The village of Saugatuck, on Lake Michigan in southwestern Michigan has long been a getaway destination for those in the Chicago and Grand Rapids areas. It offers something for just about every interest.

Whether you’re attracted by the laid back atmosphere, intrigued by the numerous art galleries, itching for a taste of live music and theater, drawn by the interesting shops or want to graze your way through the eclectic mix of dining opportunities, Saugatuck will fulfill your vacation fantasies. However, the essence of the area is water and no trip to Saugatuck is complete without at least one water adventure.

Here are a few to choose from:

Sailing on Lake Michigan can be thrilling or relaxing-or both if the weather changes while you’re out there. Quietly skim over the waves, sunbath on the deck and take a turn at the helm during a day on the Lake.

If you have a large group or are hosting an event, like a corporate retreat or bachelor party, think about chartering a luxury motor yacht and taking your celebration onto the water. You’ll enjoy elegant surroundings from a high perch on the flying bridge with all the comforts and then some.

If you’re looking for something a little more down to earth, try a fishing charter. Troll for Chinook and Coho Salmon or Brown, Lake or Steelhead Trout, depending upon the season. All put up a good fight and are delicious to eat, too!

For a fun family outing for all ages, take a sternwheeler paddleboat cruise on the Kalamazoo River. Daylight or sunset cruises are affordable for even the biggest family and offer restrooms, snackbars, adult beverages and informative live narration of the sights. These cruises are especially popular when the town is celebrating with fireworks on the 4th of July, New Years Eve and during the Venetian Festival, which is held annually on the last Saturday in July.

Take a step back in time on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry, the last of it’s kind on the Great Lakes. The price is right at $1 a ride and it will take you, your children, pets and bike back and forth from downtown Saugatuck across the Kalamazoo River to Mt Baldhead Park. Picnic anyone?

For a unique experience that will absolutely thrill the kids, board a WW II amphibious vehicle for tour of the harbor. The Saugatuck Duck also serves as a water taxi and will get you around town for shopping and dining.

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I have dreams of peddling leisurely through endless fields of blooming tulips. Windmills dot the horizon and water is always close by. Yes, I could go to Holland to satisfy this vacation fantasy or I could get a really authentic taste of tulip time in Holland, Michigan.

The settlement was established by a group of Dutch families in 1847 and hundreds followed them soon afterwards. Every fiber of Holland Michigan is steeped in Dutch heritage, so this is the real deal and not a marketing gimmick to bring in tourists.

Downtown Holland has an historic, yet vibrant feel, with street performers, art galleries, interesting shopping, plenty of great restaurants and frequent festivals. Without a doubt, the most celebrated annual event is Tulip Time Festival!

This year’s Festival is May 3-10, 2008 when millions (yes, millions!) of tulips will decorate the entire town and it’s surroundings. There will also be a Dutch Market, Bier Fest, Klompen dancers, Tulipalooza (free outdoor concerts every evening), an enormous Dutch breakfast buffet and many more ways to immerse yourself in all things Dutch.

The town’s lodging fills up fast during this very special event, so consider staying in nearby Douglas or Saugatuck, Michigan, instead.

The town’s motto is Visit Holland. You Don’t Need a Passport. So if you can’t make it to Amsterdam this year, give Holland, Michigan a try, especially during the Tulip Festival.

For more on this area: Michigan Getaway Weekends-Saugatuck

The motto for Frankfort, Michigan is Always in Season. Once you take a look around at all the fun things there are to do every season of the year, you’ll agree.

It all starts with the lake, the big lake, Lake Michigan. If you enjoy the water, you won’t need any other excuse to enjoy Benzie County on the West Shore of the state. In addition to Lake Michigan, you also get bonus bodies of water that come along with the area - Betsie Lake, Betsie River, Crystal Lake, Manistee River, Platte River and more.

With this much water, you can imagine all the possibilities for fishing and boating of all kinds and the miles and miles of shoreline provide some of the best beaches you can imagine - seriously. Shores of golden sand, hulking dunes and clear blue waters will beckon you with their siren song even in the windy days of winter. Don’t miss the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in nearby Empire, MI.

Golf is an outstandingly scenic 3 season activity around Frankfort as are hiking and biking. In the winter, try snowmobiling, cross county skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing or snowtubing to get some fresh air and exercise. Much to my surprise, downhill skiing is big in this part of Michigan and there are numerous ski hills nearby. The closest, Crystal Mountain, is less than 20 miles from Frankfort and about half of their runs are open for that peculiar Midwestern past time, night skiing.

If you prefer indoor activities, there are unique shops and eateries to please every style and taste. Frankfort and the surrounding towns have a full schedule of festivals and fairs, as well, with an emphasis on the arts and family fun.

For an upscale visit, choose a fully-equipped Harborview condo overlooking Betsie Bay for your Frankfort Michigan getaway. If camping is more your style, try the Betsie River Camp, which has large, grassy campsites right on the trail system and the river. They also offer minimalist camper cabins with bunks and covered porches at a very reasonable price.

If you’re looking for a relaxed getaway vacation in Saugatuck that you can enjoy with a group of friends or family, then plan a visit to Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast for one of their incredible Gourmet Dinners.

Through April, 2007, Keith and Susan Charak will wine and dine you at their Victorian mansion in the woods along the shore of Lake Michigan. Book the entire inn for 2 nights or more and they’ll have a feast catered for you and your companions.

Some of the best chefs of Saugatuck and Douglas have agreed to come cook for you and these epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room. You pick the date and and we’ll pick the chef.

Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, guests provide their own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. So, bring your appetite and your friends and whatever you need to wet your whistle. Then sit down, and an unforgettable dinner is served.

To book your gourmet dinner, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246. See some of our past gourmet dinner menus .

Another interesting area offering - and excuse to getaway to Saugatuck - is the Hope College Visiting Writer’s Series. The free readings are open to the public and usually held at the Knickerbocker theater in downtown Holland. Upcoming writers include Percival Everett, Anele Rubin, Mary Ann Samyn and Joan Silber.

By Cassie Davis

If you need a true break and are looking for a getaway that is both serene and interesting, Saugatuck, Michigan is definitely the ideal destination. With the water lapping at your feet and a perfect balance of man-made and natural beauty, this town definitely offers all that you could ask for. Located on the bank of Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck is a perfect location to unwind and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Activities at Saugatuck
While the option of having a lazy holiday is always open, Saugatuck also offers a lot of different activities that can keep you busy through your vacation. If you are a water lover, you could consider sailing boats, yachts, pontoon boats or opt for a peaceful boat ride. If you want an adrenaline rush, you may want to look into the racing boats. Of course, Saugatuck is one of the world’s best destinations for perch fishing, so fishing enthusiasts alike should have no problem keeping themselves busy.

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