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Patch Passport: How About a Day Trip to Dearborn?

We're helping you plan mini vacations all summer long. This weekend we recommend Dearborn, where the city is hosting its signature Homecoming celebration Aug. 3-5.

 

All summer long, we'll offer up a weekly day trip guide to another southeast Michigan destination. 

Have you been to Dearborn? Somewhere other than the Henry Ford Museum? Here's where Dearbornites say are must-stops for visitors to their fair city. This weekend, Aug. 3-5, is Dearborn Homecoming, too!

Two Downtowns?

Dearborn's pretty lucky. While some cities have just one walkable stip of restaurants, bars and shops, we have two.

In East Downtown, you'll find a unique mixture of hip shops, history, and both Polish and Arab American influence in the food and stores. On the west side, a bevy of places to eat, plus Dearborn's bustling nightlife–any night of the week.

Here are some spots you won't want to miss, according to Patch readers:

  • Green Brain Comics/Stormy Records (east): A double-whammy of comics below, and records up top in one building.
  • Howell's and Miller's (west): Best burgers in the state? Locals will say hole-in-the-wall Howell's, but Millers has received national recognition. You decide.
  • Dearborn Music (west): One of the oldest, biggest locally-owned record stores in Michigan.
  • Dearborn City Hall (east): Built in the 1920s, City Hall has astounding architecture and a neat nearby park.
  • M&M Cafe (east): Home-cooked food with friendly hospitality.
  • Mati's Deli (west): Good luck finding a seat at lunchtime.
  • Village Antiques (west): A large antique mall with constantly changing inventory
  • Jim's Place (east): As one Patch reader put it, "Polish with attitude."

The Rest of Dearborn History

You can learn a lot about Dearborn's history at The Henry Ford. But most people think it's just about a Model T ride in Greenfield Village, or a photo op with the Weinermobile.

Here are the lesser known spots and experiences to take in the city's roots:

  • Dearborn Historical Museum: Don't forget to visit the McFadden Ross House and the Commandant's Quarters. Both worth seeing.
  • Rouge Factory Tour: See where Ford's trucks are built up close!
  • Ford Historic Homes District: A beautiful west downtown neighborhood of hundred year old homes, commissioned by Henry Ford himself.
  • Springwells Park: Like a city within the city, Springwells residents are among the most proud of their neighborhood of unique homes, also designed by Ford architects.
  • Fairlane Estate: Though the actual estate that Henry and Clara Ford called home is currently closed, the grounds are not. See the Rouge waterfall, the former boat launch, and Clara's rose garden.

Arab American Influence

Dearborn is home to the finist Middle Eastern cuisine in the state, and I say this with no hesitation. But there's also the culture, the hookahs, the bakeries–oh, the bakeries!

Here's where our readers say to go for the best Arabic eats and experiences in the city:

  • Arab American National Museum: The first museum in the world devoted to Arab American history, culture and art.
  • Al-Ameer: A longtime favorite restaurant on Warren Avenue for locals and visitors alike.
  • Shatila: Ice cream and a variety of Arabic baked goods.
  • Caffina Coffee: Roasted on site–buy it bagged, or sit down for a drink.
  • Greenland Market: Fresh produce, unique products, locally owned.

Arts & Culture

Dearborn residents are proud of the eclectic art, culture and performance experiences available in the city. Here's what they say to check out:

Looking for something else entirely? Check out our Dearborn Patch Business Directory.

Quickest Way from Macomb

  • Take I-94 W toward Detroit
  • Get off at exit 210A for US-12/Michigan Avenue toward Dearborn
  • Turn right onto U.S. 12 W/Michigan Avenue

If you're going on to Dearborn Homecoming:

  • From Michigan Avenue, make a U-turn at Hinkel
  • Ford Field Park is located at 15801 Michigan Ave.

What did we leave out?

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

Find guides to other day trip destinations here.

Related Topics: Day Trips in Michigan, Dearborn Homecoming, Patch Passport, Things To Do, and weekend trips

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In This article

  • Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

    Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

    20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI
  • Green Brain Comics

    Green Brain Comics

    13210 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI
  • Stormy Records

    Stormy Records

    13210 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI
  • Howells Bar & Grill

    Howells Bar & Grill

    1035 Mason St, Dearborn, MI
  • Miller's Bar

    Miller's Bar

    23700 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI
  • Dearborn Music

    Dearborn Music

    22000 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI
See more

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