Friendsgiving in the Art Coast®
Friendsgiving isn’t about following rules—it’s about making your own. More relaxed than a traditional Thanksgiving gathering, this celebration is all about spending time with your chosen tribe, enjoying a festive meal, and reveling in the season. And what better way to do it than with a road trip to Saugatuck/Douglas? Just a short drive from Chicago, Detroit, or Indianapolis, this charming lakeside destination offers the perfect blend of fall fun, great food, and cozy accommodations.
Hit The Road
Unlike Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving can be held any time during the fall, allowing you to avoid the holiday rush and enjoy time celebrating with your favorite people when it’s most convenient for everyone.
From Chicago
Just a 2-hour drive from the Windy City, you’ll trade skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle for picturesque views filled with fall colors.
From Detroit
Head west for about 3 hours, and you’ll find where Lake Michigan’s shoreline meets a vibrant autumn landscape perfect for your Friendsgiving festivities.
From Indianapolis
In just under 4 hours, you can leave behind the flatlands of Indiana and be surrounded by the rolling dunes and serene shores of Saugatuck/Douglas.
Cozy Places For Your Crew
Nothing sets the tone for a perfect Friendsgiving getaway like the right accommodations. The Art Coast is known for our charming cottages, quaint inns, and comfy vacation rentals.
Rent a Cottage or Lakeside Retreat
Imagine staying in a cozy, firelit cottage nestled in nature or a spacious lakeside home with enough room for your entire friend group. Whether you’re looking for rustic charm or modern amenities, there are plenty of beautiful vacation rentals that offer comfort and privacy. Check out these vacation rental properties.
Boutique Inns and Bed & Breakfasts
If your gang of besties is quite large, consider renting out all the rooms at a boutique inn or bed-and-breakfast that combines warm hospitality, fantastic breakfast spreads, and special touches that will make you feel at home. Discover cozy B&Bs and inns here.
No Need to Cook
Just because it’s Friendsgiving doesn’t mean you have to spend all day in the kitchen. If cooking isn’t in the cards for your group, Saugatuck/Douglas has plenty of delicious options for enjoying a feast without the work or stress.
Hire a Private Chef
Want to keep things easy but still have an unforgettable meal? Hire a private chef like Jim LaPerriere from Distinctive Dining or Carmen Gutierrez Private Chef Services to create a custom Friendsgiving feast right in your rental kitchen. They’ll handle everything from sourcing local ingredients to preparing a gourmet meal while you and your pals kick back and relax.
Catering and Takeout
Enjoy a festive meal without lifting a finger by having your dinner catered by Shanahan Catering Company or Somm+Seeds. Or pick up mix-and-match dishes from The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, pre-ordered party platters from Isabel’s Market + Eatery, or a special grazing board from Saugatuck On Board to round out your Friendsgiving spread—no fuss required.
Feasts at Local Restaurants
If you’d prefer to dine out, check out The Southerner in Saugatuck for a scrumptious family-style Southern dinner, Borrowed Time in Douglas for seasonally inspired small and shared plates, or Salt of the Earth in Fennville for rustic farm-to-table fare that highlights the best of the season.
Fall Fun for Every Group
Whether you’ve got an active group or are more into laid-back exploring, the Art Coast has plenty of fall activities to keep you entertained. Here’s how you can spend your time when you’re not gathered around the table:
Apple-Picking Adventures
Head over to Crane Orchards in nearby Fennville and spend the day picking apples, getting lost in their corn maze, and enjoying the fresh fall air. There’s nothing like a crisp apple picked straight from the tree, and it’s a fun way to stock up on fresh fruit for snacking on later when you return home.
Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards
Take a wine-tasting tour and visit Modales, Michigan Wine Co., and Fenn Valley Vineyards, where you can sample local wines and take in the stunning autumn scenery. Whether your group is full of wine aficionados or just enjoys a good glass (or two!), this is a must-do for any Friendsgiving trip.
Sipping On Some Craft Brews
If craft beer is more your style, check out Saugatuck Brewing Company, the Mitten Brewing Co., Virtue Cider, and Waypost Brewing Co., where you can enjoy local brews. Grab a flight and relax in one of their cozy taprooms or tasting rooms after a day of exploring.
Horseback Riding Through the Woods
Get outside and enjoy the fall colors with a guided horseback ride through the woods at Wild West Ranch or Rise & Ride Ranch. It’s a peaceful way to experience the landscape, and it’s sure to make your Friendsgiving weekend one to remember.
Hiking & Bird Watching
Go leaf peeping while hiking through Saugatuck Dunes State Park or the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. And if you’re into birding, you may just glimpse flocks of arctic shorebirds, boreal finches, certain types of kinglets and warblers, and a wide variety of duck species heading south for the winter. With beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife, it’s a peaceful way to connect with nature (and work up an appetite for your Friendsgiving feast).
Ready to plan your Friendsgiving road trip? Book your stay and start planning your fall getaway to Saugatuck/Douglas today!
