Whether you call it the Blue Water Area, Michigan's Thumbcoast, or just the Port Huron area, this part of Michigan is both amazingly blue-ti-ful, and chock full of fun things to do. We had a great time recording this episode of Behind the Mitten, as we were lucky enough to get to set up right below the beauitul Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. Let's discover the blue together!
We'll start off the show with an overview of the area from our friends at the Blue Water Visitors Bureau. Joining us are Michael Hensley, President and CEO of the Blue Water Area CVB, and Katie Stepp, a Port Huron secret beach expert, as well as the Vice President of Marketing for BWA. We'll learn about some of the great historical connections to Port Huron, as well as about the importance of the river and lakes in this area, including the mighty St. Clair River, which flowed on by as we recorded.
Katie and Michael took us out on the town for a great evening, and you'll get to hear all about our experience in the entertainment district downtown. We were lucky to get to stay right along the Black River at City Flats Hotel, an excellent choice for exploring, as well as shopping, wine tasting, and watching the drawbridge open for boats. From here, you are just steps away from all the action.
The Wrigley Center located right downtown offers up a true entertainment complex, and something all new for Port Huron. Find multiple bars, an arcade, restaurants, retail shopping, and even a fowling arena here. We talk to Darren Lee, the energetic general manager of this hot spot, and maybe even go to a "secret" speakeasy with him, a very cool place called The Laundry Room. His brand new restaurant, Port Steak and Seafood, opens on the second floor of the Wrigley Center on August 22.
During your visit to Port Huron, you can "wet your whistle"and take a self guided tour around the thumb and experience the diverse beverage scene they have here, including five easy stops right in Port Huron. Kate shares how you can win a free hotel night by completing this fun challenge, plus other insider visitor tips.
We'll finish off the show, and our night in Port Huron experiencing Quay Street from a secret speak easy located inside an ax-throwing bar. Yes, in downtown Port Huron! Head to Bootlegger's Ax Company for some good old fashioned ax slinging, cold drinks, and a fun menu. Or if you'd like inventive cocktails with a very urban feel, ask where to find Mooncursers, a fun little speakeasy which has a very cool view of the river and Port Huron visitors. We'll talk with owner Gene Harrison who is something of a rennaissance man, and definitely someone who is invested in and loves Port Huron. After our visit, we can understand why.
Plan your visit to Port Huron and Michigan's Thumbcoast at BlueWater.org.
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