Kayaking At Stoney Creek
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Take A Detroit Daycation This Summer!

Pull out your sandals, sunscreen and shades: this is the season of adventure! Not everyone has the time or money to go on extravagant vacations this time of year, but you don’t need a lot of money to do something fun. In fact, there are plenty of mini-vacations you can fit into one day. Here are a few suggestions for a dream Detroit daycation you can try this summer:

Go Vintage at Indian Village

One Of The Many Homes In Indian Village. Photo By Becky Harris - The Awesome Mitten
One of the many homes in Indian Village. Photo by Becky Harris.

Experience a little slice of history, right in your backyard. Historic Indian Village on Detroit’s east side is an architectural masterpiece, as houses built between 1895 and the late 1920s reflect the varied styles of the era. These houses were built for renowned Detroit families like those of Edsel Ford, Arthur Buhl, Bernard Stroh and J. Burgess Book Sr.

Twice a year, you can tour Indian Village and go inside the homes (during the Home & Garden and the Holiday Home Tours), but otherwise this simply makes for a beautiful place to walk and appreciate the massive mansions. And when you’re done, you can stop by the Red Hook for a sip of coffee or Detroit Vegan Soul for a delicious dinner. There is no better way to spend a summer day than by marveling at the rich history Detroit has to offer.

 

Spend the Day at Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek Features Extensive Hiking Trails. Photo By Becky Harris - The Awesome Mitten
Stoney Creek features extensive hiking trails. Photo by Becky Harris.

When I think of all the places to take a Detroit daycation, Stoney Creek Metropark in Shelby Township is my ideal summer getaway location. You can spend an entire day at the park, or even multiple days! There are kayak, canoe and paddle boat rentals, or you can pack a lunch and host a picnic at one of the many outdoor grilling areas. Outdoor volleyball courts span the park: you just have to bring your own ball!

The most recent addition to the park is the zip-lining course, which features a variety of difficulty levels, from beginner to expert, so you can find what fits your level of adventure. If you’re looking for something more serene, the beautiful public beach and bike trails at Stoney Creek are free to the public. There are so many activities to do at Stoney Creek that you could easily fill up a few days of fun.

 

Soak Up Some Sun at Lake St. Clair

You don’t need a boat to enjoy this lake — the beach here is by far the best part of this park! Lake St. Clair is perfect for laying out and enjoying the sunshine, and there is a long boardwalk to skate, bike, fly a kite or just take a walk with the family. The full Lake St. Clair boardwalk is an astounding 1,600 feet, plus there is a water park and plenty of play areas for small children. If you have a boat, fishing or just enjoying the lake could be the perfect activity for you.

 

Find the Best Food in Ferndale

The Nova Scotia At Toast In Ferndale. Photo By Becky Harris - The Awesome Mitten
The Nova Scotia at Toast in Ferndale. Photo by Becky Harris.

just a few miles north of Detroit, Ferndale is an under-appreciated eatery haven. This town offers unique locations to eat and drink, such as B. Nektar, a chill meadery with board games and bring-your-own-pizza style eats; MBrew, a small Northern Michigan-esque bar and arcade; and Toast, a local breakfast joint that is rather unassuming on the outside but offers more than meets the eye. If you’re someone who likes trying new things, you can try pretty much any of the places to eat and drink in Ferndale, or nearby Royal Oak, and guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Where are your favorite places to go on a Detroit daycation? Let us know in the comments!

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