Our wedding will be in the gardens, but we highly recommend setting aside time to explore the mansion! Built in the 1920s, this Tudor-revival estate is full of history, hidden passages, and gorgeous details. We suggest the self-guided tour, where docents are in each room to share stories.
Meadow Brook Hall is next to two beautiful golf courses operated by Oakland University Golf: ⛳ The Katke-Cousins Golf Course opened in 1977 and is a 72-par course with a great view of Meadow Brook Hall, offering plenty of challenges for your game. ⛳ The R&S Sharf Golf Course, launched in 2000, is ranked 21st among Michigan's 855 courses by Golf Digest and was designed by renowned Rick Smith to capture a classic European vibe. Check out the Oakland University Golf Courses page for more details on layouts, schedules, and amenities.
Downtown Rochester – A charming, walkable area filled with local boutiques, cozy cafés, great restaurants, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. 🍂 Fall Events - Taste of Fall (Sept 1 - Oct 13): Enjoy fall-inspired dishes and drinks at 20+ local restaurants. - Magical Mural Tour (Sept 1 - Oct 13): Stroll downtown and discover stunning murals by local artists. 🌭 Lipuma’s Hot Dog Stand A Rochester staple and Annmarie’s favorite spot! Lipuma’s serves up famous coney dogs in a cozy riverside setting. Cash only, so come prepared! 🛍 Main Street Shopping Explore charming boutiques, home décor stores, and unique local shops—perfect for a stroll and a little retail therapy.
🍎 Yates Cider Mill – A Rochester tradition since 1863, this beloved cider mill is the perfect fall stop. Enjoy a cup of fresh apple cider and warm donuts, then take a scenic walk along the river while soaking in the autumn atmosphere.
🌿 Cranbrook House & Gardens – A historic estate just a short drive from Birmingham, featuring stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and serene walking paths. 🦖 Cranbrook Institute of Science – If you're into natural history, this museum features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and even a life-sized T-Rex skeleton! 🏛 Cranbrook Art Museum – Home to contemporary and modern art exhibits, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
Downtown Birmingham – A lively area known for its upscale shopping, great restaurants, and charming parks. 🛍 Shopping & Boutiques Birmingham is known for its upscale shopping scene, with unique boutiques, high-end fashion stores, and home décor shops lining Old Woodward Avenue. ☕ Cafés & Dining Grab a coffee at Commonwealth Cafe, a burger at Market North End, or if you're craving Italian, Salvatore Scallopini is a local favorite for delicious pasta and classic dishes. 🎨 Common Ground Art Fair on Saturday from 10 AM - 6 PM https://www.theguild.org/fair/common-ground-art-fair/ The fair features paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and more, plus live entertainment and a great atmosphere. 🚗 Parking: Enjoy 2 hours of free parking in all city decks on Saturday & Sunday- Chester Street, N. Old Woodward, Park Street, Peabody Street, and Pierce Street.
🎨 The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) features an incredible collection, including Diego Rivera’s famous Detroit Industry Murals. 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI (https://dia.org/) 🚉 Check out the beautifully restored Michigan Central Station, now a hub for innovation and history lovers alike. 2001 15th St, Detroit, MI (https://michigancentral.com/) 🌉 Make a day of it with a stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk, where you can wave to Canada just across the water!