Explore Bay City Michigan: Madonna's Favorite Candy Shop, Best Restaurants, State Park and Things To Do
Bay City Michigan | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
Downtown Bay City is a great location for fantastic coffee houses, antique shops, boutique shops, sailing, boating and restaurants.
The gorgeous downtown river walk (shown above) is worth the visit! Plus every summer the city hosts a variety of festivals along the water front.
This past year, area artists were sponsored by local businesses to paint these adorable Adirondack chairs that were dispersed throughout the waterfront area. It was a great splash of color and art!
Wandering the Bay City Riverwalk is So Scenic!
We love parking near St. Laurents and walk all the way to the Real Seafood restaurant on the paved walkway. This path offers awesome views of the river.
Bring a drink and grab a seat in the beautiful Adirondack chairs along the route!
Bay City State Park: Swim, Bike, Walk or Sun Bathe
Know Before You Go: As with all Michigan state parks, Bay City State Park requires a recreational pass to enter the park.
Ice Fishing in Great Lakes Bay Region on Lake Huron
Have you ever wondered how Michigan ice fisherman managed to get their tent and all of their ice fishing gear out to their fishing spot on a frozen lake? Watch as ice fisherman drive onto frozen Lake Huron in Bay City.
Tobico Marsh: Great Hiking and Biking Trails
We created this hand drawn map of the Tabico Trail to help you find it's location.
We absolutely love biking and walking the Tabico Marsh trail at the Bay City State Park. This photo above is me relaxing at my favorite overlook spot before reaching the Big Loop Trail. You will see ducks, geese and fish.
How to get to the Tabico Marsh Big Loop Trail: Park in the Bay City State Park closest to the Visitors Center. Follow the paved trail to the west past the Visitors Center. You will cross Euclid and continue along the paved trail until you reach a junction and turn left.
The Big Loop is a dirt trail with 2 tall overlooks that are fun to climb.
Madonna's Connection with Bay City
"I was born in Bay City," Madonna said, according to Vanity Fair. "In fact, I went to the University of Michigan."
Madonna also said, "I have great affection for Bay City." So there you go! If the Material Girl loves this city, come for a visit!
Shop Downtown Bay City
Sail Away on the Appledore Tall Ship!!
The Appledore Tall Ships offer a huge variety of super fun sailing opportunities including evening, festival and afternoon sails.
They deport from several ports around the east side of Michigan so check out their schedule!
Sip 'n Swirl in Bay City!
Do you love to paint AND sip wine? Oh my gosh so do I! I mean, what a great combination!
Studio 23/The Arts Center located at 901 N Water St, Bay City has fun evenings in which you do just that!! They provide the art materials (canvas, paints, brushes, etc.) and you just bring a bottle of wine, a snack, and get ready to paint!
A big group of us decided to give it a try! I'm bent over a canvas above helping a friend with her tree! We had a blast and it wasn't stressful! What a fun evening filled with laughs! Plus, at the end of the night we all had a piece of art. YEY!
Bay City Tall Ships Festival!
Bay City Tall Ships is an outrageous family friendly festival that is not to be missed! Our July Events page lists the dates of when the Tall Ships will be in Bay City. They arrive in the Great Lakes Bay Region every three years.
Best Restaurants in Bay City!
Our favorite restaurants in Bay City are:
- MI Table
- Real Seafood Company (the best thing EVER is sitting outside in the summer overlooking the river!!)
- Old City Hall
- Gino's Pizza (great garlic bread!)
- Fusion 1 Cafe
Love Chocolate, Candy, Nuts and Ice Cream? You'll Love St. Laurent Brothers
Address: 1101 N Water St, Bay City, MI
If you want freakin' amazing chocolate goodies, pop into St. Laurent Brothers! I love their chocolate covered nuts and fresh almonds. I have made several gift baskets for loved ones from this quaint shop!
St. Laurent Brothers also has a great assortment of nostalgic candy and treats.
Plus, it's rumored that Madonna shops there!
Bay City Blue Ice
Bay City Blue Ice is such a cool phenomenon! The photo above doesn't really represent it due to the time of day but I have more photos and info here!
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