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| Waterfront in New Baltimore, Michigan |
Did you know that regardless of your location, when you're in Michigan, you are never more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes? You're also never more than 6 miles away from an inland lake or river. What better place to take advantage of the water ways than in St. Clair Shores and Macomb County. There are loads of gluten-free joints and things to do!
NKD Pizza
This pizza chain, new to Michigan, totally understands how to do celiac-safe gluten-free pizza. Their first location is in Sterling Heights, but they have big plans for expansion. With a completely separate prep station, pans and utensils, I would feel safe eating here every day of the week. They even have gluten-free chicken fingers and cookies! I was so in love with this mushroom pizza that I wrote a whole article about it.
Read more here!
Wild Red Wings and Sandwiches
I will admit that I've never eaten at this establishment in St. Clair Shores, but my friend Amanda of
Gluten Free Detroit Metro has mentioned it many times. While in town to visit NKD Pizza, I stopped by to talk to the management to learn about their gluten-free menu. The neat, and somewhat ironic, thing is that all of the fried foods are gluten-free. (Usually fried foods are off limits for those with Celiac Disease.) The fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, french fries and fried fish are all celiac-safe. I so wish I hadn't eaten so much pizza, because I gluten-free fried chicken is like a Holy Grail. Much talked about but super hard to find. Their breading has always been, and will always be, gluten-free.
Detroit Style Pizza
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| Photo courtesy of Johnna Perry / InJohnnasKitchen.com |
My friend Becky Fixel of
Week99er talks about this St. Clair Shores pizza place all the time. All The Time. They started offering gluten-free pizza after the head chef's wife was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2012. Their
website states that their "kitchen is designed so that our gluten-free crust never comes into contact with surfaces or utensils used for products with gluten in them." I still haven't had the chance to eat there yet, but you can read about my pal
Johnna's experience there.
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| Photo Courtesy of Becky Fixel of Week99er.com |
Macomb County has multiple farmer's markets to take advantage all summer long. At the
St. Clair Shores market you can find great gluten-free items from local baker Briana Willis, owner of
B Free Gluten-Free. Right next to her is Alicia Bemiss, owner of
Old World Gluten Free - the only Michigan Made gluten-free pierogis that I know of! The St. Clair Shores market is open the fourth Sunday of every month. If you're in Macomb County on another day of the week, check out their
list of farmer's markets throughout the county. It's a great time to take advantage of all the Michigan grown produce, like locally grown Romeo peaches!
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| I LOVE that this Nino Salvaggio S'mores display includes gluten-free S'moreables by Kinnikinnick! |
Summer is a great time for picnics and bonfires.
Nino Salvaggio's is a great place to stop year-round to get items for a get together. This grocery store has an assortment of gluten-free items, including local
Ethel's Edibles. What is Ethel's Edibles? The most amazing, decadent gluten-free desserts you could ever sink your teeth into! (If you have time you can stop by Ethel's storefront on Harper Avenue as well.) Nino Salvaggio's also has high-quality BoarsHead meats, chocolate dipped strawberries, and fresh popped popcorn, as well as fresh produce.
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| (Picture taken at another beach, but I thought you'd appreciate the view of the water!) |
Lake St Clair Metropark
It's only warm in Michigan for so long, so during the summer take advantage of the beauty of Lake St. Clair Metropark. It is one of more than 130 parks in Macomb County. There are so many activities you can do here. Use the breathtaking trail along the water shoreline by foot or by bike. Use one of the three marinas to set sail on the open waters. Kids can use the Spray Zone or the water slides for hours of aquatic fun. You can go for a swim in their Olympic size swimming pool or jump right in to Lake St. Clair. Park entrance is $35 per vehicle for an a yearly permit or $10 a day.
There are plenty of special summer events in Macomb County as well. In New Baltimore, visit mid to late June to take part in the
Bay-Rama Fly Fish Festival. While you're there, stop by Little Mustard Seed Cafe, one of only a handful of 100% gluten-free restaurants in the state. And make sure to get one of her organic, vegan, gluten-free cinnamon rolls!
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| This cinnamon roll. So good I wish I had one right now. |
Shortly after the 4th of July, St. Clair Shores holds their annual
Aqua Fest. With shops and vendors along the Nautical Mile, there's bound to be something that will catch your eye. Part of the event includes a 5K walk fundraiser for Special Olympics and the
Ultimate Dog Air Show. When you're done, be sure to stop at
Wally's Frozen Custard on Harper Avenue, just down the block from Ethel's Edibles, for a gluten-free ice cream cone. They also have gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free Dole Whip! Now we can all scream for ice cream!
To find other Macomb County and Detroit area events, make sure to check out
Mrs. Weber's Neighborhood webpage as well as
Metro Detroit Mommy.
Are there any places in Macomb County that I missed? What's your favorite thing to do on the waterfront? What city or county would you like me to write about next?
