I’m Amy, a reader, a beach-lover, a lawyer, a wife, a mom of two boys, and east side proud. I work mostly in Oakland and Wayne counties, and whenever someone learns where I’m from, you’d think I told them I was from Canada. But I love Macomb County, there’s a sense of reality and hard-work that makes us east-siders one of a kind!
I love Macomb County. I live 20 minutes from the house I grew up in, where my parents still live, and ten minutes from each of my sisters. I love that my kids are growing up seeing their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins at least five days a week. And I absolutely ADORE that I can drive ten minutes south of my house to stand in the middle of Nordstrom, or ten minutes north and stand in the middle of a farm.
One of my favorite places in the whole world is in Clinton Township. It is the Clinton Macomb Public Library and it is amazing. There are three branches throughout Clinton and Macomb Townships, but the main library is something to be seen. It is home to the Macomb County Library for the Blind, a small theater, great meeting rooms, and filled with areas to play, explore, study, research, read and write. Oh and of course, books! It is our third home (after Grandma’s house of course!) The free activities and benefits it provides to the community are unsurpassed. Even the online community resources will blow you away. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Another place I love is in northern Macomb County – the Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center. This used to be free, although it looks like it is going to require a Metropark Pass or admission fee this year. Even so – it is worth it. We visit the farm center just about every other week in the spring and summer. You get up close with animals, farmers and gardens. There are learning opportunities around every corner. Plus they have special events for just $5.00 throughout the year. My boys love the farm and we can’t leave without sitting on the old-fashioned tractors!
Finally, I absolutely cannot live without the Clinton Township Nino Salvaggio’s. It might sound crazy to love a specialty grocery store, but I do. Many people claim that Nino’s is too expensive. While it might be more costly for some staple-type groceries, their fruits, vegetables and meats are very price competitive and high quality. Plus…WINE! I could not survive without their gourmet-to-go pre-made foods. I usually get one or two dinners there each week; it saves me tons of cooking time and gives me more time with the kiddos. (Tip: try the fried zucchini! Mmmmm) Honestly though, the best thing about the Clinton Township Nino’s is the staff. They know their regulars by name and can always bring a smile to my face, even on a busy Sunday shopping trip with two toddlers in tow. They go above and beyond to help me find what I need, always answer my crazy questions, and encourage me to try new things. Like the reusable bags say: I Love My Nino’s!
Are you an east-sider? What are your top spots around town?
