Whimsy in the City: Northville Edition

Story by Liz McGuffin | Photos by @withwonderandwhimsy

Metro Detroit is a mix of vibrant cities and charming small towns, with a neighborhood for every niche.

In our new Whimsy in the City series, we’re spotlighting quaint cafes and romantic restaurants, quirky shops and specialty boutiques, and galleries, gardens, and attractions. I’m Liz of the local lifestyle blog With Wonder and Whimsy, and I’ll be your guide to the region’s most aesthetic and fanciful finds. In this series, we’ll be highlighting a different city and its special gems. For our first installment, we’re heading to historic Northville to shop, sip, and stroll through downtown.

See + Do

Downtown Northville offers a vibrant social scene, live community theater, and a quaint historical village to explore. The Twist social district is a popular gathering place on evenings and weekends. The downtown streets are closed to vehicular traffic to make room for expanded restaurant patio dining, lawn games, bonfire pits, and live music in the town square. See what’s on at Tipping Point Theater, and enjoy a date night dinner and show. Or enjoy a self-guided tour through Mill Race Village to see the historic homes, gardens, and gazebo.

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Credit: @withwonderandwhimsy

Eat

Local favorite Tuscan Cafe serves up specialty coffee and croissants, plus gourmet sandwiches and salads for lunch. For an extra special treat, order their latte flight and bonbon pairing in collaboration with Detroit’s own Bon Bon Bon chocolates. Grab a table for two out on the patio for the perfect day date.

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Credit: @withwonderandwhimsy

For a romantic evening at the most aesthetic restaurant in Northville, book a table at Toria just a few doors down. Select from their menu of specialty cocktails garnished with lavender and gold dust, and elevated British fare that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

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Credit: @withwonderandwhimsy

If you’re planning a night out with friends, head to Lucy & the Wolf for dinner and drinks. Their menu of cocktails, mocktails, and small plates rotates to reflect the best of fresh seasonal produce. Something that’s always on the menu (and lives rent-free in my mind)? Their mini donuts with mesquite-smoked brown sugar and maple syrup.

Shop

Northville is home to the cutest boutiques and specialty shops. Find home decorating inspiration at Gardenviews at Home, and shop their selection of seasonal decor, faux flowers, and whimsies. Candy pink Sugar Lu’s is the most adorable little sweets shop selling old-fashioned candy alongside today’s trendiest treats. Stop into Simply Wine for a tasting from their featured selection of pours, or purchase a bottle to take with you. And on your way out of town, make a final stop at Adorn Fine Flowers for a grab-and-go bouquet to take back home.

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Credit: @withwonderandwhimsy

Northville is a Metro Detroit gem with so much to see and do, and all within walking distance. Come visit and experience this historic downtown’s charm for yourself!

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