One-Tank Trip for
May 14-16
(c) By Jim Fox
It’s nice to be
appreciated and Canadians will feel some love on the Victoria Day Weekend
across the border in Port Huron and St. Clair County, Mich.
The businesses and
neighbours in the U.S. adjoining Sarnia are rolling out the red, white and blue
carpet for visitors during Canadian Appreciation Days.
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| A lake freighter passes by bicycle art at the Palmer Park Recreation Center in Port Huron. |
The fourth-annual
event runs from May 21 to 23 and is ideal for a one-day visit or a weekend
getaway.
“This is a
celebration honoring our border friendly neighbours and a thank you for their
significant contribution and impact on our local economy,” said David Haynes,
Port Huron’s director of planning and community development.
Canadian visitors contribute $60 million US annually to
the local economy, “helping our existing retailers and restaurants to thrive
and boosting our ability to attract new business to the region.”
Prepare to be appreciated with some “amazing
hotel, dining and entertainment packages.”
Activities include
shopping, the arts and markets, museums and historical sites, waterfront dining,
golf courses, theatrical plays and more.
Among the
accommodation deals is the historic Heather House bed and breakfast in Marine
City on the St. Clair River.
The 1885
Victorian-style mansion offers a half-price deal for the second night’s stay.
Cash and prize machine
There will be a
“Money Machine” at the Port Huron Duty Free store from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. over the
three days for Canadians to try to win U.S. greenbacks and prizes.
For anyone arriving
on Friday evening, May 20 there’s an Art Hop in downtown Port Huron from 6 p.m.
to 9 p.m.
Merchants are
turning their storefronts into art galleries and there are opportunities to
dine and enjoy some craft beer at the bars and restaurants while enjoying the
art scene.
The 13th annual St.
Clair River Marbleye Classic takes place in St. Clair from May 20 to 22.
That’s when hundreds
of people challenge the swift currents of the river in hopes of landing the Hog
– the biggest walleye – during the tournament.
 |
| The Heather House bed and breakfast in an 1885 Victorian-style mansion, offers deals to Canadians. |
The Farmer's Market
at Vantage Point on the Port Huron waterfront near the Maritime Center is on
May 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and showcases Michigan-grown produce, food
products and flowers.
There are discounts
for Canadians at the Riverbank and Snug theatres in Marine City of $4 off $22
tickets.
The Beach Fun
Raiser, a fun family event, will be held at Nautical Mile Park, near the ferry
in Marine City on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be “free
kid-friendly games,” raffles, music and food.
 |
| The Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron provides information about the history and current events of the Great Lakes. |
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 Cruises; Huron Lightship; and the Knowlton Ice Museum.
Getting to Port
Huron is via Highway 402 across the Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River.
Another option is
to take the Bluewater Ferry carrying people and vehicles between Sombra, Ont.
and Marine City, Mich.
Fox trot
For anyone planning
to do some shopping in Toronto, the Sherway
Farmers’ Market has opened for the season.
“Find fresh, seasonal and local produce and
locally made food products from the market’s vendors at a great price,” said
publicist Peter Ashworth.
 |
| Get it fresh at the Sherway Farmers’ Market. (Photo by Peter Ashworth) |
The market is open Fridays, rain or shine, now
through Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
It features Ontario-grown fruit and
vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, fresh baked goods, honey, deli meat, cheese,
locally grown mushrooms, artisan soaps, VQA wine from Coyote Run Estate Winery
and much more, said founder William Blyleven.
It’s in the far northeast parking lot of
Sherway Gardens, bordering on the Queensway and Sherway Gardens Road, just east
of Highway 427.
The associated Oakville Farmers’ Market at
115 George St. will open on June 4 and continue Saturdays until Oct. 29
from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For seasonal updates
on vendors, produce and product availability: farmfreshmarkets.ca
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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