The Hotel Saugatuck Blog

Are you up for a hauntingly good time? Sure, autumn in West Michigan is the ideal retreat if you love to take in fall festivals, pumpkin patches, apple picking and the colorful changing leaves. But for thrill-seekers who like to celebrate the scariest holiday of the year, Halloween is the perfect time to visit, with an array of frightening, ghostly events to celebrate the mystery of Halloween...

There’s nothing quite like sipping on a refreshing draft beer on a hot summer day. From wheat beer to IPAs, from stouts to seasonals, breweries here in West Michigan have a beer for every palate. Bottoms up! There are plenty of tasting opportunities within minutes of The Hotel Saugatuck, where you can find a style of beer that suits your mood and taste. Every day is a great day for a...

Though Saugatuck is known for its world-famous beaches and dunes and a thriving art scene, its dense culinary landscape should not be taken for granted. Summertime is the right time to grab dinner and drinks on a restaurant patio that overlooks Saugatuck's scenic waterways. This lakeside town is home to dozens of delicious, one-of-a-kind waterfront restaurants that make it the perfect...

With all that Lake Michigan, its dazzling waters and impressive sand dunes have to offer, there is no shortage of opportunities for outdoor adventure. In the summertime, we love to stroll along the beach, splash in the lake's fresh water, and get our hearts pumping with a good hike. But on your next trip to Saugatuck-Douglas, why not try something a little out of the ordinary? Here are a...

Did you know that when you stay with us at The Hotel Saugatuck you are visiting one of Michigan's premiere beach towns? It's true. With miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Saugatuck-Douglas area has stretches of sand that will appeal to every type of beach-goer. Sugar-sand beaches and sparkling water that meets the horizon will have you wanting to soak in the summer sun and splash in...

Farmers markets on Michigan's west coast are exciting places that bring together local farmers, artisans and communities. Shopping at these seasonal markets is one of the best ways to eat homegrown and homemade foods while supporting the regional economy. Here in Saugatuck, the Market at SCA is a true treasure for...

Any time is a good time to enjoy Michigan-produced wines and hard ciders. But if you need another reason to grab a bottle of your favorite libation made from fruit grown along the shores of Lake Michigan, this is for you: Saturday, April 10 is Open Local Wine Day. To participate, uncork your favorite Michigan wine or hard cider and post pictures to your social media using the hashtag #...

Michigan’s stunning landscape was made for snow sports, and you'll find some of the most exciting, diverse cross country and downhill skiing terrains not far from The Hotel Saugatuck. So pack your gear for a winter weekend getaway and hit the trails and slopes with your favorite snowbunny.

While Oval Beach is Saugatuck's premier destination for summer sun and sand, don't pass up a chance to view frosty Lake Michigan from its shoreline in the winter months. You might just get to observe some of Mother Nature's most amazing winter weather phenomena.

It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together! Imagine bringing this classic holiday song to life – you and your partner snuggled together under cozy blankets in a horse-drawn sleigh. Wild West Ranch in nearby Fennville, Michigan, can help make this magical winter vision a reality.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park is the ideal vacation hideaway spot for couples interested in exploring challenging climbs and hiking along the long shorelines. The dunes and forest views of Saugatuck Dunes State Park will take your breath away, especially in winter, when covered by thick...

(Photo by Jill Devries) Revel in the natural, organic bounty of one of the finest orchards in Michigan, Crane Orchards in Fennville.  Fueled by the rich soil and abundant waters of the Great Lakes, the orchard is a great autumn destination to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Available varieties for picking...

Join the rapidly growing micro-cation trend and include Saugatuck on your next itinerary. Condé Nast Traveler and their vast network of writers and resources compile an annual list of geographically diverse destinations that appeal to travelers of all types.

In March, it’s not too late to venture into our winter wonderland to satisfy your passion for outdoor adventure. Explore the tranquil woods and snow-covered dunes surrounding The Hotel Saugatuck on cross-country skis or snowshoes, sled at Schultz Park or ice skate in South Haven.

February is that special time of year when we celebrate the ones we love and, for many, it is also a time for reflection and exploration. In Saugatuck, this peaceful season allows you to embrace the quiet winter wonderland at the edge of Lake Michigan.

Celebrate the holidays with the Saugatuck community at the Holiday Market located at Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Saturday, November 30th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The market features thirty vendors selling a variety of products that are perfect to take home as holiday gifts, decorate your home with, or to commemorate your time spent here in Saugatuck this season. 

There are dozens of ways to make date night special, but one of the best ways to make a night unforgettable during your stay is at one of the Winemaker’s Dinners at Fenn Valley Vineyard.

The Winemaker’s Dinner starts with a sparkling wine and cheese reception followed by a coursed dinner. Each course includes a Fenn Valley wine carefully selected by the chef and winemaker....

all in Southwest Michigan is so much more than leaf-peeping views and cozy fireplaces (although those are two of our favorites). Here, fall is the season of great food, freshly harvested from nearby, local farms and farmers; the season of exploring Southwest Michigan’s many vineyards and wineries; the season of jazz music sounds and intimate evenings; the season of getting lost in...

Saugatuck may be most famous for its beaches but it’s Saugatuck’s spirits and craft breweries that have also made our town a beloved vacation destination. Beer-lovers and IPA-enthusiasts will feel right at home in Saugatuck and with so many craft breweries to pick from, there’s always something new to see—and taste. Follow our insider’s guide below for a Southwest...

Looking for a mouthwatering plate of food to savor for date night? Head to Fenn Valley Vineyard for the summer evening cook-outs. Fenn Valley provides the grill and meat, you just have to provide the grill master. The cook-outs are an authentic celebration of a pure Michigan summer.

It’s true. In Saugatuck, there are few things we love more than the water of Lake Michigan. But it’s more than just our award-winning beaches that have given us such a sentimentality. To truly enjoy the open water our town sits next to, book a fishing charter, cast a line, and see what you catch. Maybe you’re more interested in paddling a canoe through the winding Kalamazoo,...

For 30 days straight, the Saugatuck Expo transforms June into a month-long celebration of the Art Coast of Michigan’s artistic communities. With a longstanding reputation for creativity, talent, and collaboration (and by longstanding we mean over 150 years), the Saugatuck and Douglas region has captivated tourists and visitors with its diverse art that displays itself in so many forms....

April showers bring May flowers and the month of May in the Saugatuck area gets a few extra petals. The famous Tulip Time Festival, an annual event that celebrates the Dutch heritage of the town of Holland, Michigan, features millions of colorful tulips. While other areas of the United States have similar tulip festivals, Holland’s is the largest one you’ll find in all 50 states!...

One of the region’s best names in craft brewing calls our neighbor, Holland, home. With a reputation for unique and bold flavors and a dedication to quality and excellent service, the distillery and restaurants of New Holland Brewing are a can’t-miss attraction during your visit to The Hotel Saugatuck.

Located in the Heritage Hill Historic District of Grand Rapids, the Meyer May House stands exactly as it's architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, intended it. From the landscaping to the linens, the Meyer May House has been masterfully and painstakingly restored down to the most minute details, including period correct furnishings. The property offers visitors a rare opportunity to tour the most...

Landsharks is your premiere winter season outfitter with all the gear you need to explore the outdoors in Saugatuck this winter. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing is great in Saugatuck during the winter months and you get to know the surrounding area in a different light--literally--from our busy, summer months. Stop in at Landsharks to rent top-of-the-line skis and snowshoes from Fischer...

Foodie-fans will love Fustini's Oil and Vinegar Shop in Holland, especially during the holiday season when great food is a plenty and family members await impressive gifts on Christmas morning. Besides being a specialty shop selling healthy and nutritious oils, vinegars, pantry items, and more, Fustini's is also a tasting room and a hub for everything culinary.

The perfect start to your holiday season takes place in Saugatuck! At J. Petter Galleries, make a pairing unlike any other when fine art and fine wine come together. This November, the annual “Bubbles” sommelier-led event pairs wine with the perfect appetizer, giving you the ins and outs on this year’s best holiday servings for your own home when hosting family and friends....

It wasn’t always called the Art Coast of Michigan, but the communities of creatives in and around Saugatuck trace their roots to a small group that sought refuge here from Chicago’s industrialization more than 100 years ago. Nestled in a bend along the Kalamazoo, the Ox-Bow School was once the Riverside Hotel, a 20-room inn for traveling tradesmen. But when the Kalamazoo was...

Situated on Lake Michigan (and named one of America’s Top 10 Lake Towns!), Saugatuck has been defined by water since its first days. From the layout of the streets to recreational activities, exploring the waterways and freshwater beaches of Saugatuck will allow you to get to truly know our town. If you’ve already discovered the world-famous sugar sand of Oval Beach, then it’...

What started in the 1920s as a wooden shoe manufacturer has since turned into one of the few remaining locations that still turns wooden bowls. Skillfully crafted, the artisan wooden bowls and serving sets that come from the Holland Bowl Mill are sold in all 50 states and around the world. 

There’s no better way to celebrate the coming of spring (and soon, the summer!) than to get in touch with your inner nature-lover. Whether it’s garden-fresh herbs to cook with or the sweet aromas of the fields of spring flowers, the season is truly the most beautiful. During your stay with us at The Hotel Saugatuck, spend a morning in the tranquil garden space of the Saugatuck...

One of the most common questions our visitors ask is, “Where should we go to eat?” While your delicious breakfast is already taken care of in your luxurious room (baked French toast and double-smoked bacon, anyone?), it helps to plan a trip ahead of time and make some reservations to some of Saugatuck’s finest eateries. Make a reservation for a different venue every evening...

Spring is just around the corner in Saugatuck and that means that visitors and residents alike are starting to head outdoors. With miles of hiking trails and some of the best beaches in the country, we take full advantage of the warmer seasons, from start to finish. So lace up your boots and grab your water bottle; these parks and natural areas are just the thing you need to celebrate spring...

One of Saugatuck’s most interesting destinations are J. Petter Galleries, a 12,000 square foot fine art gallery that displays local artists in tandem with the wine gallery. An unusual find for any art enthusiast and wine lover, the combined Petter Art and Wine Galleries were once the Historic River Guild Gallery Center on Blue Star Highway in Douglas. Home to more than 60 award-winning...

Saugatuck may be known as a popular summer destination to travelers around the world, but the quaint, small-town charm of our “seaside” community also makes it one of the most romantic and peaceful locations to spend Valentine’s Day with your special someone. Besides the luxurious amenities and gracious hospitality you will find while staying at The Hotel Saugatuck, (like the...

Register for a cooking class this winter at Fustini’s School of Cooking Oils, a classroom teaching everything from the basics to the most advanced cooking skills. There are a lot of options, but it may be the right time of the season for the Winter Date Night cooking class. The interactive, small-group teaching ensures you’ll not only learn something but also have a great time...

Celebrate the season Saugatuck style at Saugatuck’s Festive Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 2^nd at 1PM on the famous Butler Street. The Whoville themed celebration, the main event of the long day of holiday activities, also features the Mayor of Whoville as parade Marshall and everyone’s favorite Whoville characters from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. See the women...

Whether you’re seeking to learn more, or just taste a delicious glass of wine (or two) this fall, Grand Rapids is likely the place you want to be. Luckily, while you’re staying at The Hotel Saugatuck, you’re just over a half-hour away from the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival held November 16^th to 18^th. Sample over 1200 wines from...

Visit Saugatuck’s neighbor this October for Downtown Holland’s Fall Fest. Celebrate your favorite things about the fall like pumpkins and jack-o-lantern carvings as well as some of the best food of the year. Visit the Farmers Market or stroll through beautiful downtown; harvest time in Holland doesn’t get any better than this!

For more than century, the Saugatuck-Douglas duo has been one of the Midwest’s favorite locations to escape the stress and work of daily life. Knowing how to relax, have fun, and unwind is something every resident knows well—and we’re good teachers, too. Learn everything you can about our laid-back beach town on the other side of the Kalamazoo River by taking your own tour of...

Near the gigantic sand dunes north of Saugatuck sits a historic mansion built by Dorr E. Felt, the inventor of the first office processing machine able to quickly perform four math functions. It may sound questionable to us today, a far-off invention that is no longer relevant, but in 1886, the Comptometer dramatically increased bookkeeping skills that meant office and industry production...

Start exploring one of Saugatuck’s most interesting attractions, the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. The day-use public park features fourteen miles of hiking trails through the scenic hills of Saugatuck’s wooded sand dunes that are over 200 feet tall. With two miles of Lake Michigan beachfront with a quiet and serene atmosphere, the Saugatuck Dunes State Park makes a perfect location...

The 2010 Tony-award winning musical takes to the stage at the Mason Street Warehouse at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts beginning this June for an explosive performance with dancing, original songs, and an enthralling and heartbreaking tale of fame and forbidden love. Set in the 1950s and based on true events, Memphis is an experience that...

Last month, as spring made its very first appearances, the town north of us, Holland, was a hot topic. Its ability to transport you to its European namesake in a variety of ways has made Holland one of the most interesting, and beautiful, American towns. And it’s about to be in bloom. Named by USA Today as 2016’s Best Flower Festival, Tulip Time breathes life into the town with its...

Hunting season just started for Michigan’s antique aficionados and the state famous for its summers has just thrown open its doors for springtime. Michigan’s largest antique show, Allegan Antiques, hosts more than 400 exhibitors at the Allegan County Fairgrounds on the last Sunday of the month, from April through September. It’s only a thirty minute drive from our bed and...

There’s always something to do in Saugatuck and St. Patrick’s Day Weekend has its own list of festivities for you to celebrate your Irish heritage, grab a beer, or enjoy the parade. The parade and festival takes place on March 11th at 2PM but start your day early at the Saugatuck Brewing Company’s Irish Breakfast. 

Situated in a historic 19th-century Victorian house, Borrowed Time is a casual dining place that serves specialty wines, craft beer, small plates of meats and cheeses, and homemade desserts. Works by local artists from Michigan’s Art Coast also decorate the walls, adding more to see and do with your wine pairing meal.

Michigan’s natural landscapes make it one of the most unique states in the country, and its wildlife and endless forests make it a gem in the Midwest. In Holland, a fifteen minute drive north of Saugatuck, the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway (ODCMG) is a nonprofit organization leading the way of conservation and education about the natural world in Michigan. And even in winter...

Enjoy a romantic night out at one of the most interesting restaurants in Saugatuck. The Belvedere Restaurant uses its breathtaking Victorian elegance, white tablecloth dining, and extravagant home décor to dazzle its customers.  Be transported to the 19^th century itself and feast yourself on its delicacies. Coupled with wine, this night out is due to be a date to...