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Day Trip Ferndale: Here's a Guide You Can Share With Visitors to Our Town

Thanks for helping us write this things-to-do guide for Ferndale.

 

We wrote this little daytrip guide to Ferndale for a summer series called Patch Passport. The other Patch sites in Michigan — from St. Clair Shores to Dexter and two dozen in between — have done the same. 

All summer long, we'll offer up a weekly daytrip guide to another southeast Michigan destination. Coming Sunday: We'll help you plan a daytrip to Hartland, a little town you may have driven past on U.S. 23 that holds a small historic village tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the highway.

But to start, here's what you helped us come up with for our own daytrip guide. Have more suggestions? Add them in the comments.

Explore downtown

Ferndale's friendly, walkable downtown is home to many unique small businesses. Bring your change for the parking meters or sign up to use the city's mobile meter payment system from your phone.

Start the day with an omelet at Toast, try the "Green Eggs and Ham" at the Fly Trap, or check out the weekend brunch at Dino's Lounge where owner Dean Bach will make you feel right at home.

Ready to shop? In addition to the popular Rust Belt Market - a year-round market for the local artistic community located at Nine Mile and Woodward - here are some other places you won't want to miss, according to Patch readers:

While you're out exploring, be sure to stop and visit some of the city's new public art sculptures throughout town.

    For more about Ferndale's downtown, visit the Downtown Ferndale page on Patch.

    How about lunch?

    When you resurface from the short stroll, walk a few steps to one of Ferndale's newest downtown dining options: Woodward Imperial, where you'll find California-style, open-faced tacos and a unique atmosphere.

    In the mood for something else? There are plenty of great places to choose from. Browse menus and read reviews in our Ferndale Patch directory.

    Touring

    You'll probably want to stop by the recently-renovated Ferndale Public Library - a 21,000-square-foot modern facility with "green" features, which is also home to a rare local music collection including more than 200 titles.

    If you're feeling artistic, sign up for a session at Painting with a Twist. All the supplies you need are provided and an experienced local artist will guide you through the process of recreating a piece of artwork.

    You might also visit the Susan Hilberry Gallery, Lemberg Gallery, or Butcher's Daughter Gallery.

    Where to have dinner?

    Here are a few restaurants that Patch readers recommend:

    Time for dessert? Head over to Treat Dreams for unique flavors of homemade ice cream, grab a gourmet cupcake at Cupcake Station or load up on your favorite sweet treats at Woodward Avenue Candy Shop. You can also grab a coffee and something sweet at Pinwheel Bakery/Redhook.

    If you're staying out late, find out what's scheduled at Go Comedy!, check out the Woodward Avenue Brewers (now open 15 years in Ferndale), or have a craft cocktail at The Oakland.

    You might also check out Metro Detroit's first micro-distillery and martini bar, Valentine Vodka.

      Did you see?

      • Garden Fresh Gourmet - stock up on chips and salsa at the famous company's headquarters, based right here in Ferndale.
      • Chazzano Coffee - you might ask owner Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo for a coffee tour of the bean to cup process.
      • Ferndale Historical Museum - check out the museum's extensive photograph collection.
      • Affirmations - non-profit community center and the largest LGBT organization in the state of Michigan.
      • Green Daffodil Studio - shop for handmade soy candles, soaps, and soy lip balms, and a variety of vintage goods.

      When to visit?

      Consider coming to town during one of Ferndale's many special events during the year. Events coming up this summer include:

      • Pig & Whiskey - July 14-15
      • 16h Annual Ferndale Pub Crawl - July 27
      • Woodward Avenue Brewers Food Truck Rally - Aug. 4
      • Ferndale Green Cruise - Aug. 11
      • Ferndale Dream Cruise - Aug. 17-18
      • DIY Street Fair and Funky Ferndale Art Fair - Sept. 14-16 

      You could also plan a visit on the third Thursday of the month, when the alley behind the Rust Belt Market turns into a food truck rally with several food vendors and shopping open inside the market.

      Where else?

      Let potential visitors know where else they should visit by posting a comment on this story.

      Related Topics: Patch Passport, Summer, and daytrips
      Where do you take Ferndale visitors? Tell us in the comments.

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