Boating on Southern Lake Huron continued...

Last week’s blog focused on Southern Lake Huron-specifically Port Huron and Lexington. This week’s blog will continue to discuss Southern Lake Huron but will be about Port Sanilac and Port Austin.

Lake Huron is the second largest Great Lake by surface area and the fifth largest freshwater lake in the world according to Great Lakes Net. It is 206 miles by 183 miles and the average depth is 195 feet.

Lake Huron Map

Leaving Lexington, the next stop up the banks of Lake Huron is Port Sanilac. Port Sanilac is a small town of approximately 623 people nestled on the shores of Lake Huron.  It is approximately 30 miles north of the St. Clair River at Port Huron.

Port Sanilac Information

Port Sanilac Harbor offers seasonal and transient dockage and services such as fuel, fresh water, ice, club room, restrooms and showers, pump out services and a launch ramp. Additionally, it has a public park, playground, grills, picnic tables and a dog run.

The marina is also located in the Sanilac Shores Underwater Preserve with many popular scuba diving sites nearby.

Port Austin Harbor

Latitude 43º 25′ 48″ N

Longitude 82º 32′ 04″ W

Here is a short video that tells you a little more about Port Sanilac:

 

Town is a short walk from the marina approximately 3 blocks. The Port Sanilac Lighthouse, which was built in 1886, is an easy walk from the marina. The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is located on the outskirts of town and offers a look back in history.

Port Sanilac History

 

 

When we visited, we had our bikes so we could explore the area. We rode to the Stone Lodge Restaurant & Tavern and enjoyed a nice lunch and cold beverage. They have an outdoor tiki bar to enjoy on a nice summer’s evening.

https://www.facebook.com/Stone-Lodge-48458594378/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is another video with additional information about Port Sanilac.

 

Leaving Port Sanilac and heading further north is Port Austin. The harbor in Port Austin is run by the state and just underwent a $10 million-dollar renovation which was completed in 2014.  The harbor offers 59 transient wells and 15 seasonal slips. The amenities are the harbor include: boat launch, water, electricity (Dual 30 amp & Dual 50 amp), Dog Run, Dog Beach, Public and Private Restrooms, Private Showers, 90 Octane No Ethanol Gasoline, Off-Road Diesel, pump out, motor oil, ice, day-use dockage, grills/picnic tables, and laundry. The harbor is very well maintained and the staff is very helpful and friendly. Reservations can be made through the Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations link

 

Port Austin Reservations Link

 

Port Austin Harbor

Lattitude 44° 03' 14" N

Longitude 82° 59' 37" W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the Pure Michigan website, Port Austin State Harbor is part of the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail. It is also inside the Thumb Area Bottomland Preserve. At least 22 major shipwrecks lie in and around the underwater preserve. The entire area has been the focus of wreck hunting for decades with new discoveries every year. The harbor and adjacent Bird Creek County Park are both Saginaw Bay area birding sites along the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail.

Pure Michigan Port Austin Link

We have been to Port Austin the last two summers and one of our favorite things to do is kayak. The beautiful shores of Lake Huron are breathtaking and the sandy bottom along the shore makes for an enjoyable swim to cool off on your kayak trip. We rented kayaks from Port Austin Kayak and paddled to Turnip Rock. Turnip Rock is one of Michigan’s greatest natural wonders.

 

The trip is 3 ½ miles out to the rock and is a nice trip. The first year we were there it was the first time that anyone of us had kayaked. The weather was perfect and we stopped along the way several times to cool off. My son, who was 9 at the time had no problem with the trip and still talks about it to this day!

Here is the link to Port Austin Kayak: Port Austin Kayak

 This past year when we were done with our trip, we had a nice lunch and a nice cold beverage at Pak’s Backyard Café & Beer Garden which is located at Port Austin Kayak.

 

 

Pak's Backyard Cafe & Beer Garden

We normally bring our bikes along but if you are not able, you can rent bikes at Port Austin Kayak as well.

 

 

There is a beach located next to the harbor that is sandy and a great place for the kids to play and cool off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The harbor also has a large break wall that makes for a nice evening stroll to watch the sunset. One unique thing about Port Austin is the fact that you can see the sunrise and the sunset.  I got up one more just to get a shot of the sun coming up across the harbor:

 

Port Austin Sunrise July 2015

There are some unique shops and restaurants downtown that you need to check out. One of my favorite stores to visit when we are there is Lisa’s Loft Gifts which is located above Heins Hardware.  

 

Heins Hardware - Lisa's Loft located upstairs

 

 

 

They carry a variety of unique items from décor to jewelry.

 Lisa's Loft

 

 

 

 

 

One of the restaurant’s that we enjoyed when we were in Port Austin was the Bank 1884 Food & Spirits. It is fine dining in a casual atmosphere and is in a building that was built in 1884 and was a bank.

The Bank 1884 Restaurant

 

 

 

 

There are a few sweet shops in Port Austin so you must make sure to stop and get a scoop of ice cream to cool off on a hot summer night. Port Austin is definitely a trip worth making.

Here is a link to the magazine Discover the Blue 2017 Visitor’s Guide. It is a great resource to discover the shores of Eastern Michigan. You can download it from the website. Additionally, Discovery the Blue has a blog that has tons of great information. Be sure to check it out.

 Discover the Blue Visitor's Guide Link

 

Thanks for joining this week. Remember that life is better on a boat!!

 #Lifeisbetteronaboat

Boating on Southern Lake Huron

Last week’s blog focused on Northern Lake St. Clair and this week’s blog will focus on Southern Lake Huron.

As you head further up the river you will see the scenic shores of Michigan and Canada.

Port Huron is known as the Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes and connects the United States and Canada via the Blue Water Bridge. Port Huron has a lot to offer by boat or by land.  

The Black River flows right through downtown Port Huron and is home to many full service marinas that offer dockage and are within walking distance from town. We have stayed at the River Street Marina on numerous occasions and have been always been well taken care of.  Town is within walking distance but the marina offers a shuttle to local golf courses and other points.

River Street Marina

 River Street Marina

The Black River is actually 81 miles long so if you have a dingy or kayaks, it is a great place to explore.

Black River

Downtown Port Huron offers many restaurants and shops. There are a few must stops when you are in town. 

One stop is Fuel Woodfire Grill & Spirits. They offer some great food and craft beers.

Fuel Woodfire Grill & Spirits

Another must stop is The Vintage Tavern. It offers the only rooftop patio and bar which is great on a warm summer’s night. They offer an extensive wine list and have many unique and fresh dishes.

Vintage Tavern

If you are looking for some authentic Irish food and a large choice of draft and craft beers Lynch’s Irish Tavern is the place to go. I would definitely recommend the Irish Nachos and their Deep Fried Pickles with a nice frosted pint of beer.

Lynch's Irish Tavern

Port Huron also has many historic sites to take in. Thomas Edison spent his boyhood years in Port Huron and it is where the Thomas Edison Depot Museum is located. Port Huron is also home of the oldest working lighthouse, The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse.  Another point of interest is the Huron Light Ship at Pine Grove Park.

The Downtown trolley offers a tour of the City’s attractions for just 10 cents.

Check out their link to see the map of where the trolley goes.

Port Huron Downtown Trolley

The Great Lakes Maritime Center offers freighter viewing and insight on the great lake and ocean going freighters.

Great Lakes Maritime Center Link

Another big event that takes place in Port Huron is the Blue Water Fest which kicks off the annual Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race.  Here is the link for more information about the Blue Water Fest.

Blue Water Fest Link

Here is the link if you are interested in more information about the race.

Port Huron to Mackinac Race Link

Here is a great link that can give you more information about Port Huron:

Port Huron Link

This video will give you an overview and show you some of the great sites to see when you are in Port Huron:

One of our favorite spots to drop anchor and swim is in Lake Huron in front of Lakeside Park. Many boats love this spot. Be sure to check the depth meter as there are lots of sandbars in this area which offer a nice sandy bottom for swimming.

Lakeside Park

Leaving Port Huron and heading north to Lake Huron there are a lot of great ports to discover. One of our favorite destinations is Lexington. There is a lot to see and do in Lexington.  It is a small town but is big on charm.

Lexington Harbor

43° 15' 50" N/82° 31' 00"

The harbor is owned and operated by the State of Michigan and offers 107 transient slips and offers amenities that include water, electricity (30 and 50 amp), restrooms, showers, gasoline, diesel, pump out, ice and boat launch. Reservations are made online through the State of Michigan.

Lexington Harbor Link

The harbor is connected to the Patrick Tierney Park. The park offers free Friday night concerts throughout the summer. We have enjoyed some great concerts on some beautiful summer nights at the park.

Music in the Park Link

The park has playground equipment, tennis courts, and picnic areas with grills. There is also a boardwalk and break wall for a nice walk along the water and a beach for swimming. We enjoy inviting family and friends up and grilling in the park on a beautiful summer day.

Lexington is a great place to bring your bikes but you can also walk into town as the harbor is located at the end of the main street in town. There are many shops and restaurants located in the heart of downtown. Here is a link to the shopping that is located in Lexington.

Lexington Shopping Link

A few of my favorite shops is the Lexington General Store. They have some very unique items and a penny candy store. This is one of my son’s must visits when we are in Lexington.

Lexington General Store

Noble is another really neat store that has some unique houseware items. Kasper’s Oh! Fudge has some great fudge and unique gift items.

Lexington Brewing Co and Wine House

One of our favorite stops while we are in Lexington is the Lexington Brewing Co and Wine House. It is located in a restored 1876 Fire Hall and has several craft beers on taps along with award winning wine. They offer a lite menu and have unique and eclectic entertainment on the weekends.

Lexington Brewery Link

Village Pub

One of our favorite restaurants while we are in Lexington is the Village Pub. It is a great place to eat and offers a wide choice of craft beers. They have a shuffle board table and a life size Jenga game that the kids love. One of my son’s favorites is the Pretzel Stixs and I love the Black and Bleu burger. They do have live entertainment and special events. Make sure to check out their website to see what is going on if you are planning on visiting Lexington.

  

Village Pub - Lexington Link

There is a great place to drop anchor for a nice refreshing swim just outside the harbor. We have enjoyed many a hot summer day anchored just outside the marina in the local swimming hole. You will know where it is on a hot summer day by the people and boats that are anchored. It is not accessible by car as the beach area is privately owned but you can enjoy it by boat.

Lexington Harbor - Swimming Hole to the Left before entering Harbor

Thanks for joining this week. Be sure to stay tune as my next blog will focus on Port Huron and Southern Lake Huron starting with Lexington.

Remember that life is better on a boat!!

#Lifeisbetteronaboat

Boating on Northern Lake St. Clair

Last week’s blog focused on Anchor Bay and this week’s blog will focus on Northern Lake St. Clair.

Lake St. Clair is in the heart of the Great Lakes. The Detroit River is to its south and the St. Clair River is to its north both of which are gateways to bigger adventures if you should choose.

Lake St. Clair is big on miles but small when it comes to getting from waypoint to waypoint. The lake is 440 square miles with lots of rivers to navigate. It offers some great ports for an overnight or extended stay. In addition, there are some great on-the-water restaurants and some beautiful places to drop anchor for a refreshing swim or to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

Northern Lake St. Clair, the North Channel and the St. Clair River offer some of our favorite boating spots. Last week we left off at the North Channel at Decker’s Landing and Lounge.

 

 

http://www.charts.noaa.gov/BookletChart/14852_BookletChart.pdf

If you proceed north up the North Channel toward Algonac you will find a hidden gem of a restaurant called Club Capri Restaurant. Look for Sassy Marina sign (N 42° 37.554' / W 082° 36.968') and follow the canal back to the restaurant.

 

Club Capri offers an Italian cuisine and is known for their famous pizza and their pasta dishes. They also offer a large select of craft beers and have a nice selection of wines. 

Club Capri offers some a little bit for everyone, my son enjoys their mussels, my husband enjoys their large beer selection and I enjoy their house merlot -Sycamore Lane.  On the weekend you are sure to find live entertainment. Check out their website to see their upcoming entertainment.

 

http://www.clubcapri.net/

Next stop is heading north up the North Channel to Johnnie Lega’s Restaurant & Tavern. They offer dingy parking in front of the restaurant and for the larger boats you can park at the newly refurbished Pearl Beach Pier however, spots are limited.

  

Lega’s opened in 1937 in Detroit and was moved to Pearl Beach in 1954. Lega’s is a family style restaurant and they offer American cuisine. Check out their menu on their website:

http://www.jlegas.com/index.html

Here is a short video that shows some of the things they offer:

Harsens Island also offers some nice places to visit by boat. One well known establishment is Bill Fritt’s Browns. Browns is located on Harsens Island on the Middle Channel and has been a local landmark since 1946. You can dock your boat right in front and they have plenty of docks to fit most size boats. They offer live entertainment on the weekends and on special events. Browns is family friendly and their menu includes burgers, wraps, salads, and fish & chips. You’re sure to find your favorite beer or cocktail to accompany your meal as well.



Ariel View of Browns

 

 

http://www.brownsonharsens.com/

GPS:   42.35.331”N/82.38.564”W 

 Heading back to the North Channel via the Middle Channel you will find Sunset Harbor Marina. Sunset Harbor is located on the North Channel on Harsens Island 1/8 mile west of the Harsen’s Island Fairy. They offer transient wells for an overnight or weekend stay. The marina has a beach and a pool that overlooks the north channel. We have enjoyed lounging at the pool during the day and a fire on the beach at night on a few of our stays. If you plan on staying for a little while, I recommend you bring your bikes to explore the island as there is not much within walking distance. This is also a great place to explore on the water if you have a dingy.

http://www.sunsetboatharbor.com/view/?path=&p=index.html

Next on your way north up the North Channel you will come across the Algonac Harbour Club. It is one of the largest deep water marinas by the Great Lakes.

GPS:      42° 36' 33.428"N/82° 32' 56.331"W

Algonac Harbour Club has a long history and the property has been part of the Algonac landscape since the early 1900’s. The Algonac Harbour Club is located where the original Chris-Craft plant created so many beautiful wooden boats. The original Chris-Craft tower is still a visual landmark today and has been since the 1900’s.

The marina offers full time dockage for the season and transient wells for overnight dockage for all different size boats. The marina is a full service marina and has a lot to offer. It is a family friendly marina offering a kiddie pool, an adult pool and spa. There are basketball courts, horseshoes, beach volleyball, and barbeque and picnic areas. 

Onsite is the Harbour Club Bar and Grill which offers waterfront dining and a Tiki Bar. It is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner if you are out an about.

If you bring your kayak or paddle board there are many areas to explore around the marina. You can also enjoy nearby shopping and restaurants which are all within walking distance.

The marina does have scheduled events throughout the summer that you might be interested in participating in. Check out their website for more information.

http://www.algonacharbourclub.com/ahc1/

Here is a video to show you some of the great things they have to offer.

 

If you are staying for the weekend, I would recommend dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Catch 22 Bistro. It is within walking distance from the marina.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catch-22-Bistro/242736632462403

 

Leaving the North Channel and heading up the St. Clair River you will enjoy a great ride. Chances are you will pass a freighter or two if you are lucky. Below are a few pictures of some of the freighters we have passed.

 

As you leave the North Channel and head up the St. Clair River you will come to one of our favorite boating destinations St. Clair. St. Clair is a quaint little town with a lot to offer. It has a boardwalk that runs across Palmer Park. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the famous wooden boardwalk and enjoy the sight of freighters day and night or simply choose to relax in the park. In the summertime, you can enjoy their concerts in the park on Friday evenings.

Here is a great video that captures some of the things to do and see in St. Clair.

Statute in St. Clair along the boardwalk

The St. Clair Boat Harbor is a 132-slip harbor located on the St. Clair River at the mouth of the Pine River. They have slips available to seasonal boaters as well as transients. The harbor has floating wooden docks and is open April 1st – October 15th. The harbor has a fuel dock that offers e-free gas, diesel, pump-outs and some boating supplies.

The marina also features a canoe/kayak launch ramp and they offer canoe and kayak rentals to paddle down the Pine River. For the fisherman, they have a launch ramp and a fish cleaning station. The boat harbor is a close walk to town to experience some of the local restaurants and shopping. If you don’t feel like walking, the marina offers a free shuttle to anywhere within the City limits and to the River Crab Restaurant.

The harbor now offers a campground with electric & water hook-up if you want to invite your camping friends along.  Additionally, the harbor has a campfire pit to enjoy the cool summer nights.

Picture of campfire from one of our trips to St. Clair

 

http://stclairboatharbor.com/

Across the river from the marina is Pine Shores Golf Course for the golfing enthusiasts. The course is a 9-hole executive course. The marina will shuttle you and your group to the course.

http://stclairontheriver.com/

 

There are many great restaurants and bars in town.

The Voyageur Restaurant

The Voyageur offers reviewing dining on the waterside and a sports bar and bowling on the backside. It is a great place to enjoy a good meal and to watch the boats and freighters go by. I would recommend their Voyageur Lemonade if you are looking for a nice refreshing summer cocktails.

http://thevoyageur.com/

 

 

Pepper Joe’s is located on the banks of the Pine River and has been in business since 1998. They offer fresh choices and daily specials. Make sure to try their sangria – it is the best around.

http://pepperjoes.net/
 

 

LaCroix Riverside Pub

LaCroix’s Riverside Pub s a historic pub that has been family owed and that offers great food, refreshing drinks and live entertainment.

 

http://www.lacroixsriversidepub.com/



Murphy's Inn

Murphy’s Inn is a great place to enjoy the pub atmosphere or the dining room which both offer a diverse menu.  They offer Karaoke and live entertainment throughout the week. Murphy’s is accessible by land or water and does offer boat dockage. 
The historical Murphy Inn is a totally restored 1836 boarding house and one of the oldest operating inns in Michigan. There are 7 vintage guest rooms featuring antiques, and private baths if you have extra guests who are looking for somewhere to stay.

http://www.murphyinn.com/Home_Page.php

War Water Brewery is located in the St. Clair River Plaza and offers a great view of the river and an opportunity to try some microbrews.   This is another must stop if you are in St. Clair

https://www.facebook.com/Warwater/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Clair is a great place to bring your bike as there are some beautiful old houses scattered throughout the town and a bike ride is a great way to see them. I would definitely add St. Clair to your list of places to see.

Thanks for joining this week. Be sure to stay tune as my next blog will focus on Port Huron and Southern Lake Huron starting with Lexington.

Remember that life is better on a boat!!

#Lifeisbetteronaboat