On Our Radar, September 2024

Oval Beach in Saugatuck

Saugatuck—Best Coastal Small Town

Saugatuck has been named a “Best Coastal Small Town” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award Contest. As the only Michigan town included in the esteemed ranking, Saugatuck secured the second-place spot on a list that includes notorious beach towns Key West, Gulf Shores, and Pismo Beach, California.
“It’s such an honor for us to be recognized as a leading destination alongside such a remarkable list of scenic coastal towns,” stated Lisa Mize, the Executive Director of the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Saugatuck holds a spe- cial place in the hearts of both visitors who return annually and locals who consider it their home.”


Oliver Anthony

Hail To The Headliners

Get ready for a memorable night with one of the hottest names in country music! The Allegan County Fair, known for booking big-name acts, continues the tradition this year. Country music fans and those eager to see an overnight sensation won’t want to miss Oliver Anthony’s performance on Friday, September 13, 8–10 p.m. Just a year ago, the solo artist was relatively unknown, until his inter- net-breaking debut “Rich Men North of Richmond” (which reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart) catapulted him to fame. He followed it up with “Ain’t Got a Dollar,” which peaked at No. 2. Other notable acts performing at the 2024 Allegan County Fair include Third Eye Blind, Theory of a Deadman, Of Mice & Men, Jamey Johnson, and Ludacris. For more information, visit allegancountyfair.com/events.



Mark Lodenstein and Mayor Lauren Stanton cut the ribbon, as Craig VanderMaas, Brant Raterink, Aaron Wings Over Muskegon Whalen, and Don Sobi look on.

A New B&B!

The Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bu- reau recently welcomed Porches on Mason, a new bed & breakfast at 350 Mason St. in downtown Saugatuck.

“We are excited to announce the opening of our new bed & breakfast – Porches on Mason, after recently completing construction of our beautiful building,” said Mark Lodenstein, co-owner of Porches on Mason. “Although we are classified as a B&B, we are unique in that we offer large private suites and minimal shared space – a hybrid lodging option that feels a bit more like your own luxury apartment to enjoy your vacation.”

The B&B features eight uniquely decorated suites, each with a private screened-in porch complete with a day- bed-style swing and outdoor seating. Guests can enjoy a French-style breakfast of croissants, muffins, fruit, and cheeses. Visit porchesonmason.com for more info.


Vineyard signage at Dablon in Baroda.

Honorable Mentions

Two area restaurants have been honored by Wine Spectator in its annual awards program that recognizes the world’s best wine lists. Butch’s Dry Dock, located at 44 E. Eighth St. in Holland, was recognized for its impressive inventory of regional wines from California, France, and Italy— with 700 different selections and 6,500 bottles in the cellar! American farm-to- table restaurant Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar, located at 236 Culver St. in Saugatuck, also made the list for its strength in wine offerings from France and California.


The Event Center at Fricano Place will host two Candlelight Concerts.

Candlelight Concerts

The Listeso String Quartet will perform the music of Coldplay (6:30 p.m.) and Adele (8:45 p.m.) at two separate concerts on August 30 in Norton Shores. Each concert lasts 60 minutes, with doors opening 45 minutes prior to start time. Late entry

is not permitted. Experience the magic of live music under the soft light of candles at this one-of-a-kind concert at The Event Center at Fricano Place, 1050 W Western Ave Suite 201, Muskegon. Tickets are available at Feverup.com.