by Joey Amato
Stretch Summer A Little Longer Along The Art Coast
As summer begins to wind down, Saugatuck/Douglas offers the perfect excuse for one last lakeshore escape. Tucked along the Lake Michigan shoreline, just two hours from Chicago and three hours from Detroit, the Art Coast® of Michigan is a welcoming and inclusive destination renowned for its small-town charm and stunning natural beauty.
Spend your days soaking up the sun at the award-winning Oval Beach, hiking the forested dunes at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or exploring the waterways by kayak, paddleboard, or boat. Browse quaint downtown galleries and boutiques, discover local wineries and craft breweries, and enjoy farm-to-table meals that celebrate the region’s rich agricultural roots. End the day with a Lake Michigan sunset before enjoying a drag show, cabaret performance, or a night of dancing at The Dunes Resort—one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ resorts.
Late summer is also an ideal time to experience the area’s creative spirit and laid-back atmosphere. Take in the many art galleries and artist studios, book a spa treatment, linger over dinner on a waterfront patio, or spend an afternoon wandering the shops. However you choose to spend your time, the Art Coast is the kind of place where one weekend never feels like enough—and where summer memories have a way of lasting long after the season ends.
Discover more at www.saugatuck.com
South Lake Tahoe Shines as Summer LGBTQ Escape
Summer in South Lake Tahoe is a world of natural wonders with endless activity options and a dining and nightlife scene, which all together make it one of the best destinations for a spontaneous getaway. From slow mornings on private balconies to sunset strolls along the water’s edge, the South Shore invites travelers to slow down, look around, and feel something bigger. Here, awe is guaranteed and the place inspires connection, deep experiences, and celebration.
For a refined brunch or dinner, I recommend The Landing Lakeside Dining, which was fully remodeled earlier this year. Their happy hour is a great way to start the evening, as they have an impressive and extensive wine list. To pair wine and charcuterie with adventure, book a cruise with Tahoe Tastings. Their vintage vessel, Golden Rose, is a one-of-a-kind 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi. Clearly Tahoe‘s clear-bottom kayak tours are well known for a reason. Whether you prefer a serene early morning paddle or the LED glow sunset tour, you’ll get to discover hidden coves and quiet moments that make the lake feel like it belongs only to you. Their expert local guides enhance the experience by sharing history, geology, and facts about the plants and animals of Lake Tahoe. To see the lake from an entirely different (but equally breathtaking) perspective, the Heavenly Gondola is a must. Departing from the center of downtown, the Gondola takes you to an observation deck, and then all the way up to the ridgeline, where you can dine at Tamarack Lodge or explore Heavenly Mountain Resort’s summertime activities – the zipline course and mountain coaster will delight the young-at-heart.
Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords is a brand new venue with live music seven days a week and a thoughtful selection of craft cocktails. For daytime sippers, Edgewood Tahoe’s Tea with an Edge, is a one-of-a-kind high tea experience with breathtaking views of the lake from every table. This luxury resort is Forbes-rated with a fully-appointed spa, three restaurants, and a golf course all on property.
A few locals’ favorites worth considering are Sidellis Brewery, a rustic, cozy spot, which – bonus! – is LBGTQ+ owned. Oyster Bar is another, one of a few places to get quality seafood on the South Shore. While we’re on the subject, Naked Fish sushi is a high-energy restaurant with premium sushi and a very creative menu. With several chefs serving up sushi there for over a decade, omakase is highly recommended!
Whether your summer is spent chasing thrills, embracing quiet lakeside moments, or indulging in the flavors and sounds of the South Shore, Lake Tahoe is a place where every visit sparks awe, connection, and the kind of memories that last long after you leave.
