On the Western Lakeshore of Michigan (only a tankful of gas away from the major metropolitan areas of Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit) is the beautiful town of Saugatuck. As you exit from the rush of the freeway into this lovely little vacation town, your heart rate slows and your spirits rise. As you leave your car you realize that you really are somewhere else, a place that you can explore and discover at your own pace and leave your car behind.
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| Saugatuck Streetscape |
Along Butler Street, you’ll find many quaint, owner operated shops, galleries, restaurants and artist studios. Friendly shop owners will be happy to share their knowledge of the area with you. You can rent bikes and scooters or bring your own. The boardwalk along the Kalamazoo River beckons you. Walk along the waterfront and see the many beautiful boats docked there. Take a ride on the Star of Saugatuck, a genuine paddlewheel boat that travels down the river and out the channel into “Big Blue”, Lake Michigan. If you prefer, you can charter a fishing boat with a qualified crew and have an experience you won’t forget!
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| Saugatuck’s Oval Beach |
In the immediate vicinity of Saugatuck you will find many artist studios and galleries, so many that this area is known as “The Art Coast of Michigan”. You can pick apples, peaches, and blueberries at local orchards, or visit the farm markets in the area for the freshest produce you can find anywhere!
Relax by the gazebo in Wick’s Park for an evening of live music! You can attend a concert or Broadway-caliber play/musical at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Watch classic movies at The Red Barn. There are several world-class golf courses in the area.
Spend the day at Saugatuck’s beautiful Oval Beach on Lake Michigan, walk along the breathtaking protected dunes, or just sit on the sand and watch the sunset! You can take the Interurban door-to-door for just a buck!
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| Serendipity Bed and Breakfast |
While visiting Saugatuck be sure to stay at Serendipity Bed and Breakfast, located downtown. They offer classic bed and breakfast rooms, one and two-bedroom suites, and a cozy cottage, all within walking distance of everything Saugatuck has to offer. Guests can enjoy a home-cooked delicious breakfast served in an elegant dining room or delivered right to the door of all suites and the cottage. Enjoy our beautiful flower gardens.
So using very little gas, visit Saugatuck. Get there and enjoy this vibrant town, while barely using your car at all.
This blog was contributed by David Langley and June Spriggs, who, in their copious spare time (ha), tend the gardens and paint things! For more One Tank vacations and gas savings specials anywhere in North America, check out our specials page.
