August 2001
Getaways -
Want to get out of town for a couple of days? Well, I've got a place for you.
Saugatuck, Michigan is just 150 north east of Chicago (2.5 hour drive), or 80
miles if you want to take your boat across Lake Michigan - a great option if
you've got it.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck rivals Carmel, California or anything in the Hamptons on the cute
scale: its tree-lined streets are packed with art galleries, clothing stores and
restaurants, all with adorable little "open" flags hanging by their
front doors. Whether you're shopping for clothing, accessories, housewares, fine
wines, or gifts you'll find
something that will make you get out your wallet. There's not a big singles'
scene in Saugatuck, so definitely
bring your honey on this trip.
As for great beaches, Oval beach is it, rated by Condé Naste as one of the top
25 beach in the world. The best part is a private beach just to the north of the
public beach. The five-dollar admission fee is well worth it - the beach is
about a mile long and a mile wide, with beautiful sand dunes and plenty of tall
grass to get lost in. Just over the first big sand dune from the beach is a huge
area where just about anything goes - really.
After you've had some fun at Oval beach, try some of Saugatuck's other
attractions, including golfing, fishing, canoeing, wineries, Jeep rides in the
dunes and blueberry picking in the late summer.
Try to stay in the town of Saugatuck itself. There are plenty of hotels, bed
and breakfasts, and cottages. Some of the best are The Maplewood Hotel,
Saugatuck's Victorian Inn and The Landings. As for cuisine, don't expect the
best in the world. But
while Saugatuck's restaurants may not be gourmet, they make up for it in
atmosphere. The Mermaid
has a nice outdoor area next to the boat slips. Coral Gables, Marro's
and The Butler by the Yacht Club overlook Kalamazoo Lake, and on the weekend the
gazebo bar is
open and rocking.
The best time to go is June to September. Getting there is half
the fun, so if you have the time, take the highway to New Buffalo, Michigan,
then take the Blue Star Highway (12) North. This is the
more scenic route, with great antique stores and little towns that you miss
if you take the highway. If you want to beat the crowds and save a
bunch of money on your room, go during the week.
Directions from Chicago: Take 90/94 east toward Detroit. After St. Joseph, take
196 North toward Holland, and take Saugatuck exit 36. For great information
about the town, visit www.saugatuck.com.
