Thanks to some great suggestions, my husband and I had a really fun time in the Saugatuck are this weekend.
Coming from Chicago, we were a bit early for check in time at the Pines Motorlodge so we stopped at Crane%26#39;s Orchards on the way in. This was Friday afternoon so it was extremely un-crowded (as compared to the crowds we saw when we drove by on Saturday). We walked among the trees and the weather was lovely.
Arriving at the Pines, we could tell that the places was meticulously clean and just a really nice place for the price ($99/night). It is wonderfully located just off the road leading into the main part of Douglas and a nice walking distance to Saugatuck, if you want the exercise. The bed was cushy and the amenities were retro/tiki/cuba. Every room has adirondak chairs out front, mini-fridge and microwave. There is a lovely little seating room where they serve a super basic breakfast in the morning (bagels, muffins, fruit, juice and coffee). The only down side was the thin walls, which can impact a light sleeper if the folks next door have loud nighttime exploits... if you know what I mean.
While in the area, we ate some really great food. Everyday People Cafe was consistently crowded and I didn%26#39;t make reservations so we went to the Wild Dog Grill in Douglas. All their food is fresh and delish. They make their salad dressings in house and they are phenomenal. I had a little blue cheese steak with fresh veggies and some kind of awesome potatoes. This is a great spot to head to for some tasty food and nice portions.
That night, we went to go bowling at Lakeview Lanes in Douglas. What a nice bowling alley! Nice bar and foods and the actual alley was actually really nice. I have never been to a stylish bowling alley before.
Saturday breakfast was spent at Pumpernickel%26#39;s in Saugatuck. Their cinnamon rolls are beyond amazing and their breakfasts are homey and yummy.
After breakfast, we took the trek to the top of Mt Baldhead (282 steps). It was way harder than I thought it would be and I am so sore today. However, it is a nice way to exercise and the view at the top is great.
After we drove around the countryside to look at the fall colors (maybe 10-20% to peak right now?) so we stopped at Rye in Fennville for lunch. Oh my goodness... their pizza is sooooo good. Perfect crust and really yummy ingredients. I had blue cheese and onion on mine. Highly recommended.
One little highlight for those not into crazy nightlife is a coffee house called Respite in Douglas. On Friday and Saturday nights there is music played a sung by the nice retired man who owns the shop along with a friend of his. They play old Johnny Cash songs and things along those lines. It is a nice slow paced place with great music and really friendly people. Plus, they had some awesome coffee called Blueberry Cinnamon Crumble. It was an incredible ';flavor of the day.';
We also spent some time walking around Saugatuck which is pretty touristy but a sweet tiny town all the same.
My husband and I will be back!
Douglas/Saugatuck Trip Report
Glad you had a good time. I was in Saugatuck and Douglas Friday night looking for dinner. Every place we went had a line, it was crazy busy for this time of year.
Douglas/Saugatuck Trip ReportDouglas was having ';Fall into Douglas'; on Friday so everything (shops, galleries, etc) was open late, which I assume brought more people than normal. Luckily, we were really hungry about a quarter after 5 and so arrived at the Wild Dog while there was plenty of room.
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