Take a Micro-Trip to Douglas This Summer
Summertime, and the livin’ is easy… and busy. Here in the Midwest, we like to take advantage of the summer months with a packed calendar (simply take a look at the Art Coast® events and happenings to see what we mean). But, even with hectic schedules, most of us can set aside 24-48 hours to take a micro-trip—and what better place to do so than in Douglas, Michigan?
The Village of Friendliness is where you’ll find everything from fine art and farm-to-table cuisine to outdoor adventure and retail therapy. Here are some of our favorite things to do, whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime visitor.
Day One
Grab an organic juice and a breakfast sandwich from Farmhouse Deli & Pantry (we recommend the Rosemary Ham and Egg Croissant) and head over to Wade’s Bayou Memorial Park for a leisurely stroll. Overlooking the Kalamazoo River, the early morning sun here (along with the fishing and wildlife viewing) is not to be missed.
Spend the rest of the morning visiting the Art Coast’s famed downtown Douglas galleries to discover fine art in every medium as well as finely crafted goods from a mix of local and national artists. Start at the Button Gallery and make your way around to LaFontsee Galleries,Mr. Miller’s Art Emporium and Other Useful Things,Ruth Crowe Artist Studio, LebenArt Studios & Gallery, and Ox-Bow House. And, while it’s not directly in downtown Douglas, you won’t want to miss taking the very short drive to peruse the J. Petter Galleries. If you happen to be in town the second Saturday of the month, May through October, there’s an Art in Douglas Gallery Stroll that you won’t want to miss. Also, be sure to take advantage of the public art in the area, like Instagram-worthy sculptures that are located throughout the town.
Enjoy a fun lunch at the can’t-miss Root Beer Barrel, where Sprecher’s Root Beer is on tap–and where you can try a hot dog topped with mac-and-cheese via the menu’s Frankie Dog. Afterward, waste away the afternoon at Douglas Beach, a small and quiet neighborhood beach that’s perfect for soothing the soul. Parking is free.
Skip a sit-down dinner and enjoy one on the water instead with a West Michigan sunset cruise through TFD Adventure Co. (A U.S.C.G. Master Captain captains all boat charters.) We recommend packing a pizza from Pizza Mambo or Back Alley Pizza Joint and a bottle of wine purchased from your visit to the J. Petter Galleries bottle shop, where they offer hundreds of hand-picked wines with an emphasis on family-owned, small-batch, organic, biodynamic, and sustainable producers.
Day Two
After a delicious breakfast from happystance (you can’t go wrong with their French Toast/Pain Perdu), choose your own adventure in the morning. Rent a bike through Big Lake Outfitters, and explore the two-mile Beach to Bayou Trail, which runs along Center Street through downtown Douglas until you hit the waters of Lake Michigan at Lakeshore Drive. Or rent a paddleboard or kayak for just $25/hour from Third Coast Paddling for a more active escape on the water. Afterward, enjoy a frozen treat from Barking Dogs Italian Ice or Blue Star Café & Ice Cream Treats.
Enjoy a bit of shopping at spots like Endora Bohemian, The Long Weekend, and Woosah Art + Coffee for apparel, and Now & Then for jewelry and artwork. For home décor, check out Upscale Mercantile, Lost and Found Lakeshore, and Brackett & Co.
Snag a spot on the patio at Douglas’ oldest craft brewery, the Saugatuck Brewing Company, for lunch and an afternoon of brews. There are two tasting rooms, 16 taps, and games like shuffleboard, bumper pool, pinball, and more. It’s not really summer until you sip a seasonal blueberry lemonade shandy.
Wrap up the trip with an elevated yet casual dinner at Borrowed Time, Wild Dog, or Everyday People Café, where chef-driven menus feature local ingredients and seasonally-inspired fare.
Tell us: What’s on your must-do in Douglas list?
