Community Corner

Day Trip Ferndale: Here's Your Guide to the Community

Check our handy list of the places, events and activities before heading out to this small, Oakland County community.

Welcome to the first of our weekly daytrip guides to communities in southeast Michigan, created by Patch editors with recommendations from readers in their communities. 

Today, we're visiting Ferndale, which is just about a half-hour drive east from Farmington and Farmington Hills on I-696:

Explore downtown

Ferndale's friendly, walkable downtown is home to many unique small businesses. Bring your change for the parking meters or sign up to use the city's from your phone.

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Start the day with an omelet at , try the "Green Eggs and Ham" at the , or check out the weekend brunch at where owner Dean Bach will make you feel right at home.

Ready to shop? In addition to the popular - a year-round market for the local artistic community located at Nine Mile and Woodward - here are some other places you won't want to miss, according to Patch readers:

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While you're out exploring, be sure to stop and visit some of the city's throughout town.

For more about Ferndale's downtown, visit the Downtown Ferndale page on Patch.

How about lunch?

When you resurface from the short stroll, walk a few steps to one of Ferndale's newest downtown dining options: , where you'll find .

In the mood for something else? There are plenty of great places to choose from. Browse menus and read reviews in our Ferndale Patch directory.

Touring

You'll probably want to stop by the recently-renovated - a 21,000-square-foot modern facility with "green" features, which is also home to a rare local music collection including more than 200 titles.

If you're feeling artistic, sign up for a session at . All the supplies you need are provided and an experienced local artist will guide you through the process of recreating a piece of artwork.

You might also visit the , , or .

Where to have dinner?

Here are a few restaurants that Patch readers recommend:

Time for dessert? Head over to for unique flavors of homemade ice cream, grab a gourmet cupcake at or load up on your favorite sweet treats at . You can also grab a coffee and something sweet at .

If you're staying out late, find out what's scheduled at , check out the (), or have a craft cocktail at .

You might also check out Metro Detroit's first micro-distillery and martini bar, .

Did you see?

  • - stock up on chips and salsa at the famous company's headquarters, based right here in Ferndale.
  • - you might ask owner Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo for a coffee tour of the bean to cup process.
  • - check out the museum's extensive photograph collection.
  • - non-profit community center and the largest LGBT organization in the state of Michigan.
  • - shop for handmade soy candles, soaps, and soy lip balms, and a variety of vintage goods.

When to visit?

Consider coming to town during one of Ferndale's many special events during the year. Events coming up this summer include:

  • Pig & Whiskey - July 14-15
  • 16h Annual Ferndale Pub Crawl - July 27
  • Woodward Avenue Brewers Food Truck Rally - Aug. 4
  • Ferndale Green Cruise - Aug. 11
  • Ferndale Dream Cruise - Aug. 17-18
  • DIY Street Fair and Funky Ferndale Art Fair - Sept. 14-16 

You could also plan a visit on the third Thursday of the month, when the alley behind the Rust Belt Market turns into a with several food vendors and shopping open inside the market.

Where else?

Let potential visitors know where else they should visit by posting a comment on this story.


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