Things to Do
[Events, Fairs, and Festivals]
South Haven hosts many festivals throughout the year. Saugatuck/Douglas also has events on many weekends, year-round.
The National Blueberry Festival is the third weekend of August.
Holland's Tulip Time begins the season in May--we're just 30 minutes away!
[Fruit picking and Farm Activities]
Blue Star Bluff is perfectly located for u-pick outings all summer long. Our favorite place is Overhiser Orchards, which offers tree fruit of all kinds--u-pick and already picked.
Dutch Farm Market is within walking distance and in addition to locally grown fruits and vegetables, there's ice cream and pie waiting for you there.
Lakeshore Harvest Country, an agri-tourism trail, has an amazing array of farms with special activities throughout the year. Find all kind of fresh goodies at these area farms.
[Breweries and Wineries]
We have a long list for you here. Call or text Julie if you need focus. If you need a designated driver or bus and/or want to go on a social adventure, contact Untapped Sights & Tours.
In no order of importance:
www.BellsBeer.com
[Golf, Biking, & Hiking]
We recommend Hawkshead, a links course that is very close to Blue Star Bluff (proximity isn't the reason why we recommend it, though). There's also the Ravines (an Arnold Palmer course), Clearbrook (recently purchased by NFL player & local resident Kirk Cousins), and Beeches. Find a PGA course, Lake Michigan Hills, in Benton Harbor.
Biking: Kal-Haven Trail and Van Buren County Trail (with bike rental available in town from RockNRoad and others.)
Hiking: Wau-ke-na South Tract or North Tract, if you can find parking for the north tract. For those looking for a challenge, the vertical Mt Baldy in Saugatuck.
[Dining and Food options]
There are too many dining options to list, so here's a handful and what makes them special:
For a special night out, Hawkshead Restaurant very close by (pasta night is Wednesdays, $32, all you can eat); Everyday People Cafe in Douglas; Salt of the Earth in Fennville; Pennyroyal in Saugatuck; or Taste in South Haven.
For convenience, try The Glenn Store for pizzas on weekends (order ahead, you will have to pick it up) or sandwiches for the beach. Another favorite for pizza is The Mitten brewery in Saugatuck. The Lodge in South Haven has outdoor dining and a big menu with lots of options.
For breakfast or brunch, Six Chicks or Phoenix Street in SH, or Ida Red's or Pennyroyal in Saugatuck. Bon Appetit!
[Beaches and Boating]
Our recommended beaches are:
North Beach or South Beach in South Haven (pay to park--there are concessions on the beach also).
Oval Beach in Saugatuck (beautiful) or West Side County Park (convenient and free) are other great options.
For boating, you can rent boats in South Haven or Saugatuck. You can charter a fishing boat. For a memorable boat ride, book a ticket on Friends Good Will or the Lindy Lou through the South Haven Maritime Museum.
[Arts and Activities for all ages]
This is a very artsy area. In addition to festivals, fairs, and galleries, consider visiting:
Blue Coast Artist tours and galleries
Farmer's markets in South Haven (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and Saugatuck (Tuesdays and Fridays)
Events and exhibits at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts
[Special Outings]
The Michigan Theatre for very reasonably priced movies and popcorn
Friends Good Will splash pad near South Beach in South Haven, plus Kid's Corner play area
Halotherapy at the Salt & Soul Room
Lake Arvesta Farms Recreation Park