For those looking to do their holiday shopping, but who want to get off the beaten path, the Detroit Free Press has done some digging to find neighborhoods in three cities that offer stores and restaurants that you might not know about.
Here are three such destinations and, as a plus, we include store owner suggestions for other shops and restaurants in their areas so shoppers can hit several spots within walking distance.
Detroit’s East Village and Little Village cultural district
Store: Vesey Lane Goods, 9920 Kercheval Ave., Detroit
Website: www.veseylanegoods.com
Go here for: Handcrafted greeting cards, tea cups and soaps, organic teas and artwork by local women artists.Backstory: Owner Robin Wilson started Vesey Lane Goods a year after having an ischemic stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced.
Wilson views Vesey Lane Goods, which she launched two years ago and opened her brick-and-mortar store in September, as a gathering place for the community. Wilson hosts author book signings, readings and creative workshops at the store.
“I have always been creative and used my talents in different ways, but following my stroke I found calm and joy in creating my handcrafted greeting cards,” Wilson said in an email. “I recognize that time is precious. So, I decided to consciously and intentionally use my time to create greeting cards, goods and a store space that not only brings me joy but that brings joy to others.”
While you’re here: Vesey Lane Goods is located in what’s known as the Little Village cultural district. At the heart of Little Village is the Shepherd, a church-turned-art gallery. Wilson suggested visiting Grandeur Cru Wine Shop, which is right next to Vesey Lane Goods and is getting ready to open.
Wilson also suggested visiting the Lantern, a former commercial bakery that has been redeveloped into a mixed-used space, for more shopping and a beer at Collect Beer Bar.
How to get here: Detroit’s East Village neighborhood is about a 4-mile drive from downtown when heading east on Jefferson Avenue.
Ypsilanti
Store: The Rocket, 122 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. The Rocket also has a storefront in Ferndale (200 W. Nine Mile Road).
Website: www.shoptherocket.com
Go here for: A variety of toys, candy and other items. “Quirky plush is really big right now,” owner Eli Morrissey said, adding that Squishables are a big seller at the store. The Rocket sells a lot of retro, old-style candy, the “nostalgic stuff.”
The Rocket’s toy section has “toys that you would buy your child if you’re on a day trip somewhere and you want them to have something to do.” Some of the squishy toys that are really big right now, he added, are from the brand Needoh.
Pop culture-themed items, such as Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan stickers, buttons, cards and notebooks also are popular.
While you’re here: One of Morrissey’s favorite stores is World of Rocks, which sells crystals, rocks and jewelry, and the apparel and footwear store Puffer Reds. Both are longtime Ypsilanti retailers, he said. Morrissey also recommends Bloodroot Herb Shop, Luna & Sol Metaphysical Boutique, Twisted Things Boutique, the hobby store ModelCave, a2vintage and Salt City Antiques, which he said he likes because the store sells refurbished midcentury modern furniture.
If you are hungry: Morrissey said, Bellflower is one of the best restaurants in town. He also likes C.King & Co. Cafe for pizza, Bitter Truth, a cocktail bar with a full food menu, and Encuentro Latino Restaurant for Guatemalan food.
How to get here: Ypsilanti is about 35 miles west of Detroit off Interstate 94.
Milford
Store: Nana’s Niche & Corner, 436 N. Main St., Milford
Website: nanasnicheandcorner.com
Go here for: All kinds of merchandise like locally made candles, Lions gear and more. In addition to candles and Lions gear, Owner Wendi Skolnik also carries a large assortment of puzzles, holiday merchandise and baby products.
Backstory: Skolnik says she has owned Nana’s Niche & Corner for 23 years and over the past few decades, it has gone through a few different iterations. She said the store’s Michigan-themed room is popular: She notices customers often head straight back to that room.
While you’re here: Skolnik knows the town well, having lived here for more than 40 years. She said during the holidays, Milford looks like a town straight out of a Hallmark movie, with a town tree, a gazebo and holiday decorations around town. She said Milford has a Christmas parade every year — on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — along with a store window reveal day, where children pull wrapping paper off store windows to reveal the stores’ holiday window displays.
She recommended the kitchen store Acorn Farm, For Feets Sake for shoes, Blue Birch Outfitters for outdoor gear from brands like Patagonia and KÜHL, The Clothing Cove for women’s clothing, Your Nesting Place for home decor, After The Rain for its own line of “beautiful candles,” Legends of Time for Native American art and jewelry and the Village Toy Shoppe.
If you are hungry: She suggests Novella’s for pizza, Smoke Street for barbecue, Sayulita Cocina Mexicana, the bourbon bar Charlie’s Still on Main, Main Street Grill & Tavern and Pettibone.
How to get here: Milford is about 45 miles northwest of Detroit off Interstate 96.
Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com