Did you know you can celebrate National Craft Month without leaving Bay City? That’s right, March is National Craft Month, and we’ve got lots of local resources to help you get-your-craft-on!

If you’re a crafty person that needs supplies for your handmade endeavors, we’ve got lots of spots for you to check out (or revisit).

Stitchin’ at the Bay: newer to the neighborhood, this fabric/sewing shop is located in Uptown Bay City. They are a BERNINA authorized dealer and offer sewing classes for all levels of sewists. You can pick up tons of designer fabric, sewing notions, and machines at their store as well!
The Stitching Well: fiber artists unite; these next two spots are just for you! Get all of the supplies, instruction and advice you need to make beautiful fiber-centric pieces. The Stitching Well is on the west side of town and is one of the top ten complete needlework shops in the United States with over 4,000 square feet of inventory to choose from.
A Piece of Ewe: this shop located on Bay City’s east side is focused on all things yarn! They offer classes, supplies, and yarn for all of the knitters and crocheters out there. According to their website, the shop houses 42 different knitting brands from yarn to supplies.
Bonnie’s Sewing Center: Bonnie’s represents a number of sewing machine brands including Baby Lock, Janome, Husqvarna Viking, and Singer. What we love about having a local sewing shop is that you can demo machines before you buy them and have some place locally to go if you ever need instruction or repairs done. Bonnie’s has been a sewing staple in our community since 1984.
Larson Salvage Co.: if reclaimed, re-salvaged, vintage, and shabby chic items are up your crafty alley, this is your spot! Larson’s has heaps of “hardware-store-esque” items at the lowest prices you’ll ever see. Make your next barn wood wall hanging or planter box with supplies from Larson’s, you won’t be sorry!

Not everyone has the magic touch when it comes to creating, but you’ve got options if you’d prefer to just pick up a completely finished handmade product for yourself or as a gift. All the while supporting local/small businesses and creative entrepreneurs through and through.

Albert’s General Store: it’s not just clothing – handmade items with a ‘manly’ vibe are available at Albert’s too! Namely pillows from The Cort House, soap from Cellar Door Bath Supply Co., men’s grooming supplies from Damn Handsome Grooming Co., and lots more. All of which, we might add, is made in Michigan!
Harless + Hugh Flea: if you don’t follow the flea on Instagram, go do it now! They have the most beautifully curated collection of goods you ever did see. Their website describes the shop as, “an upscale boutique, featuring vintage, modern, industrial chic, mid-century modern and classic retail items for the style-minded shopper.” You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find many items paying homage to our beloved Bay City, Michigan too!

Half Mile Handmade: this store is home to creatives all over the United States, however, about 80% of their inventory is made-in-Michigan! Apparel, jewelry, home goods, kitchen items, and many other handmade items are available for sale. “Makers” can apply to sell their handmade items at Half Mile Handmade, they accept new vendors year round.

Shoot us a note at playbaycity@gmail.com if you need any additional information on these spots!

If you’ve been wondering what special events or menus our local restaurants are offering, we’ve got you covered. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday and that may not be the most convenient day to go out with your spouse or loved one. Luckily, our local eateries recognize this and have specials going on throughout the week and weekend as well as the day of. Check out these 11 restaurants.

1. Even though it’s too cold to dine Al Fresco, VNO Wine Warehouse & New Age Restaurant is a great place to grab small plates (we love the crab rangoon dip), a glass of wine or both! You could even make it a group thing and do a wine tasting, if you really want to make it a fun night. This Valentine’s Day, VNO’s is offering a Sweetheart for Two Dinner. $45/couple or $26 each, you can choose from a limited menu with appetizers, entrees and desserts and also two glasses of wine. They will have acoustic music for entertainment along with this menu from February 10-14th. For more information on what the food options are, check out their Facebook page here.

2. Real Seafood Company is starting the week before and offering a Valentine’s Dinner for Two starting on February 8th! Their menu includes a 4 course dinner for two and includes 2 glasses of Prosecco along with the meal for $99.95. Reservations are recommended, as these specialty events are known to fill up quickly! Call 888-456-DINE to reserve your spot. This menu is available through February 15, 2017. Check out the event on their Facebook page here.

3. Cafe Cremosi has moved! They are now located inside the Lumber Baron’s building at 804 E. Midland Street. They are announcing a new menu this week with extended appetizer options, including calamari and pizzas. We recommend calling to make reservations. Last year, they had lobster tails as one of the specials so stay tuned! Give them a call to secure a table at (989) 316-9018. Also, try the frita on their menu! (pictured below)

4. If you are looking for a vegan option in Bay City, Gatsby’s has really been offering some unique dishes lately. Vegan nachos, vegan fried chicken dinner and even a vegan Club sandwich! They have been announcing their weekly specials on their Facebook page, so we recommend checking that out over the next week to see what they will be having for Valentine’s Day.

5. Asian Noodle in downtown Bay City is having a special Valentine’s Day menu starting Tuesday 2/14- Saturday 2/18. Valentine’s Dinner special includes an appetizer , sweet cream french toast with caramel pecans topping , classic homemade meatloaf , chefs choice dessert to share and a bottle of wine!

6.  Have you thought about doing a brunch style Valentine’s Day? Visit Harvey’s in Bay City on Wilder Road on Saturday’s or Sunday’s and try out their awesome brunch menu. It has both sweet and savory items, $2 mimosas and $4 bloody mary’s! Definitely worth checking out for V-Day or just on a weekend with friends. Harvey’s Grill and Bar is also coming out with a new seasonal menu on January 30th. This menu will be listed on their Facebook page and website.

7. Riverfront Grille and Lounge, located inside the DoubleTree Hotel will also feature a limited menu complete with live music! The menu features a three course dinner for 2 with a bottle of champagne. Call for a reservation to secure your spot!

8. If you’re a big Italian food lover, you can’t go wrong with Brooklyn Boyz Pizza. Known for their garlic knots and pizzas, Brooklyn Boyz is one of those places that just never gets old. If you do decide to visit them for Valentine’s Day, you can experience some of the other establishments that Midland Street has to offer as well!

9. Blossom’s Asian Bistro offers some delicious sushi rolls, fish tacos and sizzling bowls. Unique flavors and different Asian options that are not found anywhere else in Bay City. Fine dining at a wallet-friendly price means Blossom’s is sure to be busy this Valentine’s Day!

10. Old City Hall, a staple in downtown Bay City, always has great chef specials! Of course, you can never go wrong ordering the chicken nachos or the pad thai. Every Tuesday, get 1/2 off wine by the glass on the bar side. A great deal, chic atmosphere, and fabulous food? Sign us up!

11. Last but not least, Nino’s Family Restaurant can provide a unique experience unlike any other restaurant in Bay City. If you can’t find a babysitter or if it just sounds better to sit on the couch in your PJ’s after a busy week, you can still have a delicious meal for yourself or for two. Give them a call and order dinner over the phone and they will bring you a bottle of wine with your meal! The perfect option for a lazy weekend night in. NOTE: Nino’s isn’t open on Tuesdays, but they are celebrating Valentine’s Day the week before and after with reservations available Wednesday – Sunday each week! Call (989) 893-0691 to place your order or reserve your table!