SAUGATUCK, MI — The best travel experiences are those that fully immerse you in the place. A Michigan fall experience could mean surrounding yourself with changing leaves, leaning into spooky lore or engaging with local art. One experience combines all three this autumn.
Returning for its third year is Bloody Brunch, taking place Saturday, Oct. 18 at Ox-Bow School of Art.
Hidden up in the wooden sand dunes overlooking the Kalamazoo River, these sacred grounds are seasoned with secrets and stories.
The Bloody Brunch takes place at the 115-year-old inn on campus, which features a wraparound porch overlooking the lagoon.
The brunch will be crafted by Ox-Bow’s kitchen staff and onsite mixologist and beverage manager John Brown will be setting up a Bloody Mary bar to die for.
Adult tickets are $95 and child tickets are $25. Admission includes brunch, drinks and a unique piece of glassware from Ox-Bow’s hot shop on campus. There are two timeslots, 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
After brunch the exclusive hour-long tour of the hallowed grounds begins at the inn.
Over the years, multiple guests have reported hearing sounds of children rolling marbles, seeing a young girl roam the hall and feeling extreme temperature swings in their rooms, said Kate Nguyen, community engagement and events manager.
“Ghosts are not guaranteed, but ghost stories are promised,” she said.
Brunch guests can also get a peek at Ox-Bow Goes to Heck, the family-friendly event taking place 1 -5 p.m. that same day. Brunch participants can see the camper cabin transformed into a haunted house and outdoor carnival for kids.
Guests will get a taste of campus life where the summer artist residents experiment in the glassblowing, metal working, ceramics and print shops.
The culinary artist residency will be starting this winter. Interested applicants still have time to apply before the Sept. 30 deadline.
The campus hosts culinary events throughout the seasons. If a spooky brunch isn’t your style, there are still limited tickets available for the Harvest Dinner on Oct. 4.
