A Perfect Weekend in a Charming Michigan Beach Town
As a Michigan native, one of my favorite things to do in the summertime is visit a charming Michigan beach town. It’s really the only proper thing to do as a Michigander. There’s one Michigan beach town that I visit more than others, because my uncle lives near this town. If you’ve never been there, I’m going to tell you about a few fun things to do during your visit.
A Charming Michigan Beach Town
If you’ve never been to Saugatuck, Michigan, then you’re missing out. It’s one of my favorite Michigan beach towns, and there’s really no other town like it. Saugatuck/Douglas is located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, and the downtown area is filled with quaint little shops. Many of these shops close during the winter months, though, so if you’re going to Saugatuck for shopping, you should do it during the tourist season, which is spring through fall. This town kind of goes to sleep in the winter, although they still have a coffee shop and some great restaurants open year-round.
So, what do you do in this charming Michigan beach town? First of all, as I mentioned above, there’s the shopping. Butler Street looks like a street out of a Hallmark movie. It’s packed with small, local stores, delicious restaurants, breweries, wineries, art galleries and more. There’s really a great art scene in Saugatuck, too. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts brings in Broadway-caliber musicals, so that’s a great thing to do if you’re into the arts.
One of town’s landmarks is actually a coffee shop called Uncommon. I remember going to Saugatuck years ago in the winter, and Uncommon was one of the only places open. It never disappoints. This spot offers a bevy of coffee treats, plus baked goods and more. They also have seasonal drinks, so the menu is always a little different. Another Saugatuck/Douglas landmark is The Butler restaurant, which is located right on the water.
If you feel like doing something outdoorsy, visit the famed Saugatuck Dunes State Park, which offers 2.5 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, coastal dunes, forest and trails. Here, you’ll also find the 300-acre Patty Birkholz Natural Area. This area makes for a breathtaking view and very Instagram-worthy photos. What’s your favorite charming Michigan beach town? Contact me and let me know. Check out a photo of me at the beach near Saugatuck below. Keep reading below for some tips and tricks on how to save money on your next trip, whether it’s to Saugatuck or beyond.
Secret Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
1. Try to Negotiate Your Lodging
Did you know that hotel fees can be negotiable? Fidelity.com points out that, “You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA.” So, don’t settle for that price you see on your laptop. Try to do better. It’s a secret tip that can pay off bigtime.
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2. Get Smart with Your Lodging
Did you know some hotels that are virtually the same, including the same brand, can be cheaper just a few miles apart? As a general rule, hotels that are near the airport are more expensive. So, you can look at the hotels you want to stay at and their multiple locations in the area for the best rate. “Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise,” Fidelity.com points out.
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3. Snack Your Way to a Cheaper Trip
Going out to eat on vacation can be one of the most exciting things about the trip. But, if you want to save on cash, skip a few meals out and opt for healthy, hearty snacks. Pack (or buy at a local store) some protein-rich snacks, like protein bars and meal bars, and limit your dining out. You can still enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer, just not as much of it. This is a way to stay fit on your trip, too. A lot of people don’t think of this tip, so it’s a bit of a secret.
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4. Timing is Everything
You’ve heard it so many times in life: Timing is everything. That’s true for travel, too. Research to find the least-busy times to visit your destination. If you travel during those downtimes, you’ll save big. While this is a common tip, something people forget is that every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, be specific for your travel spot.
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5. Travel with a Friend
If you’re thinking of traveling solo to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, go cheaper by traveling with a friend. You two can share lodging fees. Also, sometimes there are more deals and discounts for those traveling with multiple people. I always do this when going to a big music festival, if it’s far away. I’ll usually meet my friend there, and we share lodging costs. It also makes the trip more fun.
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6. Find Free Spots to Travel
Look for some free attractions in your travel area. Chances are, they won’t be as packed as the big-named places, too. You can still visit some of the popular landmarks. But, if you add a trip to a national park or free museum to your itinerary, it will save you some cash.
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7. Max Out Your Memberships
Are you a member of any random groups? You might have travel deals just waiting for you. Check everything, from your college alumni membership to your credit cards, for travel discounts. You may be surprised what you find.
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8. Don't Get Picky
Say you just want to get out on a fantastic trip, but you don’t really have a place in mind. That’s actually a good thing. Take an hour to look at flight specials happening right now. If you aren’t picky on where to travel, chances are you’ll find a great rate on airfare and lodging somewhere. Once you find the most reasonable place to travel, then you can start looking at what to do when you’re there.
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9. Go Popular
This is a bit ironic, but often times, the most popular tourist destinations are also the cheapest. That’s because there is a lot of competition for all those travelers. So, big-named destinations like Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to have really good travel deals. Go popular, or go home.
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