It’s Time To Celebrate What’s New In Saugatuck And At The Wickwood Inn This Spring!
Discover All That Is New In Saugatuck This Year
It’s official … it’s spring! And that means that we truly see something new in Saugatuck nearly everyday. From the wildlife, the flowers, the new leaves on the trees and even better…all the things to do new in Saugatuck this year! On the wildlife front, the deer prance down Lake Shore Drive! And now that the ice if off the lake, we see the deer in huge numbers—20 or more at a time—taking long, thirsty drinks from the water. The open water is perfect for the Bald Eagles. Like us, you may spot four of them gliding along the Kalamazoo River. Of course, the Gulls, Geese, Swans, and Sandhill Cranes are back. Robins and Red-Winged blackbirds return to our feeders and our yards. The Wild Turkeys are known to halt traffic on Blue Star Highway. We can’t wait for the new baby ducklings that waddle around downtown.
People in town talk about how high their daffodils and tulips are, and our mouths water in anticipation of the first local ramps, asparagus, and morels.
To make sure YOU are in the know, here’s some of what’s springing up new this season in Saugatuck.
Food & Beverage New In Saugatuck
Wickwood Inn | Yes, our menu celebrates spring! Wickwood guests enjoy our Spring Tarte With Local Chevre And Spring Onions. And the Morel And Leek With Fresh Pea Shoots is always an artisanal cheese favorite this or any time of year. And, this time of year the Inn joyfully bursts with all the new flowers that spring brings.
Coast 236 | Start with the Absinthe Ordinaire. Tuna Tartare. Beet Tower. Miso Cod, Lemon Chicken, Cauliflower Steak, or Seared Scallops. Once the temperatures warm just a bit more, their gorgeous garden space will open up for dining al fresco!
Guardian Brewery | You won’t believe the transformation of the beloved Red Barn Theater building. Kim and Kate lead the team at Guardian brewing … Golden Phoenix IPA, Pegacorn Coffee Porter, and Gator Bait Golden Ale, just to name a few of the craft beers made on site. The beer and the Kale Salad keep us coming back for more.
Waypost Brewing | Another fantastic conversion of space, led by a female brewer, is new in Saugatuck! Formerly Earl’s Farm Market, Hannah’sbeers have elevated local craft brew … Session India Pale Ale, Sea Salt Stout, Saison Sauvage, Farmhouse IPA. And, they host the best events! Follow them here and stay in the know.
Grow | We’ve loved this upscale breakfast and lunch cafe from the beginning. Now that they’ve added dinner service and wines from the Loire Valley of France? Yes, please!
“Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that who cares?… He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes!”
~ Billy Connolly
Southerner | We’re big fans, all year round, of Chef Matt Millar and the entire team at Southerner. But we can’t wait for the return of BBQ season and for the comeback of the slushie machine! The Gin Fitzgerald makes everything better, and we hear that the Palomaesque may be the new addition? We can’t wait to find out.
Pennyroyal | New in Saugatuck, we have another great restaurant for foodies. We are so eager for the opening of this brand new space. Led by the impressive Melissa Corey (executive chef) and Bryan Kemp (pastry chef) our mouths water when we think about the Croissants, the Tomato and Fennel Bisque, the Duck Confit Lyonnaise Salad, Veggie Pot Pie, Grilled Cheese and Onion Jam … they promise to open soon, and we’ll be there with bells on!
Evergreen Lane Creamery | For us, it’s not officially spring until we have visited the baby goats at Evergreen Lane Farm and sampled our way through the most amazing cheeses made on site. These goats are living the good life, and you can taste the love in every bit of fresh chevre.
Virtue Cider | We’re year round fans of this Cider House and their energetic, eclectic events … Cider & Cheese Pairing Classes, Lapinette Weekend, Arbor Day Weekend, Know Your Farmer Cider Brunch … that said, the return of the frozé machine does make us extra giddy. Frozé all day kicks off in April, and we can’t wait to taste that perfect blush of spring once again. Oh, and don’t miss Virtue’s 7th birthday party … it’s one you don’t want to miss.
Fenn Valley Winery | It’s new release time! New Release Wine & Food Pairings … a behind the scenes look at some of their newest wines before they are released to the public. Or, try the Fired Up! Grilling class, the always elegant Winemaker’s dinners, and watch for the Summer Concert Series lineup and the Fenn Valley Wine Festival in June!
“Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”
~ Groucho Marx
Borrowed Time | This local restaurant, once new in Saugatuck, is now a minute away in downtown Douglas. Ahhhh, the intimate and lovely 3 Course Loft Dinners return, the porch is already open, and we are ready for live music and games in the lawn. Bring it on spring!
Kismet Bakery | Owner Mari promises us a season like no other … we always love what’s new at this beloved bakery and coffee shop that also stocks the freshest and best from local farms. We usually go in with an item or two in mind and fill a grocery bag or two instead.
Pumpernickels | Same name and location … new owners, new look, and new menu! Enjoy the great happy hour specials and explore all that’s happening in the new Pumpernickels.
Arts & Culture New In Saugatuck
Artz & Gardenz Studio Tour | The anticipation of this event makes us smile. In it’s third year with new work, new host sites, and new activities and features to kick your spring fever into overdrive! On May 11 & 12 join this free driving tour of 6 different area art studios plus a lavender farm. Pottery, jewelry, sculpture, glass, oil paintings, and so many beautiful gardens. You don’t want to miss.
Saugatuck Center For the Arts (SCA) | Freshly finished with Mountain Film Festival, there’s lots more to look forward to this spring at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play, Holland Chorale’s Celebration of Spring, The Best of Second City, Art Exhibition by Sonnenzimmer, and don’t forget that tickets for this summer’s Mason Street Warehouse shows are now on sale. Get tickets now for the hottest shows of summer!
Saugatuck Expo | 30 Days On The Art Coast | Brand new in Saugatuck this year is this month-long celebration of arts and culture that have made the Art Coast of Michigan a tourism destination for 150 years. Experience Saugatuck Michigan’s restaurant week, art exhibits, live music and Shakespeare in the Park and more. The fun takes place all over downtown Saugatuck and the surrounding area. What’s not to love?
“Life is the flower for which love is the honey.”
~ Victor Hugo
Tulip Time | Nothing says spring along the Lake Michigan Shore better than nearby Holland Michigan’s annual Tulip Time Festival. The flowers, the parades, the food trucks, the concerts, Dutch dancers, and many other special events, make this a wondrous event. What’s new this year? ‘Paint The Town Orange’ with orange tulips of many varieties all around Holland to celebrate 90 years of Tulip Time!
Live Music All Around Saugatuck | There are so many great options to get up and dance, some new in Saugatuck. Try the live music at Salt of the Earth, Waypost Brewing, Saugatuck Brewery, What Not Inn, Little Lucy’s and more.
Outdoor Adventure New In Saugatuck
Retro Boat Rentals | When getting out on the water in Saugatuck ( which is the BEST way to experience the beauty of our village), why not do it in style? Hop in a battery operated vintage boat and simply enjoy! If you have a larger group, try one of the Donut boats. New in Saugatuck this year? The Retro Boat’s expanded bar and restaurant service. We can’t wait to check it out.
Sailing Saugatuck ~ Schooner Serenity | New in Saugatuck this year, sail on an authentic tall ship! Each two hour trip starts from the Red Dock in Douglas, continues through the scenic Kalamazoo river, and takes you into the expansive, breathtaking waters of Lake Michigan. Take a day trip, or a sunset sail, either way … you can bring your own beverages, sit back, and enjoy.
Don’t Wait! Reserve Your Wickwood Stay Now And See What’s New In Saugatuck, Michigan This Season
All of these things to do are just minutes away from Wickwood Inn where we serve the first of the season’s asparagus, morels, ramps, peas, and favas. Not to mention the first of the early strawberries are soon here! We have loads of delicious new Spring aromas floating through the Inn already. The Wickwood Inn’s gardens and gazebo are ready for warm weather al fresco dining. And, we can’t wait to welcome you for a perfect spring getaway! Join us at Wickwood Inn today.