The Best Art Coast® Treats for Holiday Giving This Year
The holidays are approaching, bringing with them the season’s best: entertaining around the clock, cherished moments with friends and family, raised glasses with every gathering—and woven throughout it all, chance upon chance to give loved ones the perfect present. Finding those gifts can be half the fun—especially in places like Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville, towns full of charm, creative spark, and—for all the gourmands in your life—big culinary talent. This year, we invited culinary and travel writer Nicole Schnitzler (who writes for publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Bon Appétit) to offer her suggestions on the best local treats to gift this holiday season.
My family and I have been traveling to Saugatuck and Douglas for years, and upon each visit, we discover more and more local culinary treasures—items that have become enduring favorites for us, and (if we ever have enough left to bring back home), for others, too. Home to a myriad of orchards and farms alongside a thriving small business spirit, the area is one of the best for holiday shopping—especially for your fellow food lovers. What’s more? Sampling your finds along the way is sure to make gift-giving all the more merry. From coffee and cocoa to baked goods and prized bottles, here are some of the region’s best gourmet gifts for the holidays.
At Retro Bakery, Eric Peterson’s whimsical, homestyle creations will be a hit with your dessert-first friends. Swing into the Blue Star Highway location to create a gift box from their dazzling array of treats, including scones, cupcakes, cookies, and more.
Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery
Approaching their 15th season, this farm and creamery is known for its expertly made goat’s and cow’s milk cheeses. For early holiday giving (just in time for Thanksgiving), opt for some of their goat’s milk options, available through November (namely the sharp cheddar or tangy, spreadable chevre). Those looking for December options can choose from any of their cow’s milk cheeses, including signatures like the Figgy Fromage or crowd-pleasing cheese curds.
Home to a lively tasting room and 40-acre vineyard, this Fennville estate is a regional favorite for its cool climate, terroir-focused wines. Come for a tour or tasting, and leave with some of their award-winning bottles, such as the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (Gold Medal recipient in the Michigan Governor’s Cup and Sommeliers Choice Awards) or 2023 Gruner Veltliner (Gold Medal recipient in the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition).
Located in the heart of downtown Saugatuck, this beloved coffee shop has gained a loyal following over the years for its warm hospitality and commitment to ethically sourced product. Shop a few of them onsite and online, including their top sellers: the light-medium roast Lake House (comprised of their two favorite single-origin coffees, Ethiopia and Guatemala), dark roast Brazil Cerrado (nutty and chocolatey), light roast Villa Sarchi (with notes of citrus and brown sugar), or Holiday Blend (released in late October).
Holiday entertaining isn’t complete without a medley of flavorful garnishes and spreads, and this shop’s shelves are lined with them. Explore a number of jarred classics featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables, and don’t miss signatures like their Maple Syrup, Pumpkin Seed Salsa, and Lemon Curd (perfect for baking). For some especially timely gifts, look for their limited release seasonal specialties: Holiday Jam (with figs, sour cherries, and cranberries), Christmas Cherries (with orange and winter spices), and Holiday Punch (with mulled spices and festive fruits). Find several of them in the “Home for the Holidays” gift box, a festive collection including other snow day musts like Sugar Plum Jam and their famous Hot Cocoa Mix.
