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The Hotel Saugatuck Blog

Antique Shops

With its rich history in agriculture, manufacturing, culture, and craftsmanship, it's no wonder Michigan is a gold mine when it comes to antiquing. Treasure hunters can peruse a multitude of antique shops throughout Allegan County along Michigan's western coast to uncover unique vintage finds. New-to-you pieces can invigorate your home space while carrying the memory of your antiquing adventure during your next West Michigan getaway.

Frederik Meijer Gardens

One of the most visited art museums in the world can be found in Grand Rapids, Michigan – a 40-minute drive from Saugatuck that's well worth the trip. The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park combines the experience of stunning gardens with fine art. The 158-acre grounds feature Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, five indoor theme gardens, extensive outdoor gardens, nature trails, a sculpture park and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater. It's truly a Michigan must-see!

Tulip Time

You don't have to travel to the Netherlands to immerse yourself in tulips, windmills and Dutch culture. You'll find all that and more with a visit to Holland, Michigan. Spring is the perfect time to make the trip, when all the tulips are in bloom and the city is awash in glorious, vibrant color. Holland's annual Tulip Time Festival gives visitors eight days of events and activities where they can take in the floral sights and celebrate the community's Dutch roots.

Tulips

Forbes Magazine named Holland, Michigan, one of America's prettiest towns – and it's easy to see why. As the town's name suggests, Holland has a rich Dutch heritage that serves as its cultural identity and a theme for many of its popular attractions. Situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan on Lake Macatawa, Holland has much to offer – great beaches, a charming downtown, fascinating museums, active parks and welcoming Dutch hospitality.

Meyer May House

You may be familiar with Frank Lloyd Wright, considered the greatest American architect of all time. Over a creative period of 70 years, he designed more than 1,000 structures. His first major commission here in Michigan was the Meyer May House in Grand Rapids. And it makes a great side trip while you're visiting us in Saugatuck, with an easy 45-minute drive to see one of Wright's architectural masterpieces.

Snowshoeing

For winter outdoor enthusiasts, there's nothing more peaceful and tranquil than taking a hike on a bed of freshly fallen snow. Here in Saugatuck, the dunes that stretch along Lake Michigan's shoreline are the perfect spot for snowshoeing and exploring our winter wonderland on foot. Miles of spectacular trails wind through serene woods and along the lakeshore's edge. Don't miss out on this magical, snow-covered adventure that our summer visitors never get to see.

Virtue Cider Orchard

You've heard of wassail, the warm mulled cider drink enjoyed during the holiday season and the cold winter months that follow. But maybe you didn't know that wassailing is an old English custom of blessing fruit tree orchards with drinking and singing to ensure a good harvest in the coming year.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts

The Saugatuck-Douglas area is known as the Art Coast of Michigan for its rich history of embracing visual and performing artists and encouraging a community with a deep appreciation of the arts. Many working painters, sculptors, and other artists call this area home. Musicians and actors hone their craft here on the stage and in the concert hall. Together they inspire the creative culture that's at the heart and soul of our community. That creativity shines year-round, so don't discount the winter as a great time to see our artists in action.

Downhill skiing

When temperatures fall below freezing and snow blankets the ground, it's time to embrace the spirit of winter by getting outside and enjoying all that Michigan's winter wonderland has to offer. Don't let a little chill keep you indoors! Michigan’s stunning landscape was made for snow sports, and you'll find some of the most exciting, diverse downhill skiing terrains not far from The Hotel Saugatuck. For a downhill adventure with pristine slopes and epic views, you'll find two great ski areas less than an hour drive from The Hotel Saugatuck.

cross country skiing

Any time of year, the Allegan State Game Area provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures with more than 50,000 protected acres to explore. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, bird watching, hunting, biking – if it's an outdoor adventure you want, you'll find it here! But when winter comes and snow blankets the ground, the Allegan State Game Area offers unmatched terrain for cross-country skiing. With trails for all skill levels, cross-country skiing is an extraordinary way to explore western Michigan's exceptionally beautiful winter landscapes.

Holiday Shopping

Have yourself a merry little Christmas by knocking out your holiday shopping at some of West Michigan's most unique shopping venues. Check out local artisans and specialty shops who display their wares at open-air holiday markets, offering some of the most fantastic products, treats, and handcrafted goods imaginable. From European-style marketplaces to shopping experiences that feature artisan cocktails and fine crafts, there’s something undeniably festive about these outdoor holiday bazaars.

Halloween

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. Spooktacular fun is waiting for you in Saugatuck-Douglas with a season full of spooks, delights, and scares!

Music in the Vineyard

Ahhh...fall is upon us in Western Michigan! Trees are exploding in autumn colors of reds, yellows and oranges. Pumpkins, apples, grapes and fall-harvest crops are abundant. And cooler temperatures mean sweater weather and the perfect climate for spending time outdoors exploring all that Lake Michigan's coastline has to offer.