Everyone has a favorite secret spot, but few are eager to share. For this year’s City Guide, we took on the challenge. Along with revealing a few of our own picks, we gathered recommendations from contributing writers, tour guides, and other insiders. And while logging in thousands of steps, we peeked behind closed doors and over balconies, and we ventured inside two completely off-the-grid locations that safeguard some of Detroit’s most precious artifacts.
Three Cats at Leon & Lulu, Clawson
Start with the charming atmosphere and add in a huge selection of greeting cards, and you may forget that the main reason you’re at this Clawson restaurant is to eat. It also has a variety of happenings, from live music and wine tasting to feng shui and drag-queen brunch. It’s the cat’s meow.
Clothes Mentor, Rochester Hills and Novi
This shop is a good bet for all types of women’s clothing, but its designer and special-occasion selections are particularly impressive. The store also boasts a considerable array of shoes, jewelry, bags and other accessories to truly complete an ensemble.
The Plant House, Ferndale
There’s something about spending time in The Plant House, located in Ferndale’s Rust Belt Market, that both lifts the mood and inspires, especially in the winter. Its overall plant collection is unique and varied, especially the air plant options. It also offers a potting service.
WHOO, Rochester
Located in downtown Rochester, WHOO is a 501(c)(3) providing financial and in-kind donations to area charities — so every purchase is for a good cause. The jewelry and clothing are plentiful, but some of the best gems are in the home decor section, with one-of-a-kind flavor that sets off a space.
27th Letter Books, Southwest Detroit
This is the kind of place you’ll want to linger all day. It has a well-edited collection of genres (and a nice selection of books in Spanish), intriguing art, a gaming lounge downstairs, and plenty of events, from poetry readings to live music.
RC’s Unexpected Treasures, Mount Clemens
Labeled “vintage, antique, and unique,” this collectibles store boasts top-notch customer service, reasonable price points, and, of course, a plethora of treasures to peruse. The displays are organized and inviting, too. It’s a perfect spot for those who love one-of-a-kind home decor that makes a statement.
More of Hour Detroit’s “Hidden Detroit”
Things You May Have Missed at the Detroit Institute of ArtsSports, Hats, Scenic Spots, and ArtifactsConnecting with Old Detroit and Its Boozy PastRyan Patrick Hooper’s Favorite Food & Drink SpotsThe Guardian BuildingThe Artifact Collection of the Detroit Historical SocietyHenry Ford Museum’s Artifact CollectionFishing for Secrets at the Fisher Building
Park West Museum in Southfield
Art Galleries You May Have Overlooked
Places to See the City from a Bird’s-eye View
Views from a High-rise Window-cleaning Technician
This story originally appeared in the April 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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