BAY CITY, MICHIGAN
Bay City is located where the Saginaw River flows into the Saginaw Bay. Originally forests and marshland, it was ideal for travel by water. The first ship building company started in the mid-1800s on the banks of the Saginaw River and soon Bay City became a hub for shipbuilding and lumbering. With its easy access to Lake Huron and a sparkling riverfront that stretches Uptown to Downtown — there’s something effortlessly cool about this nautical city. On one end, Downtown’s historic buildings hold all from artisanal coffee to antique shops, eateries and brewpubs. On the other, Uptown boasts its own small fleet of restaurants and boutiques that rival the riverwalk views. In any corner of this eclectic spot — scouring for vintage finds or sipping local craft — enjoy a laid-back city vibe and loads of historic charm. -(gogreat.com)