My family and I recently took a quick weekend trip to Port Huron Michigan. We’ve been to this area a hundred times before but this time we were able to try a few new things that I’m excited to share with you.
I love the idea of being able to get away but with a toddler, quick trips are ideal. Less to pack, less disruption to his routine. You can easily make a weekend trip to Port Huron worth your while.
Where We Stayed
There aren’t a lot of places to stay in Port Huron that allow you you to take in the amazing Lake Huron views. There is the Double Tree by Hilton which I’ve stayed at before and is absolutely lovely. And there is City Flats. City Flats is the newest hotel in Port Huron and located right in the heart of downtown. It was an old bank that was converted not long ago.
Location Location Location
The location of this hotel was the biggest plus for us. You can easily walk anywhere in downtown Port Huron from here. It’s located right along the river that opens up to Lake Huron. We were able to watch the bridge go up to let sail boats head out the lake from our window. Easily my sons favorite part.
The hotel is classified as a “boutique” hotel which sounds fun but it did have its drawbacks. There wasn’t a coffee maker, microwave or mini fridge in our room. It was very basic. We were only there two nights and had a small cooler so it was fine for us. If you NEED a fridge for storing food or milk for kids, that would have been challenging.
Each room at the hotel is different. It was very clean, had a great size bathroom and while the room was small, they made great use of the space. Again, not ideal for a long trip but if you’re just taking a weekend trip to Port Huron, the location can’t be beat.
The only other thing that’s worth mentioning about City Flats is the noise. They provide a stunning space for weddings. Great if you’re at the wedding, not so great if you want to sleep or have kids. I doubt you’d have this issue during the week but it’s definitely something to consider if you’re staying on the weekend. There was a wedding each night and we could clearly hear/feel the music until very late.
There was also live music at some of the bars across the bridge which we could hear as well. Again, if you don’t have little ones or don’t mind loud music late into the night, it’s quite fun. But if you’re looking for a peaceful nights sleep, forget it.
What We Did
Depending on when you go, downtown Port Huron and the surrounding areas have different festivals, events, farmers markets and live music. We were there Labor Day weekend. So we took a drive about 30 minutes south to Algonac to check out their art fair. It was the perfect size, not too big and overwhelming and located right along the St.Clair River. Absolutely stunning.
I always check to see if Lexington or St. Clair have anything going on when I got to Port Huron as well. Both are near by and allow for a beautiful drive either way. Each has an art fair each year and St. Clair has a speed boat race that is really cool for kids and adults.
Speaking of boat races, Port Huron is famous for its sail boat race each year where boats takeoff from Port Huron early on a Saturday morning and race to Mackinaw Island. It’s typically in July and is absolutely beautiful if you can catch it.
We also took a walk in the evening just down the road to Andy’s Wine Bar. Amazing drinks, great service and views of the water that can’t be beat. Andy is almost always there. Tell him I sent you.
If you’re taking a trip with adults, there are plenty of bars and casual nightlife all within walking distance of the center of downtown.
What We Ate
They typically have restaurants inside the City Flats hotel but on this particular trip, both were closed. Normally, that would be pretty annoying for me but there is a ton of food and coffee options right outside the hotel.
We stopped in the Exquisite Corpse for some AMAZING coffee drinks each morning. If you can get past the name, make sure to add it to your list. It was about 20 feet from our hotel, service was great and they have a ton of great coffee options.
Kates Downtown is the cutest little breakfast or lunch spot but their hours are limited so make sure to call and confirm. We didn’t and missed out on their amazing quiche this trip. We ended up driving about five minutes north to Freighters for breakfast and it was fantastic. I’ve been there for lunch and dinner as well and have never been disappointed. Great food, great views of the lake and the bridge to Canada.
For dinner, as mentioned above, Freighters is great especially if you’re staying at the Doubletree by Hilton (it’s located inside) but if you’re staying downtown, walk to Casey’s for pizza.
We’ll Be Back
We absolutely love taking a quick weekend trip to Port Huron. It feels like a beautiful lakeside getaway but it’s far from Metro Detroit where we live. Add in the walkable downtown, affordability compared to other lakeside towns and great fairs and festivals and you’ve got a great option for a family trip this summer or fall. Happy traveling!
