Hello World

Located in the western part of metro Detroit, Northville and Novi offer visitors different experiences that make for a good day trip. Downtown Northville shows historical charm and boutique shopping, while Novi provides modern amenities and international options. These neighboring cities, though different in character, together create interesting experiences within Michigan’s southeastern region.

If you’re looking for a quiet walk through historical sites, shopping, food experiences, or entertainment, these two cities provide memorable visits within close proximity. From Northville’s preserved historical buildings to Novi’s current retail locations, visitors move between two different worlds that work well together, creating an interesting destination for those wanting to experience multiple parts of Michigan culture in one trip.

Downtown Northville presents a nice scene with its street trees and well-preserved historic buildings. The shopping experience starts at Dancing Eye Gallery, a collection of Michigan-themed gifts and unique items where visitors can spend hours looking through local artwork, clothing, and decorative pieces. Nearby, Sugar Lu’s offers a fun candy experience with vintage sweets and hand-crafted chocolate truffles displayed beneath a colorful ceiling of decorations, creating an interesting atmosphere that interests visitors of all ages.

Adding to Northville’s character is “The Twist,” a social district that changed downtown streets into community spaces. One of Michigan’s first social districts, The Twist allows visitors to buy alcoholic drinks from participating businesses and enjoy them while walking through designated outdoor areas. With warming huts, game stations, and occasional live entertainment, this community space shows Northville’s commitment to keeping its small-town feel while adding current social experiences. The district has become so popular with residents and visitors that what started as a pandemic solution has become a permanent part of downtown Northville’s identity.

The food options across both cities offer different flavors and experiences. Begin your day at Tuscan Cafe, a busy Main Street location in Northville where owner William Hundley has been making coffee for over two decades. Beyond regular coffee drinks, patrons can add unique ingredients like turmeric, cardamom, or lavender. The food menu has hearty sandwiches on Zingerman’s bread, with the #3 “Fly Me to the Moon” being a local favorite—a tasty combination of turkey, provolone, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, avocado, and mustard.

For a true Michigan dining experience, Guernsey Farms Dairy presents a food location that has pleased generations since 1940. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Guernsey keeps its focus on quality, processing fresh milk from Walnutdale Farms into good ice cream, chocolate milk, and other dairy products. Their restaurant serves made-from-scratch comfort foods, with the buttermilk-brined, pressure-fried chicken earning particular praise for its juicy inside and crispy coating. The full-service bar offers craft beers, wines, and rich boozy milkshakes that provide a sweet end to any meal, mixing traditional dairy methods with current adult drinks.

Entertainment options exist across both communities, meeting different interests and energy levels. Thrill-seekers can go to JD Racing/Full Throttle in Novi, where indoor go-karts reach speeds up to 40 mph on a challenging track with multiple corners and curves. This isn’t a typical amusement park ride—participants wear helmets and neck braces while competing in timed races against friends and family. The experience provides real G-forces that will test your arm strength and leave you with memorable stories, if somewhat sore muscles the following day.

For those interested in art, Villa Barr Park offers a four-acre sculpture garden showing works by international artist David Barr. Visitors can walk gravel paths connecting different sculpture installations, explore Barr’s studio, and appreciate the modern home designed by Chicago architect Laurence Booth. Meanwhile, shopping fans find excitement at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, where nearly 200 retailers and restaurants provide endless browsing. From Apple to Crate and Barrel, Kate Spade to North Face, the mall has major brands alongside dining options like The Cheesecake Factory—creating a current retail experience that differs from Northville’s boutique shopping.

The difference between these neighboring cities creates an interesting look at community development and cultural identity. Northville supports its historical roots with preserved architecture, walkable streets, and independent businesses that create a close small-town atmosphere. The Mill Race Historical Village shows this commitment to heritage, with relocated historical buildings including a one-room schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, and general store. This “mini Greenfield Village” stands as proof of Northville’s dedication to preserving its past while creating current community spaces.

Novi, in contrast, represents modern suburban development with its large retail centers and diverse international influences. One World Market, Michigan’s largest Japanese grocery store, shows this global perspective with its wide selection of Japanese foods, beverages, and prepared sushi. The market’s impressive variety of fresh fish, convenience items, and authentic ingredients creates a cultural experience that takes visitors to another world. This international character, combined with current entertainment venues and extensive shopping options, positions Novi as a forward-looking partner to Northville’s historical charm—making these sister cities perfect for visitors seeking different experiences within a single trip.