Explore Port Sanilac, Mi and Live Like a Local

“Living Like a Local” in Port Sanilac, Mi

Continuing our theme of “Living Like a Local” and thinking of our state as a left-hand mitten, we are moving to the Southeast Michigan Thumb to the quaint coastal town of Port Sanilac.  This gem of a harbor town is only 90 minutes north of Detroit but feels like a remote paradise! This quaint town is filled with history, with one of the oldest hardware stores in Michigan and the historic Port Sanilac Light (built in 1886 and a private residence today that does summer tours). In addition, visitors enjoy a modern marina, Lake Huron beaches, and old fashion hospitality.  Port Sanilac, Michigan, is a perfect destination and is included in one of Michigans- “Harbor of Refuge”  and previously talked about as one of our 14 Best Coastal Towns in Michigan. We love Lake Huron, and the quaint harbor towns sprinkled along the coastline. Amazingly Lake Huron provides over 3,827 miles of shoreline, and here lies the mariner town of Port Sanilac and the welcoming and comfortable Raymond House Inn B&B. Read along as we give you all the information to “Live Like a Local” in this charming Michigan coastal town through the eyes of innkeeper Mary from the lovely Raymond House Inn B&B.

What makes the Raymond House Inn B&B Special

We love all of our Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association members, and each property has qualities that stand out!  The Raymond House Inn B&B is a beautiful historic property located blocks from Lake Huron. But what makes this Michigan Bed and Breakfast quality assured inn stand out like non-other is the owner/innkeeper, Mary. She cares deeply about each guest’s experience and goes above and beyond to make her guests happy. Case in point- Mary is planning an old fashion Thanksgiving and Christmas meal for guests staying at the inn over the holidays. She has planned the whole dinner and offered a very reasonable rate so that all her retired guests on a fixed budget can partake and visit relatives in the area. The homemade meal includes all the trimming and baked goods made from scratch by Elaine, a local baker. Mary said,  “I want my guests to be comfortable and relaxed and feel like the Raymond House Inn B&B is a Home Away from Home. When asked what sets her Bed and Breakfast apart from all the rest, Mary said, “it’s my location close to the marina and Lake Huron. I can leave my bedroom window open and enjoy the fresh lake breezes.”

The Raymond House Inn B&B is a Victorian beauty built-in 1872 by the prominent Raymond family responsible for Port Sanilac becoming a popular mariner’s port and establishing Raymond’s Hardware Store, which is still in existence today.

Mary purchased her beloved bed and breakfast in January 2021. The welcoming parlor includes a treasured original chandelier that is one of Mary’s favorite antiques at the inn. Mary is also quite talented in the kitchen. So, at MBBA, we love to ask, what are two of your guest’s favorite breakfasts? 1. Mary’s Sunrise Slidders is a toasted English Muffin with sausage, cheese, eggs, and a side of country-fried potatoes, corn on the cob, and fresh fruit. #yumyum 2. Mary just smiled about her second guest’s favorite and said it would have to be her homemade Blueberry Pancakes! 

Tips from your innkeeper at Raymond House Inn B&B

Mary’s favorite spots include a picturesque covered bridge outside of town, having a slice of pizza at Bluewater Sports Bar and Grill, and hiking in Forester Park. But her favorite part of living in Port Sanilac is the close access to the marina and walking by the picturesque lighthouse just down the street from the inn.

Exploring Port Sanilac

Favorite Dining in Port Sanilac

• The Stone Lodge Restaurant and Tavern
• Bluewater Sports Bar & Grill
• Windjammer in Lexington

Favorite Things to Do in Port Sanilac

Being a harbor town, the Port Sanilac Marina is the nucleus of the town and offers water sports galore- from sailing to fishing to scuba diving and kayaking- this marina has everything to make your Port Sanilac getaway complete. All of the favorite spots to live like a local are highlighted below:

• Visit Sanilac Country Park, 111 acres of waterfront beach between Port Sanilac and Harbor Beach on Lake Huron.
• Check out the Sanilac County Historical Village and Museum and tour the historic mansion and vintage buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse.
• Walk by the Port Sanilac Light. Built-in 1886, exterior views are available from the grounds. Guided tours of the inside are available in the summer.
• Watch a show at the Barn Theatre (whose season runs June through August)
• Visit the oldest hardware store in Michigan- Raymond’s Hardware Store.
• Play 18 holes at the public Huron Shores Golf Course
• Enjoy the old fashion Fourth of July fireworks and a parade.
• Purchase some locally sourced produce at the local farmer’s market on Friday afternoons in season.
• Charter a sailboat from the Port Sanilac Marina.
• If you are a scuba diver, check out the shipwrecks left from the Storm of 1913 through a diving adventure with Double-Action Dive Charters. 
• Go fishing- Port Sanilac is a popular fishing destination. Perch are widely available, as well as salmon and walleye.
• If you are an experienced kayaker, check out Heritage Trail here.

Great Shopping in Port Sanilac

• Sand Bar Studio– for a unique gift made from driftwood
• ReeMarkables – Unique gifts

Plan your trip to Port Sanilac and stay at the lovely Raymond House Inn B&B.  All the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association inns are quality assured and inspected by independent reviewers that check for all the details to ensure you will have a wonderful stay. The custom Google map below highlights easy references to all the places mentioned in this blog.