Thumbcoast Articles

The Inn on Water Street is a modern boutique hotel conveniently on the Nautical Mile of downtown amenities. You can relax and enjoy a glass of wine from your balcony while watching freighters pass by on the St. Clair River. A unique feature for hotel guests is the availability of bicycles to explore downtown or the Bridge to Bay Trail. You can also inquire about their stay-and-play packages.

Lunch

Anita’s Riverfront Grille has a patio with picturesque views of the St. Clair River. Enjoy the sun’s warmth, watch the freighters pass by, and indulge in delicious food outdoors. Some recommended items on the menu include:

• Cold Beer on Tap
• Homemade Chips & Salsa
• Spinach & Artichoke Pizza

Culture

Marine City has a rich history of shipbuilding, and this influence is clearly visible in its architecture. Stroll to the local museums and admire the beautiful homes in the area. As you walk along the waterfront, keep an eye out for eight mosaic art pieces created from drawings of ships from the 1800s.

Dinner

Marine City Fish Company is an award-winning restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood. Its menu offers a variety of highly recommended items.

• COHO Cosmo
• Feta Baby Greens
• Award-winning House Smoked Atlantic Salmon
• Baked Bing Cherry Dessert

Entertainment

The Riverbank Theatre is an intimate venue with tiered seating and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. It produces award-winning performances in a historic building that was once a bank. Upcoming summer performances are:

• The 39 Steps, May 10 – June 9
• The Pin-Up Girls, July 12 – Aug. 11
• Young Frankenstein the Musical, Oct. 4 – Nov. 10

Breakfast

Enjoy a scenic breakfast at the Riviera Restaurant. This charming small town eatery is a local favorite with a mix of regulars and visitors. Some popular menu items include:

• Tequila Sunrise
• Admiral Omelet with Homemade Biscuits 

Beach Time

This charming beach tends to get crowded during the weekends, so we suggest reserving your spot early. If you prefer a shady spot, there is a covered pavilion right next to the beach, which still provides a waterfront view. The beach offers stunning views of Canada and is an excellent location for observing Great Lake freighters. If you’re not interested in spending the day at the beach, an alternative is to go on a fishing excursion.

Fish On

Are you looking for a great fishing spot? Look no further than the St. Clair River, a 40-mile water stretch connecting Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair along the US/Canada border. This river is a valuable ecological habitat and home to various fish species such as walleye, bass, sturgeon, muskie, and salmon. Finding the best fishing spot can be challenging, but booking with an expert can eliminate the guesswork. Book a trip!

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Mid-Day Snacks

Discover your inner child at The Sweet Tooth, voted the best sweets and treats shop in Metro Detroit a few times. This fun-loving sweet shop is perfect for enjoying ice cream on a hot summer day. If you’re feeling nostalgic, they offer candy bars from every generation, artisan truffles, and other delicious goodies.

Shopping

Explore a variety of shops, ranging from an artisan market and pet boutique to antiques. The shopping district stretches along Water St. and Broadway, providing ample opportunity to find unique gifts as a reminder of your trip to Marine City. Spend a delightful afternoon browsing through the shops and discovering treasures to take home.

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Dinner To-Go

Order takeout from Gar’s, The Little Bar, or any other restaurant and enjoy it at WaterStreet Winery and Brewery. The downtown winery invites you to pair your meal with a selection of over 90 handcrafted wines, beers, and hard ciders.

Breakfast

The Sweet Tooth Café serves an assortment of baked goods, coffee, and tea as an extension of the sweet shop located in front.

• Coconut Latte with Cinnamon
• Pecan Bourbon Tart