Detroit's Storybook Suburb Is A Brick-Lined Village With Walkable Streets, Festivals, And Cute Shops

Detroit is known for stunning architecture that has earned it the nickname "the Paris of the Midwest." But if you're not much of a city person, or if you just want to add a different dimension to your Michigan vacation, there are several charming Detroit suburbs just waiting to be discovered. Along with the shaded parks and buzzing downtown of Royal Oak, there's Plymouth, Michigan, a brick-lined storybook village with walkable streets, cute shops, and seasonal festivals.

With a population of just over 9,000 people, this city's charming downtown and historic buildings make it an attractive destination for those who want a quiet break from their busy lives. As the town's mayor, Linda Filipczak, told the Detroit Free Press in 2026, "Those who spend time here often remark that Plymouth feels like stepping into a classic movie scene, blending small-town charm with memorable experiences."

Many of Plymouth's cute shops and restaurants are located in the walkable downtown area. Here, the shops and restaurants are located close together, so it is easy to stroll from one to another in just a few minutes via the open and friendly sidewalks. To make this even easier, the city provides a walking map for visitors.

In the core of this area, you'll find the triangular Kellogg Park, a city landmark since it was chartered in 1867. Every year, Plymouth hosts over 130 festivals and events, dozens of which are held in Kellogg Park. The winter Plymouth Ice Festival, the Spring Artisan Market, and the Music in the Air summer concerts are just a few festivities that visitors can experience. "Plymouth is a wonderful town reminiscent of Norman Rockwell's America. Kellogg Park is the epicenter of its heart and soul," writes one Tripadvisor reviewer, who also called the park a "small town Americana gem."

Brick sidewalks and historic buildings make up the downtown area's walkable Kellogg Park Historic District. Many of the buildings here were built in the late 1800s and early to mid-1900s, with one particular highlight being the Penn Theater (above), a historic movie theater that opened in 1941. Today, it screens both old and new movies, as well as hosting live music events. If you're more shopping inclined, on Saturdays from May to October, you'll find a weekly farmer's market near the theater.

Today, many of downtown Plymouth's historic buildings house local businesses. Some have been here for decades, such as ​​Muriel's Doll House and Toy Cottage, which opened in 1972. The old-fashioned pink building looks like an oversized dollhouse itself. Inside, you'll find dollhouse miniatures and old-fashioned toys. Another favorite boutique is Elephant Ear Books, an independent bookstore that caters to readers of all ages. One Google reviewer describes it as "extremely cozy." Basket Kreations Gift Shoppe offers Michigan-made gifts as well as clothing and baby items. The Wild Rose Boutique carries clothing, jewelry, and decor from dozens of local artists.

When you begin to feel hungry, there are several restaurants to dig into, including Pizza e Vino, a cozy Italian restaurant that serves Naples-style pizzas. With a 4.7 average Google rating and nearly 900 reviews at the time of writing, it's clear that it's a local favorite, with one reviewer calling it "very authentic and delicious." Compari's on the Park is another popular Italian option, particularly in the warmer months when their outdoor patio is open. The menu features Italian dishes like chicken parmigiana and veal piccata as well as pastas, pizzas, and salads. 

Visiting Plymouth from out of state? The town is about a 30-minute drive from both Detroit and Ann Arbor, a walkable college town with riverfront trails. It's also about a 20-minute drive from the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.