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NBS Great Lakes Bay Region Small Business Saturday

Unwrap Bay City: Your Ultimate Guide to Supporting Local

With the holiday season and Small Business Saturday just around the corner, we are excited to spotlight some of our team’s favorite local gems in each region where our NBS Experience Centers are located. To make it easier for you to shop small and support local in the Great Lakes Bay Region, we’ve put together a curated guide featuring standout restaurants, delightful bakeries, unique shops, fun activities, and more.

Check out some of our Bay City team’s top picks!

Food & Drink

Harvey’s Grill & Bar – Saginaw, MI
Harvey’s provides a crave-worthy menu, expertly crafted cocktails and a great atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for any occasion. From tasty appetizers and burgers to mouthwatering steak, seafood and pasta, they will offer something for everyone in your group!

The Wanigan Eatery & Pub – Bay City, MI
“The Wanigan has been one of our team’s favorites for years. We frequently order their delicious subs, sandwiches or salads for team lunches and client meetings. It’s also a beautiful location for an offsite lunch break!”

– Kristin, Client Experience Coordinator at NBS Bay City

Tri City Brewing – Bay City, MI
If you appreciate a good beer, Tri City Brewing is a must-visit! With an impressive lineup of draft beers, you’re guaranteed to find a brew that best suits you and your palate.

WhichCraft Taproom – Midland, MI
WhichCraft Taproom is all about Michigan-made! With 40 taps of local beer and cider, plus spirits and wine, you can enjoy the best the state has to offer. To top it off, pair your beverage of choice with their excellent menu of delicious shareables, sandwiches, salads and more!

NBS Great Lakes Bay Region Small Business Food and Drink

Sweets & Treats

NBS Great Lakes Bay Region Small Business Sweet Treats

Heidi’s Darn Good Cookies – Bay City & Saginaw, MI
“Heidi’s has the most amazing variety of cookies that our team and clients absolutely rave about. We love their friendly service, and enjoy sharing the fresh baked cookies with friends, family and clients…especially around the holiday season!”

– Scott, Vice President of NBS GLBR & Lansing Markets

Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Company – Bay City, MI
Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Company takes ice cream to new heights – crafted from scratch in small batches, freshly churned, and made with locally sourced ingredients that taste amazing. Plus, every scoop they sell supports local farmers, families and businesses…talk about commitment to community!

Shopping & Gift-Giving

Joyful Tantrum – Midland, MI
Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for the little ones in your life? Look no further than Joyful Tantrum! With a fantastic selection of toys, educational activities, games and crafts, you’ll certainly breeze through your holiday shopping here!

Peel ’n Pare – Midland, MI
“Peel ’n Pare is a great store with a variety of kitchen gadgets, spices, knives, coffee beans and entertaining platters. My son and I are always drawn to the back wall that is devoted to hundreds of cookie cutters, which rotate based on what holiday is coming up!”

– Angela, Senior Interior Designer at NBS Bay City

Simply You Boutique – Bay City, MI
Whether you are shopping for holiday gifts or treating yourself, Simply You Boutique has you covered. Discover a wonderful collection of stylish clothing and must-have accessories that you will definitely fall in love with!

3 Blooms – Auburn, MI
Fresh flowers? Yes, please! At 3 Blooms, you’ll find thoughtful gift baskets, a beautiful array of flower arrangements and lush plants – perfect for that special someone or to proudly display at your own home.

NBS Great Lakes Bay Region Small Business Shopping and Gifts

Fun Things to Do

NBS Great Lakes Bay Region Small Business Things to Do

Stardust Entertainment Center – Saginaw, MI
Looking for an excuse to get out of the house this winter? Whether you’re at the arcade, cracking codes at an escape room, playing laser tag, throwing axes, or kicking back with a cocktail and tasty bites, Stardust Entertainment Center will keep you occupied for hours!

The Farm at Apple Acres – Bay City, MI
This delightful family-owned apple orchard certainly brings the fall vibes! Here, you can pick fresh apples, shop unique local goods, play with farm animals, and indulge in hand-dipped ice cream and other yummy treats.  

We hope this list inspires you to try new spots and support local this holiday season! These remarkable businesses make it easy to shop small and support local, so please join us in giving back to our wonderful Great Lakes Bay Region community!

For even more local business recommendations in the Great Lakes Bay Region, check out our 2023 small business guide, Shopping Small & Supporting Local: NBS GLBR Edition.