Fall in Michigan: 5 Perfect Pairings for Your Saugatuck Getaway

Fall is one of the best times to explore Saugatuck. The orchards are full of apples, local wineries are pouring fall favorites, and the trees around town start changing color. There are plenty of things to do in Saugatuck this time of year, whether you want to spend the day outside or find somewhere cozy to duck into when it starts to get chilly.

Instead of trying to fit everything into one weekend, pick one or two of these pairings and make a day of them.

Seasonal Coffee + Shopping Downtown

One of our favorite ways to start a fall morning in Saugatuck is with coffee at Uncommon Coffee Roasters. This is the time of year to look for favorites like a pumpkin spice or maple sage latte, along with one of their apple cinnamon pastries. Grab something warm, then take your time walking through downtown.

Butler Street is lined with shops and galleries, so it's easy to spend an hour or two browsing. When you get down to the Kalamazoo River, stop at Wicks Park and enjoy the view before wandering back through town. The changing leaves around the river make the walk especially pretty in the fall.

Cider, Apples + A Picnic at Crane Orchards

When apple season arrives, we always recommend making the drive to Crane Orchards in Fennville. You can pick your own apples when U-pick is open, take a hayride through the orchard, or get lost in the corn maze. Afterward, stop by the Pie Pantry for cider, fresh donuts, and homemade pies. There’s also a restaurant on the property if you're ready for a more substantial lunch.

And you don't have to pack everything back into the car right away. Crane's has picnic tables where you can sit down with your haul from the orchard. If you're visiting during the fall season, check to see whether the corn maze and other seasonal activities are running, too.

Winery + Dinner in Fennville

Spend an afternoon in wine country with a visit to Fenn Valley Vineyards. The family-owned winery has been part of the Fennville area for decades, and fall, especially during harvest season, is a particularly nice time to be surrounded by the vineyards. Stop in for a tasting, browse the wines to take home, and enjoy the scenery before heading into town.

After your tour or tasting, continue into downtown Fennville for dinner at Salt of the Earth. Known for their seasonal, from-scratch cooking and locally sourced ingredients, it's a natural follow-up to an afternoon spent exploring the area’s farms and vineyards.

Antiques + Craft Beer

If you enjoy thrifting, head to Saugatuck Antique Pavilion. More than 100 dealers fill the building with vintage furniture, artwork, collectibles, clothing, and home décor, so there's plenty to look through even if you don't have anything specific in mind.

When you're ready for a break, walk next door to Saugatuck Brewing Company for a beer and lunch or an early dinner. You can even show your same-day Antique Pavilion receipt for a discount on food at the brewery.

It’s one of our favorite ways to spend a rainy day without letting the forecast derail your plans.

Fall Colors Hike + Beach

If you want to get outside and see some fall color, there are a couple of good options depending on how much time you have.

For a shorter outing, head to Mount Baldhead and make the climb up the 302 stairs to the overlook. From the top, you'll have views across the Kalamazoo River, downtown Saugatuck, and the trees surrounding the area. If you still have some energy, continue your hike down the Mount Baldhead trail to Oval Beach and spend some time along the quiet Lake Michigan shoreline.

Have more time? Make the trip to Saugatuck Dunes State Park, about 10 minutes north of downtown. The trails wind through coastal woods and dunes before reaching Lake Michigan, and the fall color makes the hike even better. Plan on a few hours here, wear shoes you don't mind getting sandy, and bring water. You'll need a Michigan Recreation Passport or pay the nonresident vehicle fee to park.

Come Enjoy Fall in Saugatuck

One of the best things about fall in Saugatuck is that you can do a little bit of everything without feeling like you need to see it all. Start with coffee and a walk through town, spend an afternoon at an orchard or winery, or find a few vintage treasures before settling in with a local beer.

Then come back to The Hotel Saugatuck and enjoy the part of the day that doesn’t require an itinerary. Our adults-only boutique hotel is just a short walk from downtown, with private suites, in-room fireplaces, and hydrotherapy tubs waiting when you’re ready to call it a night.

Plan your fall getaway and come see why this is one of our favorite times of year in Saugatuck.