7 Terrific Reasons to be a Hometown Tourist in Macomb County

It’s easy to take the things closest to us for granted–including the things that make our own hometown a destination for visitors. So if current events have you forgoing travel and sticking closer to home these days, why not plan a “staycation” to discover with fresh eyes why Macomb County is a great place to spend the weekend.

Photos Courtesy of: Huron Clinton Metroparks, The Mall at Partridge Creek and Macomb County

GET TO THE WATER!

In Macomb County, the 32 miles of Lake St. Clair’s gorgeous freshwater shoreline are a defining feature. A day on the water during your staycation is time well spent. Whether you choose to swim, stand up paddleboard, cast a fishing line or go big and charter a yacht, we’ve got all the options!

Lake St. Clair is a world class fishing spot for small-mouth bass, Muskie, yellow perch, walleye and more. Charter a fishing boat and let the captain guide you to the luckiest spots. Tickets for the Infinity & Ovation Yacht Charter’s themed summer cruise series sell out fast, so book early. Or grab some friends to float on a tiki bar with Aloha Tiki Tours.

The Clinton River is another great option for fishing, canoeing or kayaking. Access sites and rental companies are available in several spots along the river.

You can also catch that vacation vibe just by being near the water. In Harrison Township, North 42 Kitchen and Bar at MacRay Harbor offers spectacular views of the lake with your meal and the expansive patio at Bumper’s Landing is the place to be on a hot summer night. In St. Clair Shores, explore the shops, restaurants and marinas along the Nautical Mile, with a leisurely lunch at Pegasus Taverna for authentic Greek cuisine, Fishbones for steak and seafood or Mike’s on the Water for dockside dining.

Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center courtesy of Huron-Clinton Metroparks

MAKE SOME FAMILY MEMORIES!

Macomb is big on family-friendly attractions. Devote a day to focus on fun with the kiddos.

Jimmy John’s Field, home to the United Shores Professional Baseball League, is one of the gems of Macomb County. Watching a game at this minor league ballpark in Utica provides a fun and affordable outing for the whole gang. Enjoy Friday night fireworks, live music Saturdays, a kids play area, accessible players, coaches and mascots and promotions throughout the game that keep the crowd engaged.

Catch an adrenaline rush at Kart2Kart in Sterling Heights with high speed go-kart racing and axe throwing. Or go for the thrills at C.J. Barrymore’s Family Entertainment Center, an indoor/outdoor amusement park that just keeps growing, with two roller coasters, a zip line, drop tower, bumper boats, mini golf and batting cages, plus laser tag, bowling and arcade games.

Peek behind the curtain at how decadent chocolate treats are made with a free tour of the Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe in Clinton Township and satisfy your sweet tooth while you’re there.

Soak up the fresh air and sunshine at Westview Orchards & Winery in Washington Township, with seasonal U-Pick fruit, vegetables and sunflowers, farm fun activities and a themed corn maze. Shop for cider, donuts and other delights at the farm market and bakery (the fruit flips are calling your name!) Then relax with a glass of wine in the gorgeous wine bar, located in the second story loft of the cider barn, with live music on select Saturdays. There’s even an occasional goat yoga class if you’re up for an adventure!

Photos Courtesy of: Kart2Kart

EXPLORE NATURE…

Find some tranquility in nature. Explore one of the Metroparks in Macomb County. The trails at Stoney Creek Metropark are a favorite with hikers and mountain bikers. Golfers can hit the park’s 18-hole golf course, and the kids are content to play for hours at the popular playscape. At Lake St. Clair Metropark, dip your toes in the lake, throw a towel down to sunbathe on the sandy beach, meander the boardwalk, birdwatch or cool off at the squirt zone and Olympic-size swimming pool, complete with waterslide.

Go for an invigorating walk, run or bike ride on the Macomb Orchard Trail, Clinton River Trail or River Bends Trail. Bring home a Pinterest-worthy, bouquet of u-pick wildflowers, complete with mason jar and ribbon, from Vanhoutte Farms in Armada (major photo ops on this outing!) or get lost in the serene, u-pick lavender fields of Romeo Lavender Farm, scheduled to open to the public this summer.

Photo Courtesy of: Huron Clinton Metroparks

VINO & BREWS…

Raise a glass at Filipo Marc Winery in Clinton Township, where they offer both open or private winetasting events. You can even make your own wine for a special event or just create a custom label. Youngblood Vineyard in Ray Township is a feast for the senses, with sweeping views of the vineyard, all-outdoor winetasting, and–coming this summer–a wood fired, Neapolitan-style pizza pavilion. At Blake’s Tasting Room in Armada, sip craft hard ciders and beers on tap and choose from a food menu that pairs well with both.

The craft beer brewing industry is strong in Michigan. Even if you’re a big fan, there are probably some breweries right here in Macomb County you haven’t tried yet. Some to add to your list: Baffin Brewing Company in St. Clair Shores, Brown Iron Brewhouse in Washington Township, Dragonmead in Warren and Dragon’s Landing in St. Clair Shores or Kuhnhenn’s Tap Rooms in Warren and Clinton Township. Sherwood Brewing Company in Shelby Township recently won the county’s first Mac Madness: Best Mac in the Mac contest, for its house made macaroni and cheese.

Photos Courtesy of: Filipo Marc Winery and Blake’s Orchard

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP!

The open-air, dog-friendly Mall at Partridge Creek is the ultimate Macomb County destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. You may have shopped here before, but have you taken time to browse unique stores like Girl Boss Fashions, Giuseppe’s International Oils & Vinegars, Taste of Tea, Detroit Life, or Inspire Marketplace, a gallery of original art created by local Michigan artists, ranging from jewelry, clothing, photos, pottery and paintings.

Shop downtown Mt. Clemens for an eclectic mix of stores such as Champagne Chocolates, Cake Xperience, Clementine’s Pastries (sensing a food theme here?), Pop’s Sweets and Treats (which recently expanded to add a retro retail section), and Max and Ollie’s Vintage Boutique.

In season, you can spend a lazy morning shopping for fresh, locally grown fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants, eggs, honey and more at many of the area’s farmers markets, including Mt. Clemens, Sterling Heights, New Baltimore and Warren. The Shelby Farmers Market is held on the front lawn of the Packard Proving Grounds, an historic automotive site that offers scheduled guided tours.

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!

What screams summer more than listening to live music under the stars? A diverse lineup of performers are scheduled this season at the outdoor Michigan Lottery Amphitheater, including Alicia Keys, John Legend and Brothers Osborne. Get your tickets now!

For nightlife, country music fans gather at Coyote Joe’s in Shelby Township, where Thursday Ladies Nights include free mechanical bull rides, dollar drinks and line dancing lessons. Ticketed events feature intimate concerts by up-and-coming country music artists. The nightclub’s large, outdoor patio is a big draw.

Ciccarelli’s Sports Bar & Eatery in Shelby Township, owned by former Detroit Red Wing Dino Ciccarelli, is a popular spot to watch the big game on big screens or meet up with friends for some adult beverages.

Check out downtown Mt. Clemens, where Bath City Bistro is best known for feather bowling, Three Blind Mice Irish Pub has a spacious outdoor deck and an extensive selection of craft and world beers, and the new Cellar 104 Boutique Winery is someplace new to try. Plans call for the creation of a social district in downtown Mt. Clemens this summer, allowing people over the age of 21 to buy alcohol from eligible licensees and stroll around outside within the social district–an interesting development.

Photos Courtesy of: Michigan Lottery Amphitheater and Shelby Township

RESIDENT REWARDS!

One of the benefits of being a Macomb County resident is free general admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Advanced reservations are currently required. True, it’s not in Macomb County, by it’s a world class art museum, so why not take advantage of it?

Where to stay

Make it a real getaway by booking a room at a local hotel. Hyatt Place Utica offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, 24/7 gym, free breakfast and a great location—a short drive to the Mall at Partridge Creek and Jimmy John’s Field, and walking distance to Dave & Buster’s family-friendly restaurant and arcade.

So there you have it. Just a few fun ideas for spending some vacation days in Macomb County. Become an official hometown tourist. Like Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home!”

Photos Courtesy of: Detroit Institute of Art and Hyatt Place Utica

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