A Fabulous Fall LGBTQ Weekend Getaway In The Art Coast

Day 1

Saugatuck/Douglas is a safe and welcoming destination where every lodging establishment is LGBTQ-friendly. Should you wish to stay at one of our LGBTQ-owned properties, we recommend The Kirby for its irresistible charm, the Belvedere Inn for its classic elegance, the Lake Shore Resort for its stunning Lake Michigan views, or Hidden Garden Cottages for its coziness and convenient location in the heart of downtown Saugatuck. Other fabulous LGBTQ-owned options include the Saugatuck Retro Resort Motel, The Pines Motor Lodge, or The Dunes Resort—all known for their fun vibes and inclusive atmosphere.

Once you’ve checked in and gotten settled, make your way to downtown Saugatuck and Douglas and spend the day exploring our many art galleries and boutiques. Art in every medium from local and national artists can be found around every corner. Be sure to check out our LGBTQ-owned galleries, such as Amazwi Contemporary Art, Mixed Media Gallery, Saugatuck Art Traders, and Roan & Black. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir to remind you of your Art Coast getaway, some distinctive home décor, or the latest fashions, you’ll find all that and more in our many downtown shops, including the LGBTQ-owned Brackett & Co., Kindel & Company Lifestyle Mercantile, Upscale Mercantile, The Pink Patio, Laffing Glass, Woosah Outfitters, Tuck’s Christmas Shop, Garsnett Beacon Candle Co., and the Lakeshore Pet Boutique.

For dinner in downtown Saugatuck, try Lady Bird or the LGBTQ-owned Coast 236, both of which provide delicious upscale dining in a comfortably elegant atmosphere. Afterward, hit The Annex piano bar for some live (and lively) entertainment, available on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Day 2

Start your day with coffee and breakfast at one of our local cafes, like Uncommon Coffee Roasters, which proudly supports the LGBTQ community. Then, head over to Crane’s Orchards in Fennville for the ultimate autumn experience of picking apples and winding your way through an intricate corn maze. After working up an appetite, take the one-minute drive to Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant and Winery and grab lunch. We highly recommend their Sloppy Joe, a local favorite since 1972! And be sure to save room for their famous Pie Flight, where you can sample four flavors of their incredible fresh-baked pies.

Spend your afternoon indulging in wine tasting, where you’ll sip award-winning Southwest Michigan wines while savoring the stunning vineyard views and fall foliage. There’s no need to draw straws for who gets to be the designated driver. Arrange for a private tour of the wineries with the LGBTQ-owned Coastal Tours, who will take you to local wineries like Modales, Michigan Wine Co., Fenn Valley Vineyards, Cogdal Vineyards, and Wyncroft Cellars. And if the fruit of the vine is not your thing, Coastal Tours can take you on a private tour of our craft breweries and cideries, including Waypost Brewing Co., Saugatuck Brewing Co., and Virtue Cider.

Just before the sun goes down, head to Oval Beach—one of the top-rated beaches in the country—and take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline as you watch the sunset paint the sky in a breathtaking display of oranges and pinks. For dinner, consider dining at Salt of the Earth in Fennville or at the LGBTQ-owned J. Paul’s Dining Room in Douglas, both known for their charming and welcoming atmosphere and delightful menu options. Cap off the evening with some live music at Wicks Park Bar & Grille or The Sand Bar Saloon. Or, if you’re looking for a little more excitement, dance the night away at The Dunes Resort, the largest LGBTQ resort in the Midwest and one of the largest in the country. Their Club dance floor is open every weekend year-round, while their Cabaret show bar is open during the spring, summer, and fall.

Day 3

After enjoying brunch at Pennyroyal Café & Provisions or MALU, spend the day hiking at the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, where you’ll be surrounded by the fall leaves in all their colorful glory. Along with the miles of sandy, forested trails, the park also boasts 2.5 miles of secluded shoreline for you to admire. Bring a picnic lunch with tasty treats from LGBTQ-owned Isabel’s Market + Eatery, or stop for pizza at the LGBTQ-owned Pizza Mambo or Scooters Café & Pizzeria before starting your journey home.

Extend Your Stay

Get On The Green
Enjoy a fun-filled round at LGBTQ-owned Saugatuck Mini Golf, where you can putt your way through a beautiful and challenging miniature golf course.

DIY Fun
Create your own scented candle at Garsnett Beacon Candle Co., make your own moss ball Kokedama at Puddingstone, or take a classic French cooking class at Lulu Cadieux.

Explore Our Queer History
Visit the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center in downtown Douglas and see the exhibition “A Century of Progress—100 Years of LGBTQ History,” which highlights the progress, challenges, and setbacks of the LGBTQ community in our two Lake Michigan towns.

Bike Along The Art Coast
Rent bikes from Blue Star Barns Coffee & Bikes, In the Elements, or Big Lake Outfitters and explore our towns. Discover the perfect bike trail here.