Thumbcoast Articles

You have several options if you’re looking for a place to stay in St. Clair. You can book a waterfront hotel, such as the River Crab’s Blue Water Inn or the St. Clair Inn, where you can enjoy views of passing freighters. Alternatively, you can opt for a cozy historic inn or a campground located at the harbor. Explore all the available accommodations in the area.

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Lunch Time

Murphy Inn is a historic boarding house from 1836 that serves Irish cuisine. Some recommended menu items include:

• Maurice Salad
• Dinty Moore Sandwich made with Wigley’s Corn Beef
• Pint of Guinness

Culture Walk

Work off your lunch and take a self-guided public art tour from the St. Clair Art Association. On this tour, you will see Wally, the 10-foot mosaic art fish out of the water, murals, and more. 

Dinner Time

The River Crab restaurant features a dockside patio, perfect for outdoor dining during the summer months. Here are our menu recommendations:

• Martha’s Vineyard Salad
• Dynamite Scallops
• Slow Roasted Prime Rib
• Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée

Entertainment

Rockin’ in the Plaza is a series of free outdoor concerts in the park. The concerts take place throughout the spring and summer seasons. Relax in a comfortable Adirondack chair, or bring your chair and enjoy the music beside a cozy fire.  

Nightcap

War Water Brewery & Distillery is beloved for its exceptional craft brews. The refreshing Lite Chug and their famous Purple Drink are our top recommendations for summer sipping with an entertainment view.

Breakfast

T.A.P. Café overlooks the St. Clair Boardwalk with an outdoor patio. Enjoy the smells of delicious breakfast as you start your day. Our menu recommendations include:

• Coffee Flight
• Mango Acai Bowl
• Banana Bacon Waffles

Kayaking

The St. Clair Boat Harbor provides kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the Pine River Water Trail. The launch is ADA-compliant, making it accessible to everyone. The river flows slowly and offers a leisurely 8.4-mile route, but you can paddle as far as you want and turn back at any point. Or, as an alternative to kayaking, spend a day at the spa.

Pampering

Enhance your adult retreat with a visit to a day spa at the House of Blush in the downtown district. Indulge in soothing treatments and serene surroundings, leaving you feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated. Take advantage of this perfect addition to your getaway.

Lunch Time

You’ve probably worked up an appetite, so head over to Pepper Joe’s. This waterfront restaurant has a large patio within walking distance from the kayak launch. Our menu recommendations include:

• Rubber Duckie Bucket Drink
• California Cobb Salad
• Chicken Fajita Wrap with Balsamic Glazed Chips

Afternoon Siesta

Do you enjoy taking naps after lunch? Now could be a great time to take a break and relax. Palmer Park offers ample space on the riverside with shady trees or open sunny areas with pleasant breezes. You can bring a picnic blanket or a chair and enjoy a peaceful nap.

Artisan Market

Le Marché is an elegant indoor artisan market dedicated to showcasing the talent of Michigan-based artists and makers. This upscale destination provides a discerning platform for juried artists and makers to share their creations with the local community and visitors.

Live Theatre

The Boardwalk Theatre is an intimate 350-seat theater that provides an up-close and personal experience with big-name musicals in the heart of the boardwalk, ensuring a lively night out.

• The Love List, May 3 – June 15*
• 9 to 5, June 28 – Aug. 3
• Sylvia, Aug. 8 – Sept. 7*
• Sept. 20 – October 19

_{^{*Performance is at Riverbank Theatre, 8 miles south in Marine City.}}