A Special Go-ccasion
Life is full of special moments worth recognizing, and you deserve to celebrate them with a fabulous getaway. Instead of waiting for that one big milestone event, why not celebrate a “go-ccasion”? Any event, big or small, is a great reason to pack up and get out of town with your family and friends. If you’re looking to visit a spot that’s easy to get to, offers the cultural scene of a big city, and has the charm and natural beauty of a small lakeshore town, Saugatuck/Douglas is a fantastic place to acknowledge and enjoy all the things that make life worth living.
Love Is in the Air
Celebrating a relationship milestone is always a great reason to get away. But it doesn’t need to be your honeymoon or 20th anniversary to warrant a bit of romantic time away. Plan a trip to mark the anniversary of your first date or simply celebrate surviving a busy school year by spending quality time together.
Imagine walking hand-in-hand with your partner across the white sands of Oval Beach or Saugatuck Dunes State Park. If you’re at the state park, plan to hike the scenic trails and enjoy a romantic picnic at the top of a dune. Find all the provisions you need at Isabel’s Market + Eatery or the Farmhouse Deli & Pantry. When you’re ready for dinner, check out Bowdie’s Chophouse, Coast 236, or Borrowed Time (ask for upstairs seating!). Visitors rave about the romantic ambiance and rich cuisine at these restaurants.
Out and Proud
A personal milestone such as coming out is a beautiful reason to treat yourself to a weekend getaway. Saugatuck/Douglas, a place known for its openness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, welcomes everyone with open arms. If you plan a trip with your partner, you’ll feel safe and supported walking down the street holding hands. Check out LGBTQ-owned shops and galleries, including The Laffing Glass, Woosah Outfitters, The Pink Patio, and Amazwi Contemporary Art, or stay in an LGBTQ-owned accommodation like the Belvedere Inn, Lake Shore Resort or The Pines Motor Lodge.
You may also be inspired by a visit to the Century of Progress exhibit at the Douglas History Museum. It’s packed with stories of the brave LGBTQ folks who made the town the emblem of inclusivity that it is today (a story you can be a part of, too!)
Onward and Upward
You’ve started a new career! Or maybe you’ve been promoted. No matter the scenario, you need to celebrate, and there’s no better place to do it than Saugatuck/Douglas. The community and the surrounding area are teeming with breweries and wineries. Saugatuck Brewing Company, Waypost Brewing Co., Fenn Valley Vineyards and Winery, and Modales are all great spots to raise a glass to your career success. And Coastal Tours or Singapore Shuttles will safely transport you to 3-4 spots, so you don’t need to worry about finding a designated driver.
Feeling Better
Are you on the mend after a recent health battle? Or maybe it’s your 10th-anniversary cancer-free? All great reasons to celebrate life with a trip to the Art Coast. Here, you can hike to the top of Mt. Baldhead and shout into the wind. Rent a kayak from Third Coast Paddling or Big Lake Outfitters and float down the Kalamazoo River to catch the sunset. Hit the links at Clearbrook Golf Course or The Ravines, or try horseback riding at Rise & Ride Ranch. Life is short, and in Saugatuck/Douglas, you can enjoy it to the fullest.
