Funnily enough, the Detroit Zoo isn't located in Detroit, but in Royal Oak! Becca loves the butterfly house here, but the Detroit Zoo's biggest claim to fame is that they have the biggest penguin exhibit in the world. Weird, right? (It's actually pretty cool though. Pun intended.)
The DIA is another place Becca loves to send people new to Michigan. It's packed with gorgeous art and the cafe is actually one of Becca's favorite places to write with two of her bridesmaids, Andrea and Meriam.
This is great for a quick visit in Royal Oak. Protected from local deer by giant fences, this small nature preserve has over 300 species of native Michigan plants, and has some of the most biodiversity of any park in Metro Detroit! The path is only a .7 mile loop, but is a very pretty and peaceful slice of nature in Royal Oak. Once you're done, cross the street to visit the newly installed Fred A. Erb Arboretum!
Obviously, we have to have a book recommendation on here! This is Becca's local indie bookstore located in downtown Royal Oak. If you're a book lover, you should definitely stop in!
If you want some delicious Michigan cider and fresh donuts, you should visit Yates, grab a treat, and walk the trails!
The Detroit Tigers will be playing the Minnesota Twins Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at home the week of our wedding. Spend an evening in downtown Detroit and see a ball game! (Becca has no idea if the Tigers are still bad or not, so she can't promise that they'll win. But the giant slushies at Comerica are really good.)
With over 40 acres of gardens, the Cranbook Gardens are a wonderful way to spend a nice day in Michigan.
An 80-acre open-air history museum founded by Henry Ford with artifacts & homes of famous Americans. A Metro Detroit classic!
If you plan to turn your trip to Michigan into a longer stay, don't be afraid to rent a car and head up north! Located about four hours north of Royal Oak, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are one of Becca's favorite things to show people who are new to Michigan. Just make sure you don't climb down the 500ft dune unless you're sure you can get back up!
A Royal Oak staple. Stop by in the morning for fresh bread and pastries!
One of our favorite restaurants in Royal Oak! Wonderful for a nicer night out and great about allergies.
If you're in the mood for sushi or a great cocktail while you're here, Ronin in downtown Royal Oak is wonderful for a night out!
For our guests that need a quick, casual bite to eat. They're also great with allergies here! Becca is celiac and has never had an issue. (David and Becca also eat here so much they gave us shirts. Yes, really. Like the ones their employees wear.)
Quick, casual American food walkable from downtown. The burgers are excellent!
If you want to try some Detroit style pizza while you're here (which is the best style...), Como's is a great spot to grab dinner, and then you can explore Ferndale after! They have great gluten free pizza and are awesome about allergies here.
Becca's *other* favorite coffee shop, also in downtown Royal Oak. Their salted caramel iced lattes are the best.
One of Becca's favorite coffee shops in downtown Royal Oak – she wrote most of The Mossheart's Promise, The Ghostwing's Lie, and I Killed The King here!