PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAUGATUCK DOUGLAS AREA CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU
In efforts to support local businesses and bolster tourism, the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention and Visitor Bureau has announced the debut of the new social district in Saugatuck’s riverfront shopping district.
Visitors are invited to grab a drink or food to-go while they wander the local shops and businesses in the downtown area, and safely socialize outdoors. The social district will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Participating restaurants, bars and breweries will be serving to-go drinks in containers featuring the logo of the social district.
Twenty eligible businesses within the boundaries of the district are invited to participate, although those selling to-go alcoholic drinks must apply to receive a permit. Retail shops will also have the option to welcome people in with their to-go drinks by placing a city-provided sign in their windows. Currently, there are three participating venues: The Butler Restaurant, New Holland Spirits, and The BARge. Other venues will be added as they receive their licenses from the state.
“Our mission at the Saugatuck Douglas CVB is to promote our unique offerings to encourage travel and visitation to our area,” says Lisa Mize, executive director of the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The new social district gives us an additional opportunity to drive and increase visitation to our retailers, bars and restaurants during a challenging shoulder season. We hope that the social district, along with the pop-up patios that allow for more outdoor dining, will continue to add to our visitor experience to explore our area in a fun, safe, social setting.”
The “pilot” stage of the social district will remain open until the end of May. To learn more, visit saugatuck.com
