How did the Art Coast of Michigan get its name?
Originally a lumber-focused town in the mid-1800s, Saugatuck is now a vibrant art community and world-renowned tourist destination! The Art Coast of Michigan earned its reputation as an arts enclave during the late 19th century, with many artists from around the country coming to this area for its magnificent lake views. Today Saugatuck is home to the Ox-Bow School of Art, which began in the early 20th century as a respite for students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
What makes the area special today
Voted by Conde Nast Traveler as “Top 25 Beaches in the World,” this area is all about sun, sand, beach, and water sports galore. You’ll see plenty of yachts, sailboats, and Saugatuck’s own Chain Ferry, the only remaining chain-driven ferry in the country, used since 1838.
The charming downtown area of Saugatuck offers visitors unique boutiques and art galleries for shopping, pubs, and restaurants featuring farm-to-table cuisine, and beautiful gardens. Here you’ll discover the creative culture that is the heart of Saugatuck and why the area is known as “the Art Coast of Michigan.”
The Quiet Side of “Michigans Art Coast” in Allegan & Fennville
For all those travelers who are smiling at the goat picture and who love to visit the busy tourist towns and beaches but appreciate coming home to a quieter, smaller, more intimate backdrop- we are featuring two Michigan towns with so much to offer and are only a short drive to the Art Coast of Michigan.
And featuring three quality-assured Michigan Bed and Breakfast Inns to stay at and to experience small-town America at its finest. Staying at a Michigan Bed and Breakfast has so many advantages over staying at a hotel or Airbnb, including homemade breakfasts, caring innkeepers, unique properties, and local fare that many times is included in your amenities, such as locally made goat’s soap. It’s a better way to stay!
Experience it yourself by reserving a stay at the luxurious country estate of Castle in the Country in Allegan or the magnificent Inisfree Estate in Pullman.
Allegan is known for its historic metal bridge and riverfront activities, including a zipline, town festivals, and great farm-to-table dining. It’s only 30 minutes to Saugatuck, Lake Michigan beaches, and Kalamazoo and 40 minutes to Grand Rapids or South Haven.
One of our favorite places to dine in Allegan is the Grill House, a restored 1836 inn that offers grill-your-own steaks and seafood and a pub with a fireplace.
Tips and How to Live Like A Local near Allegan
- Canoe or kayak the Kalamazoo from the Allegan Riverwalk
- Zip over the Kalamazoo River with the Allegan Riverfront Zipline
- Enjoy a concert on the riverfront
- Walk across the lighted Allegan bridge at night
- Check out the hand-spun fibers at Baker’s Allegan Studios
- Attend the Allegan Farmer’s Market
- Go for a walk in the parks in the area
- Have homemade chocolate from Something Sweet For You
Our innkeepers love to share local information, including their favorite places to dine, which include Salt of the Earth for farm-to-table in Fennville, Every Day People Cafe in Douglas, and Bowdie’s Steak House in Saugatuck. Innkeeper Chuck will also set you up for a wine tour.
Tips and How to Live Like a Local near Fennville
- Hike with the herd at EverGreen Lane Farm and Creamery in Fennville
- Experience wine tasting at the Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar
- Taste award-winning farmhouse cider at Virtue Cider
- Have a meal and a piece of pie at Crane’s Pie Pantry & Winery
- Experience all the flavors at Salt of the Earth Restaurant.
- Check out the wine tasting at Modales.
- Locals recommend Root Cafe, Coffeehouse, and Spirits, which is known for its locally sourced ingredients and features works by local artists.
Castle in the Country B&B in Allegan
Castle in the Country is an intimate four seasons boutique hotel known for its warm, welcoming hospitality, romantic amenities, and ideal location on 65 acres in Allegan, Michigan, with easy access to the Art Coast of Michigan in Saugatuck, the fun town of Kalamazoo, the fun festivals in Holland and the beach community of South Haven.
Guests enjoy this unique location that includes pristine country vistas, hiking trails, and a private lake. The inn’s luxurious guest rooms include romantic jetted tubs and fireplaces. Guests also enjoy the inn’s private spa and romantic garden igloo.
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