Downtown Bay City

Pete Hardy designed a machine to make pure, perfectly crystal clear ice. Today, his ice is used in craft cocktails all over Michigan.

Forget shaken or stirred; what matters is the clarity of your ice

One of the details of a fine craft cocktail begins right here in Bay City where Pete Hardy makes crystal clear artisan ice that eventually chills drinks throughout Michigan.

The Pride of Baltimore II is a topsail schooner that has appeared in every Bay City Tall Ships festival since 2001.
Tall Ship Celebration sails into Bay City in July

Visitors to this year’s Tall Ship Celebration, which takes place from July 18-21 in downtown Bay City, have the opportunity to sample history while greeting the Pride of Baltimore II, a ship that’s become a Great Lakes Bay Region favorite.

The recessed ceiling inside the Empire Italian Chophouse provides unique acoustics that attracts a Celtic music group every Tuesday night.
Step back in time at Empire Italian Chophouse

Chef and owner Rich Abila opened the Empire Italian Chophouse with a menu and decor inspired by 1940s America.   

This summer marks the fourth season for the Thursdays at Uptown Concert Series.
The music won’t stop this summer in Bay City

Music fans have a multitude of events from which to choose this summer, whether it’s concerts by iconic rockers Kansas and Foreigner, local bands of various musical genres, or tribute artists.

Peg Rowley
Q&A with Paul and Peg Rowley, community volunteers

Peg and Paul Rowley are Bay City natives whose energy and insight were central to developing parks and trails along the Saginaw River in Bay City. 

Thirteen downtown bars and restaurants to celebrate this year’s ‘Apps & Ales’ event

For the ninth year in a row, revelers at Apps & Ales will crowd downtown sidewalks.

The new mercantile sells fresh-cut flowers, houseplants, handmade gifts, and original art.
Flowers, handmade gifts, and more: New shop to open in historic Regent Theater building

Located in the lobby of the historic Regent Theater, Regent Floral & Mercantile sells fresh-cut flowers, houseplants, handmade gifts, and original art.

Bay City's waterfront is a strong asset in attracting developers.
Growth is in the forecast for Bay City economy

Route sits down with Sara Dimitroff, Bay City's Economic Development Project Manager, to talk about what's ahead for the city.

Tavern 101 offers patrons craft beers in a rustic-chic atmosphere.
Restaurateur invests in downtown Bay City

Dave Dittenber set out to become a doctor, but found his true calling in the hospitality industry. He owns three restaurants in downtown Bay City and is building another in Midland.

Ring in spring with Bay City businesses for annual Open House

Downtown Bay City is ready to celebrate the new season with its annual Welcome Spring Open House, an event that has been drawing visitors to city streets for more than fifteen years.

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