One of my favorite questions I get asked is, “I have never been to Saugatuck, what do we do??”

I tell ya, I could go on and on and on about the endless possibilities.. seriously.

Antiques? Dune rides? Shop till you drop? World class food?

The list goes on.

The cool thing about Saugatuck is it’s all your favorite big city things just wrapped up into a tiny little controlled gay chaos, and after living and working here for years, here is my two cents for a first timer.

Getting Here

Coming into town one of the first things you will notice is well, it might be hard to find a place to park. If you’re lucky the high school kids are raising money at the small city’s only public lot. However, there is another spot often overlooked. The Saugatuck High School. Park there, just East of downtown and up the big hill and you can walk or grab the local city bus to downtown.

I vote walk. Saugatuck is much more rewarding on a slow stroll.

If you’re hungry, walk down to Phils for a healthy portion of pasta but expect a wait, and know it is worth it. Just want a cocktail well then every newbie MUST visit the Sandbar. But if you want both and an honest surprise, walk just North of downtown and get a table at the Southerner.

You. Will. Not. Regret. This.

Now You’re Fed, What’s Next?

This is prime time. It’s time to shop. Saugatuck boasts some of the most eclectic items to take home from shoes you didn’t need to a new fridge magnet with a little ghost on it. (I know I know, I have two)

Start at It Is What It Is on the North end of Butler ST. It’s fun, whimsy, even has a little Salem vibe going on. From there jump back and forth through the street to anything that catches your eye until you hit Landshark, an iconic little clothing shop full of local brands.

You’ll probably want dessert so head over to Charlies Round the Corner on Mason ST. You’ll find not only your favorite ice cream but maybe even spot Beth Dutton, we hear she really likes it there.

Some other personal favorites are Kindle, a men’s shop full of new and vintage inspired designs. The Little PP (chuckles) for some random things you never knew existed. The Butler Pantry because we all need some spice in life. Or Tucks to get some off season holiday cheer.

There is so much to see, offer, buy, and do. This list is endless. So when your wallet starts to cry, I suggest something rather simple. Go to the board walk, pick a bench, and just sit. Watch the people go by. Watch the boats heading out to Lake Michigan. Just breathe a little.

It’s Getting Late..

If you’re staying with us, we’d say get back to Camp and prepare for the Crawl, or the next show, or whatever is going on. If you aren’t that’s OK, maybe it’s time to just curl in for the night.

If you aren’t ready to end it, many local bars become rather lively after dark. If you want the true local experience, we always suggest Sand Bar Saloon, Wicks Park, and if you are up for a long walk, the Cove in Douglas. None will disappoint and all offer a glimpse into what it is like to be a local in Saugatuck.

Many people have asked how much time they need to really take in Saugatuck and well, I can’t answer that. You will never see it all in a weekend. Not to mention Douglas, Fennville, Holland, South Haven. There is just too much to experience.

Just remember there is always next time, and Campit will leave the light on for ya.