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The Hotel Saugatuck Blog

a group of women relaxing at a spa

Unwinding on the Shores of Lake Michigan: Day Spas and Relaxation in Saugatuck

With the sloping dunes along Lake Michigan and idyllic views of the Kalamazoo River providing a backdrop of natural beauty, Saugatuck is the perfect place to escape the daily grind, where you can relax, rejuvenate, and recharge. Some of the best day spas in Michigan are in downtown Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas, each with differing focuses ranging from facials and yoga to various types of massage and bodywork, run by longtime locals who bring decades of experience to their craft.

Couple Shopping

Discovering Saugatuck’s Hidden Treasures: Unique Shops and Boutiques

With our walkable downtown filled with blocks of locally-owned shops and small-town charm, Saugatuck boutique shopping is a treat, whether casually browsing for a Michigan-themed souvenir to bring home or a stylish new outfit. These boutiques take pride in sourcing the best products, often from local artisans and with fair trade in mind, in line with the Saugatuck ethos of shopping local and supporting small businesses. 

From our convenient location on Lake St, our Saugatuck bed and breakfast is the same short distance from Saugatuck’s Butler St. and Douglas’s Center St, the main shopping thoroughfares on either side of the picturesque Kalamazoo River....

Hotel Lobby Decorated for Christmas

Wintry Beauty and Holiday Charm on the Shores of Lake Michigan

With autumn’s annual tapestry of fall foliage winding down and brisk, beautiful wintry days arriving, the holiday season inches ever closer, a time of year when Saugatuck takes on a festive and joyful ambiance. Saugatuck events add to the seasonal cheer, offering residents and visitors a variety of activities to celebrate the winter months. Although some businesses and eateries focus on the summer season and shut their doors during the slower winter months, plenty stay open year-round, with stores less crowded and restaurant reservations easier to snag during the quieter stretch of winter.

Lady at Art Gallery

Michigan’s “Art Coast” – An Artistic Haven for Over a Century. Since the early 1900s, Saugatuck has attracted artists and art lovers alike, drawn by the gorgeous natural scenery along eastern Lake Michigan, welcoming culture, and thriving galleries.   With the founding of the Ox-Bow School of Art in 1910, Saugatuck became an esteemed destination for local artists and those from afar, sharing studio space on their sprawling 115-acre campus and exhibiting in town at various gallery spaces. Today, Ox-Bow still has a renowned artists’ residency program through its association with the Art Institute of Chicago, and the rows of Saugatuck art galleries have only grown more diverse and impressive over the decades.

Halloween Party

A Saugatuck Halloween Tradition and Parade Unlike Any Other

As autumn sets in, with the leaves putting on a vibrant show around town and a chill in the evening air blowing in off Lake Michigan, it’s a beautiful time of year to visit. The days are generally quieter and more relaxed after the always-busy summer season, but Saugatuck and Douglas come alive in fantastic fashion around Halloween.

None of the Halloween Saugatuck festivities are more legendary or over-the-top fun than the adults-only parade when a costumed celebration takes over downtown Douglas – spend the whole evening in Douglas getting dinner, having drinks, and joining in one of Saugatuck’s wildest, spookiest, and memorable events of the year.

Flight of Cider Samples

The scent of crisp air, the tapestry of orange, yellow, and red leaves, and the taste of freshly pressed apple cider must be Autumn in Michigan. Michigan Cider is an experience you won’t soon forget.  Join us this fall at our Michigan bed and breakfast and visit some of the best cider mills in Michigan. 

A Rich History of Cider Making at Michigan Cider Mills

Michigan ranks third in the nation for apple production. The soil and weather make it the perfect location for growing apples. More than 775 apple orchards, with a variety of apples, are dotted throughout the state and are all family-run farms, with some being in cider production for generations. Many of the apples you see a...

Farm to Table

Saugatuck Restaurants – Where Farm-Fresh and Locally-Sourced Ingredients Shine

Saugatuck is bordered by natural beauty on all sides – to the west lies the expansive waters of Lake Michigan, while to the north, south, and east, you’ll find scenic countryside and a bevy of family-owned farms. With plentiful moisture, moderate temperatures during the growing season, and supportive soil, southwestern Michigan has long been a hotspot for growing everything from heirloom vegetables and delicious wine grapes to a wide assortment of fruits like cherries, apples, and berries.

Romantic Fall Getaway

Nestled alongside the scenic Kalamazoo River, the picturesque town of Saugatuck is a haven of charm and romance and is one of the most romantic places in Michigan. While this gem on Michigan’s west coast is a sought-after summer destination, it's during the gentle embrace of fall that Saugatuck truly shines. When the summer crowds disperse, and autumn hues paint the landscape, Saugatuck transforms into the perfect backdrop for your Lake Michigan romantic escape.

Renowned as one of the top romantic getaways, Saugatuck, Michigan, is an enchanting destination that captures the hearts of couples from all over.

Kalamazoo River Boating

From Paddling to Wildlife Watching: Top 5 Summertime Activities on the Kalamazoo River

Indiana Dunes State Park

Lake Michigan – Home to Preserved Nature, Outdoor Adventure, and the Midwest’s Best Beaches

With its 2,000 acres of nature preserves, pristine beaches, and miles of trails throughout sloping dunes and dense forests, there is no better place to experience the beauty of the Lake Michigan shoreline than Indiana Dunes State Park

Recreation abounds, as there are three miles of beaches within the park’s boundaries, perfect for planning a relaxing day on the sand and in the water during the hot summer months; meanwhile, spring, fall, and winter offer great opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. And birding enthus...

Saugatuck Chain Ferry

Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, the charming town of Saugatuck, Michigan, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich history. Among its many attractions, the Saugatuck Chain Ferry stands as a unique symbol of the town's heritage, offering our Saugatuck bed and breakfast guests an enchanting river crossing experience. 

The last remaining chain-driven ferry in the country, the DIANE, has been delighting passengers since 1838, gracefully gliding across the Kalamazoo River. Its operation is based on a simple yet effective mechanism, with three pulleys ensuring a smooth journey along the river. Inside the ferry,...

People Celerating Pride Festival

The neighboring coastal towns of Saugatuck and Douglas along the shores of Lake Michigan are well-known as LGBTQ-affirming vacation destinations. Our vibrant art scene, charming downtowns and beautiful beaches all complemented by a welcoming atmosphere draw travelers looking for a safe, inclusive place for fun and relaxation. Each June, that inclusive spirit is celebrated in communities all over West Michigan, including Saugatuck and Douglas, during Pride Month with parades, festivals, drag shows, music and more.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts

You don't have to travel to New York City to see outstanding Broadway shows with high-caliber actors, music, sets and costumes. Every summer, performers from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and other major cities audition to be part of Mason Street Warehouse, West Michigan's only Equity theatre company. Audiences can see them take the stage at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts for provoking plays and hit musicals.