Cafe Zinc | @cafezincmidland
Midland
Cafe Zinc

Inspired by the classic cafes of Europe, fall head over heels for Café Zinc, situated inside The H Hotel. Dine in sophisticated elegance right next to a roaring fire, or reserve one of their cozy, intimate outdoor dining pods.

Midland

A gourmet farm-to-table concept tucked into Downtown Midland, indulge in a delicately crafted meal at Aster. With intimate dining spaces and a shareable, seasonal menu, taste East Coast Oysters on a Half Shell to Bison Short Rib with demi glacé — and snuggle up to split the Pot De Creme with chocolate ganache for dessert!

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Frankenmuth

Nestled inside of a former train station, experience fine dining with European influences at The Station 100. Dine on menu selections including Seabass, Mushroom-Truffle Risotto, and Beef Filet Rossini, and enjoy a location as unique as your love. An internationally certified sommelier will help to pair your meal with the perfect wine!

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Prost
Frankenmuth + Bay City
Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie

Cuddle up indoors by candlelight or outdoors by the fire bar with cozy, provided blankets at Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie, a “gathering place built on the love of wine…” Here’s to crafting artisanal charcuterie boards together and sipping selections of wine on tap before enjoying Gnocchi Pomodoro to Duck Breast & Pear Sacchetti. Prost!

Midland

Indulge in Italian cuisine and fine wines at Gratzi in Midland. With seating for more than 230 guests, including the Mezzanine balcony and specialty seating at the Captain’s Table, expect a dramatic, layered dining experience — all leading up to the decadent final course, dolce.

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Bay City

Exposed brick walls and deep wooden floors. Candlelit tables in a casual-upscale bistro with divine steaks and more than 150 wine selections from around the globe. Need we say more? Enjoy every bit of Old City Hall in Downtown Bay City!

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Real Seafood Company | @maditaylorphoto
Bay City
Real Seafood
Company

If seasonal, local produce and fresh-catch seafood both bring a sparkle to your eye, you’ll love Real Seafood Company in Uptown Bay City (where every seat in the house offers gorgeous views overlooking the Saginaw River). Slurp fresh-shucked premium oysters, served chilled from the rawbar, or enjoy Surf & Turf with cold-water lobster tail.

Saginaw

Cozy up together inside Old Town Saginaw’s Artisan Urban Bistro, and prepare for an exquisite evening. With an open kitchen and artful decor, select from the seasonally changing menu, sip house wine (made on premise), and enjoy your intimate dining experience.

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Bay City

Experience a romantic evening inside The Public House. Sample light bites like a Farm Board or Parm Fries and sip thoughtfully crafted artisan cocktails — or order their specialty drink for two to share! Want a conversation starter to break the ice? Ask about The Public House’s extravagant attention to detail, right down to its proper, crystal-clear cocktail ice.

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Midland

Slip into a cozy booth at this mid-century-inspired American tavern inside The H Hotel and be surrounded by rich woodwork and thoughtful details throughout. Start the evening with shareables, order the Chef's Catch or Bison Short Rib, and finish with the Flourless Chocolate Cake and a handcrafted Old Fashioned.

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Bay City

Order from the seasonally changing menu at this farm-to-table eatery, and know you’ll be presented Michigan produce, fish, game, vegan & vegetarian options, and dishes deeply rooted in Michigan's history. Want to share in a special toast, to new adventures and romantic evenings? MI Table serves Michigan wines, brews, and cocktails, too!

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Midland

Share in a comforting, memorable meal at Maru Sushi & Grill in Midland, and set your sights on each other while splitting signature sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. Try the ever-popular Crouching Tiger or one-of-a-kind Chef Roll creation — and possibly partake in a bottle of bubbly, wine, or sake alongside your flavorful dishes.

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Bay City

Gaze into each other's eyes — and out at the waterfront scenery — while you dine on specialty pizzas, pastas, steaks & chops (even O's Famous Burgers) at H2O's Waterside Grill in Bay City. Enjoy the laid-back setting together — and the shareable, mousse-filled chocolate torte for dessert!

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Saginaw

Experience a casual-upscale chophouse with gracious service at Jake's Old City Grill. Select from an extensive wine & martini list, sample share plates or order from the steaks & chops menu, and return time and again for the warm ambiance and unforgettable flavors.

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Bay City

Inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront, indulge in casual fine dining at Riverfront Grille & Lounge. With the chance to savor Filet Mignon and sample from a robust wine list (before retreating to a plush room with river or city views), you might find this place to be exactly what you’ve been looking for, lovebirds!

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Midland
Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom

Slip into Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom, hand-in-hand, and discover a distinctive distillery, brewery, and winery in one! Relax amidst the rustic charm, split wood-fired pies from Pizza Baker, and cozy up together with an Espresso Martini, Cold Brew Old Fashioned, or even Adult Hot Chocolate!

The Maple Grille | @bobsbeerblogusa

Take a relaxing country drive to The Maple Grille Restaurant & Microbrewery in Hemlock. Soak up the delicious aromas all around — everything here is wood-fired in an open kitchen, from the fresh, local produce, meats, and fish to the signature craft brews. Split the Bread Pudding with Maple Cream for dessert if you spot it on this menu that changes daily!

Feel transported to one of the most romantic places in the world when you sample your way through Italy together at D'Alessandro's Italian Cuisine in Midland. Delight in the elegant ambiance — and an expansive wine list — while dining on Ravioli Formaggio to Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola.

Unwind in an elevated atmosphere (maybe in a cozy booth, or cuddled up by heat lamps on the year-round outdoor patio) at Harvey's Grill & Bar in Saginaw. Explore a chef-created, seasonal menu, handcrafted cocktails, and signature martinis — and dig into decadent Creme Brûlée for a sweet end to the evening.

With high ceilings, soft lighting, and local art lining the walls, discover a local gem that specializes in authentic Asian (Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Lao) fusion dishes at Pasong's Cafe. Share a luscious bowl of Pho or traditional Pad Thai, and absolutely split an order of the spring rolls Pasong's is known for.

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Things To Do

No matter the season — or whether you’re craving craft beer, wine, or cocktails — you’ll find plenty of places to savor local flavor when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Pure Michigan. Make your way through this hand-picked guide of artisans & opportunities, and discover for yourself!

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Summer Trip Ideas

It’s summertime in the Great Lakes Bay, and there’s no better way to savor this delicious season than to dine al fresco! Gather up in inviting neighborhoods pleasantly packed with patios — and discover social zones where city streets become one big outdoor dining space!

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Author
Jen W. O'Deay + Go Great Lakes Bay

By: Jen W. O'Deay | Updates: Go Great Lakes Bay | Jen is a Saginaw native and owner of Feel These Words, an independent copywriting studio & home to the free "5 Day Website MiniBoost". Jen specializes in writing that connects, delivered through website copy, branded content articles, and WingWoman writing services. You'll find Jen camping with her family, laughing, and at feelthesewords.com