Patch Passport: How About a Day Trip to Fenton?
Here is a list of must-do and must-see things in the Fenton area.
We wrote this little daytrip guide to Fenton for a summer series called Patch Passport. Other Patch sites in Michigan — from St. Clair Shores to Dexter and two dozen in between — have done the same.
All summer long, we've offered up a weekly daytrip guide to another southeast Michigan destination. Here's what you should know if you're planning a trip to Fenton.
Food
- French Laundry - Take your pick from nearly 75 creatively-named sandwiches such as the “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Fenton” or the “No John, I’m Not Cheezing You." Just make sure you stop in before 4 p.m. if you're in a sandwich mood -- the French Laundry switches over to dinner at 4 p.m. and they are no longer available.
- If you have the craving for barbecue, Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ is your place. It's a bit of a hidden gem, hidden behind a Smitty's Exit 80 off the U.S. 23 Torrey Road exit. If you can't decide, you can't go wrong with pulled pork.
- If it's Mexican food you're after, Sagebrush Cantina is the place to be. The popular eatery also was voted the best place in Fenton for lunch specials.
- When you're ready for dessert, Uncle Ray's Dairyland is a Fenton favorite. You can even enjoy a round of putt-putt golf after you snack on the sweets.
Other popular joints: Fenton House and Fenton Coney & Grill.
Lounging
- The Fenton Winery & Brewery is inviting with cushioned chairs and couches and a fireplace in a laid back atmosphere. In addition to 12 beers on tap and a wide selection of wines, the venue was voted the best place in Fenton for live music.
- Looking for a comfortable place to hang? Gatsby Grind invites you in. The 1920s themed coffee shop aims to be Fenton's living room.
- If you need to take a walk to unwind, try Fenton's Millpond Park, complete with a gazebo, waterfall, playground for children and tables for a picnic.
Shopping
- Fenton has a wide selection of consignment and antique shops including Fratz Consignment, C & C Resale, Treasure Shack and Twice New Consignments.
- It is also home to plenty of unique stores like Barking Babes Pet Boutique where you can find anything a dog could need, Cyclefit, which was voted as Fenton's best sporting goods store, where you can find anything for your cycling needs.
- If art is your thing, stroll downtown to the Edge Gallery for a variety of art work.
History
Fenton has plenty of historic buildings.
“The buildings in downtown Fenton are a testament to our community’s proud history,” said Donna Seger, president of the Fenton Historical Society. “Some have been part of the city’s landscape for as far back as 150 years."
The Fenton United Methodist Church, Fenton Community & Cultural Center, old fire hall, A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum and First Presbyterian Church are considered treasures by many.
The Fenton Museum is open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
Recreation
The Lakes
- Lake Fenton is the one of the biggest and busiest lakes around. Public access is located off Grove Park Road. (Launch temporarily closed on weekdays until July 24.)
- Lake Ponemah is another hot spot. A Michigan DNR boat launch is on North Road near Torrey Road.
- Silver Lake Beach in Silver Lake Park is another spot people flock to cool off.
Golf
- Looking to fit in a quick nine or 18? Try Fenton Farms or Tyrone Hills. If you are looking for a challenge, try Coyote Preserve.
In This article
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The Laundry
125 W Shiawassee Ave, Fenton, MI -
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Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ
2461 North Rd, Fenton, MI -
Smitty's Exit Eighty
2461 North Rd, Fenton, MI -
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Sagebrush Cantina
14284 N Fenton Rd, Fenton, MI
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Uncle Ray's Dairyland
1462 N Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
Fenton House
413 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
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Fenton Winery and Brewery
1545 N Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
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Gatsby Grind
14330 N Fenton Rd, Fenton, MI -
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Millpond Park
301 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
FRATZ' Consignment, LLC
Joined Patch Monday, September 26, 2011 -
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Cyclefit
1006 N Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
Edge Gallery
409 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
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Fenton United Methodist Church
119 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
Fenton Community & Cultural Center
150 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
Fenton Museum
310 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
First Presbyterian Church of Fenton
503 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI -
Silver Lake Park
16100 Jennings Rd, Fenton, MI -
Fenton Farms Golf Club
12312 Torrey Rd, Fenton, MI -
Tyrone Hills Golf Club
8449 Old Us 23, Fenton, MI -
Coyote Preserve Golf Club
9218 Preserve Dr, Fenton, MI
