Local Guide · Saugatuck, Douglas & Fennville
Curated by DollyBrook, trusted by 13 years of guests
This guide is a love letter to our community. Thank you to Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville for making every guest's stay unforgettable. We're proud to share the spots we - and our guests - keep
coming back to.
All distances measured from DollyBrook Resort - your home base for exploring the area.
Insider tips
Arrive at Oval Beach before 10am on weekends - parking fills fast
Fennville is 5 minutes away and never crowded - start there on busy days
Sunset cruises sell out fast in July & August - book early
DollyBrook Favorite Deli / Ice Cream / Pizza
Best take-out along the lakeshore. Best pizza in town, full ice cream parlor, burgers, broasted chicken, sub sandwiches, groceries, beer, liquor & more. The closest spot to DollyBrook - and one of our absolute favorites.
Private Chef
A select private chef experience crafting personalized menus tailored to the theme of your vacation rental. Available for DollyBrook stays and beyond - intimate, chef-driven dining brought directly to you.
Community Favorite Café
Local staple for relaxed mornings. Cappuccino court setting. A calming start to any day.
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Community Favorite 
Community Favorite Restaurant
Under new ownership with a fresh menu. Worth revisiting even if you've been before.
Community Favorite Fine Dining
Seasonally rotating menu - always fresh, always creative. Worth a reservation.
Book ahead in July/August
Community Favorite 
Mexican
The real deal. A dependable local spot that never disappoints.
Community Favorite Restaurant / Café
We send guests here constantly. The atmosphere alone is worth the trip.
DollyBrook Favorite American
Featured in the Chicago Tribune and New York Times. If you could only have one meal - our guests keep coming back.
Community Favorite Bar / Lounge
The perfect wind-down spot after a day at the beach. Good drinks, good energy.
Community Favorite Café
Tiramisu. Caramel lattes. A beautiful barn setting. We're obsessed.
Community Favorite Restaurant
A Douglas staple with a rotating menu. Check their current hours before heading over.
DollyBrook Favorite Café / Restaurant
The hidden gem locals know and tourists miss. No crowds, great food. Go here when Saugatuck feels busy.
Winery
One of Michigan's best. World-class wines grown along the Lake Michigan shore. A must.
Winery
Just down the road from DollyBrook, this welcoming Fennville winery and tasting room is one of the easiest ways to dip into Michigan wine country. Relaxed, local, and approachable - a perfect afternoon stop on any weekend itinerary.
Winery
A scenic Fennville winery just minutes from DollyBrook, with thoughtful tastings and a true sense of place in the local Michigan wine scene. An easy, memorable addition to a day trip or weekend outing.
Farm / Photo Spot
Lavender in bloom is breathtaking. Great for photos and a slow afternoon.
Best in summer
Equestrian / Reining
A brand new reining horse training facility on Selah Way, run by Taylor Vanmalsen. Heated 80x200 indoor arena with Kiser-approved footing, outdoor track, and trails through the woods. Lessons and tours available for horse lovers.
Cafe / Provisions
A local find. Fresh, unpretentious, delicious.
Community Favorite Golf / Restaurant
The spring specials have been exceptional. Worth the short drive even if you're not golfing.
Golf
18-hole, par-72 Arnold Palmer Signature course spanning 7,070 yards with rolling fairways, scenic ravines, and Audubon-certified grounds. Pro shop, locker rooms, and Arnie's Grill Room overlooking the 18th hole.
Golf
18-hole Arthur Hills championship course opened in 1996, playing par 72 from roughly 4,889 to 7,000+ yards. Set along the banks of Lake Michigan just north of South Haven, with an on-site restaurant and inn. Golf shop 7:30am to dusk; restaurant and inn seasonal.
Community Favorite Beach
Top-rated beach in the Midwest. Arrive early - parking fills fast in summer.
Arrive before 10am on weekends
Community Favorite Hiking / Beach
The dune hike to the lake is epic. Good shoes recommended. Views are worth every step.
Boat Tour
Sunset cruise on the Kalamazoo River into Lake Michigan. Book in advance in summer.
Book ahead in July/August
Outdoor Attraction
Climb the famous staircase for panoramic views of Saugatuck and Lake Michigan. Worth every step.
Art Gallery
A West Michigan artist working in clay and glass for 20+ years. His pottery and blown glass pieces are stunning - a must-visit gallery on Butler Street.
Community Favorite Art Gallery
Nearly 300 members strong, reflecting the vibrant local artists' scene. Don't miss their Gallery Show & Sale at Capizzo Gallery on Blue Star Hwy.
Gallery Show & Sale: May 7–9 & May 15–17
Restaurant
A longtime Blue Star Highway favorite for cocktails and dining. Cozy, dependable, and always packed with locals.
Deli / Farm Store
Sandwiches, prepared foods, and pantry goods sourced from local farms. A perfect picnic stop on Blue Star Highway.
Café
Classic small-town diner on Main Street. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with no fuss and big portions.
Bar / Lounge
Craft beer and wine on tap in a relaxed, modern space just off the main drag. A great spot to unwind.
Bar / Lounge
Moody, intimate cocktail lounge with a serious drink list. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit.
Restaurant
Globally inspired small plates and creative cocktails. One of Saugatuck's most exciting newer dining rooms.
Restaurant
Wood-fired pizza, wings, and salads done right. A go-to for a casual dinner or takeout night.
Restaurant
Southern comfort food on the Kalamazoo River. The fried chicken is the headliner - and worth the trip.
Restaurant
Farm-to-table dining and a wood-fired oven in the heart of Fennville. A regional destination for good reason.
Restaurant
Inventive seasonal plates in an unassuming Douglas spot. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Restaurant
An iconic family orchard, winery, and restaurant. Famous for their pies - and a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon.
Café
Locally roasted beans, espresso, and a welcoming porch on Hoffman Street. A Saugatuck morning ritual since 1994.
Café
Pastries, scratch-made baked goods, and good coffee in a charming Blue Star Highway cottage.
Bike & Kayak Rentals
Downtown Saugatuck's home for bike, e-bike, kayak, paddleboard, and beach gear rentals. Hourly, daily, and weekly rates. Free delivery in Saugatuck/Douglas on orders over $150. Full-service bike shop on site.
Farm Stand / Produce
A self-serve farm stand just around the corner from DollyBrook on 120th Avenue, open throughout the summer and fall with a variety of fresh produce. Also regulars at the Douglas and Saugatuck farmers markets.
Open summer & fall
Blueberry Farm / U-Pick
A family-run blueberry farm in Fennville. U-pick and pre-picked blueberries during the summer season - a classic West Michigan summer outing.
Open during blueberry season
Winery & Brewery Tours
Custom winery and brewery tours in the Fennville area. Tours typically last 4 hours and visit 3 completely different stops. Transportation and most reservations are handled for you - just relax and enjoy. An all-inclusive option covers transportation, coordination, tasting costs, gratuities, and lunch from a local deli.
Horseback Riding & Carriage Rides
Family-owned ranch since 1995 offering trail rides through wooded scenic trails, pony rides, riding lessons, sleigh rides, carriage rides, and hayrides. Gentle horses make it welcoming for first-timers and experienced riders alike. Open year-round by appointment. Children must be 7 or older to ride alone. Call 269-673-3539 to book.
Public Boat Launch
DNR public boat launch on the Kalamazoo River with access toward Lake Michigan. Hard-surfaced ramp, pit toilet restroom, and parking for 10+ vehicles. Open 24 hours. Best for smaller boats - launching largest boats may be difficult due to limited water depth.
Public Boat Launch
City park boat ramp on the Kalamazoo River with updated docks, cement ramps, and parking for 10+ vehicles. Developed carry-in access (under 50 yards), pit toilet restroom, and a picnic shelter. Open 24 hours. Located 0.5 miles to Bayou Street at the end of Schultz Park Drive (terminus of 66th Street). Part of the Southwest Michigan Water Trails.
Private Chef
Private chef services - fine dining brought directly to your cabin. Perfect for a special night in without leaving the resort.
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