Saugatuck, MI, is a quaint little town located on the west side of the state on Lake Michigan. This beach town is rich in relaxation and recreation; it’s the perfect place to visit during the summer with lots of things to do, an eclectic collection of shops, unique places to stay, and renowned restaurants for exceptional dining experiences.
Here are some of our favorite places to go during the summer in Saugatuck!
Spend a hot summer’s day on Oval Beach Ranked as one of the top 25 beaches in the world, Oval Beach is a hot spot during the summer months. Surrounded by tall sand dunes and bordering the Kalamazoo River, it’s the perfect spot to catch some rays (with your sunglasses on, of course). Plan to get there early when you go, as parking will fill up fast!
Take a sunset cruise on the Star of Saugatuck Cruise down the Kalamazoo River in the evening on the Star of Saugatuck for the perfect sunset view. This paddlewheel boat cruises throughout the day, but we love the sunset cruise for the views. Enjoy a glass of wine or cold beer while cruising this scenic waterway. If you are lucky, you might see a bald eagle, fox, or even a deer during the cruise! It is truly a fun excursion for all ages.
Indulge in a Butler Burger The Butler Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Saugatuck, is known for its famous Butler Burger. This ½ pound ground Angus sirloin burger is topped with grilled ham, American cheese, lettuce, and mayonnaise, which will make your mouth water just thinking about it! Of course, there is more to the menu than just the burger. Enjoy spectacular views of the Kalamazoo River with outdoor seating and live entertainment on the deck during the summer months. Have a boat? There are plenty of docks for you to tie up and dine in!
Stay at a Bed and Breakfast Inn There are numerous bed and breakfast spots in Saugatuck depending on your personal preferences. For a historic feel, the Belvedere Inn was built back in 1912 and has 10 European-style rooms. Your stay includes breakfast every day. If you are looking to stay right in downtown Saugatuck, try the BaySide Inn. This bed and breakfast was once a boathouse that has since been converted into an inn. All rooms include an outdoor deck or balcony with Kalamazoo River as your background.
Climb the Mt. Baldhead Dune Get your workout in by climbing 303 wooden steps up 250 feet for a fantastic view of the Kalamazoo River Valley as your reward! Once you get to the top, the observation deck offers a panoramic view of Lake Michigan. At the bottom of the dunes, you can enjoy your lunch in the picnic pavilion or go fishing across the street off the dock.
Ride the Dunes If you’re not up for climbing the dunes, why not go for an adventurous ride up and down on them with the Saugatuck Dune Rides? Learn about the lost town of Singapore while taking a rollercoaster-type ride up and down the dunes. You might even come across some wildlife on your ride!
Located on Lake Michigan’s shore, the quaint small town called Petoskey has always had our hearts. Learn from a local, our favorites spots in Petoskey.
Petoskey Breakwall: The Petoskey Breakwall is a must-see in Petoskey. A popular hang out for teens and families on sunny, calm water days. You can walk right out and take in the beautiful views of Lake Michigan and if you’re brave enough, take a jump into the water (at your own risk, of course).
Little Traverse Wheelway: This paved bike path runs from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs and is a whopping 26 miles long. Pack a backpack with some snacks and water, grab the bikes, and take a ride along Lake Michigan for a trip you’ll never forget.
Pennsylvania Park: Located in the center of Petoskey’s Downtown, this grassy park is great for a family picnic, a game of catch, or to visit with friends. The park has public restrooms, picnic tables, a gazebo, and several war memorials.
Magnus Park: Located on Lake Michigan, this campground is a hidden treasure within walking distance of Petoskey’s Downtown. The park has a sandy beach on Lake Michigan to swim or search for Petoskey Stones.
Ed White Field: Located on Lake Michigan, this softball field hosts many baseball and softball tournaments throughout the summer. It’s a fun place to grab some snacks from the concession stand and watch a ball game at.
Bayfront Park: At Bayfront Park, there’s a fishing pond, playground, marina, a history museum, and much more. All located on Lake Michigan, It’s a special place to enjoy the day!
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Our Favorite Spots in Charlevoix: Northern Michigan has so many cute little towns, unique shops, and great local restaurants. So it’s hard to choose our favorite spots in Charlevoix, but we’ll do our best!
Northern Michigan Fall Activites: It’s now September, the weather has cooled off, and that means you need some Northern Michigan Fall Activities to enjoy!
The Best Sights in Petoskey: Put on a pair of shades, because we are about to share with you, the best sights in Petoskey.
The leaves are quickly changing colors, the air is cool, and the days are shorter; it’s officially fall in Northern Michigan.
There are many things to do in Petoskey, Charlevoix, Traverse City, and the surrounding cities during the cooler fall months. Here are a few ideas that will keep you busy this season.
Pumpkin Patches/Farms:
Traverse City: Gallagher’s Farm Market and Bakery have plenty of pumpkins to pick from right in front of the old farmhouse. The bakery has all the yummy treats you’ll ever need and lots of in-season produce. Stop by for fall farm fun.
Petoskey: Bill’s Farms Market is located on East Mitchell St. in Petoskey. Bill’s offers hayrides, fresh cider, lots of apples, and a well-organized pumpkin patch that’s perfect for fall photos and picking out the perfect pumpkin.
Charlevoix: Friske Farm Market is located just south of Charlevoix and is one of our favorite farms in Northern Michigan. Friske’s has a U-Pick apple orchard, a small cafe, bakery, and gift shop inside. Outside you’ll find fall activities, a playground, tours, and events to partake in.
Fall Color Tours:
Traverse City: Take a drive out to Old Mission Peninsula for some beautiful fall colors along the lake. Make sure to bring a camera because you’ll want to capture Northern Michigan’s beautiful fall colors.
Petoskey: Michigan’s #1 scenic drive is just past Petoskey, from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. This 20+ mile drive is not one you will want to miss; the trees’ branches drape over the road, making a beautiful canopy or tunnel of trees to enjoy.
Charlevoix: Take a ride along Lake Michigan or Lake Charlevoix to see some beautiful fall colors along the water. Stop at some apple orchards and farms along the way and make a full day of it.
The Best Caramel Apple:
Traverse City: Kilwins is a staple in Northern Michigan so don’t be surprised when the answer in all 3 towns is Kilwins. Here are a few caramel apple options to try at all three locations.
Try a milk chocolate sea salt caramel apple in Traverse City, you won’t regret it.
Petoskey: In my opinion, you can’t beat the classic caramel apple, try this in Petoskey.
Charlevoix: Try a turtle caramel apple in Charlevoix and head down to the water to eat it.
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Northern Michigan Fall Activites: It’s now September, the weather has cooled off, and that means you need some Northern Michigan Fall Activities to enjoy!
Our Favorite Spots in Charlevoix: Northern Michigan has so many cute little towns, unique shops, and great local restaurants. So it’s hard to choose our favorite spots in Charlevoix, but we’ll do our best!
The Best Sights in Petoskey: Put on a pair of shades, because we are about to share with you, the best sights in Petoskey.
Northern Michigan has so many cute little towns, unique shops, and great local restaurants. So it’s hard to choose our favorite spots in Charlevoix, but we’ll do our best!
Charlevoix South Pier Light Station: A great view on the water or from the shore, the Charlevoix South Pier Light Station is located on Lake Michigan at the entrance to Lake Charlevoix. You can fish off the channel, watch the bridge go up, or catch a beautiful sunset; Charlevoix never disappoints.
Sunglass-Shoppe: The original Sunglass Shoppe was – and still is – located in Charlevoix. The Sunglass Shoppe offers a wide variety of lenses; they include the newest frames from Maui Jim Sun and Optical, Tom Davies bespoke, Lafont, Ovvo Optics, OGA, and the timeless designs from California based SALT Optics. Stop in and try on a pair for yourself.
The Taffy Barrel: With a 5 star rating, this candy shop is no secret. The gourmet salt water taffy is never-ending, and the bulk candy is not only fun to look at it, but just as fun to purchase and eat. You can buy as little or as much of each flavor as you’d like.
Beaver Island Ferry: Located on Bridge St. in Charlevoix, the Beaver Island Ferry will take you on a 2-hour boat trip over to Beaver Island. Take your friends, pets, and/or vehicles over for a day of hiking, biking, or some leisurely fun.
East Park: Located in the heart of Downtown Charlevoix, East Park is home to many shows and events at the Odmark Performance pavilion. A nice splash pad for the kids or those young at heart is on the north side and favorited by locals and tourists alike. You can watch the boats pull in and out of the marina or catch a beautiful sunrise over Lake Charlevoix.
Cherry Republic: If you want cherry candy, you got it. Cherry soda? It’s yours. Jams, Nuts, and Salsa? You get the point. Cherry Republic has all the cherries.
The Lake House: Stop by The Lake House in Charlevoix for unique gifts, home accessories, items for your cottage or boat, or something for your furry friend. It’s such a neat place to shop while you are in town.
Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant: Choose to sit inside or on the patio overlooking the channel in-between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. The service is always fantastic, and the food is even better. Try the fresh local planked whitefish, fish and chips, or the spicy cherry chipotle BBQ ribs.
What are your favorites in Charlevoix? Let us know!
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Northern Michigan Fall Activities: It’s now September, the weather has cooled off, and that means you need some Northern Michigan Fall Activities to enjoy!
Charlevoix in the Summer: If you want a great place to visit, visit Charlevoix in the summer. A little Northern Michigan town with lots to offer.
Activities in Traverse City in the Summer: Traverse City is one of Northern Michigan’s larger cities with a small-town vibe. Try out some of these fun activities in Traverse City in the Summer.
It’s now September, the weather has cooled off, and that means you need some Northern Michigan Fall Activities to enjoy!
Fall Color Tour: Grab your camera and hop in the car with your family or friends to check out Northern Michigan’s Fall colors. If you’re traveling north, check out the Tunnel of Trees; if you’re heading south, check out Old Mission Peninsula. Whatever one you pick, you’re sure to enjoy yourself.
Apple Orchards: Fall is the perfect time to visit an apple orchard; Friske’s is one of our favorites. You can walk through the orchards and pick your own apples; there are several different kinds to choose from. Make sure to grab enough apples to bake a pie or make some homemade applesauce.
Fishing: September and October are a great couple of months to stop by the mouth of the Bear River in Petoskey for some salmon fishing. Grab your poles, a net, and all your fishing gear for a fun day fishing.
Camping: Book a cabin on the lake and enjoy the beautiful fall colors, kayaking, and a night around the bonfire.
Hiking: Another way to enjoy the beautiful changing colors and the outdoors this fall is with a nice hike. Don’t forget a light coat or a hat; you may need it this time of year.
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The Best Sights in Petoskey: If you’re in Petoskey, there are lots of beautiful sites to see but if you’re crunched for time, here’s 4 you don’t want to miss.
9 Things to do Outdoors in Petoskey: Are you looking for ways to get outside and enjoy the outdoors? Here are nine things to do outdoors in Petoskey.
Charlevoix in the Summer: Charlevoix, Michigan is a beautiful town in Northern Michigan located on Lake Michigan, Round Lake, and Lake Charlevoix. A lake town with a list of things to do and see, check out our recommendations.
Put on a pair of shades, because we are about to share with you, the best sights in Petoskey.
If you’re in Petoskey, there are lots of beautiful sites to see but if you’re crunched for time, here’s 4 you don’t want to miss.
The Petoskey Breakwall: On a day where the water is calm, take a walk out on Petoskey’s Breakwall. You will find lots of locals jumping off the end of the break wall to cool down on a hot day. Try a dip in the water, or you can fish, watch a sunset, and if you’re lucky, you might even find a Petoskey Stone near the shore.
Bear River Recreation: Take a walk along the Bear River in Petoskey. You can choose to take the bike path or the beautiful trails along the river. There’s bridges to walk over, fishermen/women to watch, and beautiful sights to see.
Petoskey State Park: The Dunes here are simply amazing. While they’re not the largest, they are a lot of fun to climb. With Lake Michigan views in front of you, you’ll want to bring your swimsuits, jump in, take a bucket to collect Petoskey Stone, or simply bring a camera for sights you’ll never want to forget.
Little Traverse Bay Ferry: New in 2020. For only $10 for a round trip ticket or $20 for the day, it’s an affordable and fun way to enjoy a ride on Little Traverse Bay. The ferry connects Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Bay Harbor. Enjoy the views, the fresh air, and local shopping and dining.
What sights are you looking forward to seeing? Let us know in the comment section below.
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Charlevoix in the Summer: If you want a great place to visit, visit Charlevoix in the summer. A little Northern Michigan town with lots to offer.
Activities in Traverse City in the Summer: Traverse City is one of Northern Michigan’s larger cities with a small-town vibe. Try out some of these fun activities in Traverse City in the Summer.
9 Things to do Outdoors in Petoskey: Are you looking for ways to get outside and enjoy the outdoors? Here are nine things to do outdoors in Petoskey.
