This weekend, I\u00a0traveled\u00a0to Saugatuck, Michigan, with some amazing ladies from my neighborhood for a girls’ weekend. We were gone just over 48 hours, but it was a wonderful break.\u00a0We had a blast and wanted to share\u00a0our tips for a fun\u00a0girls’ weekend in Saugatuck, Michigan.<\/p>\n
First, why Saugatuck? It\u00a0was a perfect destination. It is just far enough that it felt like we were really “away” but not so far that we spent a ton of time or money getting there and back. The coastal location really felt like a vacation.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n What To Do<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Oval Beach<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Lake Michigan impresses all year round, not just in the summer. There’s a reason\u00a0Conde’ Nast Traveler<\/em>\u00a0named Oval Beach one of its top 25 beaches in the world. It’s stunning.\u00a0Our day at the beach was a little blustery, but that meant that the surf was up and it both felt and sounded like the ocean.<\/p>\n We walked on the beach and the dunes and it felt like we almost had the beach to ourselves. The lake air was so great. And yes, I got sand in my shoes, but that made it really feel like vacation.<\/p>\n Mt. Baldhead<\/em><\/p>\n <\/a> It was a fun trip up and I have to say that we admitted to feeling it in our legs a bit the next day, but we used it as justification for an ice cream later in the day. Totally worth it!<\/p>\n Wander the Shops in Saugatuck Good to Know<\/em><\/p>\n The chain ferry is a popular summer attraction that gets you across the river, but it does not operate after Labor Day. You’ll have to drive over to the Beach and Mt. Baldhead.<\/p>\n Where To Eat<\/strong><\/p>\n Pumpernickel’s<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n We had a good brunch at Pumpernickel’s. It was still warm enough that we could eat outside – head upstairs for additional seating both inside and out. You order individually at the counter and then sit. The cinnamon rolls are very tasty. The people behind us in line hyped the\u00a0potato casserole. It was fine, but it didn’t knock my socks off.<\/p>\n Bowdie’s Chop House<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n We wanted to do a nice dinner and\u00a0headed to Bowdie’s Chop House. I’d definitely recommend calling ahead for a reservation. The food was delicious and service was great. The ladies loves the steak and bronzini entrees. As for sides, the brussle sprouts with bacon and the potatoes au gratin earned rave reviews<\/p>\n If you’re feeling like something more casual for dinner, check out The Butler<\/a>, which has been there more than 50 years and is known for the burgers. We enjoyed the burgers, but were there too late to enjoy the view. You may want to do an earlier dinner or lunch there to really get the full effect.<\/p>\n
\nDepending on which source you consult, there are either 282 or 302 steps to the top of Mt. Baldhead.\u00a0I should have counted, but alas, I forgot. I was more focused on getting to the top to take in the beautiful views of Saugatuck and Douglas.<\/p>\n
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\nWhether you’re looking for a funny t-shirt, jewelry, a kitchen gadget, or a piece of art, you can find it in the shops in Saugatuck. Our group bought each of those and more. Leave lots of time to just wander through them all.<\/p>\n