Salute to the neighbors - Canadian Appreciation Days in Port Huron and St. Clair County, Michigan

   One-Tank Trip for May 10/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Canadians will feel “appreciated” when visiting Port Huron and St. Clair County, Mich. just across the border from Sarnia.

   In fact, the Americans are rolling out the red, white and blue carpet for their over-the-border visitors during Canadian Appreciation Days.

   This second-annual event is expanded from one day to a weekend of fun from May 17 to 19.

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes since 1825.

   “It’s a great time to enjoy a variety of pleasures from arts and markets to museums and historical sites, waterfront dining, shopping, award-winning golf courses, theatrical plays and more,” said Judi Stewart of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

   A “sister” city to Sarnia, Port Huron and the surrounding area is “perfect for a day or weekend trip,” she added.

  While it’s “much more than a great place to shop,” Canadians will find some businesses exchanging dollars at par with the U.S. currency.

   “Great lodging discounts from area hotels, combined with $800 in duty-free merchandise for stays of 48 hours or more, make it a great option for Canadians visiting over the Victoria Day holiday weekend,” Stewart said.

The Huron Lady II takes sightseeing tours out of Port Huron, Mich.

   Area attractions include the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse; Thomas Edison Depot Museum; Carnegie Museum; Maritime Center and River Walk; Sanilac County Museum and Village; Huron Lady boat cruises; Huron Lightship; Knowlton Ice Museum; and Snug Theater.

   Some of the deals found on the website include:

   - The new DoubleTree by Hilton, on Port Huron’s waterfront, has rooms for Canadians at 20-per-cent off.

   - Marysville Golf Club offers Canadian duffers and pros a $20 rate for 18 holes along with a cart on May 19 or $30 on May 17 and 18.

   - Black River Country Club in Port Huron has a “Canadians versus Americans” golf tournament on May 19.

   - Lynch’s Irish Tavern in downtown Port Huron offers 20-per-cent discounts on its merchandise such as T-shirts, hats, sweaters and retail items.

   - Murphy Inn in a restored 1836 St. Clair boarding house will accept Canadian dollars at par and offer half-price pizza on May 19.

   - Sam’s Club offers a gift card of up to $25 for Canadians signing up or renewing a membership in Port Huron Township.

   - The Avon Beauty Center in Fort Gratiot offers a 20-per-cent discount on May 17 and 19 at its location across from the Birchwood Mall on 24th Avenue.

   - Back Porch Antiques in Marine City offers a $5 discount on purchases of $25 or more.

Canadians can find a multitude of crafts at the Marine City Flea Market and Port Huron’s Studio 1219 Spring Art Market.

   - The Marine City Flea Market opens for the season on May 17 on River Road near K-mart.

   - The Studio 1219 Spring Art Market is on all weekend on Military Street in Port Huron.

   - Marysville Super 8 rooms are from $80 a night while Port Huron hotels, Quality Inn & Suites charges $89.99, Comfort Inn, from $79.99, and Fairfield Inn, $89.

   - Mary Maxim needlework and craft store offers a 40-per-cent discount coupon and takes Canadian currency at par in Port Huron.

   - A Little Something gift shop in Port Huron will give Canadians a 30-per-cent discount.

   - There’s a 20-per-cent discount on athletic shoes and 15 per cent off Red Wing boots at Busuttil's Family Shoes & Custom Sports Apparel in Marine City.

   - Michael Brothers men’s and ladies’ fashions and gifts in Marine City offers 25 per cent off.

   - Pet Fantasy & Feed in Marine City gives 30 per cent off all dog and cat toys.

Thomas Edison Depot Museum pays homage to the inventor in his boyhood home of Port Huron.

    Attracting more Canadians to visit the area is a “Discover the Blue” initiative of the state’s Pure Michigan program, said Marci Fogal, president of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

   The “Blue” takes in Michigan eastern shore communities including Clay/Algonac, Marine City, St. Clair, Port Huron, Lexington, Port Sanilac, Harbor Beach and Port Austin.

   Need to know

   Getting there is easy via Highway 402 off Highway 401 just west of London and across the Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River.

The Bluewater Ferry connects Sombra, Ont. with Marine City, Mich.

   Another option is to take the Bluewater Ferry carrying people and vehicles between Sombra, Ont. and Marine City, Mich.

   For more information: facebook.com/canadianappreciationday; 1-800-852-4242; tourist information: bluewater.org

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca