Beyond the gates of the Boardwalk is a region of pleasant surprises.  Drive five minutes south and you’ll find South Haven, a lakeside village of shops, services, restaurants, public beaches, and marinas.  There you can dock your boat, see a movie, celebrate a festival, stock up on supplies, or spend an afternoon browsing.  Ten minutes north is Saugatuck, another lakeshore town know for its thriving art community, galleries, and summer nightlife.  The Boardwalk is the ideal home base in the cool and cold months, too.  Michigan’s northern ski resorts are just two hours away.  And in the fall, the entire state comes alive with color.  Whatever the season, your greatest dilema won’t be finding something to do, but finding an excuse to stay.