There’s no better place than Saugatuck/Douglas to enjoy the quintessential outdoor autumn activities like picking your own apples, navigating through a corn maze, or hiking through the dunes to see the fall colors in all their glory. But for those of you who may be looking to add some different adventures to your fall getaway, check out some of these special activities for October and November.  

Don’t Miss The Boat

As seen from the water, the changing leaves of red and gold is an unforgettable way to experience a fall color tour. The Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat offers cruises down the Kalamazoo River on weekends through October. Stunning views of the beautiful fall landscape can be enjoyed on the open upper deck or in the enclosed lower deck, along with an offering of fine wines, domestic beers, and signature cocktails. For a ghoulishly good time, the Star of Saugatuck is offering a 90-minute themed Boo’s Cruise for adults only on October 30 with music, drink specials, a costume contest, and a few other tricks or treats. October 31st is the Kid’s Halloween Cruise and the last date of the year for public cruises.

Get Cooking

Recently opened in Douglas, Isabel’s Market + Eatery is a vibrant year-round destination market offering fresh seafood, meat, and produce for sale. It also features a bakery, full bar, and other delicious food items to savor. In-depth cooking demonstration classes are being offered with hearty samples of each dish given to participants to enjoy along with a glass of a perfectly paired wine, beer, or cocktail. Sue Chef, as chef Sue Chaitin is affectionately called, along with other guest chefs, will educate attendees on various cooking techniques and topics and provide a packet of recipes to recreate their dishes at home.

Upcoming classes for October include: Fresh Seafood on Oct 22 or 23, Wood Fired Pizzas on Oct 29 or 30, and Eat Pray Love (inspired by Sue Chef’s travels to Tuscany) on Nov. 5 or 6. Other classes scheduled from November through January will include topics such as Make-Ahead Holiday Appetizers, How to Carve the Thanksgiving Bird, and Soups and Stews. Classes will also be offered on Asian, Indian, and Vietnamese cuisine. Registration for classes can be done online at the market’s website.

Take Fright

For thrill-seekers looking to experience the paranormal up close, the Felt Mansion is offering exclusive overnight stays throughout October. Rent the estate for a group of up to 12 people to conduct your own other-worldly investigation. Considered one of the most haunted attractions in the state, the mansion was built in 1928 by Dorr Felt, a self-made millionaire. Dorr’s wife, Agnes, died in the house just six weeks after moving into the home, followed by her husband a year and a half later. Throughout the years, unexplained happenings have been reported, including the presence of shadowy figures and doors that open and close themselves. This is the first time the Felt Estate is offering an overnight experience for those who dare to enter.

Sip and Shop

Join the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on Friday, November 13 and 20 for their Winter’s Eve Market, a perfect night of artisan craft cocktails, Michigan made wares, and cool tunes under the twinkling lights. Start off by getting into the holiday spirit with some fabulous cold-weather inspired drinks at the SCA’s themed bar. Then, stay and peruse fabulous hand-crafted finds from select artisans for everyone on your list.

Also newly opened this year in Saugatuck, Lulu Cadieux is a luxury lifestyle boutique and cooking school housed in a restored 100-year old former fruit market. While cooking classes are not happening this season, complimentary wine and appetizers will be served on Saturdays in their European farm kitchen and fire-lit great room as you shop their mix of modern and vintage treasures.