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Help us welcome our newest sponsors! Bay Harbor Marina (Michigan), and Bridge Port Marina (Ontario) ~ make sure to stop in at both marinas on your way towards Lake Michigan this fall and take advantage of their amenities to make your stay a joyful one. Thousand Island Yacht Spa (New York) is all about service and storage. They offer transportation services as well. Have you ever looked at a boat and said to yourself, it looks good on paper, but can it handle the Great Loop? Head over to Can I Loop? and get additional insight into the information you won't find on the survey.

One of the greatest joys of cruising America's Great Loop is discovering that the adventure extends far beyond the main route. Along the way, countless side trips invite curious Loopers to venture off the beaten path, rewarding them with memorable cruising, unique destinations, and experiences that often become trip highlights. Read on to discover one of these hidden gems and why it deserves a place on your Great Loop itinerary.

For many Loopers—both those planning and those already underway—the Great Loop is often thought of as a single 6,000-mile route through a connected system of waterways across the eastern United States. It links the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Lakes, inland rivers, and the Gulf. It doesn’t take long, however, to realize that the Loop is far from a single fixed path. In fact, there are numerous alternate routes within the Loop itself. This flexibility is one of the reasons many Gold Loopers continue cruising in pursuit of the Platinum Burgee—they discover there are far more ways to complete the Loop than they originally imagined.

One thing all Loopers will be doing is eating and there's nothing better than checking out the local cuisine. Butter tarts in Canada, seafood along the coast, and oyster roasts in the south are all regional specialties you don't want to miss. But you'll find local favorites at every stop along the Loop and we begin our tour of Must Eats in Wisconsin ~ one bite at a time.

It’s an exciting time for Loopers as many approach Chicago! Loopers know the best way to visit Chicago is by boat since you can avoid the traffic and dock in the heart of the city. In addition to the Chicago Harbor marinas dotting the city’s lakefront, Loopers can now tie up at one of the top tourist attractions in the Midwest ~ Navy Pier.

Exciting news as Loopers head to Chicago this season ~ Navy Pier Marina is excited to welcome you with plenty of things to see and do! Also check out Blue Tortuga Fitness ~ helping Loopers stay fit while cruising the Loop with a brand new fitness program just for you!

We understand that both Canadians and returning U.S. Citizens may still have questions about what they can expect while clearing customs in Michigan. While much of it hasn't changed, we encourage you to review the information before you reach out to the local Customs Border Patrol Agent.

The current tension between the federal governments of the United States and Canada is at the forefront of many discussions these days. Should you cross the border into Canada this season? Should Canadians come to the U.S.? If so, what can you expect? Read on to learn more.