When looking for a Saugatuck bed and breakfast, the DeLano Mansion offers an alternative to the noise and hustle and bustle that is Saugatuck.

Located just 20 minutes from the DeLano Mansion, Saugatuck is THE place for art and the arts. Along the banks of the Kalamazoo River, in a setting reminiscent of a New England resort town, Saugatuck has been the summer home of Oxbow Art Studios since the late 1800’s. Today, artists from around the country, as well as local artists, have set up shop in and around the Saugatuck/Douglas area. Spending a day might not be enough, so plan a Saugatuck, Michigan vacation to take in all the shops and galleries that are along the tree-lined streets. Artists offer everything from handmade jewelry, oil paintings, ceramics, porcelain, and metals to small and large-scale yard and interior decor.

For a slower pace, the Star of Saugatuck boat cruises run all summer long, from downtown, down the Kalamazoo River out to Lake Michigan. The sunset cruise is a must see for the romantic at heart.

During the summer months, both Oval Beach and the Saugatuck Dunes State Park beach are bustling with sun-seekers. For a quieter alternative, Douglas Beach is lesser known and just a short walk from the parking area to the beach. Summer art shows, parades, and festivals occur just about every weekend, including the Saugatuck Film Festival, which has been recognized as one of the top three film festivals in the world.

Shopping:

Art is not the only thing that Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. Some of the best shops for Michigan-made foods, such as the Wooden Spoon, are a MUST stop. Some of the best imported and local spices for both the discerning chef and the backyard BBQ’er can be found at The Saugatuck Spice Merchants. Stop into the Butler’s Pantry right next door for your kitchen pantry needs, food, wine, etc. WE shop there too!! For items ranging from clothing and fun party supplies to interior décor, from the eclectic to just plain fun, shops for all styles and tastes abound.

For nightlife, Saugatuck has a broad range of styles and tastes for everyone. In the summer months, outdoor live music can be taken in at any one of several venues, Coral Gables, Marro’s (after 9PM), and the White House to mention a few. Just south of Saugatuck/Douglas, the What Not Inn features local and national jazz musicians on weekends. The Fenn Valley Winery has a music series right at their vineyards in the afternoon.

The summer season is when Saugatuck and Douglas are at their best. From around mid-May through the end of September, it is a picture postcard of lakeside resort life. All the shops are open, the parks which dot the city are in full bloom and glory, and decorated with some examples of the artwork that the local artisans, and some not so local, have created.

Late fall and winter months, especially during the week, may be a little slow. Some shops remain open year round. The shops that are open offer a broad range, including galleries and dining opportunities.

Christmas time in Saugatuck and Douglas is almost magical; the twinkle of lights lining the streets and the sound of a horse-drawn carriage clopping down the street set the tone for a delightful stroll, day or evening.

Dining:

Saugatuck and Douglas offer a wide variety for dining, from elegant French country cuisine, contemporary and traditional Italian, and fine American cuisine to casual sidewalk cafes, everything can be found to suit your tastes. For Italian cuisine, Marro’s has been a perennial favorite for years. Everyday People Cafe is an art deco inspired building that features some of the best cooking in the area, and is one we recommend to our guests. For a more intimate setting, the Belvedere Restaurant is set in a historic mansion on the north outskirts of Saugatuck. The Belvedere features a sophisticated four-course menu at a set seating time. These are just a sampling of the many choices when it comes to dining in the Saugatuck and Douglas area.