This Michigan Beach Town is a Seasonal Paradise
There’s nothing like a Michigan summer. In that spirit, there’s also nothing like a Michigan beach town. Of course, the Mitten has lots of fantastic beach options, especially with all the Great Lakes. One Michigan beach town has become my favorite, although there’s so much charm in all of the state’s lakeside spots.
This Michigan Beach Town is a Seasonal Paradise
One of my favorite things to do in the warm months is visit my uncle, who lives on the West side of the state off Lake Michigan. This year, I went a bit early, and it happened to be in the 80s last weekend, so it was perfect timing for an early visit. There are so many beautiful beach towns off Lake Michigan on the West side of the state, and one of them that’s close to him is Saugatuck. This town is really a seasonal paradise. It thrives in the summer months. I remember visiting my uncle in the dead of winter one year and us going to Saugatuck, and at the time, only a few places were open, because many of the shops and stores are seasonal. So, Saugatuck is definitely a spot that’s more hopping in the warm months.
As for what to do, if you’re someone who likes grabbing some java, Uncommon Coffee Roasters is a landmark. The one time I ventured to Saugatuck in the winter, it was actually where I was at the most, because, well, it was open. It smells so great in there. As for restaurants, there are plenty of great options, and one of my family’s favorites is The Butler on Butler Street right downtown. They have a gorgeous patio overlooking the water. Saugatuck is also known to be an artist’s dream, with plenty of galleries and local art events. According to Pure Michigan, “Art lovers can find many galleries and studios here to explore.” What’s more, the town was awarded Best Beach Town 2020 by Midwest Living Magazine. Don’t miss the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, too.
Another Michigan beach town that’s a favorite of mine, and near my uncle, is Holland, which is also off Lake Michigan. Holland has a major tulip festival each year dubbed Tulip Time, which offers more than 5 million tulips. Even if you go later in the season, Holland offers so much lakeside fun in the summer months. If you’re a beach guy or gal, try the famed Holland State Park Beach. What’s your favorite Michigan getaway? Contact me with your favorite Michigan trip ideas. Below is a gallery of photos from my time last weekend at Lake Michigan, too.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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