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 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. 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 , the high-end women's boutique. is a popular place to pick up a pair jeans while rockers from the Red Hot Chili Peppers frequent the newly-opened . Pick up something special at or check out couture wedding dresses at .
Tired of shopping? Check out a room at , the high-end hotel popular with visiting celebrities and sports teams. Or, rest your feet at one of the Parisian table and chairs at , located in the heart of town.
It's been hot lately, so if you need a break from your downtown stroll, escape into the or 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 — Patch readers' choice for the — for a Greek salad or gyro.
New on the block is the Royal Oak transplant on North Old Woodward as well as on Maple. Readers also recommend the chicken salad roll up at the and for desert, a cinnamon chip scone at the .
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 , 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 , 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 at the Townsend Hotel, complete with its .
- Love wine? is celebrating the Summer of Riesling and will even be hosting a .
- Want a casual bar scene? , 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 , 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?:
- Love art? Then visit the , located on Cranbrook Road. The center offers art classes while gallery visits are free.
- Love to golf? The city operates two public golf courses: and . You can also check out the .
- Love the great outdoors? Just because Birmingham's located in the heart of Metro Detroit doesn't mean there isn't plenty of scenery. Walk the wood chip trail along the Rouge River at , or enjoy a picnic with a view of .
Where else?
Let potential visitors know where else they should visit by posting a comment on this story.
