Did someone say road trip? Time to gather the gang and plan the best friends getaway ever! Where to, you ask? Getaway to Saugatuck, Michigan’s Wickwood Inn. Located in the heart of one of the most charming villages in the state, the streets of downtown are just outside the Inn’s front door. Walk to dozens of trendy bars, brewpubs, tasting rooms and restaurants. Shop ’til you drop at unique galleries, shops and boutiques. Plus, a bounty of craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cider mills dot the countryside, only a ten minute drive from the Inn. With eleven lovely guest rooms, four cozy gathering spaces, farm-to-table breakfasts, afternoon treats, plus evening sips and small plates, it’s the perfect spot to reconnect with friends and make lasting memories. And the best part? The Inn is decked out for the holidays beginning November 15th, one of the most magical times of the year!
Create An Adventure In Saugatuck On Your Friends Getaway
Beyond the comforts of the Inn, your friends getaway should include new adventures. Expand your horizons, challenge your senses, learn something new. We’re making memories here. So brace yourselves for some bold ideas.
Start your day with a challenge. The perfect photo op awaits at the summit of Mount Baldhead, aka Mount Baldy. The reward for climbing the 302 steps to reach the top? A nearly 360 degree view of downtown Saugatuck, Lake Michigan, and the Kalamazoo River. But let’s add some spice to this adventure. Race your friends to the top. The winner earns bragging rights for life. But, you could entice the competitive spirit by including prizes for all: fastest, slowest, most creative outfit, biggest complainer, etc. Everyone wins in the end. Imagine the conversation when you return to the Inn and gather around the fireplace for a glass of celebratory wine.
Feeling a bit more “Currier and Ives’? Arrange for a horse drawn buggy ride, or even an afternoon of horseback riding through the trails at Wild West Ranch. A short 30-minute drive through the rolling hills of western Michigan brings you to this family-owned and operated ranch, where their love for all things equestrian brings joy to riders of all ability.
Sip Wine, Taste Cider, Brew Beer Together
Your friends getaway to Saugatuck should include an afternoon sipping fine wine while browsing a collection of fine art. Plan a visit to the J. Petter Galleries, a combination art gallery and wine bar. Located in a historic building along Blue Star Hwy, this 12,500 square foot facility houses quite the collection. Immerse yourselves in fine art and sculpture along with a selection of old and new world boutique wines. Reserve the entire gallery or select rooms for a private party. Or, just plan to stroll around the myriad of art and wine filled spaces. Enjoy a glass of wine with friends in the gallery or the wine bar. The wine bar features artisan cheeses and other decadent treats, many of which are available for purchase at the bar or in their retail shop.
“It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Not into wine? No problem. Take a walk on the wild side and sign your friends up for a hard cider and food pairing event at Virtue Cider in Fennville. The Thanksgiving-inspired Cider, Cheese, and Pie Classes may give your group some ideas for their own holiday gatherings. You might also entertain a private guided tasting designed exclusively to your pallets. Or just wander up to the bar in the Tap Room and build a picnic from their selection of meats and cheeses to enjoy on the lawn. A little hard cider might spike an interest in starting up a game of horseshoes or corn hole on the lawn.
For the brewers among your group, what could be more fun than brewing up a batch of your own beer together at Saugatuck Brewing? Talk about a bonding experience! Armed with recipes, a fistful of brewing ingredients, professional brewing equipment, and an expert to assist you, create your own private label beer. Start a “name that beer” contest to come up with a winning name for your signature brew. Then, with your 4-hour brewing experience complete, strike out on a brew pub crawl to some local breweries. Mitten Brewing, Guardian Brewing and Waypost Brewing are among our favorites.
Unique Shopping Galore | Art, Vintage, Gourmet, Boutique Apparel & More!
Get a jump on your holiday shopping! With dozens of unique shops and galleries lining the streets of downtown Saugatuck, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for that special someone on your gift list. Make it a scavenger hunt by challenging everyone in your group to find the perfect treasure that defines your friendship. Check out our recent blog post, “15 Best Unique Places For Shopping In Saugatuck, Michigan”, for ideas on where to shop and what you’ll find.
Finally, unwind at our evening Sips & Small Plates Hour at Wickwood before venturing out to dinner. Complimentary wine and tantalizing small bites will rev up the conversation and revive the soul. Share your shopping finds, award your contest prizes, recount the best stories of the day, and bask in the glow of forever friendships. When you’re ready for some delicious southern-style food, take a short stroll to The Southerner on the banks of the Kalamazoo river.
“A good friend knows all your best stories, but a best friend has lived them with you.” – Unknown
Begin Your Best Friends Getaway Ever With A Bed & Breakfast Stay At Wickwood Today
Reserve your friends getaway at the Wickwood Inn’s downtown Saugatuck bed and breakfast today. And, create memories with your closest friends to last a lifetime when you stay with us. We gave you just a fraction of the things going on in town. When you stay at the Inn, our innkeepers have the ‘inn-side’ scoop of everything going on when you arrive, too. Don’t forget to ask! In fact, call the Inn today at 269-857-1465 to book direct and ask all of your questions.