Saugatuck in the Winter! <a guide on where to shop, eat, drink and do>
When people think of Saugatuck or any neighboring Michigan town, they often think of dune beaches, ice cream, porch swings and lakes. And all of those things are 100% applicable, however, do not discount this quaint, Midwestern town in the cold months because you would be missing out.
Just a short 2.5 hour drive from Chicagoland, this peaceful slice of Americana is just as sweet and relaxing in the winter. And while it’s taken me over a year to gather up our favorites, <three vacations in total> I do want to share this Saugatuck guide because not only is this town our happy place BUT you would not believe how many people ask me for tips and recos on a regular basis.
Lucky for you all, I LOVE to share and connect people to their own version of happiness so here it goes! Now remember, this town stays open and every winter retreat we’ve taken, it’s been 46 or higher so we leave the car at home if at all possible. Grab an Airbnb as close to town as possible because that fresh air is solid gold, baby!
Eat:
Wick’s: Solid family dinner joint with live music on Saturday nights and the sweetest staff you’ll ever meet.
Farmhouse Pantry: Best sandwich in MI, hands down and they have gluten free bread. It’s a rustic grocer and lunch spot.
Phil’s: Probably the most popular bar and grill. Food is always solid with really unique specials. They do not take reservations and the wait is long but worth it.
New Holland Brewery: I do not love beer but my husband does. We stumbled in and were pleasantly surprised to find delicious cocktails and delicious food. Totally kid friendly, too.
Hop Cat: This is new and opened right next to the Holland movie theater so two birds, one stone. As you can imagine, beer is always on tap!
Scooter’s Pizza: We’ve never ordered pizza until this past trip and this NY style za did not disappoint.
Charlie’s Ice Cream: Iconic. I prefer this over Kilwin’s plus they have an adorable patio.
Wally’s Bar and Grill: Seriously the oldest and smallest original pub in Saugatuck. Don’t forget to look up. I won’t ruin the surprise.
Pumperknickel: This is a new establishment and it brings a fresh menu to a corner lease with craft cocktails and delicious food.
The Southerner: No reservations here <notice the trend> but gosh, their hot chicken is outstanding. It sits on the water with a bustling inside, super rad, vintage bar and the best biscuits east of Chicago!
Coast 326 Restaurant & Bar: Brand new, coastal chic restaurant with a full mediterranean menu which is a nice break from American cuisine.
Kilwin’s: My girls are die hard Kilwin’s fans. I’ve never seen an empty store. Their ice cream is truly delicious.
Shop:
Brass Anchor: This is my favorite store in Saugatuck. Hands down. Voluspa candles, dainty jewelry, cute fleeces and adorable knit outerwear. The owner’s dog is a daily welcome wagon.
Toy store in Saugatuck: The last of the great toy stores. When’s the last time you visited a family toy store? Their toys are unique and bought in small batches. No LOL’s here. Just really plush stuffies, baby gifts and brain busters.
Francesca’s in Holland: Every trip I take the girls here to pick out a new pair of earrings in the sale section. It’s a silly tradition but a tradition at best. While this store has a zillion locations, you cannot beat their costume jewelry and knick knacks. Holland, in general, is a great shop and stroll town because it sits on a college campus.
Saugatuck Antique Pavilion: You will always find a gem. Really well curated.
Landsharks: This is Jack’s favorite store. Sporty outwear and tees for the outdoor guy.
Glik’s: Similar to Landsharks, this store caters to men and women and has quality outdoor apparel and shoes for the go-getter.
Tip Toe’s in Holland: Such a cute kid’s store! Gifts, stuffed animals, apparel and a built in tree house so the kids can play while you shop!
Drink:
The 205 Coffee Bar: One of the best lavender lattes I’ve ever had and they have a really cool mural to snap pics in front of.
Uncommon Ground in Saugatuck: Always walking distance from our house, I heart this place so much. It’s delicious and homey and artisan. Truly, this place sparks so much joy for me. Get the London Smog with oat milk.
Tree of Life Juice: The one and only juice/smoothie joint in Saug. Their charcoal detox is my favorite cold pressed juice and I get the girls the kids’ sized Pink Panther. It’s our healthy spot!
Stay:
The Airbnb’s are fantastic. Our favorite is the Maple House. I can’t say enough about the owners or the amenities and how well appointed it is. If you book, use my code and book in advance! It’s a popular Airbnb but the owners have seven other properties as well.
Do:
Bowling @ Alley’s: It’s got classic diner vibes and we love it. There’s about five lanes and the decor is so retro but it’s clean, well kept with a friendly staff and good food and drink. Another tradition and they do have bumper bowling for kids.
Movies @ Holland Movie Theater: Another brand new spot right on the Holland strip. I forget the exact cinema name but it looks like a throwback theater sign and is right next to Hop Cat for an after movie dinner + drink.
Take a walk EVERYWHERE! I mean it. We walk in the winter and layer up. Fresh air is good for ya!
Work out at the Pilates Hive: This is right next to Farmhouse Pantry and the only fitness spot in town if you are needing to burn some holiday calories off!
Shop in Downtown Douglas: This town is right next to Saugatuck. Admittedly I haven’t spent a lot of time here but it is so super cute. Art galleries, cafes, home decor boutiques. Simply adorable. It’s very seasonsal so be sure to call in advance as a lot of Douglas shuts down until April.
We could not love Saugatuck more my friends. The pace is just perfect and so family-centric. I cannot recommend it enough. Next time I will have to expand this list and add South Haven because we are just beginning to explore this beach resort town. Enjoy and let me know if you make the trek!
If you think this is a group that is okay disconnecting from devices; you'd be sorely mistaken. We were, indeed, those annoying chicks across the street snapping pictures...constantly. Ahhhh hey, you only live once. Speaking of - catch my Day 1 and Day 2 recaps!