The Charming Town of Lexington


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July 14, 2008

Budget conscious, weary residents of the Blue Water Area, don’t despair. A treasure trove of recreation and vacation possibilities lies right in Port Huron’s proverbial back yard.

The charming town of Lexington, located just 18 miles to the north of Port Huron, provides the rest, relaxation and entertainment Blue Water Area families crave, with an endless array of affordable options in lodging and provisions. “Every summer we take our boat to Lexington,” said Luann Thompson, of Port Huron Township. Her husband, Mike, and their daughter, Hope, also enjoy the annual vacation. “We love going there because of the wonderful atmosphere, and the location of the boat docks keeps everything within walking distance,” said Luann. “Visiting Lexington is like stepping back in time,” said Jim “Wimpy” Gresock, the owner of Wimpy’s Restaurant in Lexington. Gresock also serves as President of the Lexington Business Association, which works to promote Lexington as an attractive community for visitors, vacationers, potential residents and those seeking business opportunities.

“The many Bed and Breakfast establishments alone allow for a new experience during each visit,” said Gresock . The Captain’s Quarters Inn, the Carroll House B & B, Inn The Garden B & B, the Powell House B & B and Primrose Manor B & B are all within a short distance of the beautiful Lexington Harbor.

“Our guests enjoy themselves in settings that are from a time gone by, in charming old homes, each with their own individual style,” said Deanna Werthmann, the owner of Primrose Manor Bed and Breakfast. Bed and Breakfast Inns are a fabulous value, too, according to Werthmann. “We offer many amenities, including sumptuous gourmet breakfasts, and treat you like family so you never want to leave.”

Renting a cottage is another affordable option. Choices abound, and include A-1 Cottage Rentals, which is owned by John and Carol Watson. The couple, who also own and operate Watson Manor Adult Foster Care, has been renting out cottages for the past ten years.

“Five out of seven of our cottages are fully furnished and renovated, offering views of Lake Huron,” said Carol, also noting that one cottage overlooks the lake and has a wrap around deck. Welcome books are located in each one, suggesting places to visit, including golf courses and bowling alleys, where to canoe or horseback, who’s playing at Music In The Park, what’s playing at the Lexington Theatre and the Barn Theatre in Port Sanilac or at the drive-in, and where to get medical help. Photos taken inside and outside the A-1 Cottages Rentals can be viewed on their website, www.a1cottages.com.

Other options for those seeking cottage and cabin lodging include Fairwinds Cottage, A Week By The Lake Cottage, Boynton House, Lex on the Lake, Nymph & Seadog, Lusky’s Cottages, Whale Rock Cottage, Dayton Cottage, the Red Cottage and Lexington House.

Watson believes the abundance and variety of accommodations is one of the many reasons people appreciate the area. “Lexington is a great place to visit because of the diversity with B & B’s, cottages, and a few hotels and motels,” she said. “People have a choice of where they want to stay, whether they are coming for an overnight business trip, a weekend getaway, or for a family vacation.”

Cottage dwellers will be especially grateful for Phil Essenmaker’s Lakeshore Market, offering convenient delivery with any food order. Located three miles south of the town, Essenmaker provides full service grocery and deli, beer, wine, liquor, ice, movie rentals, bakery, fresh cut floral bouquets and arrangements, table & chair rentals, paint ball supplies, CO2 refills, propane refill and exchange, helium balloons, and even Jacuzzi hot tub rental.

Numerous restaurants in downtown Lexington include not only Wimpy’s famous hamburger establishment, but also the hip Smackwater Jack’s, with gourmet sandwiches Watson described as “out of this world.” The classic A & W still features 1950’s style Car Hop waitresses; hot rods and custom cruisers aren’t required. “Brewmaster’s Pub is very cool, with specialty beers & martini’s,” said Watson, expanding the list of extraordinary businesses. “No TV’s or smoking, to encourage people to talk to one another.

Thompson also has a couple of favorite restaurants in Lexington. “We always eat lunch at Wimpy’s for burgers. They are the best. Then we have to have dinner at The Cadillac House. Their pizza is delicious,” she said. The satisfied diner won’t want to leave town without visiting the myriad of stores. Antiques, folk art, clothing, hardware and countless specialty shops are available in a convenient, quaint and beautifully manicured downtown setting.
“We like to shop at all the boutiques and shops. They always have a wide variety of clothing and souvenirs. One of our all time favorite stores is the General Store because of the penny candy, and the flavored candy sticks,” said Thompson. “Noble is a very unique cool shop. It just opened last year, and sells everything from wine to kitchen gadgets to garden plants to CDs,” said Watson.

Special occasions and annual events in Lexington are sure to liven up anyone’s calendar, all year long. Watson is particularly fond of the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. “You would swear you entered Norman Rockwell’s town,” she raved. Singing Christmas carols together at the village hall, watching Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire truck, walking downtown amidst holiday music, enjoying the special lights and roasting chestnuts makes for a perfect family event. The holiday ceremony is always held the first Saturday in December.

Other highlights include the “Music in the Park” series, set at the Harbor throughout the summer on Friday nights at 7:30 pm, and the popular Fine Arts Street Fair, on August 2nd and 3rd.

“We enjoy going for the weekend when it’s Margarita Fest, because we always meet up with our boating friends that we don’t always see in the winter,” said Thompson, referring to the annual Jimmy Buffet Tribute, on August 23rd.

Find out more information about visiting Lexington for the day, the weekend, or whatever your schedule allows by checking out the Lexington Business Association web site at: www.lexingtonmichigan.org. You’ll find suggestions for places to go, things to do, where to eat, a business directory, a calendar of events, information on parks and much more.

Can’t find what you are looking for on the web site? Contact Carol Watson at 810-359-7774.