Off the Beaten Path Celebrates New Digs in Downtown Farmington

Look for circus acts, stage combat, belly dancing and mustache rides in downtown Farmington Saturday, as Off the Beaten Path Bookstore & Emporius celebrates its grand re-opening. 

Launched almost three years ago in a space on Orchard Lake Road, the business caters to fans of steampunk, a genre of literature that blends science fiction and Victorian style. Off the Beaten Path hosted a zombie walk to celebrate its grand opening, held classes, festivals, craft nights and other activities. 

After closing the Orchard Lake shop last year, owner Salathiel Palland re-opened in the Old Winery building on Grand River, but said she always had her eye on locations farther west.

"I love downtown Farmington," she said. "I always thought about a spot down here." She admits she wasn't immediately sold on the space at 33314 Grand River, but said, "the minute I walked in and saw all this, I thought, 'That's gonna be mine'." 

The space in the former Exchange Bank building was completely remodeled several years ago and previously housed offices. Palland, with the help of friends, has lined the walls with book cases, arranged a seating area near the front display window and set up a stage in front of a mirrored wall in the back of the building. 

Saturday's festivities, Palland said, will include give-aways and door prizes, food samples, moustaches on a stick, performances, samples of classes the store will offer and more. 

Off the Beaten Path will accept used books, except textbooks, offering store credit and cash. Learn more on the business' Facebook page, or call 248-987-6055.