Anyone with South Haven experience?

berth control

berth control

New Member
Nov 16, 2008
886
Saugatuck, MI
Boat Info
1985 270 Sundancer
Engines
3.7 liter Mercruisers
I'm thinking of heading down to South Haven this weekend with the wife. First weekend of the year we said "NO GUESTS!!" on the boat, so we are looking to head somewhere tourist-y and close, South Haven seems like the ticket according to the cruising guide. Has anyone spent much time there that can give us any local knowledge (places to eat, slip, shop, ect.)? I have never been there for more than an hour, so any help is appreciated!:thumbsup:
 
Yep. That is our homeport.

Slip at the South Municipal Marina. This will enable you to walk into town very easily.

There is a dinghy parade on Saturday afternoon that you might find entertaining.

As far as dining, Tello's is one of the nicer restaurants. It is Italian food. There are other options that are good as well.

If you bring a dinghy, take a ride up river. There is a nice gazebo that connects into the Kal Haven trail. Perfect spot for a picnic.
 
Was at the South Municipal marina 2 weekends ago, clean & friendly. You may want to call in advance for reservations as they seemed to fill up quickly (shorter walk into town from the south side). Nice town, lots of resturants/bars and shops to stop in to visit.
 
Took a ride down there last Friday for lunch. The municipal marina was quite full, but they were very helpful and found us a temporary slip to use for a few hours. Good idea to call ahead. Lots of different types of restaurants and plenty of shopping and things to see.
 
I also live here. Its a good town to visit and if you can get a slip on the south side its an easy walk to town as its less than a block. Stop at Capt. Nemos for some Shermans ice cream. Clementines for lunch or dinner but be prepared to wait. Tellos for good Italian although a little more expensive. Phoenix Street Cafe for breakfast and Cafe Julia for coffee. The beaches are close and very nice.
 
Thanks for the advice guys - I appreciate it. Your suggestions raise some questions:

1. LifeIsGood mentioned taking a dingy ride up river, and I plan on towing ours, but can I take the boat or is it too shallow.

2. Is there a good place to sleep on the hook and dingy to shore like in Saugatuck or Holland, or should I plan on getting a slip (we may want to sleep on the hook for once, we always stay in the slip and it may be a fun change)
 
You need to get a slip here. Its not like Saugatuck as there is no place to anchor. For the ride up river take the dingy. You can go pretty far with it.

Where do you keep your boat on Saugatuck? I am at Sargents. I have my business in South Haven (Johns Stereo) and live here.
 
Thanks Heatwave, I keep my boat in the low rent district! We are on a new floating dock that is right next to the Kewadin (big steamship in front of the red dock). I appreciate the advice!
 
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