Rethinking Thanksgiving Traditions 2024
Every tradition starts somewhere, so who says you can’t begin forging some new ones this year? Instead of spending your Thanksgiving staring at the same four walls, why not take a short road trip and embrace the simple joys of a holiday spent in a charming coastal town? A change of scenery and less stress are sure to spark some new things to be grateful for this November.
Thanksgiving is, first and foremost, about giving thanks and enjoying family and loved ones. If you want to avoid air travel during the busiest time of the year but still want to get away, the Art Coast® of Michigan is a manageable drive from Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis. Whether you’re celebrating only with your significant other or are gathering with a large group of family members, we can help you celebrate the season of appreciation in a relaxed setting and with a specially curated feast.
Gather with your loved ones and make some lasting holiday memories in one of our cozy cottages or luxury lakefront rentals found here. Entertain for the holidays without having to clean your own home. You can still roast and carve your own turkey but avoid all the stress that comes with cooking everything from scratch.
Local eateries such as the Farmhouse Deli & Pantry and Isabel’s Market + Eatery in Douglas will be accepting prepaid orders for prepared sides, appetizers, and desserts (and even the turkey!) that will really leave you feeling thankful. Orders fill up fast, so don’t wait too long to reserve your meal. Chicken Scratch Farm & Bakery in Fennville will also have grab-and-go offerings to help round out your holiday meal. And be sure to pre-order a pie from Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery for pick-up. Whether you’re team pumpkin all the way or can’t get enough of dark chocolate pecan during the holidays, Crane’s will satisfy your craving with an array of delectable made-from-scratch pies. And when it comes time to make a toast, be sure to fill your glass with some local award-winning handcrafted wines from Modales Winery, Michigan Wine Co., or Fenn Valley Vineyards. If you’re looking for some other varietals, make your way over to J. Petter Wine Gallery or Saugatuck Wine Cellars to pick up a bottle.
If a quaint bed and breakfast or historic inn is more of the vibe you’re after, and you’d prefer to be completely hands-off with your Thanksgiving feast, consider a stay at the Kirby Hotel featuring their J Paul Dining Room restaurant or at the Belvedere Inn and Restaurant. Both these charming venues will be serving up memorable Thanksgiving meals you’ll be sure to appreciate. And just when you think you’ve had your fill, the Belvedere will also be serving their guests a late evening snack featuring their famous turkey sandwiches and desserts.
The holiday fun doesn’t end once the meal is done, so stick around for the weekend. Work off those extra calories from your Thanksgiving feast with our Dashing Through the Glenn Holiday Fun Run on Friday, November 29, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, hosted by Waypost Brewing Co. Or, if something a little slower-paced is more your style, try some holiday shopping during Small Business Saturday. Our walkable downtown areas are lined with twinkling lights that will make you feel festive and inspired.
While in town, enjoy a nostalgic start to the Christmas season with our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 29, at Wicks Park Gazebo in downtown Saugatuck, starting at 6:00 pm, with a countdown for the holiday tree to be lit in unison with the Star on Mt. Baldhead. There will be plenty of caroling and free hot chocolate and cookies to fill you with cheer.
Afterward, plan to cruise through Crane’s Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show for a mile-long ride in their orchard featuring a dazzling display of holiday lights. And if the holiday spirit moves you, get ready to do it all over again at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Douglas on Saturday, November 30, starting at 6:00 pm.
