“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Kick Off Summer At The Wickwood Inn In Downtown Saugatuck With A Weekend Full Of Memories
The Best Memorial Day begins in our little village by Lake Michigan. Don’t you love that our unofficial kick-off to summer in Saugatuck has a Parade? Plus, we have many more things to do all weekend long. And, it’s just a taste of what a Saugatuck summer brings when you stay with us at Wickwood. Join us for Memorial Day Weekend in Saugatuck and celebrate the start of summer on the lakeshore!
Memorial Day weekend aside, there are SO many things to see and do in Saugatuck! Plunge your feet into the waves at our award-winning Oval Beach. Indulge in ice cream cones at Charlie’s Round the Corner, or mouth-watering chocolates from Kilwin’s. Get on the water and take a relaxing sunset cruise with the Star of Saugatuck. Take a turquoise vintage Retro Boat along the river in downtown Saugatuck. Cross the Kalamazoo River on the historic Saugatuck Chain Ferry. Hike through Saugatuck Dunes State Park or cruise around the dunes on a wild Saugatuck Dune Ride. And after all of those adventures, explore our many local breweries in Saugatuck to find some refreshment! Try the tour of Saugatuck Brewing Company every Saturday or taste some amazing craft beer at Guardian Brewing!
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”
~ Henry James
Friday of Memorial Day Weekend
All weekend long, Borrowed Time will feature live music, good food and wine flights. From 60’s inspired to folks and blues or classic country, there’s a melody for everyone! The food will range from special menu items throughout the weekend to a cookout on Memorial Day.
Or, you could begin your summer with an iconic Saugatuck moment by heading straight to Phil’s Bar & Grill. Then wander through town and along the river. Get your ice cream cone at Round the Corner on the way. Maybe you catch the evening trip on the Star of Saugatuck to see your first best sunset of the summer.
Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend
Spend the morning at Oval Beach or hiking in the dunes. Maybe go for a dune buggy ride or rent your favorite Retro Boat and see Saugatuck from the water at your leisure! Then it’s time for ice cream or maybe a beer at one of our four breweries. Mitten Brewing is downtown Saugatuck (love the Pizza Flight!). Saugatuck Brewing, Guardian Brewing & Waypost Brewing are all a short and easy drive.
A visit to Saugatuck isn’t complete without a stop into our many unique shops and galleries! Many of them will have specials on for Memorial Day Weekend as they fling open their doors (literally!) for summer shopping in Saugatuck! Need ideas on where to start? Check out our Guide To Retail Therapy! Or begin at the new Saugatuck home décor shop, Kindel & Co. on Culver St. which is a current favorite. Because that leads to another favorite, Upscale Mercantile, in the J. Petter Galleries Barn. And, make sure you stroll through the more than 30 art galleries and studios all around Saugatuck. From Amazwi, James Brandess and Good Goods to J. Petter, Waterstreet and Peachbelt, they are all unique and special.
After visiting Peachbelt Gallery, drive down pretty country roads a few minutes to Virtue Cider. Enjoy grilled brats, hard cider, games and music at Virtue Cider on Saturday anytime from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. Venture into Virtue’s Tasting Room for a delicious Craft Hard Ciders tasting, then watch the fireworks in the evening.
“If you’re not barefoot, then you’re overdressed.”
Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend
Fenn Valley Vineyards features a wagon ride through the grapevines. It’s a special treat that includes a wine education and a glass of wine to sip along the way. ‘Wine’ away your lazy Sunday!
If you love vintage, the Allegan Antiques Market is one of the finest and largest antique markets in Michigan! Or stay in town and visit our Saugatuck Antiques Pavilion with 175 Dealers in the large building next to Saugatuck Brewing on Blue Star Hwy. Both are perfect place to find vintage gems. When you return to Wickwood Inn after the market, take note of the many antique treasures we have throughout the Inn. We love how art and décor tells our stories!
Saugatuck restaurants for dinner? Maybe you want a great steak at Bowdie’s Chophouse, or a farm-to-table experience at Coast 236. There are a lot of great restaurants in Saugatuck, as seen in our updated Best Restaurants In Saugatuck guide.
Then, laugh it off this Memorial Day Weekend at Saugatuck Center for the Arts comedy night featuring comedy improv theatre, “The Best of the Second City” at 8pm. For ticket and show information visit here.
Memorial Day Monday
Who doesn’t love a good parade? Take part in the festivities at Memorial Day Parades in Saugatuck or Douglas. The parade begins on Monday at 9:00 am in downtown Saugatuck and 10:00 am in downtown Douglas.
After the parade, spend the day on one of our Saugatuck beaches…as it’s the ‘summer’ thing to do. And, you are a guest of Wickwood Inn, so ask the innkeepers for your complimentary beach chairs and towels.
On your way to the beach stop into Butler Pantry, Farmhouse or Pennyroyal for some of the best locally sourced picnic foods around. Choose local cheeses, amazing sandwiches, healthy salads and delicious pastries to enjoy at the beach.
Memorial Day Weekend highlights a lot of the things to do in Saugatuck all summer long. It is simply the start of a really fun summer to stay at Wickwood Inn!