We will be taking the kids to Saugatuck for a weekend. Any suggestions regarding places to see, things to do?

Mardie:

First, go to www.saugatuck.com and check out the calendar of events section. They are very good about updating what's going on for any given month.

Instead of the 'Star of Saugatuck' paddle wheel tour, try the Duck Tour of the harbor/Lake Kalamazoo area. The guy that runs it is a native Saugatuckian and has a really great sense of humor. Your kids would probably appreciate this more than the more sedate paddle wheel tour.

Best place to bring the kids for lunch? Definitely Phil's, which is right downtown on Butler (it has the theatre marque), or Wally's, which is on Hoffman Street, right off of Butler (they are kind of a Key West style bar with great outdoor seating and they serve real Lake Michigan perch that is fantastic). Also, Crane's Pie Pantry in Fennville on M-89 is great and you can pick up a homemade pie or some preserves to bring home.

Take the chain ferry across the river to Mt. Baldhead and climb the stairs to the top. Great view from the top.

Depending on how old the kids are, you can rent bikes downtown at Big Lake Outfitters (on Water Street). You can also look up scenic bike routes on the Saugatuck website.

Express Yourself Art Barn is fun and is located at 6459 130th St in Fennville. This is not your typical 'paint a pot' place...kids can actually use clay on a potter's wheel to make their own pot, make jewelry, create mosaics, etc...

Horseback riding/trails at Lakeshore Equestion Center 6673 126th Ave., also in Fennville.

Old Allegan Canoe Rental is great too...on Old Allegan Road in Saugatuck Township.

Lakeshore Lanes (bowling) on Center Street in Douglas is under new ownership, beautifully remodeled, smoke-free, best thin crust pizza in town.

Ride through the dunes along Lake Michigan on the Saugatuck Dune Rides, about a mile down Blue Star Hwy, north of town.

Only about a year old, The Children's Museum of Fennville 202 E. Main (M-89) St.

The weather is going to be warm, but the water temperatures are going to be very icy. Still, going to Oval Beach is a must. The more family-friendly area is the southern end, closer to and beyond the Consessions Stand (which is run by our neighbor up there and is not typical consessions food...in true Saugatuck style, it has a more unique flair, so you can actually have a pretty decent lunch here).

Rainy day and looking to just go see a movie? Holland has a multi-plex and is only 12 miles north. An even bigger selection of movies can be found a little further north in Wyoming, south of Grand Rapids (about a 40 minute drive).

HAVE FUN up there! Report back when you return to Glen Ellyn!

wow, I was just on this site the same day you posted.

I want to take my teen for a one or two nighter, nothing fancy but close to everything would be a plus....any ideas?

Buggy, I would suggest:

Ship 'N Shore Motel, 528 Water St., Saugatuck, 269-857-2194

Right on Water Street. Only motel in the downtown area. Has a great reputation, great owners, etc...

Buggy, that's where we stayed and it was great.

Thank you very much for all of the suggestions GlenEllynRing! We had a wonderful time. We did a number of things on your list. Went to the beach which was beautiful on a very sunny, warm day. We ate at Phil's and Wally's. We enjoyed both...the atmosphere and the food.

We were able to do the horseback riding and Crane's, both of which were great.

It was such a nice, relaxing weekend. I really appreciate all of your advice. Given that it was an impulsive trip, it ended up being wonderful family time, which we don't get much these days.

Buggy, it would be a great trip with your teen. Both of my kids enjoyed it and we did a lot of the things GlenEllynRing suggested.

Glad it all worked out Mardie! We were up there too...drove up late Friday after work and left late Saturday, but was well worth it! A perfect weekend to be in Saugatuck! We went to the S&C movie with a bunch of neighbors...the Holland 7 theater was only $6.50! Gotta love that...

thanks GER, I looked very knowledgeable in front of my kids!
The ship and Shore motel was perfect for our needs. The place looks old but kept up rather nicely.

The Dunes Ride was a hoot...enjoyed by all. Very fun, a buggy must for anyone who asks.

Buggy, glad you enjoyed! I haven't done that dune ride in ages...maybe time to try it again!

Saugatuck c.1953 That's me at the Oval.

HUBBA HUBBA!!!!

Deborah Kerr on the same beach....in 1953.

I was cuter!

She was a tramp...

Mrs. A...great picture!

Oh, and I think the log is still there.

They had color photos back then?

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:


She was a tramp...

Looks like two guys.

Mrs A, you were the cutest!That is adorable!
I have a few adorable shots of my kiddies however, they would die if posted here.

The wife and Kids and I had a great Saturday in Saugatuck. The dune ride was awesome! Not a comment on lifestyle, but I did see far too many speedos for my taste. Great dinner and wine at River Dog in Douglas.

The dune ride was well, well, well worth the price of admission. Is the River Dog you speak of actually the Wild Dog? Went there twice and it was 3 times better than any restaurant in Glen Ellyn...which is really sad if you think about it.

This here place....