Discover downtown Marine City in a day

Candy of all kinds is available at Sweet Tooth.
As the popularity of Marine City continues to grow, there is no shortage of things to do during a day-long visit to the small town nestled along the shores of the St. Clair River.

Visitors could spend a day perusing shops, enjoying a day of beauty, sampling the local fare, and even catching a high-quality production at one of the city's theaters.

Start the day off with a little pick me up at Roasted Coffee & Cafe at 218 Water St. Grab a simple cup of coffee or maybe theGrab a coffee and enjoy a visit at Roasted Coffee Shop. house special Perk Me Up Latte. The shop also offers pastries, salads, and sandwiches if you're looking for a bite to eat, as well.

After getting a boost of energy, get ready to check out the variety of shops lining the downtown corridor. Stores like MC Market Place, VeraGrace and Etta Mae’s, The Lazy Llama, Two Thirty Five and others offer something different, whether it be unique home décor, handmade items by local artisans, or specialty gift items. Of course, you can't forget to stop into The Sweet Tooth Candy Shop or Popcorn Paradise for a treat.

Get lost for hours searching for treasures in one of the city's 10 different antique stores, like Rantiques, It's All Good, and Red Barn Vintage Market. Find one-of-a-kind furniture and unique pieces that hold special memories. One store, Back Porch Antiques, is believed to be haunted, according to Detroit Paranormal Expeditions, so you may find more than what you bargained for at this shop.

Those who love vintage gems should also include a stop at Abbey Road Music Store, to check out classic records and musical memorabilia.

Round the day out with dinner and a show.

Many people spend the evening in Marine City catching dinner and a show at one of the theaters.The waterfront town offers many places to dine, each featuring its own specialty menu and cocktails to enjoy while gazing across the river to Canada. Anita’s River Front Grille comes highly recommended for the made-to-order pizza, the Little Bar Restaurant features a variety of American dishes, and the recently expanded Marine City Fish Company offers an excellent seafood variety menu.

Erika DeLange, executive director of the Marine City Chamber of Commerce, recommends checking out a live performance at the RiverBank or Snug theatres.

Both venues showcase the talents of local performers by hosting plays, musicals, and seasonal events, like "It's a Wonderful LIfe," "Home for The Holidays," Matilda" and "Nunsense II."

If you are headed to the city this weekend, you're in luck, because you'll be able to participate in the annual Merrytime Christmas celebration.

DeLange says one of the most awaited days in town is the Merrytime Christmas Celebration, which takes place the first Saturday in December. Be just like a kid in a candy shop when you visit Sweet Tooth

The day starts off with a 5K run and ends in an ugly sweater pub crawl with tons of holiday fun in between. Downtown stores each celebrate in their own special way by having raffles, giveaways, stocking stuffers and a variety of Christmas cheer. There will be an ice carving event in historical Drake Park and a trolley patrons can ride to the next stop, even a visit from Santa Claus to complete the day. The fun begins at 10 a.m. and continues through 10 p.m.

Those considering staying longer can check out The Inn on Water Street, a boutique hotel and restaurant along the St. Clair River. Check-in for an overnight stay, or pop into the Inn Kitchen for drinks and dinner before heading home.