Saugatuck, Michigan

Wikipedia says:

Originally a lumber town and port, Saugatuck, along with the adjacent city of Douglas, became a noted art colony and tourist destination in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, Saugatuck was home to the famous Big Pavilion, a large dance hall that attracted bands and visitors from across the Midwest. The building was a popular destination on Lake Michigan from its construction in 1909 until it burned down on May 6, 1960.

Today, tourists are drawn to the art galleries, harbor, marinas, scenery, unusual stores, the view from atop Mount Baldhead, and tourist attractions as well as Oval Beach on Lake Michigan, which enjoys a worldwide reputation. Nearby are Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Allegan State Game Area as is the city of Holland.

Our Hip Reviewer notes:

This is truly a hip community, located along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, surrounded by picturesque sand dunes. Saugatuck is the epicenter of many western Michigan coastal communities offering a very laid-back chilled atmosphere, and amongst the population you will find an immense multitude of artists and a majority of open-minded people. The downtown is very eclectic, with many far-out shops, including the popular Shakedown Street, offering a variety of Grateful Dead and hippy-related merchandise. Coffee shops are also quite abundant here. There’s also a lot of very cool natural attractions, such as Mt. Baldhead and Oval Beach. The entire scene here reeks of peace. I must say that this town is the ultimate chill-spot.

Westport, Missouri

Missouri has more then two hippy hangouts (gasp!). Westport’s a very cool place. It has head shops, VW buses, and lots of drugs.

Westport is a section in Kansas City.

Midtown-Westport is an eclectic area, known for the Westport entertainment area, with festive brewpubs, DJ bars and retro-chic diners serving American comfort food. During the day, the scene centers on trendy fashion boutiques. Neighboring Midtown has historic buildings like the Thomas Hart Benton Home, with tours of the painter’s studio and gardens. Trails wind through nearby Roanoke Park, encircled by bluffs.

Taos, New Mexico

Taos is a wonderful, laid back place. Local attractions include the ancient Taos Pueblo, and the nearby Taos Ski Valley. There’s a certain energy in this place you don’t find elsewhere. The sacredness and spiritual qualities of the area can touch the soul.

“I went to Taos, New Mexico last summer and found the place swarming with beautiful people. There are a few communes right outside of town… where Easy Rider was filmed. Lots of freaks around and so much to learn from each other… ecstacy. A bit touristy, but not yet too corrupt with society.”

Silver City, New Mexico

Silver City is a small hippy mecca. They have lsome herbal stores in the city with “classes” on locating and identifying local herbs. Their co-op bulletin board is loaded with new age info. The annual Blues Festival brings out the most hippies. They have drum circles and a number of communes within 25 miles of the city, some better than others. Don’t forget to ask about the hot springs.

Shimer College Chicago

Chicago, Illinois has a “hippie college” in the least likely of places – Shimer College is one of THE most liberal of colleges and no one in the world seems to know about it. There are no lecture classes, we discuss books (actual sources, no textbooks that have been biased by someone else’s ideas) in groups of 12 or less. People here are allowed to live as they please and most importantly to think as they please. The education is as liberating as the lifestyle.

Moved from Waukegan to Chicago years ago.

Ogunquit, Maine

Just south of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife refuge, Ogunquit is known for it’s miles of cliff walk with coastal views, benches and a lighthouse. Musicals are staged at the Ogunquit Playhouse summer theater. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is known for its waterside sculptures and works by Maine-related artists.

Ogunquit is an artsy/funky town 66 miled north of Boston. We have a thriving alternative community (Approx 25% are gay). Lots of coffee shops, gay bars and gay guesthouses.

Makanda, Illinois

It’s way out there among hills in a forrest, but once you set foot on the “sidewalk” of the town square (which is barely anything) you notice the overall atmosphere of art. The place SCREAMS hippie haven!! It’s a calm, peaceful town, it’s creative and close to nature,a favorite for me!!

And nearby is a great collage town,Carbondale,Il. it’s big and booming,but if your in the right part of town you run into some groovy stuff. There’s a wonderous hippie hang out cafè with alot of college kids working there who are into the all natural hippie way of life. There’s local artwork on the walls,alot of food for thought. There’s a vietnam poet who hangs out in the back dining room of the cafè with long hair and a beard,but kind eyes. And the next room toward the back is the ‘Babba Shop’ which is very middle eastern,lots of clothes, prayer shawls, philosophy books…..which i didn’t really get into. But for that type of hippie…it’s prob’ly heaven. LOL behind that is a vintage clothing shop….

Also a great college town is Charleston,Il. There’s a head shop called absolutely 4th street records (on 4th street) and a bar or something called the rabbit hole. And a shop called the Alice Emporium or something like that.