Port Huron, The town everyone wants to leave but misses once they leave. The beautiful lake and our border to Canada makes us a great tourist destination. Locals have traditions, though, that will live on longer than we will. Here are some of the best things about Port Huron.

1. Our access to the water

We are right on Lake Huron. This allows for a lot of fun during the summer. Whether it is taking your boat out on a Sunday afternoon or visiting one of the many beaches, there is a way that everyone can enjoy the lake. You could also take a cruise on the Huron Lady 2. Once it gets colder and school starts up again, this becomes the popular spot to take pictures for homecoming and prom. You and all of your friends have at least one picture from these events in front of the lake, with the Blue Water Bridge in the background. Our beautiful lake is what brings us back to Port Huron in the summer.

2. Rivalry football

We all know what game I'm talking about. The Port Huron High versus Port Huron Northern football game. Everyone in the entire town comes out to watch these two teams battle it out for the Brick Fowler Trophy. It's not only the football teams that go all out for this event, either. The marching bands, the Tribe and the Pack go all out to see who can be louder in support for their team! It is a great night of football that ends up being the game everyone remembers.

3. Ted's Coney Island

I am never able to explain Ted's to someone that is not from Port Huron. It is always the first place I ask to go when I get back from school. The food there makes for great comfort food. They even have 99 cent coneys for the month of February. I will never be able to explain why we love Ted's. Everyone will just have to come to Port Huron to try it!

4. McMorran Place and Pavillion

McMorran gives Port Huron a great venue for anything imaginable. If you graduated from any high school in the area or SC4, you remember walking across the stage at graduation with all of your family and friends nearby. McMorran is home to the Port Huron Prowlers, a Federal Hockey League team. We went to High School hockey games on the weekend. McMorran hosts the annual Silver Sticks hockey tournament in January. McMorran has also brought several concerts to the Blue Water area including KISS, Third Eye Blind, Newsboys and Bon Jovi. McMorran may have just sold the pavillion to SC4, but McMorran will still be a place where entertainment comes in the Port Huron area.

5. Downtown Port Huron

Downtown Port Huron is not what it was back in the 70's and 80's, but it is still a great place to spend a couple hours of your day. Between the unique shops and the delicious restaurants, there is something for everyone. Most of the restaurants downtown are only in Port Huron, so we should take advantage of this. When I tell my friends about the Raven or Casey's Pizza, It's almost disappointing that they don't know what I'm talking about. Enjoy these places, because there are many people that can't.

6. Boat week

One of the craziest weeks in Port Huron. You have the carnival set up on the riverfront, boats from all over the country parked in the river, a parade Wednesday night, Family Night on Thursday, and Boat Night on Friday. All of these events lead up to the beginning of the Port Huron to Mackinaw boat race. Most of us spend at least one night downtown enjoying the festivities. This week brings so many people to the Blue Water area. It's a great economy booster and a great week that brings our community together.

7. Chilly Fest

A weekend dedicated to winter in the Blue Water area. Events include a Chili cook-off and Bed Races. It also includes concerts and ice sculptures made by people in the area that are sponsored by local businesses. It is an event unique to the Blue Water area, and we look forward to it every year.

8. Vantage Point

This is an education building along the Black River that informs people of the history of the Great Lakes. They also make an announcement everytime a freighter goes by to inform the visitors of the history of that freighter. In the parking lot, there sits a trailer that sells fries and ice cream. It is a great place to catch a snack and just enjoy the boats as they pass through.

9. Snow

We live in Michigan, which means there is no shortage of snow in winter. The snow means we can go sledding! Palmer park is the best place in Port Huron to go sledding on one of the many snow days we get! Enjoy it, because we get a lot of it.

10. Small-Town Lifestyle

Even though we have a lot to offer in Port Huron, the biggest thing about Port Huron is the small-town feel. Everyone knows everyone and they show a great concern for others. It's like one big happy family. It is the best thing about Port Huron.

Even though most of us told our family and friends that we would leave Port Huron and never come back, we still find time to visit and enjoy the best things about the place we grew up.