What to See, Eat, and Experience in Novi

Just 30 minutes from downtown Detroit, you’ll find the city of Novi. But before you make a beeline to Detroit, give Novi a chance. Known for its huge shopping mall and events center, Novi also has more to offer. From trendy Korean and Japanese restaurants (think: a revolving sushi bar!) to adrenaline-fueled activity centers and a gorgeous lakeside park, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Novi.

Twelve Oaks Mall

Twelve Oaks Mall is perfect for a shopping day in Novi…or why not make it a full weekend?

This massive mall draws visitors to Novi from all over Michigan. What’s so special about Twelve Oaks, you might ask? With over 180 shops and restaurants, it’s the largest mall in metro Detroit and offers an expansive (and increasingly hard-to-come-by) in person shopping experience.

Have some clothes you want to try on, perfume you want to smell, or homeware you want to size up IRL? This is the place for you.

Vibe Credit Union

Vibe Credit Union Showplace is the second major attraction in Novi, bringing in two million visitors per year. This convention and exposition center is one of Michigan’s largest, sitting on 55 acres of land and featuring a 650,000 square foot facility... that’s pretty big!

You might know it as the home of the annual Michigan State Fair. It also hosts dozens of other events throughout the year, ranging from Motor City Comic Con to camper and RV shows to holiday markets and more.

More Things to Experience in Novi

Beyond those two main attractions, there’s still so much to see and do in Novi (and that’s before you even consider heading into downtown Detroit!).

For adrenaline junkies and gaming enthusiasts, Novi has a surprisingly large offering. Head to Full Throttle Adrenaline Park for go karting races, as well as VR games and racing simulations.

There’s also HUB Stadium, where you can try activities like curling, fowling (a Detroit specialty that combines football and bowling), axe throwing, mega darts, and more.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving is also worth a reservation, if you’ve ever dreamed of indoor skydiving with an instructor.

For those who prefer to get outside, then be sure to stop by Novi’s Lakeshore Park. In the summer, you can swim in Walled Lake or relax on Lakeshore Park’s beach. There are also walking and mountain biking trails, play structures for the kiddos, as well as three picnic shelters. It’s still worth paying a visit to the park in winter, too, if you’re up for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and sledding!

Ella Mae Power Park is another great outdoor recreation option in Novi. At 28 acres, it’s particularly notable for its universally accessible playground.

Novi is also a destination for golfers. Swing your club at Links of Novi, a public golf course with challenging greens, or head slightly west of Novi into South Lyon for its many golf courses. For something more casual, check out Back Nine Golf or X-Golf Novi (indoor golf simulators), or Novi Putting Edge (an 18-hole mini golf course complete with neon lighting).

And finally, you can’t forget Novi’s luxury movie theater! Emagine cinema offers huge screens, 3D technology, “cuddle chairs,” power-reclining seating, a theatre bar with specialty cocktails, and more.

Where to Eat & Drink in Novi

Novi has a thriving dining scene featuring everything from kitschy American diners to upscale chef-driven restaurants to diverse international cuisine.

For coffee lovers, start your day at one of Novi’s independent cafes, such as No.VI Coffee & Tea or Moose Pastry & Tea. Or, for a retro American diner experience, head to The Grand Diner (which, in addition to a killer diner breakfast, also serves Coney dogs all day).

Speaking of classic Americana experiences, you can’t miss a meal at Ford’s Garage when you’re in Novi. The restaurant is inspired by 1920s service stations, and features vintage Ford vehicles and other memorabilia throughout. And as for the food, choose from an All-American menu of craft beers, burgers, hot pretzels, and more.

Sedona Taphouse is another great restaurant choice in Novi, especially if you’re spending a day shopping at Twelve Oaks Mall. Expect delicious steaks and an extensive craft beer selection.

Novi is also home to a vast amount of East Asian restaurants, thanks in part to the new 15-acre Sakura Novi development. For creative sushi rolls, dine at Shiro Restaurant or pick some up from One World Market (a popular Japanese supermarket). If you’d rather your sushi be delivered to you on a conveyor belt, pay a visit to Kura Sushi, which offers a unique revolving sushi bar experience.

You also can’t miss Dancing Pine (a Korean steakhouse), Nagomi (authentic ramen), Bento 39 (nourishing bento boxes), Chubby Cattle Wagyu Shabu House (hot pot), and more.

Nightlife in Novi

It’s easy to base yourself in Novi and head into downtown Detroit for a night out (just expect a 30-minute uber). But if you don’t want to leave Novi, you don’t have to! There are several great options for a night out in Novi, whether you’re looking to dance on tables or sip on refined cocktails.

29 Novi is the best-known nightclub in Novi, perfect for a Saturday night on the town.

You can also spend a night out at The HUB Stadium, and partake in their Beer Wall (self-serve beer tap).

Beerhead Bar & Eatery also hosts live music on weekends, and trivia and karaoke events during the week (in addition to a stellar lineup of beers).

For craft cocktails, spend your evening testing the menu at Jia Lounge.

Where to Stay: 7 Hotels in Novi

There’s plenty of choice for hotels in Novi, whether you’re looking for a base to visit Detroit from, or you want to dedicate your trip to exploring Novi itself.

Hyatt Place Detroit Novi at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace

Stay just steps away from Novi’s Vibe Credit Union Showplace at this 126-room hotel — ideal if you’re attending an event or conference.

Sheraton Hotel Novi

This is another convenient hotel in Novi, located just 15 minutes from both the Twelve Oaks Mall and Vibe Credit Union Showplace. Guests enjoy plush beds and modern rooms, as well as a pool, fitness center, and buffet breakfast.

NoVI Craft House, an American-style restaurant and bar serving up juicy burgers and craft beer, is also on-site.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Detroit Novi

This modern hotel, perfect for Marriott fans, is located in Farmington Hills, just a short drive from Novi. With multiple event spaces, it’s perfect for those planning a business meeting, wedding, or other event. Don’t skip the Chicago-style pizza at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, UNO Pizzeria & Grill.

Sonesta Select Detroit Novi

Looking for an affordable place to stay that still offers spacious rooms, amenities, and an excellent location? Sonesta Select in Novi is a good choice.

Hilton Garden Inn Novi

Located in the heart of Novi—between Twelve Oaks Mall and Vibe Credit Union Showplace—this is another great hotel choice.

Doubletree by Hilton Detroit Novi

This recently renovated hotel is another comfortable, convenient, and affordable accommodation option in Novi. And a bonus? All hotel guests receive a warm cookie upon arrival.

The Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi

For an elegant and chic hotel, consider this Marriott Bonvoy property. It’s well known by visitors and locals alike for its award-winning on-site restaurant, the Toasted Oak Grill & Market.

Sample One-Day Novi Itinerary

It’s easy to spend a full day (or more) in Novi during your trip to metro Detroit. If you’re not already busy attending an event at Vibe Credit Union Showplace, consider spending your day in Novi like this:

9am – Grab a specialty coffee from No.VI Coffee & Tea, before lingering over pancakes or hashbrowns at The Grand Diner, just down the road.

11am – Head over to Twelve Oaks Mall and spend your morning shopping!

2pm – Hungry from all that shopping? For lunch, stop by Sedona Taphouse inside Twelve Oaks Mall for their signature hand-cut steaks and craft beers.

3pm – Shopaholics can head back out to Twelve Oaks. If you want some fresh air (or adrenaline), you could instead spend your afternoon visiting Lakeshore Park, or trying fun activities like go karting or axe throwing at HUB Stadium or Full Throttle Adrenaline Park.

6pm – For dinner, dine at one of Novi’s renowned Asian restaurants. Try revolving sushi at Kura, or head to the Sakura Novi development for upscale establishments like Sumo Japanese Grill, The Dancing Pine, or Chubby Cattle Wagyu Shabu House.

8pm – Catch a movie at Emagine, where you can treat yourself to gourmet popcorn flavors and in-seat cocktail service.