The Saugatuck/Douglas area is intimate and well known for beaches, art, fine dining … you name it. Winter activities should not be ruled out; however in the warmer months these communities truly blossom.

If you’re so inclined, breakfast goes hand-in-hand with people watching at Pumpernickels, where excellent pastries are served alongside skillet dishes on the screened in porch. Ida Reds is also a favorite although be prepared for long lines and don’t even think of asking for any version not on the menu. Parking is a premium but there are two lots where the $5.00 admission helps support school activities.

Shops line Butler Street in Saugatuck and Center in Douglas, but please explore the side streets. From t-shirts to cast bronze, you’ll find an interesting selection. Saugatuck Drug Store is a favorite of kids and tourists of all ages. The Singapore Bank Bookstore carries a wide selection of current and not so current books. The shop’s owner, Judy Nye Hallisy, will be glad to assist you.

Let the kids climb the rungs at the playground at Butler and Main, while you enjoy the sunshine.

Just a few blocks southwest, down on the Kalamazoo River at the end of Water Street, the Chain Ferry, the only one of its kind in the US, will take you across the river for only $1.00, Please tip well, and lend a hand on the crank.

Once off the ferry, make a right and walk down to Mt. Baldhead Park. The empty radar dome is a one of the lasting remnants of the Cold War. Climbing iconic Mount Baldhead’s 282 stairs is a challenge for young and old alike. Once on top, and rested, you have the option of continuing on the trail down to Oval Beach, where you can walk in free or pay to park your car. Oval Beach is rated one of the World’s top beaches. There are refreshments and rental beach gear at the concession stand. Otherwise, return down the steps, stroll across the road for a look at the river, and depending on the time of day, visit the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Museum, donations accepted.

For refreshments, you can’t beat a Green River or Chocolate Malt from the old fashion soda fountain found in back of the Drug Store.

Just over the bridge in Douglas, you can visit the Keewatin Maritime Museum and take a tour of the Great Lakes cruise ship S.S. Keewatin, now permanently moored in the Kalamazoo Lake. Next to the Keewatin is the very casual (and good) Red Dock, serving sandwiches and spirits. It’s a favorite of locals, accessible by car or boat. Try Donna’s Baked Ham sandwich. There are hot dogs for the kids.

The green building across from the Keewatin houses the Button Petter Gallery, one of the many excellent galleries in the area. Pick up a gallery directory for more information. In Douglas, you’ll find several home accessory shops, including antiques and art, line the quaint Center Street.

You may have noticed “The Duck” driving or floating by. Kids young and old enjoy a ride on the Duck, an interesting if brief, tour of the Saugatuck Douglas in an old amphibious. Tickets are available at the stops in Douglas and Saugatuck. Or you may want a lengthier cruise on the Star of Saugatuck, for an hour and a half, you can sit back and float down the Kalamazoo River, getting a new perspective of Saugatuck. Boarding is first come-first serve basis but there’s not a bad seat in the (boat) house.

There are historical tours of Saugatuck Downtown. Try the Saugatuck-Historical Society, offering Walking Tours at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and the weekends, starting at the Information Booth on the corner of Butler and Culver Street. Or try the “Segway Tours”, they can be found at the White House Restaurant, a one hour guided tour of downtown Saugatuck, or they offer longer ones of the lakeshore.

The Mason Street Warehouse, an old pie processing plant turned theater, draws excellent talent from around the country. Make sure you check out the productions while you’re in town.

Bikes and scooters are for rent, as are kayaks, motorboats and pontoon boats from Big Lake Outfitters, right down on Water Street. Coral Gables also has mopeds for rent. If you’re feeling up to it, check out the Saugatuck Dune Rides, 45 minutes of exhilarating rides over steep sand dunes.

For a different activity, try the Express Yourself Art Barn just outside Douglas on your way to Fennville for an afternoon at Cranes’ Orchards for dessert and lunch. Fenn Valley Vineyard is nearby as are several antique stores … check out Anderson’s School House Gallery with an extensive collection of antiques or visit Birdcage Antiques, specializing in French furniture on Blue Star Highway on your way back.

For an evening dinner, there’s Everyday People Café in Douglas where chef Matt Balmer has made his mark. Wild Dog is also a favorite. In Saugatuck try Marros (well worth the wait) Phil’s, The Butler or Mermaids. Stroll the docks with ice cream from Kilwins or Charlie’s Round the Corner, then make sure you make curtain call at the Mason Street Warehouse.