| Nestled among a landscape of trees along the | | | | Lake Michigan, which has garnered praise from MTV |
| Kalamazoo River, the vintage harbor village of | | | | and was rated by Conde Naste's Traveler Magazine |
| Saugatuck sits serenely on the shores of Lake | | | | as one of the 25 best shorelines in the world. A couple |
| Michigan. A progressive haven that has historically | | | | of winding waterways, including the Kalamazoo River, |
| provided a summer getaway for Chicagoans and | | | | offer fishing and boating opportunities, and a variety of |
| other big city dwellers, this small arts town offers | | | | scenic city parks dot the riverside. Wilder terrain can |
| visitors a break from hectic 21st century life. Visitors | | | | be found at Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Allegan |
| can wander along gallery-filled streets while checking | | | | State Game Area. |
| out Victorian homes built by lumber barons, many of | | | | A tourist haven, this town's primary source of revenue |
| which are now bed and breakfast establishments. | | | | is generated by dozens of bed and breakfast, |
| Although the town boasts plenty of historic charm, the | | | | restaurants, and, of course, the art galleries. The town |
| Art Coast of Michigan isn't stuck back in time. The | | | | swells from 1,000 to 3,000 each summer. Still, residents |
| cultural scene here rivals that of much larger cities and | | | | find they can make a living year round here as well. |
| is contemporary and cutting edge. Originally a lumber | | | | And they do quite well: the average household |
| town and port, Saugatuck began to entice artists and | | | | incomes are in the top quarter of the country. In |
| tourists late in the 19th century, first with its Old Pavilion, | | | | addition to a solid economy and above-average |
| a large dance hall that attracted great bands, and then | | | | cultural scene, the educational opportunities for people |
| with its dozens of art galleries, arts festivals, and | | | | of all ages are excellent. Nearby Holland sports two |
| performing arts venues. At the annual Heritage Festival | | | | colleges, one of which offers online classes; Saugatuck |
| art enthusiasts can check out the Clothesline Art | | | | has a top rated middle school; and high school students |
| Show exhibition, while at the Red Barn Playhouse, | | | | regularly score well on the ACTs. |
| Broadway fans have plenty of yearly performances | | | | Whether it's the arts you're after, a vibrant, gorgeous |
| to choose from. | | | | landscape, or just a cozy, simple life in small town |
| Recreational opportunities abound here as well, | | | | America, Saugatuck has it all. |
| including sun bathing and swimming at Oval Beach on | | | | |