If 2020 finds you working from home and your kids participating in virtual learning, you might be in desperate need of a change of scenery. With Wi-Fi access available almost everywhere these days, why not take a family flexcation that will give you that perfect balance of work and play.

Recent research from NYU shows that people feel happier when they add variety and new experiences to their daily routines. So, go ahead and make Saugatuck/Douglas your new happy place this winter. Take advantage of off-season rates and fewer crowds with a flexcation that combines serious work with soothing relaxation and fun activities.

If you’re looking for an escape from your current digs but want all the creature comforts of home, explore a cozy cottage or luxury lakefront rental from Bella Vita Vacation Rentals, Michigan Vacation Rentals, Mill Pond Realty Vacation Rentals, Quaint Cottages, Shoreline Realtors Vacation Rentals, or Vacasa Vacation Rentals. Then bring your work and studies to the lakeshore!

Combine online education with the following real-life experiences to make learning even more memorable:

History

Beginning in December, travel back in time with a self-guided tour of the Felt Mansion. Completed in 1928, the Felt Estate recalls a lavish period in history with an extravagant 25-room Mansion, a Carriage House, historic Chapel, and expansive grounds.

Physical Education

Hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are just some of the heart-pumping ways to explore the Saugatuck State Dunes Park. Snowshoes, skis, boots, and poles for the entire family can be rented from Landsharks in downtown Saugatuck. For an even more challenging workout, climb up the 302 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead for spectacular winter views of Saugatuck, Douglas, and Lake Michigan.

Science

Explore the natural beauty and wildlife around the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area while you look for deer, fox, bird, and squirrel tracks. Head out to Oval Beach to observe some unusual weather phenomena like ice volcanoes and ice balls from the safety of the shoreline. Identify the constellations and visible planets across a clear night sky.  

Art

Learn to appreciate art in all its forms with a visit to our many galleries and studios, including Amazwi Contemporary Art, Jeff Blandford Gallery, J. Petter Galleries, and Mixed Media Gallery, just to name a few. Hone your photography skills by snapping some pics of the public art around town, such as Romero Britto’s Big Temptation sculpture in the Village Square Playground, Cynthia McKean’s Family of Man sculpture in Coghlin Park, and the Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte mural across from Wick’s Park.

With so many wonderful things to experience in Saugatuck/Douglas, an extended flexcation just may be the uplifting answer to the tedium of virtual work and school schedules.