Oval Beach

Perfect Three Day Summer Getaway

There’s nothing like a Saugatuck summer, and we’ve assembled an exciting list of activities to help you make the most of it. Follow our proposed itinerary to get a taste of all Saugatuck has to offer—from fine dining, to outdoor experiences, to arts and culture, there’s no place we’d rather be. 

Getaway Day 1

Your stay at the Wickwood begins with a delicious New American breakfast prepared by Chef Rose Duong. Chef Rose’s summer breakfast menu makes use of local vegetables in dishes such as savory avocado toast and delicious lemon pancakes. The star of the show is the smoked salmon mezze, served with a soft-boiled egg, fresh veggies, and locally sourced bread.

After finishing a satisfying breakfast, enjoy a temperate stroll through downtown Saugatuck’s tree-lined streets to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located just steps from the Wickwood. The SCA’s summer exhibits are a real treat for art lovers, as are the multiple galleries in the surrounding Saugatuck area (we recommend visiting J. Petter Galleries and Water Street Gallery, located just a few blocks away). Following an afternoon of art appreciation, make sure to stop by the Southerner, a favorite Saugatuck dining spot serving the best traditional Southern cuisine in the area.  

Return to the Wickwood after lunch for a relaxing in-house deep-tissue massage, which we are happy to arrange for you at booking. After an hour of pure relaxation, slip into one of our luxurious La Bottega robes and get ready for a decadent night out at the Belvedere Inn & Restaurant, a favorite for fine dining boasting locally sourced ingredients, an extensive wine list, and charming, historic ambiance. 

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”

- John Lubbock

Getaway Day 2

Start the day with a scrumptious breakfast at Pumpernickel’s Eatery, a charming two-story café with delicious brunch bites and screened-in porch seating for those wanting to enjoy the fresh summer air.

Next, it’s time to embark on an unforgettable wine tasting experience at Fenn Valley Vineyards and Winery. Reserve a guided wine tasting and sample a variety of delicious local wines, or, for those with an interest in the production of craft wine, embark on a wine tasting tour throughout the scenic vineyards and wine cellar. Can’t make it out to the winery? Fenn Valley has a tasting room right in downtown Saugatuck you can visit instead. Finish up the afternoon with lunch at The Butler, a delightful waterfront restaurant serving classic American fare.

A summer visit to Saugatuck wouldn’t be complete without a sunset cruise. Take your seat on the Star of Saugatuck, a historic paddlewheel riverboat, and finish your memorable day with picturesque views of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan, a glass of wine in hand.

Getaway Day 3

After a hearty breakfast at the Wickwood, set out for a visit to the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency. Once there, explore the campus hosting multiple art studios and view the work of emerging artists-in-residency.

Afterwards, we recommend a stop at The Mermaid Bar & Grill, a beachfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and stunning lake views, before heading over to Oval Beach for an unforgettable day of fun and sun. Take a leisurely walk along the sand, bask in the warm Michigan sun, or if you’re feeling adventurous, book a sailing excursion with SeaSun Sailing. This one-of-a-kind sailing experience begins with a cruise down the Kalamazoo River and gives way to a two-hour sail on sparkling Lake Michigan before anchoring for an afternoon of beachcombing. However you choose to enjoy our scenic beaches, you’re in for a sun-and-sand experience you’ll never forget.

Conclude your memorable stay with an exploration of the local food scene through a progressive dinner experience. Start the night with small plates at Wicks Cottage before strolling over to Penny Royals for the main course. And don’t stop there—we recommend a visit to The Butler for a sumptuous dessert to finish the night with style.

Reserve Your Summer Getaway!

Let us help you book a three-day Saugatuck excursion to remember! Book online or give us a call for trip recommendations, booking, and more.