Menu
With the holiday season and Small Business Saturday quickly approaching, we wanted to share some of our favorite small businesses in each region where our NBS Experience Centers are located. To kickstart your journey of shopping small and supporting local this year in the Great Lakes Bay Region, we’ve compiled some must-visit shops, restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and experiences.
Here are some of our GLBR team’s top recommendations!
Bookmarks – Midland, MI
This bookstore displays a wide variety of great books, making it the perfect place to find a gift for the bookworm in your life. And if you happen to stumble upon a book for yourself (which you probably will), you can cozy up in their sitting room as you dive in.
Ideal Party Store – Bay City, MI
Throwing a party or need to find a gift for the person on your list who loves a good cocktail? With large selections of beer, wine, spirits and even customized gift baskets, the Ideal Party Store has you covered for all your holiday party needs.
My Secret Garden – Bay City, MI
At My Secret Garden, you’ll be able to cross more than one person off your holiday shopping list with their wide variety of gift options. From soaps and candles to clothing and jewelry to household goods and children’s toys, you’ll find something for everyone.
Serendipity Road – Midland, MI
At Serendipity Road, they’re all about spreading the love for other local businesses. They sell items from over 75 makers from all over Michigan, including accessories, beauty and wellness products, home décor, puzzles, stationery and more.
H2O’s Waterside Grill – Bay City, MI
What’s better than feeling like you’re on vacation in your hometown? At H2O’s, you can enjoy beautiful water views, while relishing one of their delicious menu items, such as seafood, steaks, pizza, pasta and burgers.
ONe eighteen – Midland, MI
With a super cool atmosphere, amazing food and refreshing cocktails, ONe eighteen is the perfect spot for your next night out. Their menu features tasty American cuisine, from sandwiches and burgers to seafood and steaks.
Tiffany’s Food & Spirits – Frankenmuth, MI
Are you a pizza or pasta lover? Tiffany’s pizza crusts, pastas and sauces are made fresh daily with quality ingredients and toppings. They also serve a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and salads to satisfy the cravings of your whole table.
Vinny’s Uptown Grill – Bay City, MI
If you’re a breakfast person and haven’t checked out Vinny’s Uptown Grill yet, what are you waiting for? They serve up breakfast and lunch all day, including sweet items like pancakes and French toast, as well as savory dishes like omelets, benedicts and sandwiches.
Barney’s BakeHouse Bakery – Bay City & Freeland, MI
In the mood for a treat? Barney’s menu features a range of yummy sweets including cookies, donuts and cake. But that’s not all – they donate their surplus goodies to Hidden Harvest, a local program that fights hunger and food waste…the sweetest kind of giving!
Little Pastry Shop – Bay City, MI
If you’re craving something sweet, Little Pastry Shop is your place! Not only do they specialize in petite scones, but they also bake fresh daily seasonal pies, cinnamon rolls, cookies and more. This bakery will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Excited Goat Coffee Company – Bay City & Essexville, MI
Serving up a range of traditional coffee beverages, as well as tasty seasonal drinks and delicious pastries, Excited Goat Coffee Co. will give you the pick-me-up you’re looking for!
Iron Grind Coffee House – Auburn, MI
Need a boost of energy? Fuel up at Iron Grind Coffee House! Choose from their excellent selection of coffee drinks, smoothies, breakfast foods, crepes, baked goods and sandwiches. You really can’t go wrong with any of their menu items!
Bayne’s Apple Valley – Freeland, MI
If you love all things fall, Bayne’s Apple Valley has you covered! In addition to their cider mill, they also have a full-service kitchen, tap house and gift shop where you can buy apples, apparel and sweets from a variety of Michigan vendors.
Painterly Pottery – Bay City, MI
As the region’s largest contemporary pottery painting studio with over 1,000 ceramic items and 80 glaze colors to choose from, your creativity is destined to shine at Painterly Pottery. During your time there, you will select your favorite ceramic piece, pick your colors, and have a blast as you paint your masterpiece!
We hope this list inspires you to buy differently this holiday season. These awesome businesses make it easy to shop small and support local, so we’d be thrilled if you would join us in giving back to our wonderful Great Lakes Bay Region community!
