A Touch of Class
Vacations are meant for relaxing, but why not learn something new while you’ve got the time off? From finally mastering that special culinary skill to trying your hand at a new artistic endeavor, here are some fun and stimulating classes to immerse yourself in.
Cooking Classes
Anyone looking for an excuse to broaden their culinary knowledge or hone their cooking skills will have a wonderful time participating in a hands-on cooking class at Lulu Cadieux, where you will learn classic culinary techniques from proper knife skills and cooking methods to spices and sauce-making. In their beautiful chef’s kitchen, you’ll not only build new skills—you’ll also get to enjoy the incredible meal you’ve created.
Chef Jim LaPerriere of Distinctive Dining also offers private, hands-on classes just minutes from downtown Saugatuck. Tucked back in the woods on a private lake, his “must-see” teaching and demonstration kitchen features a Forno Bravo wood-fired pizza and bread oven, twenty feet of work islands, and a wood-burning rotisserie fireplace. Classes are tailored to your interests, with Chef LaPerriere blending technique with personal stories and pro tips.
If you’d rather sit back and relax while learning new tricks from the trade, Sue Chef’s demonstration-style classes offer the perfect balance of entertainment and education. Held in her cozy cabin kitchen nestled in the woods of Fennville, these private classes are designed for small groups of 8 to 12 and feel more like dinner parties—complete with perfectly paired wine, beer, or cocktails. As Sue Chef guides you through each dish, you’ll enjoy a full gourmet meal from appetizers to dessert, plus take home a packet of recipes so you can recreate the experience in your own kitchen.
Beer Brewing
Sure, you love beer. But what do you really know about it? If you’re only a short road trip away and have always wanted to craft your own brew, schedule some time at Saugatuck Brewing Company—the only brewery in Michigan with a Brew On Premise Program. They provide the recipes, natural ingredients, professional brewing equipment, and the expertise to guide you through every step of the process. Spend 4 hours brewing your batch, then plan another trip to the area in 2-3 weeks to bottle and sample your beer.
Coffee Tasting and Roasting
If you consider your morning cup of joe to be the most important meal of the day, then a class with Uncommon Coffee Roasters is for you. A 1-hour Coffee Cupping and Tasting class allows you to sample various coffees and learn about key factors in coffee production, including region, elevation, and terroir, and how these elements influence flavor. The 1-hour From Seed to Cup class explores the full journey of coffee—from plant to cherry to roasted bean—while highlighting the global supply chain and how each step influences the final brew. If you want to start making better coffee at home, try the 1-hour Better Brewing class, where you will learn the difference between different brew methods and how variables such as grind size, region, roast level, coffee-to-water ratio, and time make a difference. Or, for those who want to be more hands-on, learn how to become a Roaster for a Day and take home your custom blend to share with family and friends.
Art Making
Each summer, the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency offers a series of 1-4 day Art on the Meadow workshops on a variety of topics, including Botanical Illustration, Watercolor, Pastels, Papermaking, Metalworking, Glass Casting, and more.
Enjoy a Waterfront Watercolor Workshop, where you’ll learn watercolor basics in a scenic outdoor setting. With all materials provided—paints, brushes, and paper—this class is perfect for beginners or seasoned painters looking to brush up on their skills. Rain or shine, it’s a memorable way to connect with the Art Coast and take home a personal masterpiece.
Sailing Lessons
Confidently use nautical terms like “port,” “starboard,” “bow,” and “stern” while learning how to handle and rig a sailboat. Private lessons are available for both children and adults through the Saugatuck Yacht Club Sailing Program.
Yoga Classes
From June through August, the Summerhouse Lavender Farm hosts an hour-long yoga class conducted by Satya Yoga. This class is held outdoors in a peaceful, aromatic setting among their lavender fields. After the class, you are invited to explore the zen garden, koi pond, and lavender shop. Throughout the year, Satya Yoga offers daily breath-centered yoga classes in their Saugatuck studio, which are open to walk-ins and beginner-friendly. Mats and props are provided at no charge. They also offer private yoga classes where they will come to you!
Dance Lessons
Ready to swap those two left feet for some real rhythm? Here’s your chance. Schedule a private dance lesson with the Dance Asylum School of Music & Dance. Learn to Salsa, Swing, Rumba, Waltz, Cha-Cha, or Night Club Two-Step either at the Dance Studio, or they can come to you. Classes are available for couples or groups.
Kokedama Workshops
For a creative, hands-on experience that blends art and nature, try a Kokedama workshop at Puddingstone. This traditional Japanese gardening method involves creating beautiful moss-wrapped plant displays—living sculptures that make a striking addition to any space. For an extra fun twist, sign up for their monthly Cocktails & Kokedama class, where you’ll learn Kokedama techniques along with how to mix cocktails from expert mixologists from New Holland Spirits. Each themed session includes three cocktail demos and a new botanical project.
