top of page

Saugatuck, MI and a Tea Company

 A Great Place to Visit

Saugatuck, MI

Saugatuck Tea Company


Saugatuck, Michigan is a small art community nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan near the Kalamazoo River. It was on my list of places to visit for some time. Not only because I love beach towns but because of the way Saugatuck sounds when you say it. Well, I finally got to visit this past July and found a tea company that won my heart three-fold.

But, First, a Concert

Before I tell you about my favorite tea store, I’ll tell you how I ended up there. The Grand Rapids Symphony earned a place in my heart as well. On a recent stay in southern Michigan, Bill and I joined our friends, Rick and Patty, for an outdoor concert. The venue was Cannonsburg Ski Area in Belmont and was worth the two hour drive from Coldwater. Women Rock, a production by Grand Rapids Symphony, featured music of female artists such as Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Joan Jett, and Pat Benatar to name a few. A fabulous concert with perfect evening temperatures. Chilling on the lawn with wine and cheese, it appeared to me the fifty-plus crowd felt much younger than they probably felt when that first AARP envelope showed up in the mail.

Grand Rapids Symphony

Women Rock Concert


For two hours we listened to the voices of Katrina Rose Diderikson, Shayna Steele, and Cassidy. Let me tell you, those women rock! They made it hard to believe that the original artists themselves weren’t there with us. The only thing missing that evening was the sea of lighters that used to appear at concerts long ago. (I miss the days of lighters.)

Post concert, we stayed at our friend’s home in Douglas which is the sister city of Saugatuck. The following morning, over a hearty breakfast the men cooked, we talked about options for the day’s entertainment. (By the way, I love a man that cooks.) We decided on a drive along the shore before a walk through the small, neighboring art community. The fact that the annual Venetian Festival was taking place in Saugatuck that weekend, making parking nearly impossible, didn’t stop us.

Saugatuck, MI

Saugatuck Chain Ferry


Saugatuck Chain Ferry

Because our friends are familiar with the area, they knew to park at Mt. Baldhead, across the Kalamazoo River from Saugatuck. That required taking the chain ferry. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry, established in 1857, is the only remaining hand-cranked ferry in the country and the cost of one dollar to take it across the river makes the experience well worth it.

Departing the ferry, we started with a stroll down the boardwalk. It was a beautiful July day with plenty of sunshine and the cool breeze that is common along Lake Michigan. We enjoyed watching the boats, from kayaks to yachts. Whether floating by or stationed at dock, the boats and the people bring a seaside energy to Saugatuck that make you want to stay a while. Bill and I soon realized that one afternoon in this cool little art town was not going to be enough. We will return for a longer stay in the future. Until then, I had some shopping to do.

Saugatuck, MI

Saugatuck Boardwalk


From Boardwalk to Shopping

We made our way from the boardwalk into a town filled with unique art galleries and stores. Even the guys enjoyed a bit of shopping given the fact they like to cook. (Have I mentioned I love a man that cooks?)

Saugatuck, MI

Spice and Tea Merchants


Bill and Rick loaded up on several unique spices for grilling at Spice and Tea Merchants. I enjoyed the spice store because of the samples – popcorn seasoned with Black Truffle Sea Salt and iced tea brewed from a blend called Circle of Life. Both were delicious. I picked up a bag of each. I’m a sucker for samples. I also purchased a spoon-shaped tea infuser, not because I needed one but because it was really cute.

More Than Just Spices

Another feature was the woman at the counter. When I went to pay for my goods, she gave the tea infuser a test squeeze and said, “I don’t like this one so much. It doesn’t squeeze quite right. Let me grab another for you.” (Have I mentioned I love nice people?) She returned with a better infuser and engaged – Where are you from? Are you enjoying Saugatuck? It appeared she appreciated the business. 

I thought the Spice and Tea Merchants would be the main attraction on my Saugatuck post until Patty suggested we head over to the Saugatuck Tea Company. “So, you like tea?” she said when she saw my purchase of Circle of Life, “Have you ever had a bubble tea?” To which, the answer was no, I have not.  She described them as “fun to drink” and got me with that because I want to try something that’s fun to drink.

Saugatuck, MI


Bubble Tea – A Party in Your Mouth

While Patty and I were on a mission to consume a bubble tea, Bill and Rick were on a mission to find a park bench at Wicks Park to sit and watch the boats go by. So we said our farewells and see you laters, then Patty and I stopped in a few more stores before reaching our final destination. Some of my favorites were the Saugatuck Drug Store for its old fashioned soda fountain, the Santa Fe Trading Company for its selection of soaps and unique baby clothes, and It Is What It Is for an overall selection of unique gifts.

We eventually made it to the Saugatuck Tea Company, the store that won my heart three-fold for its tasty treats, great gifts, and nice people. As we approached the entrance, I was expecting to see  something like a Starbucks or Biggby coffee shop. But, much to my surprise, coming through the door, I’m at the top of a stair case looking down upon a gift store with a spectacular layout. I asked Patty if we were in the right place. “Oh yes,” she said, “the tea party shop is across the hall.” 

Before asking more about the tea party shop, I made my way down the stair case and toward a table filled with several trinkets for teas and delicious smelling candles.

Saugatuck, MI

Saugatuck Tea Company


Excellent Customer Service

As I was sniffing one of the aromatic COCO candles on display, a perky voice came up beside me, “Can I tell you something wonderful about that candle?” To which I responded of course.

Her name is Gina and she’s the owner of the store. (By the way, although I am partial to her name, it is not the reason she is the feature of this post.) Gina told me about the COCO candle products that are made with coconut wax for a pure burn that doesn’t interfere with the scent. The wax burns warm, not hot. So, when you blow out the flame, you can dip your fingers right into the wax and use it as a warm moisturizer. (On a side note – I bought a COCO candle and followed her advice. The warm coconut wax felt amazing on my elbows and knees.)

Gina introduced her clerk in the gift store and told me she’d help me with anything I needed. I told her I was there for a bubble tea because I’ve never had one. So she happily gave me a tour of the rest of her establishment.

"<yoastmark

The Tea Party Store

It is what it says it is and more. There are shelves upon shelves of fancy cups and saucers for hosting a tea party at the store. Gina showed me the wide varieties of teas she sells. The she described the menu  and ingredients for bubble tea*, an iced tea-based drink blended with milk or fruit.

So, what makes bubble tea a party in your mouth? The flavor-filled tapioca pearls layered at the bottom of the drink. Served with an extra wide straw, a tapioca ball gives a burst of flavor with each sip.

Now, apparently I’m out of the loop because these teas have been around for awhile. They are growing in popularity and flavors can be blended to one’s liking. But, the bubble tea concoctions on the menu of Saugatuck Tea Company are extra special because they’re created and named by children in the area.

"<yoastmark

After enjoying my first bubble tea and a personal tour by the owner, I almost forgot my COCO candle. Patty and I started to leave when Gina said don’t forget your candle! She handed it to me in a gift wrapped bag, another special feature of her store.

The tea company was a perfect way to end our afternoon in the art community that will see me again. And, I will certainly return to my favorite tea party store for another party in my mouth.

Below are more more photos of the quaint coastal art community on Lake Michigan. Make sure to put Saugatuck on your list of places to visit.

*Disclaimer:

When writing this feature, I did some research on bubble teas.  Also known as Boba Tea, the concept was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s and quickly became popular across Asia. Today, it is becoming more popular in European Countries and North America. While there have been some past controversies regarding the ingredients that make the tapioca pearls, there is recent research that supports it is a safe beverage for consumption. My own disclaimer is that, as with any sugary treat, you should enjoy them in moderation.

Did you like this feature? Please hit the like button and leave a comment.

You may subscribe to this blog on my home page to receive future reviews of businesses that are doing things right.

Saugatuck, MI

Spice and Tea Merchants


Spice and Tea Merchants

Ultimate Spices


Spice and Tea Merchants

Popcorn with Black Truffle Sea Salt


Spice and Tea Merchants

Iced Tea Samples


Saugatuck, MI

Saugatuck Drug Store


Saugatuck Drug Store

Soda Fountain


Saugatuck, MI

Santa Fe Trading Company


Santa Fe Trading Company

Unique Baby Items


Santa Fe Trading Company

Natural Soaps


Santa Fe Trading Company

Unique Baby Items


Saugatuck, MI

it is what it is


Saugatuck, MI

it is what it is unique gifts


Saugatuck, MI

it is what it is unique gifts


Saugatuck, MI

it is what it is unique gifts


Saugatuck, MI

Saugatuck Tea Company


"<yoastmark
"<yoastmark
"<yoastmark
"<yoastmark
"<yoastmark
Saugatuck, MI

Saugatuck Chain Ferry


Saugatuck Chain Ferry

Chain that pulls the ferry across the river


Saugatuck Chain Ferry

Hand cranking the ferry across the Kalamazoo River


Comments


bottom of page