Colorful balls light up Saginaw Street outside several restaurants and coffee shops. Photo courtesy of Old City Hall
Bay City approved measures allowing bars and restaurants to expand their serving areas onto sidewalks and closed streets. That allowed restaurants to serve more customers while keeping tables 6 feet apart. Photo courtesy of Old City Hall
Businesses along Center Avenue, Saginaw Street, Third Street, and Adams Street decorated the spaces, bringing in plants and games. The Public House added a bocce ball court. Photo courtesy of The Public House
Strings of lights brighten up the nights outside The Public House. Photo courtesy of The Public House
Sidewalk tables already attracted people to Tavern 101 on summer days and nights. Recently, the eatery expanded its outdoor are to seat even more people. Photo courtesy of Tavern 101
Gates, umbrella-covered tables, and potted plants give the streets a festive feel. Photo courtesy of Old City Hall
Earl Bovia, who owns Bay City Bill's in Bay City's South End, is excited to now own the Rathskeller, which is a long-time Midland Street establishment. (Photo courtesy of The Rathskeller) Photo courtesy of The Rathskeller
Studies show that COVID-19 transmits more easily inside a building than outdoors. CDC and state guidelines still call for remaining 6 feet apart and wearing masks that cover both your nose and mouth. Photo courtesy of The Rathskeller
Tucker peeks over the fence to see what’s happening. Photo courtesy of Old City Hall
In Michigan, enjoying the outdoors usually means a trip to the lake or woods. If you’re in Bay City this summer, though, you can spend time outdoors while sitting under a sunny, blue sky and savoring a meal or cocktail.
In June, the city agreed to temporarily close several streets to allow restaurants to serve outside. For years, restaurants on both sides of the river have set up sidewalk cafes for patrons. This year, though, those sidewalk cafes grew in number and size.
The city closed streets near restaurants in Downtown Bay City. Eateries and bars put out tables, umbrellas, potted plants, and other decorations to take advantage of the additional space. The tables keep guests spaced 6 feet apart, which meets CDC and state guidelines for reducing the spread of COVID-19.
If the move closed your usual parking spot, you still have options. The Downtown Bay City Management Board posted a map showing free parking spots throughout downtown. Click here for the map.
In the Midland Street area, the streets remain open to traffic, but the outdoor seating areas still dot the sidewalks.
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