I’m planning a girls weekend with my ex-SIL, her daughter and a friend of daughters. None of us have been. I’m thinking a VRBO in the heart of downtown. Seems it would be nice for the girls to get away from us and have someplace to go if they want, can drink and just walk home. (Same for all of us). Seems better than a place on the water, where we can’t do that, as I’m assuming there is not much to walk to as far as bars/restaurants. Is that correct?
We can just drive to beach and visit when we want that. Anyway, what do you think?
@abasket, we are 3.5 hours away, probably going in August. I had 2 different people tell me they would pick it over South Haven for a girls weekend…one 21 and one 46, so I’m going with that. @suremama , thanks for the tip!
It depends on when you go and how you want to spend your time. We’ve been to Saugatuck several times but it was some years ago. If you’re going on a touristy weekend, and your lodging includes parking, I would base myself in town and drive to the beach when you want. Parking and traffic can get difficult in the little town. It’s a charming town with a lot of art galleries and cute shops, plus a little riverfront, so fun to walk around. Not really a nightlife area (at least it didn’t used to be), so you won’t be drinking into the wee hours! The last time we were there, we took the Star of Saugatuck paddle boat river tour; very nice. Staying in town will also give you more flexibility if the weather isn’t cooperative.
There is some night life. Bars with live music, a piano bar with a kind of “lounge singer” that is bacically a big sing along. (Can you tell I’m kind of a theatre geek?)
August is a big vacation month as most of Michigan does not start school until after Labor Day so I wouldn’t wait too long to book - especially if you’re planning on being there over a weekend.
I’m a beach and water girl. If there is a beach and water to view I want to be by it. It would be tough for me to choose away from the beach if that is an option! I think it depends how much time you’d spend at the beach - if it’s just a couple of hours in a day, stay in town. If you’re like me and walking and enjoying the beach all day long - beach it!
Lake Michigan and all that shore going up from Saugatuck is beautiful. Pure Michigan!!!
If you can hold off, September is the best month IMO to visit. The weather is nice, the crowds are lower.
Strangely, I’ve never been to Saugatuck.
Amending my post.
If you go in August, I would stay at the beach. I am not a in town person during July and August, it can be wall to wall people. Waits at all the restaurants, the stores are packed. I’d stay out of town for the peace and quiet of the beach. If you can wait until September, renting a place in town will be less busy. Of course weekends will be busier, but during the week things should be relaxed.
I live near Traverse City and I try not to go into downtown from mid June to Labor Day. Once Labor Day hits, it’s so nice. You can browse the stores and it’s not crowded.
@deb922 , thanks for that tip. We absolutely can go in September. I was just wanting warm weather for the girls if they want to go to the beach. The weekend after Labor Day would be preferable for me. I’ll run that by everyone!
I would love to go to Traverse City, I’ve heard such great things. That will be one for DH and I.
+2. That time of year is perfect for Lake Michigan. Water should be about 70 deg. If you like wine, I hear they have a pretty good “winery trail” in that part of Mich.
If you want a weekend in August, you should book now. Probably best to stay in town, drive to the beach because town will be crowded and parking awful. Lots of little restaurants and bars you can easily walk to.
First weekend in September will be okay beach-wise, but can turn cold quickly. Not as busy in town, but book soon if you have a specific place in mind.
Never heard of Saugatuck (from the other side of the lake and went further north)- looked it up in my atlas. Saw a Dunes state park just north of it- that should be some great sand if it’s anything like Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Agree the better time is latest in the summer and after the kids go back to school but before too much shuts down if it’s like tourist areas in WI. Wine country region north of there, tours. Cherry pie is a must, btw. Water temps finally warm enough late summer. Also the advantage of being on the western edge of the eastern time zone- more evening daylight. The lower Michigan coast is nice (all of the sand blew in from the west over 10,000 years).
We are booked!! August worked better for my SIL. Rented a cute little house 1 block from downtown. I can’t wait. We haven’t spent time together in 8 years other than lunches and dinners since the divorce. I really miss her on holidays and vacations.