Hello World

Northwest of Detroit lies a dynamic duo of cities that offer locals and travelers a perfect blend of small-town charm and contemporary attractions. Northville and Novi stand as complementary communities, each with its own distinct personality yet seamlessly connected through shared cultural experiences. From the historic streets of downtown Northville to the modern shopping destinations of Novi, these neighboring cities provide visitors with an authentic taste of southeastern Michigan’s diverse landscape.

Morning light filters through the windows of Tuscan Cafe, a cornerstone of Northville’s vibrant downtown scene where locals gather for expertly crafted coffee and hearty breakfast sandwiches. This welcoming spot represents just the beginning of what makes this area special. The walkable streets of downtown Northville invite exploration, with boutique shops like Dancing Eye Gallery offering Michigan-themed treasures and Sugar Lu’s tempting visitors with colorful displays of candies and chocolates that appeal to the child in everyone.

Downtown Northville’s charm extends beyond its storefronts to include “The Twist,” an innovative social district that transformed the area’s dining experience. By blocking off select streets and creating dedicated outdoor spaces, the city has crafted a unique environment where visitors can enjoy drinks and meals al fresco. Local restaurants and bars participate by offering specially marked cups for beverages that can be carried throughout the designated area, creating a festival-like atmosphere that encourages community connection.

The success of The Twist speaks to Northville’s adaptability and commitment to supporting local businesses. Originally conceived as a response to dining restrictions, this social district has become a beloved feature that draws people to the heart of the city. Visitors can play outdoor games like cornhole, enjoy live music on weekends, or simply relax at bistro tables while savoring drinks from Center Street Grille, Lucy & the Wolf, or other participating establishments. The warm reception from both locals and tourists has secured The Twist’s place as a permanent feature of Northville’s downtown landscape.

A stroll through Mill Race Historical Village offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Northville’s rich past. This carefully preserved collection of historic buildings, relocated to land donated by Ford Motor Company, creates a living museum where Michigan history comes alive. The village features an authentic one-room schoolhouse, a church with original architectural details, and a working blacksmith shop that demonstrates traditional craftsmanship techniques that shaped the region’s development.

Beyond its historical significance, Mill Race Village serves as a community gathering place and celebration venue. The picturesque grounds, with manicured gardens and a charming gazebo, host weddings throughout the year—some even officiated by Northville’s mayor through a special package. Weekend visitors can explore the interiors of these buildings, each telling a different story about life in early Michigan. The general store, filled with period-appropriate goods, particularly delights children and gives families an opportunity to discuss how daily life has changed over generations.

For families seeking active entertainment, Full Throttle (formerly JD Racing) in Novi offers an adrenaline-pumping experience with indoor go-kart racing. This isn’t your typical carnival ride—these professional-grade karts reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour, sending drivers whipping around corners on a professionally designed track. The experience begins with proper safety equipment, including helmets and neck braces, ensuring thrills without compromising safety for racers ages 14 and up.

The competitive element adds another dimension to the fun, as digital timing systems track each driver’s performance and display results after each heat. While particularly popular for group events and birthday celebrations, even casual visitors can enjoy the rush of racing against friends or family members. First-time racers should note that controlling these powerful machines provides a genuine workout—the physical demands of handling the G-forces around turns might leave arms feeling pleasantly sore the next day, a small price for the memories made on the track.

Shopping enthusiasts find paradise at Twelve Oaks Mall, a premier retail destination housing nearly 200 stores ranging from luxury brands to casual favorites. This massive complex serves as southeastern Michigan’s shopping headquarters, featuring flagship stores like Apple, Crate & Barrel, and North Face alongside specialty boutiques. The two-level design creates an impressive shopping landscape where visitors can spend hours exploring different retailers, pause for refreshments at one of nearly 30 dining options, or simply people-watch from comfortable seating areas.

For those seeking international flavors, One World Market stands as Michigan’s largest Japanese grocery store. This cultural treasure offers an immersive experience with aisles of authentic Japanese products, from kitchen staples to specialty items rarely found elsewhere in the Midwest. The market’s fresh food section draws particular attention, featuring restaurant-quality sushi prepared daily by skilled chefs. Popular options like the Michigan roll (spicy tuna, cucumber, and avocado) and the Novi roll (tuna teriyaki with vegetables) provide shoppers with accessible entry points to Japanese cuisine, while more adventurous eaters can explore traditional sashimi and specialty dishes.

Guernsey Farms Dairy represents the perfect intersection of Michigan food traditions and modern dining innovation. This beloved institution has delighted generations since 1940, now operated by the third generation of the McGuire family who maintain their commitment to quality in every scoop of ice cream and glass of chocolate milk. The dairy sources fresh milk from Walnutdale Farms in Wayland, supporting Michigan agriculture while ensuring the highest quality ingredients for their products.

While many visitors come specifically for the ice cream—available in classic flavors alongside creative options like Tilt-A-Swirl and Midnight Train to Traverse—the restaurant side of Guernsey offers equally impressive culinary experiences. Their fried chicken deserves special mention, with a buttermilk brine and pressure-frying technique that produces exceptionally juicy meat beneath a perfectly crispy coating. Recent additions include a full bar serving Michigan craft beers and boozy milkshakes that blend adult beverages with their famous ice cream, creating the ultimate indulgence after exploring Northville and Novi.

Northville Winery and Brewing Company provides the perfect relaxed setting to conclude a day of exploration. Situated adjacent to the seasonal Northville Cider Mill, this family-owned establishment embraces its natural surroundings with an expanded outdoor space featuring scattered tents, picnic tables, and comfortable seating options. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, with the railroad tracks running alongside adding a distinctive visual element to the experience.

The beverage selection showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of owners Carina and Rob Nelson. Beer enthusiasts appreciate options like Rock Me Hopadeus IPA, while cider fans can enjoy the refreshing Wallflower, distinguished by subtle lavender notes. The outdoor stage hosts local musicians Wednesday through Saturday, creating a soundtrack for lazy afternoon or evening visits. Food trucks regularly appear onsite, offering changing culinary options that complement the house-made beverages. This thoughtful combination of drinks, food, music, and setting makes Northville Winery and Brewing Company a fitting final stop that captures the welcoming spirit found throughout both communities.