Hi everyone, my name is Lacey and I am a proud wife, mother of two sweet little boys, and MSU graduate. By profession I am in house counsel for a company in the Metro-Detroit area, so I have the pleasure of living, working, and playing within a 15 mile radius. In addition to being a mom, I also enjoy spending time with my husband and our friends attending sporting events, concerts, and checking out new restaurants.
We LOVE where we live, and can’t imagine living anywhere else! When asked about where we live specifically, I often say that we live on the Shelby Twp./Rochester boarder because my neighborhood actually straddles the boarder of these two great cities.
That being said, I get the best of both worlds! Here are a few of my top favorites, but I assure you it was quite hard to narrow it down. These are in no particular order.
Yates Cider Mill:
Yates Cider Mill 1990 E Avon Road Rochester Hills, MI 48307
(248) 651-8300
It is hard for me to imagine a fall that doesn’t revolve around cider, pumpkins, donuts and football! I have lived in the area for about 10 years, and one of my all-time favorite things to do is go to Yates Cider Mill. For those of you who haven’t braved the crowds that have increased significantly since Yates was featured on the Food Network, and in other national articles, it is worth the trip! You won’t mind the wait once you try their cider and donuts, made fresh on-site. Other highlights include free admission, a petting zoo, pony rides, and a beautiful rustic setting for a fun-filled family afternoon. Be prepared to start a new family tradition.
Running/Biking Trails:
I am fortunate to live in close proximity to one of the most expansive and well maintained trail systems I have ever traveled. The Macomb/Orchard, Paint Creek, and Clinton River trails all converge to give me miles and miles of beautiful scenery that almost make me forget that I
live in a metropolitan area.
I have logged hundreds of miles on these trails either running or biking, and know parts of each like the back of my hand. In fact, because of these interconnecting pathways, I am able to commute to work by bike during the warmer months, and completely avoid the traffic! I try to allow myself this pleasure a couple of times per week just to get some me-time and really connect with nature. I get little-kid excited at the wildlife sightings, and rarely make it far without seeing deer, rabbits, ducks, and turtles. It is a true treasure!
The Meeting House:
301 S. Main St.Rochester, MI 48307
(248) 759-4825
Narrowing down the eateries in my neck of the woods is virtually impossible, and an honorable mention goes out to Rochester Chop House, Kruse and Muer, and Lipuma’s Coney Island. But our favorite place to meet friends for a fun night out (generally without kids) is hands-down The Meeting House. Their dinner menu has one of the most unique, yet comforting selection of foods, and their consistency has made it a no-brainer. Additionally, their craft cocktails are always changing and an absolute delight! If I start to mention all of my favorite things I would likely drown in my own drool, but if there is one thing you must try it is definitely their chicken wings. I assure you, they aren’t your average wings. If you don’t have the opportunity to make it at dinner time (which can be tricky as they are always packed and don’t take reservations for parties of less than 6) their brunch is equally worth a try. Our friends are always happy to make the drive to meet us at The Meeting House.
Stoney Creek Metro Park Playscape:
To begin, I don’t want to pigeon-hole Stoney Creek to just one thing, but because I have another park to cover I have to highlight where I spend a majority of my weekends in the summer, and that is at the Eastwood Beach area of Stoney Creek Metro Park. The playscape is a wonder just to look at. It stretches the east end beach, and has every conceivable climbing, swinging, twisting, sliding play apparatus you can imagine. It is a bit overwhelming upon first laying eyes on it, but good luck getting your kids to leave once they get started. I highly recommend going early, bringing a lunch and a bathing suit, and not having much else planned for the day; there will be teary-eyed meltdowns when it’s time to head home! If you are close enough to ride in (from the trail system mentioned above) it is an unbeatable deal…FREE! If you are driving, it is still a huge value with either a $10 day pass, or $35 annual park pass. Check out their website for a full list of what this amazing park has to offer.
With two great play areas, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly events all summer long, it’s hard not to fall in love with Rochester Municipal Park. The parking is ample, there is no fee to enter, and you never know what kind of event will be taking place on any given weekend. In addition to their annual staples like Music in the Park, and Arts and Apples, we have seen antique fire trucks, taken fly fishing lessons, and been invited to join nature walks. Bonus: it is a beautiful setting if you are looking for a place to do family portraits. It is also located conveniently along the Paint Creek Trail (which leads right to Lipuma’s Coney Island), and walking distance from the beautiful downtown. There is always something to do or see!
