Saturday Morning in South Haven
Since the celebration begins in the afternoon, here are a few ways to enjoy the morning before it's time to get ready!
The Morning "Quick List"
Coffee & A Stroll: Grab a coffee at Cafe Julia and walk the South Haven Pier to see the lighthouse. It's the quintessential South Haven experience and only takes about 45 minutes.
The Blueberry Route: Stop by The Blueberry Store on Phoenix Street for some famous Michigan blueberry treats to snack on while you get ready.
Express Yourself Art Barn: For the early birds, the Art Barn is a fun way to spend an hour or two being creative without a huge time commitment.
Boutique Shopping: The shops on Phoenix Street usually open by 10 AM—perfect for a quick walk-through to find a souvenir or a last-minute accessory.
Short & Scenic (Best for 9 AM - 11 AM)
Summerhouse Lavender Farm: A quick, peaceful walk through the lavender fields is a great way to relax before the wedding festivities begin.
Evergreen Lane Creamery: Visit the goats and grab some hand-crafted cheese for a pre-wedding snack.
Saugatuck Mini Golf: If you have kids (or are just competitive), a quick round of putt-putt is easy to fit in.
Pre-Wedding Bites
Sherman's Dairy Bar: It's never too early for ice cream. They open at 11 AM—get there right when they open to beat the line!
Clementine's: If you want a sit-down lunch, get there right at opening (usually 11 AM) so you have plenty of time to head back and get dressed.
A Friendly Note on Timing
Pro-Tip: While we love the Saugatuck Dune Rides and the Star of Saugatuck Boat Tours, these typically take 2-3 hours including travel and wait times.
Exploring the Area
If you're extending your stay or looking for more to do beyond the wedding day, the South Haven and Saugatuck area has plenty to offer.
Beaches
West Side County Park: Great for rock collecting! Beach access down a set of about 80 small stairs to the north of the park.
Oval Beach: Go right after breakfast to ensure parking is available. $15/car.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park: $11/car, with trails between 3 and 5 miles that include beach access along the way (about a 3/4 mile walk to the beach).
Laketown Beach: Climb a big sand dune up and over to get to the beach.
Hiking
Wau-Ke-Na, W.E. Smith Preserve North Tract: An easy 10-minute hike to the beach.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park: 3–5 mile trails that pop out at the beach.
Mt. Baldhead: Climb the 302 stairs to the top for an awesome view of Saugatuck, then either take the wooded route down the back or run down the dune to Oval Beach.
Oxbow Trail (Crow's Nest): Lesser known with an amazing view. About 1 hour.
Dune Rides
Fun for all ages! Views, history, funny drivers, and an open-air Jeep. $20 per person—book online.
Fun on the Water
Retro Boat Rentals: Small vintage 1959-style boats with quiet electric motors—like a cute, easy-to-drive, slow go-kart on the water. Have music ready on your phone for their Bluetooth speaker. They also rent circular donut boats!
Star of Saugatuck: A Kalamazoo River tour on an old-fashioned paddle wheel boat. Daytime: $30 adults / $20 kids (narrated area history). Sunset: $50 all ages (not narrated). Reserve same day starting at 8:30 AM. Call 269.857.4261.
Food & Drinks
Saugatuck Brewing: Great food, beer, and a patio.
Saugataco: Fancy food truck-style tacos in a casual atmosphere with less wait time.
Borrowed Time: In Douglas. Relaxed indoor/outdoor atmosphere with amazing tapas and some entrees. Best for adults or older kids.
The Southerner: In Saugatuck. Southern food overlooking the Kalamazoo River.
Phil's: Excellent food and kid-friendly.
Pennyroyal Cafe: Great brunch and patio. The chef won Chopped on the Food Network!
Crane's Pie Pantry: Pie and wine/cider flights, cider donuts, and downhome cooking.
Farmhouse Deli: Awesomely fresh sandwiches and deli salads. Order online (can take some time). Take 'em to the beach!
Craft Beer, Wine & Hard Cider
The area has a great selection of tasting rooms all within a short drive of each other: FennValley Vineyards (live music Thursdays and Saturdays), Modales, Virtue Cider, Cranes Winery, Cogdale, and Michigan Wine Co.