Carnival Market, Pontiac | Food
Said to be Oakland County’s largest Hispanic market, Carnival offers an incredibly wide variety of authentic Mexican and Latin American ingredients. It is also home to an on-site tortilla factory and the Carnival Grill restaurant, a great stop for a quick, reasonably priced, and delicious lunch or dinner.
—Jack Thomas
Roush Automotive Collection, Livonia | Museums
For fans of NASCAR — or any kind of car racing for that matter — this is the place to be. Nestled in an industrial area of Livonia, the 30,000-square-foot facility houses more than 100 race cars and classic cars. The collection is open to the public on select days from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
—Will Reaume
HenriettaHaus, Hamtramck | Food
In a city known for its bars, Hamtramck’s best selection of Belgian and other obscure bottled beers can be found here. The beers are poured tableside and should be enjoyed alongside an order of sourdough-crust pizza and a salad. The bar doesn’t carry beers on tap, but it makes up for it with a solid selection of Amaro.
—Will Reaume
Frontier Town, Romeo | Food/Shops
Since 1981, this charming, rustic complex near downtown Romeo has housed dozens of family-owned businesses. Browse the vintage country store and grab a bite at the bakery, café, taqueria, or ice cream parlor. In the summer, feed the goats out back. Visit Labor Day weekend for the Peach Festival’s longest-running craft show.
— Morgan Brown
Kresge Court in the DIA, Detroit | Arts & Culture
Although the DIA and its courtyard café aren’t a secret, you may not know it’s a great place to get some work done while enjoying the sun from the glass-topped atrium. Study breaks to explore the art are a must, although we can’t guarantee you’ll get your seat back.
—Will Reaume & Kate Walsh
Detroit Opera House Tours, Detroit | Arts & Culture
One of the best ways to see hidden treasures in Detroit’s iconic spaces is taking a tour. Among our favorites is the Detroit Opera House’s Highlights Tour. For just $10, you can see and learn so much, like how a stagehouse counterweight system (right) raises and lowers scenery to the stage. The opera house opened in 1922, went through a major refurbishing in the mid-’90s, has homed four movie theaters over the years, and has seen countless stars of movie, stage, opera, and dance grace its stage.
—Kate Walsh
Michigan Transit Museum, Mount Clemens | Museums
Located in a former Grand Trunk Western Railroad station in Mount Clemens, the 1859 building is an incredible piece of local history in and of itself. It was a frequent stop for a young Thomas Edison, who worked as a telegrapher on the Detroit-Port Huron line; his experience there inspired his later inventions. The museum, which is run by volunteers and has limited operating hours, offers an incredible look into the story of Michigan’s past through trains and electric trolley systems. Train rides can be booked seasonally.
— Jack Thomas
Irena’s Pastry & Bistro, Sterling Heights | Food
After immigrating from Poland in 1981, Irena Jablecki built a go-to spot for authentic, homemade Polish dishes outside of Hamtramck. Stop in for kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, or six varieties of pierogi. Plan ahead for Fat Tuesday (or Fat Thursday, if you’re Polish) — Irena’s pączki draw lines out the door every year.
—Morgan Brown
The Showroom at Younger’s, Romeo | Arts & Culture
For live entertainment in downtown Romeo, head to the second level of Younger’s, a former Irish pub renovated in 2024 for a sleek, upscale look. Grab tickets for dueling piano nights, comedy shows, beloved local acts, or tribute bands playing everything from Motown classics to ’80s hair-band hits.
—Morgan Brown
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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