Indulge In The Joy Of Missing Out On The Art Coast®
Why visit landmarks overrun with tourists or frantically attempt to check off every activity on your jam-packed itinerary when you can enjoy a low-key JOMO vacation in Saugatuck/Douglas? Quiet, small towns, rolling dunes, and acres of lush forests make the Art Coast the perfect place to relax, live in the moment, and disconnect from your daily life.
What’s a JOMO Vacation?
JOMO is all about doing less and enjoying more. Instead of navigating large crowds, overscheduling, and being constantly connected, a JOMO vacation lets you prioritize experiences that recharge you. This could mean traveling off-season, unplugging from devices, and practicing mindfulness during nature walks, stargazing, or journaling.
If you’re in the mood for a meaningful, restful escape that recharges your batteries and brings personal fulfillment, a JOMO vacation is perfect for you.
When Is the Best Time of Year for a JOMO Getaway?
With such beautiful beaches and temperate weather, it’s no wonder Saugatuck/Douglas is busy in the summer months. Consider planning your visit at the beginning of the off-season. In September and early October, you can still enjoy warmer weather while catching a glimpse of changing colors during long walks along the lakeshore. The crowds will be much smaller since school is back in session. And certain seasonal attractions will be closed, so you won’t be tempted to overpack your schedule. For an even quieter escape, consider visiting in November and December when the pace slows down even more and the charm of small-town life really shines.
What Do I Do with All My Free Time?
Skip the schedule and enjoy wherever the day takes you. If you need some idea starters, though, we’ve curated some low-key options for idling away the hours.
1. Take a Walk in the Park
Whenever you feel like starting your day, head to Saugatuck’s Uncommon Grounds for coffee. Then take a lazy stroll along the marina until you stop at a bench in Wicks Park to read or just gaze at the few boats left on the river. Wicks Park Bar & Grille is just across the street, so if you get hungry, pop in for a bite to eat.
2. Get Lost in the Woods
There are plenty of places to spend your day wandering through the woods, watching the colors change, and maybe, if you are lucky, catching a few migrating monarch stragglers headed south. Pack a sandwich or salad from The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, grab some water, and hike out to the beach at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Take a break at the top of the dunes, just before the trail heads down to the beach. You’ll feel like the only person in the world as you look out over the seemingly endless water and sky.
3. Take a Forest Bath
If you do head to the state park or decide to explore other trails at Mt. Baldhead, Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve, or Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, take some time to immerse yourself in the woods. Pause to notice how the light breaks through the canopy and illuminates the fall colors. Listen for birdsong, feel the rough bark of a tree, and deeply breathe in the cool air. These forest bathing practices are proven to ground you in the moment, lower stress hormones, and boost your mood.
4. Watch for Wildlife
Without your phone to distract you, practice the art of waiting. Take a stroll through Wade’s Bayou Memorial Park in Douglas and find a spot to quietly journal or sketch as you wait for nature’s entertainment—bald eagles soaring across the sky, great blue herons fishing along the shore, and turtles basking on logs. As the sun goes down, head into town for dinner at Wild Dog Grille, Borrowed Time, or Everyday People Café. All offer amazing, chef-led cuisine, friendly faces, and casual ambiance.
