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The Hotel Saugatuck Blog

Ox-tober at the Ox-Bow School of Art

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 straightened to empty directly into Lake Michigan, traffic was diverted and the inn faced an uncertain future.

Hungry Village Tours in Saugatuck, MI

Hungry Village Tours is a great way to get that authentic, behind-the-scenes glimpse into what makes Saugatuck “tick,” so to speak. Local culture, food, wine, and customs will all have some of their secrets revealed. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling like a local. Hungry Village Tours offers two options: walking or riding.

Saugatuck Boat Cruises

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’s time to hit the Kalamazoo.

Visit Saugatuck's World-Famous Oval Beach

The summer is here in Saugatuck! As one of the best beaches on the planet (according to National Geographic and MTV), Saugatuck’s Oval Beach offers visitors and residents alike clean sandy shores and all the outdoor summer fun you could ask for. Walk along the shoreline hand-in-hand or make a splash in the Caribbean blue water; chow down on concessions or clock in on tanning time. There’s plenty to do here at the crown jewel of Saugatuck’s summertime repertoire.

Gift Shopping at the Holland Bowl Mill

What started in the 1920s as a wooden shoe manufacturer has since turned into one of the few remaining locations that still turn 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. 

Cruise Saugatuck's Waterways on a Restored Retro Boat

If you haven’t been to Saugatuck before, then you may not know that there is always more to explore. There are dozens of ways to see and experience Saugatuck and Douglas. With warmer weather finally settled in for good (doesn’t it feel good!) try getting to know our special towns from the water with Retro Boat Rentals.

Nature Contained Workshop at Saugatuck Center for the Arts

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 Center for the Arts.

Craft Beer and Breweries Tour in the Saugatuck, MI Area

Plan your next getaway to Michigan’s Art Coast with a stay at The Hotel Saugatuck, just minutes away from dozens of craft brewhouses, wineries, distilleries, and cider houses. With thousands of breweries popping up all around the country in recent years, craft beer is here to stay (we all knew wine wasn’t going anywhere!). Discover the full flavors of Saugatuck’s craft beverages, brewed using local ingredients, as you learn the subtleties of flavor. Maybe one day you’ll become a brewmaster yourself!

Get A Taste of Saugatuck's Restaurants

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 to truly taste as much of town as you can, or finally, emerge from your romantic solitude at The Hotel Saugatuck for a special evening out at one of Saugatuck’s many waterfront restaurants.

Visit Michigan's Allegan Antique Market

Michigan’s largest and finest collection of antiques can be found at the Allegan Antique Market. With over 400 dealers in every field of antiques and collectibles, you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your interests or needs, whether it’s a vintage jewelry gift for someone back home or that new piece of furniture or home décor that will liven up your space with a touch of vintage. From glass, pottery, and rare china to refurbished, industrial bar stools and furniture, Allegan Antiques has every kind of item imaginable.

Explore the Great Outdoors in Saugatuck this Spring

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 things you need to celebrate spring the Saugatuck way.

Take a Historic Walking Tour in Holland, MI

There’s a lot to see in Holland and the surrounding area, just a few minutes north of Saugatuck.

Browse Art and Sip Wine at J. Petter Galleries in Douglas, MI

One of Saugatuck’s most interesting destinations is 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 artists, the bright blue building is the centerpiece of creativity for Saugatuck and Douglas.