Head out on a Grab & Go adventure in Ludington! Stop by this barbecue spot for a winner chicken dinner and take your to-go goods to this favorite local beach.
This article first appeared in Traverse Northern Michigan. Find this story and more when you explore our magazine library. Want Traverse delivered to your door or inbox monthly? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
Grab: Cluck Bucket
Food truck: 88 S. Pere Marquette Hwy., Ludington // The Port: 222 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington // Cluck Bucket Website
When life handed Sheri Eaton a big ol’ bucket of lemons, she made pitchers of lemonade. In 2018, her husband, Derek, had emergency open-heart surgery to save his life after suffering an aortic dissection. He spent a week afterward in a medically induced coma. On Christmas Eve, the family of nine witnessed a miracle. Derek came home. The road to recovery would be a long one though, and doctors told Derek his career in construction was over.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Just a Snack: Snag a freshly made Cluck Bucket pretzel at The Port. “Best pretzel ever” has been uttered many a time, but you go ahead and decide for yourself.
Cue the lemonade. Sheri rolled up her sleeves and started cooking. The family purchased a food truck and a grill, serving barbecued chicken piled high on sandwiches, nachos and mac ’n’ cheese, along with classic sides like creamy slaw and cornbread. A favorite: The Cluck & Pits. Pit-tatoes (roasted on the grill over charcoal) are layered with pulled chicken, cheese, sour cream and Sheri’s homemade BBQ sauce. And about that lemonade: Try it in a sunburst float with Sprite and a scoop of ice cream.
Turns out, Ludington had a hankering for juicy barbecued chicken, and the Eatons opened a second location last June at The Port, a destination marketplace home to several local-gem boutiques and eateries.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Spicy chicken sandwich with hot sauce and slaw.
Photo by Dave Weidner
& Go: Ludington State Park
Sheri loves heading out toward Ludington State Park and parking along the beach on M-116 for a private picnic party.
Ludington State Park | 8800 W. M-116, Ludington
