Small town, big fun

5 must-see gay attractions in Saugatuck/Douglas

from twitter.com/saugatuck

Saugatuck/Douglas area is a pair of small towns in West Michigan, along Lake Michigan’s sandy shore. Natural sand dunes create beautiful beaches, and Oval Beach is a famous summer swimming destination, as well as a great spot to enjoy the spectacular sunsets all year.

Saugatuck is the better-known destination, and people sometimes refer to this small Michigan town as the “P-Town of the Midwest,” due to the collection of art galleries in town and a long history of attracting gay residents and tourists. But at my first visit, the town threw me off. I saw dozens of rainbow flags, but not many gay or trans people. I saw mostly families and retired straight couples, strolling down the picturesque streets. I was excited to see the amount of allied support for our community, but I was disappointed to not have seen as many people in the community itself.

That all changed when I visited Saugatuck’s neighbor, Douglas. Douglas is the lesser known of the two towns, but it exudes more gay flair and small-town charm that I was looking for. They have rainbow flags everywhere too, but there was something different about the vibe in Douglas. I felt as if I was part of a community; a town full of artists, musicians, small business owners and creatives.

Together, the Saugatuck/Douglas area is a fun place to visit, for the beach and for the attractions in town. Here are a few things you MUST do if you travel to Saugatuck/Douglas:

The Dunes

The Dunes Resort, photo courtesy of Saugatuck/Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Dunes Resort is quite possibly the most popular attraction in Douglas. This lodging and entertainment complex has indoor and outdoor dance floors, a cabaret room, and multiple bars. The weekend is definitely a busier time for the property, when people of all ages from surrounding towns and cities come to party. The Dunes hosts numerous events throughout the week, including drag performances, bingo and go-go dancers. During the big holiday weekends—Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor day—gay guys from Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis drive in (each city is only 3-4 hours away) and pack into The Dunes, and party all weekend.

Uncommon Coffee Roasters

 

 
 
 
 
 
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This unique coffee shop and roasting company is located in downtown Saugatuck and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The space also includes a cute outdoor patio with seating for about a dozen or so people. Guy Darienzo, owner of Uncommon, is one of the city’s leading gay philanthropists and strives to better both the communities in which he lives, as well as where he sources the beans used to create his delicious coffee.

Downtown Douglas

 
 
 
 
 
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Words can’t describe the feeling I got while walking through the charming town of Douglas. Dozens of art galleries, boutiques and cafes dotted the landscape. I stopped at a gay-friendly bar called Borrowed Time where a local husband and wife duo named Dave and Connie D performed classic rock songs from the 60s and 70s on the outdoor patio. And they sure looked the part. For a moment, I felt as if I was at Woodstock. A boutique/art gallery named Coastal Society also boasted a full-service craft cocktail bar and outdoor sculpture garden. Another incredible boutique, called Endora Bohemian, sells handwoven Moroccan rugs, artisanal soaps and is launching a new weekly event called Fleetwood Mac Fridays, where the owner will play Fleetwood Mac music and perform tarot card readings. It was these small experiences that made Douglas such a wonderful town to explore.

Campit

Campit, photo by Joey Amato

Campit operates as an RV and camping resort catering to gay and trans mid-westerners who are looking for an affordable weekend getaway, or a summer seasonal residence. Guests can choose to rent log cabins, camp out in the wilderness, or bring their own RV to the site. The resort also sells affordable manufactured homes to guests who want a permanent residence on property. Guests get to enjoy a full-service clubhouse with numerous entertainment options, and themed parties from Hi-Bear-Nation to Mardi Gras and Wine & Dine weekend.

Ox-Bow School of Art

Ox-Bow, photo courtesy of Saugatuck/Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Visiting an artist colony located in the middle of a forest feels like a trip to American Horror Story, but Ox-Bow is one of the coolest art schools I’ve visited. The school has a partnership with the Chicago Art Institute, and professional and amateur artists from around the world travel here to practice their craft. (Ox-Bow is also where legendary puppeteer Jim Henson created Kermit the Frog.) The school offers a variety of classes throughout the year, ranging from glass blowing to woodwork to mushroom harvesting.

Ox-Bow is open to the public only on select days, including special events, instructional seminars, and art sales. If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to visit with the resident ghost that haunts the 150-acre property. Numerous students and faculty have reported sightings over the years.

Both Saugatuck and Douglas have their own personalities and one should not overlook the chance to explore both destinations. I really felt as if the towns had similar but different vibes and I’m interested to hear which one you like better!

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