Saugatuck

We left Muskegon on September 10th, a beautiful, flat day on Lake Michigan.

The winds were light as we passed giant sand dunes on shore.

 

We traveled 44 miles and approached the Saugatuck Lighthouse.

 

 

Entering the Kalamazoo River we are flanked by high sand dunes covered with trees.

 

 

Originally a lumber town and port, Saugatuck, along with the adjacent city of Douglas became a noted art colony and tourist destination in the arts and crafts movement of the late 19th century.

 

 

 In the early 20th century, Saugatuck was home to the famous Big Pavilion, a large dance hall that attracted bands and visitors from across the Midwest. The building was a popular destination on Lake Michigan from its construction in 1909 until it burned down on May 6, 1960.

 

 

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat ride by hopping aboard North America's only hand-cranked chain ferry for a trip across the river between Saugatuck and Douglas. Sorry folks, it closed after Labor Day.

 

 

We pull into the last open space at the Coral Gables Marina and Restaurant, a 100 year old aging icon of the glory days and quite expensive.

 

 

Coral Gables overlooks Saugatuck Harbor and features a deck, multilevel verandas, several lively bars, entertainment, a dance club and live comedy at their prime waterfront location. Squirrels abound on the expansive lawn and at night, country, blues, and jazz play for both locals and tourists. The restaurant serves on the patio and inside. This is the bar of choice for this town. 

 

It's always nice to have a little touch of home when you travel.

 

 

Strolling along a winding boardwalk offers another impression of the river, home port to some 900 yachts and sailboats. Anglers can charter boats to go after salmon, trout, pike, and perch.

 

 

The park like surroundings is reminiscent of vintage, small-town America, whose hallmarks are scenic beauty and a unique collection of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

 

 

1,000 individuals call Saugatuck their year-round home, the population of the town swells to nearly 3,000 in the summer. Saugatuck is a prime summer weekend getaway destination for residents of Chicago, Grand Rapids and Detroit areas and many guests are attracted to the many Bed and Breakfasts in the area. In 2010, Saugatuck came in fourth in Budget Travel Magazine's ten coolest towns in America.

 

 

Saugatuck offers a charming mix of 19th century architecture and 21st century merchandise. There are clothing, gift, antique and home accessory shops

galore.

 

 

Area businesses run the gamut, from interior design shops to Saugatuck's galleries and fashion boutiques.

 

 

We stopped into Pumpernickel's for breakfast, a local establishment with a cool vibe.

 

 

This is a great shop with it's own mascot that has to be the cutest sales help ever. He sits on the counter and licks every one's face.

 

 

The Butler Restaurant, a longtime favorite with locals, famous for it's big burgers and awesome shrimp Bloody Mary's, also offers great music outdoors in season and a wonderful view of the harbor.

 

 

Not a bad place to be tied up till the weather clears.

 

 

A view of Saugatuck.