Krupka’s Blueberry Plantation

September 23, 2011 By

The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Krupka’s Blueberries is located in the resort lakeside town of Saugatuck, Michigan, and makes for a nice day trip if staying in the area or a pit stop if driving through. Our family finds them to be the best blueberries in the whole state (which is quite a fruit belt)! You can buy pre-picked if you’re in a hurry, or take some time to pick your own (super fun!).

Note: Ten pounds of blueberries for a family of three will only last about 100 miles (at least for my family!). And if it’s hot out, buy the pre-picked!

Distance from the interstate: One mile from Highway US31.

Cost: 10 pounds of picked blueberries cost $22 (at last visit)

Website: None.
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Directions: Take the Blue Star Highway exit and head east less than one mile. Krupka’s is on the left; it’s a big field fronted by blueberry bushes. Enter the driveway and drive to the shop at the back.

Pier Cove Beach, Fennville Michigan

August 5, 2011 By

The following pit stop submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

A small, beautiful beach, Fennville’s Pier Cove Beach features a small creek that lets out into Lake Michigan, which is often warmer than the big lake. It’s perfect for small kids to splash in! Families can also find rocks and logs and make sculptures! In the big lake, kids (and adults!) will swim to their hearts’ content. Oh, and dogs are welcome! This is the perfect pit stop to escape crowds; the only drawback: there are no bathrooms or changing rooms, so plan accordingly!

pier cove beach

Travel tip: Beware the poison ivy on the south side of the staircase! Stick to the right! No lifeguard on duty.

For more information on area beaches, head over to Top 10 Beach Towns on Michigan’s Sunset Coast at Wandering Educators.

Closest interstate or highway: US31, Fennville Exit (M-89).

Cost of admission: Free!

Hours: Sunrise to sunset.

Dining options: None; bring a picnic!

Directions: From US31, take the Fennville exit (M-89). Head West toward Lake Michigan. At the T, take a left (south) and drive to another stop. Take a right (west) and go around the curve. Pier Cove is about 25 feet down the road on the Lake side (right). There are about 10 parking spaces.

Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan

August 3, 2011 By

The following pit stop submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Saugatuck’s Oval Beach is a popular pit stop along the coast of Lake Michigan for a reason: ranked by Conde Naste traveler as one of the 25th best beaches in the world, it boasts wonderful dunes (including Mount Baldhead), family amenities such as a playground and concession stand, and picnic areas complete with grills and a deck. It features two beach areas (one that is flatter, and one that is accessed by stairs). Sometimes you’ll get huge waves, and sometimes very calm waters. It’s all fun: bring some sand toys, a Frisbee, a kite, and plenty of towels and sunscreen. The only drawbacks? It can get crowded in summer, and the faucets only run cold water (brr!).

oval beach

For more information, head over to Top 10 Beach Towns on Michigan’s Sunset Coast at Wandering Educators.

Closest interstate or highway: US31

Cost of admission: Park fees apply.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset.

Dining options: Oval Beach does have a seasonal concession stand, but more dining is available in nearby Saugatuck.

Directions: From Highway US31, take the Blue Star Highway exit, and head west. Turn left at the Kalico Kitchen, and follow that along for several miles until you see a sign on the left for Oval Beach.