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Day Trip Birmingham: Here's a Guide You Can Share With Visitors

Headed out this weekend? Why not do some exploring at one of Michigan's trendiest downtowns?

 

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

We'll offer up a weekly daytrip guide to another southeast Michigan destination. 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 Birmingham

Birmingham is known for its downtown, which is complete with two movie theaters, dozens of restaurants and a robust shopping scene.

Celebrities and locals alike frequent Tender, the high-end women's boutique. Caruso Caruso is a popular place to pick up a pair jeans while rockers from the Red Hot Chili Peppers frequent the newly-opened Detroit Guitar. Pick up something special at Harp's Lingerie or check out couture wedding dresses at Roma Sposa Atelier.

Tired of shopping? Check out a room at The Townsend Hotel, the high-end hotel popular with visiting celebrities and sports teams. Or, rest your feet at one of the Parisian table and chairs at Shain Park, located in the heart of town.

It's been hot lately, so if you need a break from your downtown stroll, escape into the Palladium 12 or Birmingham 8 to catch a movie.

How about lunch?

Birmingham Patch readers had a lot to say about the best places to get a bite to eat. After your movie, head over to Greek Islands Coney — Patch readers' choice for the best family-friendly restaurant in town — for a Greek salad or gyro.

New on the block is the Royal Oak transplant what crepe on North Old Woodward as well as Zumba Mexican Grille on Maple. Readers also recommend the chicken salad roll up at the Frank Street Bakery and for desert, a cinnamon chip scone at the Townsend Bakery.

Discover history

Did you know Birmingham has it's own museum? Discover the long history of Birmingham, the surrounding area and Oakland County at the Birmingham Historical Museum and Park, located near Maple Road and Southfield.

The museum is comprised of the historic Allen House, the John West Hunter House and the John West Hunter Historic Park. Home to Birmingham's first settlers, the John West Hunter House is named after the town's first resident and is one of the oldest structures in the state. Meanwhile, the Allen House, built in 1928, was the home to Birmingham's first mayor.

You can also take a stroll through Birmingham's Greenwood Cemetery, located on Oak Street. As one of the oldest cemeteries in the area, Greenwood is the final resting place for many of Birmingham's founders and some of its most well-known residents. Information is available online, and at the cemetery, for self-guided walking tours.

Where's dinner?

In Birmingham, it's all about what you're in the mood for when it comes to food:

  • Looking for something fancy? Try the Rugby Grille at the Townsend Hotel, complete with its new outdoor dining patio.
  • Love wine? Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro is celebrating the Summer of Riesling and will even be hosting a special dinner on Aug. 19.
  • Want a casual bar scene? Dick O'Dow's, Birmingham's only Irish pub, is known for its casual fare, laid back atmosphere and live entertainment.
  • Want a Birmingham favorite? Look no further than Hunter House Hamburgers, the iconic burger joint right on Woodward Avenue. If you're here in the evening, grab a seat outdoors and watch the classic cars cruise Woodward leading up to the Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug. 18.

What do you love?:

Where else?

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

Related Topics: Birmingham, DAYTRIP, Patch Passport, Staycations, and staycations in michigan

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In This article

  • Tender

    271 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI
  • Caruso Caruso

    Caruso Caruso

    166 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI
  • Detroit Guitar

    Detroit Guitar

    243 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI
  • Harp's Lingerie

    Harp's Lingerie

    265 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI
  • Roma Sposa Bridal Atelier

    Roma Sposa Bridal Atelier

    708 N Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI
  • The Townsend Hotel

    The Townsend Hotel

    100 Townsend St, Birmingham, MI
See more
 

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