Michigan's Northern Detroit Suburb Offers A Peaceful Park, Mouth-Watering Restaurants, And Cozy Vibes

When it comes to natural beauty, few states in the country can quite compare to everything Michigan has to offer. From bustling metropolitan cities like Detroit, which is vying for the title of best new art city due to its affordability, to the Upper Peninsula that is home to the peaceful little river island of Lime Island State Recreation Area, known for camping, hiking, and fishing, Michigan truly has it all. If you're in the Lower Peninsula, affordable escapes like Beulah, with its walkable downtown shopping, dining, iconic pie, and lake days, should help fill your time with relaxation and meaningful exploration. One more cozy Michigan destination not many talk about is the Detroit suburb of Macomb, known for its excellent dining options, parks, and suburban charm.

Located about an hour's drive from downtown Detroit and an hour and a half from the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Macomb Township was officially established in 1834, and the surrounding area was used primarily for agriculture back in those days. Today, it — located in the county with the same name — is home to over 91,000 residents and restaurants that offer a wide range of excellent dining choices. But despite this big population size, Macomb remains resplendent in tranquility by way of its peaceful parks and its close-knit suburban charm.

Macomb offers a host of great eateries to choose from. If you're looking for a feel-good, relaxed atmosphere that offers excellent sandwiches, pizza, and soups, The Tavern at Tina's Country House is the place for you. One reviewer on Google said of the Italian-style diner, "Drove [to] Tina's with an empty stomach after a long drive. I was served a hearty chicken pot pie soup and a pepper soup along with my salmon order. Great serving portions for any traveler in the area. Great server hospitality too!"

Aspen Restaurant and Bar is another crowd-favorite in Macomb. Opened in 2003, the restaurant came to life from the renovated remains of a local favorite lodge. With cozy cabin interiors, its menu features items such as fried pickle chips, garlic pesto tenderloin tips, and shrimp tacos, among other dishes. One reviewer on Google who thoroughly enjoyed their dining experience said, "Went here for the first time today to celebrate my sister's birthday with my family. We had a wonderful experience. Food was delicious. Wonderful staff."

If you want something spicier, El Charro of Mocomb has plenty on its menu to keep you happy. Known for their "puffy tacos," the Mexican restaurant first started in 1971 in Fraser, Michigan, before expanding elsewhere, including Macomb. El Charro focuses on serving authentic Mexican dishes, including quesadillas, enchiladas, and chilaquiles, to name just a few delicious items.

If you're looking to get some exercise by taking a stroll after dining at one of Macomb's fantastic restaurants, or just feel like relaxing outside, Corners Park is where you want to head. It is a great place to enjoy local events like summer concerts and outdoor movies, which have become integral to bringing the entire community of Mocomb together. Although it spans a total area of 94 acres, over half of it remains undeveloped by park authorities at the moment.

A short five-minute drive or 30-minute walk from downtown Macomb, Corners Park is open from the wee hours of the morning until the evening hours. The park comes fully equipped with amenities like several soccer fields, a couple of volleyball courts, pickleball courts, a one-mile trail for those interested in walking or running, and public restrooms. One visitor to the park reviewed on Google, stating, "Clean and family-friendly park. The playground is very big and excellent for families and team sports like baseball and soccer. The walking trail is also well maintained."

Aside from staying in downtown Detroit and driving into Macomb, there are several nearby places where you can set up basecamp while you explore the suburb. The La Quinta by Wyndham Detroit Utica is about 20 minutes away, while the Cambria Hotel Shelby Township – Detroit Utica is closer at around 12 minutes.