Welcome to Michigan’s Premier Glamping and Dining Weekend Getaway: Glamping game changer. If you love camping, then please never go glamping. It will ruin you forever! I have always enjoyed camping, now that I have experienced glamping, I am totally ruined. Glamping spoils you in all the right ways. From luxury accommodations, serene location, to a complete glam bath house. Not to mention fresh crescents in the morning and chocolate chip cookies in the evenings. This trip we did not start a fire; they already had one burning. We didn’t bother to bring food because between Saugatuck and Douglas they have some of the finest dining you could desire. We packed our bags and headed out for a weekend of luxury glamping.
The Woods:
Welcome to the Glamping Game Changer, from the moment of arrival you know the experience is next level. We arrived on a Friday evening, it was still sunny, and the weather was an absolute perfect Michigan summer night. I will be honest, we left town much later than we expected because of the demands of my day job. However, it was less than a 3-hour drive from my doorstep to the Woods. When you arrive in the white stone parking lot, there are wagons, lanterns and umbrellas if needed. Then it is a short hike to check in. We found a cooler of cold Le Croix and our envelope greeting us.
Glamping Game Changer: Campsite
Next almost on que, the owner (Jacqueline Petro) of the Woods, arrived in her golf cart with her sweet pit bull Lovey as her co-pilot. Lovey is the most chill dog, just hanging out in the golf cart. She then provided us with escort to our site. By inviting us to jump on the back of the golf cart and hang on to the wagon, there is where the magic began. We arrive at the cutest A- frame. We find a Yeti cooler of ice and water waiting for us, a beautiful camping A-frame with plush luxurious bedding and twinkle lights above us. The Woods, think of EVERYTHING! We had our own campfire space with stocked firewood and starters, and a hammock for relaxing!
Glamping Game Changer: The Canteen
THE WOODS, offers a common area with a large fireplace, a tabletop connect-four game and of course a corn hole set for entertainment. At the Canteen, which is a retro camper that is modified to resemble a food wagon, offering fresh baked cookies and unlimited S’mores. In the morning, we are greeted with fresh baked goods, warm ham and cheese crescents and coffee and tea options. It was so nice because there was no need to cook breakfast over the fire! Now let’s talk about the pantry, they thought of everything! Just in case something was forgotten you could find it in the pantry, spices, pans, games. Free to use and return!
Glamping Game Changer: The Bath House
I am however, saving my favorite part for last. Of course, you might think my favorite part is the serene calm space, or the fact that they have chickens and BIG, BIG bunnies. NOPE! My absolute favorite part has totally ruined camping for me! So, when I say Glamping Game Changer, I mean that I can never go to a normal campground again. I am talking about the bath house. It was MAGICAL! You walk into a darkly lit bathhouse, that is playing music, has mood lighting and elegantly decorated. Beautiful live wood edge counters and the sinks are real wood! The showers were clean, and stocked with fresh towels, body soap, shampoo and conditioner. There was even a makeup vanity with a makeup mirror and blow dryer if needed.
Glamping Game Changer: Romance
If you are looking for a romantic getaway look no further. The Woods is nothing if not romantic, from the twinkle lights in our hideaway, to the string lighting at night. Walking just from your glamping site to the bathhouse makes for a very romantic walk. I will tell you it is the quietest “campground” I have ever experienced. They allow pets, do not allow children, and I not mad about that! This Glamping Game Changer is a profound adult glamping experience.
Glamping Game Changer: Conclusion
At this point you might be wondering if I would recommend the Woods, my answer is YES, YES, YES! You are not paying for camping; you are paying for an experience and the Woods does not disappoint! In my opinion, it is better than going to a high-end hotel, the luxury accommodations, serene setting and glam bath house at the Woods will spoil from camping forever.
Dining in Douglas
When I say that Borrowed Time was nothing short than spectacular, I am not exaggerating. If you are looking for a unique dining experience look no further than Borrowed Time. This gourmet experience is nestled in the quiet downtown area of Douglas Michigan. Just a short drive from Fennville and on the other side of the bridge just before Saugatuck. Most people love Saugatuck, and I am a lover of Saugatuck. Conversely Douglas has a good deal to offer, with fine dining and cute downtown shops to browse after you have satisfied your pallet. Contrastly, Saugatuck is livelier and peoplely. Douglas is quiet and discerning.
Arriving at Borrowed Time
We were earlier than expected, our reservations were for 3:30pm. Thankfully they were able to accommodate our 2:30 arrival. I do recommend reservations, as I was told they tend to fill up quickly. We were led to our outside table, which on this day was wonderfully warm weather. The sun was full and there was a slight breeze in the air. Which made for an incredible dining experience.
Let’s Eat! Small Plates for the WIN!
Borrowed Time’s menu specializes in small plate. Which means you order multiple plates to be shared at the table. Consider your meal a tasting of multiple dishes until your belly bursts with delight! Pictured in this post are 4 small plates.
The Charcuterie platter
Boasted with flavor of salami medallions, smoked meat, creamy brie and a hard cheese that melted in your mouth.
The deviled eggs
Those little devils took a devilish twist with Thai Chili flavor which is my favorite, there just simply were not enough of them!
The crab salad
A fresh surprise of jumbo lump crab and crisp apples, with a hint of curry. The crab salad was served with mini naan, which to be honest I felt was a bit heavy for the freshness of the dish. I would have preferred romaine boats and top it with micro greens (I am obsessed)!
Belly Up to the Seared Pork Belly
The last dish cooked to crisp and juicy perfection. The pork belly was braised in cider and served with an Asian coleslaw and topped with scallions and black-white sesame seeds. We left the meal satisfied and we felt it was an amazing experience. We are foodies, and we get so bored with traditional restaurants. If you want more of an experience than your run of the mill dining experience, then I highly recommend Borrowed Time.
