Chapter 1: Our Own Backyard
We love living in Saugatuck, but this time of year, we get downright giddy! We consider Indian Summer our secret season … the time when temperatures are warm, days are long, sunsets are spectacular, beaches are wide open for strolling, the lake beckons you in for a swim, there’s live music all over town, artist galleries and studios are bursting with creativity, and trees in the orchards are heavy with fruit.
Today, we’ll let you in on a locals’ secret for one of the best ways to spend a fall day when visiting Saugatuck, Michigan. Plan your next getaway to Wickwood Inn and visit our local brewery, vineyards and cider houses. Here’s everything you need to know!
Saugatuck Brewing Company
At Wickwood, you are minutes away from Saugatuck Brewing Company. Be sure and try the Oval Beach Blonde, Singapore IPA, or the Bonfire Brown … a Gold Medal Winner in 2014 at the World Beer Cup in Denver, Colorado. Undecided as to what fresh brew sounds best? Try a sampler flight and taste your way to happiness. Perhaps take advantage of their spacious outdoor patio, and while you’re at it, why not wear your dancing shoes? The live music scene is sure to get you up on your feet. Looking for even more adventure and a great souvenir to bring home? Plan ahead and schedule time to brew your own beer. That’s right, at Saugatuck Brewing Company you can produce your own label. Perfect for your next big event!
Fenn Valley Winery
If you’re more in the mood for tasting your way through an idyllic vineyard, then Fenn Valley Vineyards and Wine Cellar is the place for you. Offered year round, you can take their extended tour lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. If you don’t have time for all the education and information, that’s okay. Fenn Valley Winery is also happy to see you any season for tastings and wines by the glass. All year round they host some of our favorite events: Wine & Food Festival, Nouveau Fest, Winemaker Dinners, New Release Wine & Food Pairings and more. There’s still time to prepare for the Vine & Wine’d 5K race that winds its way through the beautiful vineyards on October 3. Wether you decide to run or not, the post-race vineyard party with live music is not to be missed. We’re so excited they are bringing back the Grape Stomping Team Contest this year!
Virtue Cider
Perhaps you prefer something other than beer and wine? If you are looking for something that’s crisp, light, and very local … we have you covered. Take a tasting tour at Virtue Cider: Producers Of Proper Farmhouse Cider From Michigan’s Cider Coast. The variety of flavor profiles will amaze! They press their own apple juice from fresh, heritage Michigan apples from local farms, and you can taste the quality. You’ll learn to differentiate between ciders made in the French or the English style and have the opportunity to try some single orchard offerings and limited edition creations.
Crane Orchards
In addition to being our favorite place to pick apples, Crane’s Orchards also has a restaurant and new winery. We welcome their decades of farming tradition into the world of wine and hard cider. Their wine and cider receives the same treatment as their famous pies: use the best fruit and treat it with impeccable care. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the fall, don’t miss their 20 acre corn maze!
McIntosh Wine Cellars and Cogdal Vineyards
Just down the road there are two more tasting options: McIntosh Wine Cellars and Cogdal Vineyards. McIntosh specializes in fruit wines and traditional style cider. Take time to taste in the relaxed surrounding of their porch and orchards. Cogdal produces small batch wines from Michigan grapes and their tasting room features beautiful hardwood harvested from the property.
Chapter 2 of Breweries. Wineries. Vineyards. Cideries. Distillieries. OH MY! will set you up for the perfect pub crawl throughout Grand Rapids while you take in Art Prize 2015. Art Prize kicks off September 23 and runs through October 11; you definitely don’t want to miss out! There will be over 1500 pieces of art throughout 3 square miles of the city. Spend your day taking it all in and then escape to the serenity of Wickwood Inn. Reserve your stay today and enjoy special midweek rates for your Indian Summer Saugatuck getaway.