking to Everyday People Café. That popularity is indeed for the food, but also for the restaurant’s other charms—its cozy, lively bar, comfortable dining rooms, and warm, polished hospitality. Menu items span regions and cuisines: roasted salmon with sauce soubise, vadouvan vinaigrette, and pea shoots; miso-sake marinated sea bass with Chinese eggplant and lemon-ginger beurre blanc; pesto pasta with gemelli noodles, teardrop tomatoes, and parmesan. Whatever the creation, the team here excels, wielding a true grasp of balanced, flavorful dishes. House-made desserts like the key lime pie or blueberry crisp (try it a la mode) serve as a rich and comforting finale. Chicago native Melissa Corey moved to Saugatuck and opened Pennyroyal Café and Provisions, where she and her team put forth seasonal, from-scratch dishes celebrating Michigan farms. Book a table for dinner, or visit during daytime hours for billowy blueberry pancakes, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and a popular whitefish melt. Pastries are baked fresh daily and beautifully conceived—a Basque-style cake with a pastry cream center, rotating croissants, and a caprese danish on weekends (a seasonal favorite with marinated tomatoes and herbed chevre). Dine indoors to witness Corey and team at work on the line, or outdoors in the dreamy, lush garden. It is walk-ins only for brunch, so be sure to arrive early—tables here fill up fast (credit the hospitable team and Corey’s impressive titles, including Chopped winner and James Beard Award nominee). Take a 15-minute drive to Fennville for dinner at Salt of the Earth, a local favorite for seasonal, sustainably sourced cooking. Start with the bread board, featuring several house-baked varieties alongside local butter, followed by the pizza. The team features several wood-fired renditions: wild mushroom (with caramelized onions and arugula), short rib (with white cheddar and cream sauce), and vegetable (with zucchini, peppers, and corn). When it’s time for dessert, don’t miss their S’more Cake, complete with a toasted marshmallow, graham cracker crumbs, and milk chocolate pudding. Dining at Bowdie’s Chophouse is at once elegant and unfussy, and a nod to some of the best big city steakhouses around. Settle in with big band swing sounds and a house cocktail, then go big with the steaks—filet mignon, or the bone-in ribeye for two. Accompany it all with a few of the restaurant’s signature sides—sautéed mushrooms, truffle fries, or brussels sprouts and pork belly. Leaving town, stop for a bite at Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, a beloved spot for sandwiches, salads, and baked goods—all made in-house and from scratch with local, seasonal ingredients. Don’t miss the turkey club or BLT, or earlier in the day, the breakfast burrito (with cage free scrambled eggs and local white cheddar). Where to stay in Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan In business for nearly 20 years, Bella Vita Vacation Rentals has become a trusted resource for Saugatuck-Douglas travelers. The company manages more than 45 boutique rental properties within 10 miles of Saugatuck, many of which are located just footsteps from downtown or the lake. Peruse their range of listings, featuring water views, modern amenities, and pet-friendly options. Those looking for a boutique stay right on the water will find it at Lake Shore Resort. The property makes the most of its idyllic location overlooking Lake Michigan, with kayaks, a private beach, a swimming pool, and firepits for sunset gatherings. A variety of room types are available, and each one includes breakfast and access to other resort amenities, such as bikes and yoga classes. The spacious Cottage is perfect for larger parties—two units can be rented together or separately, and each features two bedrooms, a washer/dryer, walk-in showers, and gas ranges. Keep an eye on their calendar for upcoming events and programming, including occasional collaboration dinners with local partners. What was first built in 1937 as the home of former Saugatuck mayor Frank Wick became The Wickwood Inn in 1981, the town’s first bed-and-breakfast. Originally modeled after London’s Brown’s Hotel, the property recently underwent a redesign by award-winning Soucie Horner Design Collective, resulting in a refined, modern aesthetic. Several luxury suites welcome guests, along with The Bungalow—a three-bedroom retreat with ensuite bathrooms and curated artwork. When you’re not enjoying the comforts of the room, explore the inn’s amenities, including its English gardens, farm-to-table breakfasts, daily social hours, and heated pool.