Take an Earlymoon Along the Art Coast®
Planning your wedding can feel like a full-time job. That’s why more and more couples are treating themselves to a pre-wedding “earlymoon”—a laid-back vacation to recharge your batteries before the big day. Close to major Midwestern cities, Saugatuck/Douglas is ideal for a weekend getaway for two, offering activities for any taste or season.
For the Lake Lovers
There’s nothing more romantic than sailing into the sunset. On a Sailing Saugatuck cruise during the warmer months, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan from the bow of Serenity, a vintage tall ship schooner. Would you rather captain your own craft? Visit Retro Boat Rentals and peruse their fleet of meticulously maintained and rare classic runabout boats.
If your ideal lake view is from the shore, plan a picnic at Oval Beach. Plenty of restaurants in town offer takeout, or pick up provisions from the Farmhouse Deli & Pantry or Isabel’s Market + Eatery. And if you’d like to make it a more luxurious event, work with Sincerely, K&J to outfit your picnic with high-end tableware, linens, and more.
For the Wine Enthusiasts
Head south to Fennville and sample wines from our four award-winning wineries—Fenn Valley Vineyards and Winery, Modales, Crane’s Winery, and Michigan Wine Company. You may find some inspiration for your reception menu! And if you’re already in Fennville, you won’t want to miss dinner at Salt of the Earth, which offers farm-to-table fare, craft cocktails, and live music once a month.
Tip: If you don’t want to drive, contact The Bottle Run in Fennville. They offer winery and brewery tours that include lunch, snacks, beverages, and transportation.
For the New Experience Seekers
Saugatuck/Douglas offers plenty of opportunities to explore your creativity or discover a hobby you can enjoy together. Need to prep for your wedding dance? Take a private ballroom dancing class at the Dance Asylum. Or try a hands-on cooking class at Lulu Cadieux, where you’ll learn to make a primary dish, salad, vinaigrette, and dessert.
Never been horseback riding? Check out Rise & Ride Ranch in Allegan, which offers traditional trail rides and glow-in-the-dark horseback rides. If you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery, enjoy a cozy and romantic carriage ride through Allegan Woods, courtesy of Wild West Ranch in Fennville.
For the Perfect Night In
The Saugatuck/Douglas area offers a range of romantic accommodations where you can snuggle up and treat yourselves. If a historic inn set on a sprawling, beautifully landscaped lawn appeals to you, consider the Victorian-era Kirby Hotel or the European-style manor, The Belvedere Inn.
If glamping is more your style, you’ll love The Woods Luxury Camping in Fennville. These modern cabins, located in the heart of the forest, will give you the peace and quiet you need to reconnect with one another.
Looking for something truly unique? Quaint Cottages is a vacation rental service offering twelve charming properties, either on the water or in town, curated for their attractive appearances and sensational settings.
