Experience Lexington like a local: Your guide to a weekend getaway

Michigan’s Thumb Coast region truly shines in the summer. Lexington, a charming village nestled on the shore of Lake Huron, makes for a great road trip within reach for many metro Detroit and those residing on the east side of the state. This resort town is just half an hour away from Port Huron but feels like a true getaway.

To help you plan your out-of-office itinerary, we’ve compiled some of the must-see spots and activities to experience and love Lexington like a local.

Breakfast or Brunch

It’s the most important meal of the day and the start of our itinerary. Plus, breakfast tastes so much better when someone else makes and serves it to you. That’s a fact. Here are a few places to fuel up for your fun weekend adventures.

 

• Lexington Coffee Company We’re not judging if you can’t even think about anything else unless you’ve had your first cup of coffee. Here’s a great place for a cup of joe, or even a lavender raspberry macchiato topped with whipped cream and a raspberry drizzle if you’re fancy. They’ve even got fruity bubble tea and kid-friendly nattes which are made with no espresso and are available in a variety of flavors with optional toppings including cotton candy. Some weekends, you might even get a bonus treat if the Cheese Wagon is there on-site, doing pop-up breakfast items including breakfast bagels and grilled cheeses from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Wimpy’s Place is a local staple that has been around since 1987 and is primarily known for its hand-crafted burgers, but their no-frills breakfast specials are also a big hit. Menu items include the traditional staples: pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast, French toast, hash browns, and free refills on coffee. Their menu states that breakfast is served from 7:30 to about 11 a.m.

Recreation & Fun in the Sun

After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to burn through that fuel with some fun family-friendly outdoor activities. Of course, given its coastal setting, Lexington has plenty of nearby parks great for sunset-viewing, sports, and live entertainment.

• Lester Street Park is a neighborhood park with a skate ramp, tennis courts, and pickleball courts. Tierney Park is a lake-front park, featuring live music on Friday nights at 7 p.m. through the summer.
• Lexington Park, a waterfront beach and park, is the perfect backdrop for watching the sunrise or sunset over Lake Huron. This park features campsites and pavilions, a scenic wooden bridge, playground, horseshoe, volleyball, and beach access for swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding.
• Lakeview Hills Golf Course is a golf resort with two courses, showcasing memorable Great Lakes views. There are 36 holes of public golf, on-site lodging, a large clubhouse for events, and even bowling lanes.
• Timber Creek Petting Farm (open only on weekends) is a nonprofit rescue and educational facility, providing rescue homes for displaced farm and exotic animals. Hands-on petting and feeding of deer, sheep, goats, turkeys, tortoises, birds, and more make for a memorable visit for the entire family.

Lunch, Dinner, & Drinks

What’s a vacation or a staycation without outdoor patio dining? Here are some options to enjoy lunch, dinner, and drinks al fresco.

• The Windjammer Bar & Grill, has been a destination for elevated dining experiences for over 50 years. It is the area’s only waterfront dining spot, featuring fresh seafood entrees, salads, a new sushi bar, Surfsider, and late-night piano bar entertainment.

• Sweetwater Gourmet Deli & Bar offers a wide variety of homemade soups, sandwiches, and pizzas. The rustic feel creates a warm, woodsy atmosphere. Their menu recently expanded to include muffins, scones, cookies, and Hershey’s ice cream. Adults can enjoy a rotating selection of ciders, and beers on tap too.
• 3 North Lexington Taphouse & Eatery opened in 2021, and offers wines and ciders from The Vineyard, with additional beer choices too. The urban, industrial taphouse features gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and salads made from locally-sourced greens.

Sweet Treats to Cool Off

Sundaes on Sunday, anyone? Nothing says summer like ice cream. Here’s where you can satisfy your sweet tooth, and cool off.

• Scoops of Lexington, formerly known as Temptations Ice Cream, is located on-site of The Lexington House. Custom confections include the shark attack: tangy blue raspberry slush with vanilla hand-dipped ice cream, Blue shark gummies, whipped cream & sprinkles. They also feature 24 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream and seasonal specials like strawberry rhubarb cream puffs.

Indoor Activities or In Case of Rain

Given Michigan’s irregular weather, it’s important to always have a backup plan in case of rain.

• A destination in itself, The Lexington Village Theatre offers a great option for entertainment when inclement weather puts your boogie boarding plans on hold. Featuring beautiful Victorian architecture, this theatre provides first-rate live music and comedy shows with different stage productions, stand-up shows, karaoke contests, and live music.
• Lexington General Store is like taking a step back into time. The building dates back to the 1850s having formerly operated as a boot shop as well as a barbershop. Today, the store offers unique gift items, bird houses, books, children’s toys, clothing, accessories, home décor, and more.

Where to Stay

After a long day of fun, there’s nothing like hopping into a nice, fluffy bed. Here are some places you can catch some rest and enjoy quaint, comfortable lodging.

• The Lexington House B&B is located right on Main Street providing a convenient location and offering luxury amenities such as handmade breakfast by the innkeepers, an outdoor patio, an ice cream parlor, and daily housekeeping. Each room has a different themed decor and guests are welcome to gather in The Parlor to play games and meet new friends.

• Inn the Garden Bed & Breakfast of Lexington offers an outdoor oasis, with shade trees and beautiful flowers in the garden. Experience your own little slice of Italian countryside villa living without needing to leave Michigan. Bonus: Each of the guestrooms provide you with your own private bath and luxury bath products.
• The Cadillac House Inn & Tavern is a must-see for history enthusiasts. Dating back to 1860, the historic inn and tavern originally had 30 rooms with a first-floor tavern and now operates as a full-service hotel and tavern again after a multi-million dollar redevelopment project that led to its reopening in 2018. The inn offers a guest lounge overlooking Main Street as well as 23 spacious guest rooms, suites with balconies, free wifi, coffee makers, and a mini fridge. On the weekends, they serve up a breakfast menu to guests and the public on Saturday and Sunday from 8 to 11 a.m. offering options such as steak and eggs, a build-your-own omelet, avocado toast, waffles, and biscuits and gravy.