On this week's episode of Behind the Mitten, we head to beautiful Bay City and meet up with a few friends who help us explore the city like a local. We've had a long time connection with this town on the sunrise side of the state, each of us for different reasons. The common denominator has always been the people of Bay City, and on this show, you get to meet a few of our favorites. 

We start off with a little background about our personal connections to this nautical city, then we bring on our friends from D'Angelo's. Kellie and Dave Baranowski were first work acquantances of Gonzo, and then quickly became friends, which does tend to happen when you've visited their establishment for multiple food searches. D'Angelo's is known for thier award-winning pizzas, incredible hamburgers, fantastic fries......and one of the largest vegan menus in all of Michigan. Surprise! Who knew? 

Kellie and Dave share some of their favorite things to do in the area when they have a rare day off. Of course, they recommend visiting a few other restaurants in town, including Bay City Bill's and Mussell Beach Drive-In. We introduced these business owners to each other years ago, and since then, they've all become not just friends, but relentless supporters of each other. So......we decided to just have them on too.

Earl Bovia owns Bay City Bill's, a charming little joint where you can get a great Bloody Mary, as well as some local chit chat, and even check out a mini-replica of the Might Mac Bridge made by one of the bridge workers himself. We know, it seems like a lot, but for some reason it all just works perfectly in Bay City. Earl and Gonzo spent a few Detroit Lions games together this year, so we have to talk about that. We also discuss the upcoming Bay City Fireworks Festival, which happens 4th of July weekend, and which Earl is president of. He gives us the downlow on this event, and possibly his take on the Lions 2024 season.

Last, but never least, our great friends from Mussell Beach Drive-In, Catie Belfry and Liz Larner, stop by to talk about this iconic Michigan gem. We never know where to start when we are here, do we go with a classic big breakfast complete with pancakes and eggs? Or do we do the Michigan lunch dance with some of the best coney dogs in the state? Or do we say let's just go for the gold and get a huge cone of ice cream? It's all possible at this family-owned spot, and what a family they are. 

We are always excited to get back to Bay City, why don't you join us?

Follow John and Amy:
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten