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 demonstration cooking class at Isabel’s Market + Eatery. Come hungry and be prepared to enjoy a glass of a perfectly paired wine, beer, or cocktail as you learn new culinary facts and ​skills from Sue Chef and her guest chefs. Or, for a more hands-on experience, take a private cooking lesson with Chef Jim LaPerriere at Distinctive Dining. Just 5 minutes from downtown Saugatuck, LaPerriere’s "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 can be tailored to your specific interests.

Beer School

Sure, you love beer. But what do you really know about it? Become an expert with The Guardian Brewing Company, which offers monthly Beer School classes that explore the history and nuances behind various beers styles. Tastings are included with the price, and each course is taught by a Certified Cicerone (think sommelier for the beer world.) 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 to brew 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 Tasting class allows you to taste coffee from various regions with different roast levels and processing methods. You’ll also learn about coffee production factors, such as region, elevation, and terroir, and how they impact flavor. 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 on the Meadow

Each summer, the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency offers a series of 1-4 day workshops on a variety of topics, including Glass Beadmaking, Watercolor, Pastels, Letterpress Printing, Photography, Writing, Cooking, and more. 

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.

Paddleboard Yoga

Take your yoga and mindfulness skills to the next level by learning how to do it on the water with stability and grace. Satya Yoga offers a 75-minute class on multiple days throughout the summer, which includes instruction on basic SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) skills. Classes take place on Goshorn Lake, a pristine no-wake location nestled away and protected by the dunes. The course price includes board rental or bring your own board for a discount. 

Yoga Classes

The Summerhouse Lavender Farm holds mind/body classes throughout the summer, which include guided meditation and an hour-long Satya Yoga class held outdoors in a peaceful setting among their lavender fields. After the class, you are invited to explore the art, gardens, and lavender shop. Satya Yoga in Saugatuck offers daily breath-centered yoga classes that are walk-in and beginner-friendly. Mats and props are provided at no charge.

Dance Lessons

Here's your opportunity if you've always wanted to cure yourself of your two left feet. 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.