I'm with you, DanK- as I like South Haven better myself.

There is a family / resort there with beachfront called Sleepy Hollow. My friend has her entire family booked there every year for the 2nd week in June, and she has done this for over 20 years. She is a foodie and I'm sure she isn't cooking and is out on Blue Star Hwy etc.

I don't think it is right in town.

I used to frequent a B&B in South Haven called Pebble House but it is no longer under that name. It is right on the beach and in town. It was surrounded by small beachfront B&B's. You can google SW Michigan and see lots of choices.

Sleepy Hollow has kitchenettes if you are interested, a pool and other group activities are available. It's noisy.

If you like the kinds of things that are featured at the Dells in WI- you will like Saugatuck. It is the area I avoid- but most people don't. Way too artsy-craftsy and precious for my taste. Also mobs of families in lodgings too close together. But if density doesn't bother you, you may like it.

I would do a combination of South Haven, Saugatuck, Grand Haven and forgetting St Joe. We dry docked out boat in St Joe's and liked it alot but we were on the water. I really don't thing land offers that much.

If you can get ahold of some old Midwest Living magazines, they had a big article on Saugatuck/Douglas with restaurants and shop recommendations either in this month's issue or last's. There is a great pie shop in Fennville not far from Saugutuck too-Crane's Orchards. It has a restaurant but IMO the food is mediocre at best.

I forgot to add, if you do go to the wineries in Paw Paw, Kevin's restaurant at the Warner's winery is really good but has a somewhat small menu. The Dykman in town (it's one street you can't miss it) is great for burgers/sandwiches. A lot of people also like the Bistro in town (across from the movie theater).

swalter518, I've been to all three. I think Kevin's was delicious. I'd rather they do some things extremely well than 50 things with half done badly.

I'm starting to like Paw Paw almost as much as I liked Mendon's Country Inn and Mendon- and it isn't as much driving for us.

We took a hike along and into Dowagiac Creek in the Russ Forest Park last week. Fantastic and the water is ice cold and crystal clear despite the 90 degree temperatures.

Water in Lake Michigan has been running warm for Sept. but do not expect anything above 69 or 70 degrees. At night the water is in the 50's already.

Wow, you guys are great! Thanks for all the suggestions. I definately have a lot of planning to do.