Top 5 Reasons Why The Art Coast® Is The Ideal Townsized Escape
Picture this: you’re sipping a cappuccino on a sunny patio, the lake breezes brushing past as a woman on a bike coasts lazily down the street. You’ve just bought a fresh pastry from a local bakery, and the afternoon holds nothing more urgent than wandering into a vintage shop or flipping through a book at the beach. It’s not a scene from a Nancy Meyers movie—it’s your next vacation, and it’s called townsizing.
The townsizing travel trend is not about checking off big-city landmarks or racing through packed itineraries—it’s about seeking out destinations with heart. Townsized travel invites you to slow down, settle in, and soak up the magic of smaller towns where every moment feels more personal and every interaction feels more real. If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering into a gallery just because it caught your eye, lingering over breakfast without checking the time, or chatting with a local shop owner who gives you tips you won’t find on Google, then Saugatuck/Douglas is your perfect vacation spot.
Here’s why we think you should townsize your next vacation in the Art Coast:
1. A Slower Pace That Lets You Breathe
Time moves differently here on the Art Coast—and that’s the point. With no pressure to hustle from sight to sight, you can ease into your days. Enjoy lazy mornings with coffee and conversation, meandering strolls through downtown, or impromptu stops at roadside farmstands. After all, don’t you deserve a vacation where your itinerary is written by mood, and not a to-do list?
2. Nature That Slows You Down—in the Best Way
Whether it’s walking along the shoreline at Oval Beach, kayaking along the Kalamazoo River, or hiking the quiet trails of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, nature is part of the everyday rhythm here. No need to rush—just move at your own pace and take it all in. It’s the kind of beauty that doesn’t ask for attention, but earns it anyway.
3. Inspiration Around Every Corner
Home to dozens of artists, galleries, and studios, the area pulses with creativity, but never feels commercial. Discover hidden sculptures, visit open studios, or catch a show at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Find your next piece of pottery at Jeff Blandford Studio or Fernwood 1891. The Art Coast is inspiring without being intimidating, and you’ll leave with stories you’ll treasure forever.
4. Authenticity, Everywhere You Look
There’s nothing manufactured here. From family-owned B&Bs to one-of-a-kind experiences, Saugatuck/Douglas is built on real people sharing real passions. Grab a coffee at Respite Cappuccino Court, browse the curated finds at Endora Bohemian, and treat yourself to a farm-to-table meal at Salt of the Earth that feels like it was made just for you. When you stay here, you’re not just visiting—you’re living like a local.
5. Events That Feel Like Home
From art fairs and farmers markets to music in the park and harborfront festivals, local events in Saugatuck/Douglas feel more like community gatherings than tourist attractions—which is exactly the point. There’s no dress code, no pressure, and no need to impress. Just come as you are and always feel welcome.
