When we moved back to Michigan after being out of state for 19 years, we found a house in the South Lyon area and have since totally fallen in love! We actually live in New Hudson, but we are only about a quarter mile from having a South Lyon address, and our kids are in the absolutely fantastic South Lyon school district. A lot of my friends closer to Detroit lament at how “far” we are, and yes, we are on the outskirts of the metro area, but this little town is definitely worth checking out if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
With easy access to Kensington and Island Lake Metroparks as well as many state parks and lakes, our area offers a lifestyle surrounded by plenty of nature. I love that we are tucked away, yet close enough to take a short drive to whatever store or restaurant our hearts desire in the greater Detroit area. Fall is the perfect time to experience South Lyon with our famous Pumpkinfest, Erwin Orchards, and plenty of trees that provide abundant scenery when the leaves change. We are a small town with a huge heart, and I hope you’ll come visit!
3 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
Witch’s Hat Brewery | 601 S Lafayette St, 248-486-2595
This is hands-down our favorite local brewery. Their selection of beers is unique with plenty of options for every palate, even including ciders, meads, and hard seltzers. We especially love their flagship Defloured Hazy IPA and the Figgy Smalls is always a fun treat, but check out their seasonal Night Fury selections, too! To eat, try the Spent Grain Pretzels or the Night Fury Bacon Jam Burger.
Lake Street Tavern | 127 E Lake St, 248-446-8898
We have enjoyed sitting in the dining room of this downtown restaurant after a special event as well as hanging out on the bar side for a casual beer and bite – it almost feels like two different businesses. The ambiance on either side is cozy and inviting, and the food is delicious! We have loved everything from burgers and wings to fish dinners and pastas. They also offer a great selection of craft beer on tap.
New Hudson Inn | 56870 Grand River Ave, New Hudson, 248-437-6383
Although not technically South Lyon, it’s close by and a can’t-miss local gem! The building was built in 1831 and the Inn now claims the title of the oldest operating bar in Michigan. The casual menu (which my family has tried nearly all of after a lengthy kitchen remodel) is almost completely scratch-made right down to the in-house cutting of the chips. Try the burgers or smoked wings, or, go for breakfast on the weekends – free donuts served at each table and the sausage gravy can’t be beat. Ask your server to show you the passage in the ceiling that became legendary during the days of the Underground Railroad.
3 FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Pumpkinfest | Downtown South Lyon (Lafayette + Lake Streets)
Pumpkinfest (September 25-26, 2021) is one of the biggest (if not the biggest!) events South Lyon puts on every year, and it’s so much fun! The downtown streets are closed off to make way for vendors, games and inflatables, scarecrows and pumpkins, the Ultimate Air Dogs giant pool, and more. Be sure to check out this family fun event, and stop into some of our amazing downtown businesses while you’re here!
Erwin Orchards | 61475 Silver Lake Rd, 248-437-0150
Locals and non-locals agree: Erwin Orchards is one of the best! In the fall, they offer all of the fun: u-pick apples, raspberries, and pumpkins, kids activities, corn maze, wagon rides, sunflower field, and, of course, the most delicious cider and donuts around! I love to also come in the spring when they have u-pick asparagus. They offer many different u-pick seasons throughout summer.
McHattie Park | 474 S Lafayette St
This local park offers a nice-sized play structure perfect for kids of all ages. They also house a really cute Little Free Library that my kids love to frequent. There are pathways you can walk and fun things to explore like the Witch’s Hat Depot Museum and the Little Village Chapel. In the wintertime, there’s a huge hill right in the center of the park that everyone loves to sled down. During the summer, they also offer concerts and movies in the park on a regular basis.
FAVORITE SHOPPING
Downtown South Lyon | Lafayette + Lake Streets
Whenever I have out-of-town guests who like to shop, we always hit up the quaint downtown area for a fun shopping adventure. Some of my personal favorites are:
- The Coral Sash for women’s boutique clothing
- The Venue for all kinds of Detroit-themed clothing and hilarious stickers, shirts, and more
- The Lemon Tree for beautiful plants, home decor, and gifts
- Grande Trunke Home for a wide selection of gifts and housewares
- Diane’s Doll House for toys galore (totally not just dolls!)
- The South Lyon Farmers and Artisans Market on Saturday mornings (May 1 to October 30)
A few more popular places with locals are the South Lyon Hotel (restaurant), Curvin’s Family Creamery (just opened!), and Third Monk Brewery. Of course, there are many more small businesses downtown that you’ll have to check out, too!
FAVORITE PLACE FOR SWEET TREATS
South Lyon Village Bakery | 222 S Lafayette St, 248-437-8469
Local, small-town bakery that will win you over on the first visit! I got hooked with their paczki and now dream about their sweet treats often. You can’t go wrong grabbing donuts here on a Sunday morning! They offer many seasonal items, too, like pies and breads for Thanksgiving, holiday cookies and yule logs, Easter goodies, and so much more.
Spun Sugar Shoppe | 10630 Rushton Rd, 248-506-7265
Known for their cotton candy, Spun Sugar offers a gourmet selection of flavors sure to please any child and wow any adult. Ginger Peach and Honey Lavender are some of my favorites, while the kids love the Cookies and Cream and S’mores flavors. I’ve also seen some super cute birthday parties held here!
FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP
The Corner Social | 101 S Lafayette St, 248-437-0686
Not only does this locally-owned corner shop offer a coffee menu that easily rivals big-name competitors, they also boast a pretty legit food and craft cocktail menu. We love stopping in here for a quick bite or treat after a downtown event. My daughter has even sat and played at their piano. Fun family atmosphere!
FAVORITE PLACE FOR AN ADULT BEVERAGE
Country Acres Market | 12596 10 Mile Rd, 248-437-4910
It took me awhile to discover this one, as it’s across town from my neck of the woods, but it’s one of the town’s best-kept secrets. The selection of craft beers is ginormous!! Looking for a seasonal release like Hopslam, Double Two Hearted, or an array of pumpkin beers for fall? Look here first, they have never let me down! And the bonus is, they also have a nice selection of Michigan-made foods, hot-and-ready carryout foods, and a meat counter that includes house-made sausages and bratwurst.
