A Winter Reset on the Art Coast®
Winter along the Art Coast has a peaceful vibe. The streets and shops are quiet, the lake is lined with giant ice crystals, and the dunes and pine forests are dappled with snow. This wintry calm makes Saugatuck/Douglas an ideal place to relax and reflect before the bustle of the new year takes hold. Whether you want to refuel your creative spark or simply slow down, the Art Coast offers many opportunities for a mental reset.
Embrace Slow Mornings
Start your day sipping a warm drink at Uncommon Coffee Roasters or Respite Cappuccino Court and watch the day unfold outside your window. Write or sketch in a journal, noting casual observations, goals for the new year, or stream-of-conscious musings. When you’re ready to mosey on, wander over to the Book Nook of Saugatuck and browse the shelves, or explore spiritual reads and curiosities at Mother Moon.
In the mood for a bite to eat before you start your day? Visit one of the area’s numerous cozy breakfast spots, including Blue Goose Café, Ida Red’s Cottage, and happystance. You’re sure to find both the food and atmosphere nourishing.
Feed Your Inner Curiosity
If art and culture soothe your soul, you’re in the right place. The Art Coast is packed with galleries and offers many opportunities to exercise your own creativity. Explore local landscapes at James Brandess Studios and Gallery, discover contemporary African works at Amazwi Contemporary Art, or stroll through Button Gallery in Douglas for thoughtfully curated pieces. Immerse yourself in vibrant ceramics and blown-glass pieces at Jeff Blandford Gallery or explore Ruth Crowe’s provocative mixed-media work at her studio and gallery space in Douglas.
If you feel like taking creative matters into your own hands, sign up for an art class at Ox-Bow House or a culinary course at Lulu Cadieux. Learning something new is a great way to interrupt old, unhealthy patterns and create new neural pathways in your brain.
Wander Quiet Trails
Reset your nervous system with a hike or snowshoe along one of the Art Coast’s numerous trails. The bracing air, hushed forests, and sweeping vistas will help ground your thoughts, while the activity will get those endorphins flowing. Strap on your snowshoes at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, which offers more than 14 miles of winter trails and dune landscapes. Wander quiet paths in the Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve or do an invigorating climb up Mount Baldhead, where panoramic views reveal snow-dusted dunes and ice-covered Lake Michigan. Need to rent snowshoes? Visit Landsharks in downtown Saugatuck.
Practice Self-Care
Treat yourself to holistic, mind-body restoration at one of the numerous spas and wellness centers in the area. Unwind with tailored therapies at Thrive Massage & Wellness or enjoy rejuvenating sessions at the Alámar Integrative Medical Spa. For a classic day spa experience, stop by SPAlia by Premier Saugatuck, or plan a day of pampering at Bella Vita Spa. Satya Yoga also offers a welcoming, holistic yoga experience for all levels, including breath-centered yoga classes, candlelight restorative sessions with sound baths, and themed movement events.
End the Day in Wonder
There is no better way to end your day than by marveling at the mysteries of the universe. Winter skies along the Art Coast are vast and relatively free from light pollution, making them perfect for stargazing. Head to Oval Beach or quiet overlooks like Pier Cove Beach and Tallmadge Woods Nature Preserve. On clear nights, you should be able to spot the constellations Orion and Gemini, and if conditions are right, even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
