Community Corner
Patch Passport: Plan a Day Trip to Shelby-Utica
We're hoping more people in metro Detroit will understand what little gems there are in Shelby Township and Utica. If you're planning on visiting or have a friend coming to town, point them in this direction.
We wrote this little daytrip guide to Shelby and Utica for a summer series called Patch Passport. Other Patch sites in Michigan — from St. Clair Shores to Dexter and two dozen in between — have done the same.
All summer long, we'll offer up a weekly daytrip guide to another southeast Michigan destination. Here's what you should know if you're planning a trip to Shelby-Utica. If you're interested in sharing our guide to Plymouth and Canton with out-of-town friends and family, see .
Explore downtown Utica
Since Shelby Township doesn't have much of a downtown area, visitors can hit the cute and historic downtown Utica district.
Find out what's happening in Plymouth-Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
I suggest taking the scenic route down Cass Avenue, rather than Van Dyke, so you can check out well-kept Victorian-style homes that line the street.
Once you get to Auburn Road, make a left and take your pick from great sports bars, restaurants, women's boutiques and hair salons.
Find out what's happening in Plymouth-Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If you're looking for some fun boutique shopping, you'll want to check out, which features adorable children and women's clothing and accesories and , where you'll find just that.
Lunch Anyone?
Here are some munch spots in Utica you won't want to miss, according to Patch readers:
- (Great BBQ)
- (Authentic thin crush Italian Pizza)
- (Best Burgers in town)
- (Outdoor patio features bonfire pit)
- (Just ask any local about the custard)
Clinton River
- Canoe down the Clinton River begining at Heritage Park in Utica.
- Visit 128 acres of protected natural land at
- : Go fishing on the Clinton River, which runs through the park, visit the hike and bike trail or stop in to the .
- on the border of Shelby and Rochester: In the fall, there is no better place to witness the beauty of the Clinton River while treating yourself to a hot donought and fresh cider.
Seek the Creek: Stony Creek Metro Park
- Looking for some outdoor adventure? spans between Rochester and Shelby Township. The nearly 5,000 acre park is centered around a lake and a six-mile hike and bike trail.
- Visitors can hit the green on Stony Creek's 18-hole course.
- Paddleboarding anyone? Standup paddleboards are now available to rent at Eastwood Beach.
- World's largest inflatable water slide. Enough said. Just check out the .
Best Dinner Spots in Shelby
All that ourdoor activity would make anyone hungry. I would suggest heading to Shelby Township for dinner since there is such a wide variety of really good restaurants. Readers suggested these spots:
- (Great wine list and live music)
- (Likely to spot Dino Ciccarelli hanging with former NHL stars)
- (For great carryout)
- (Real deal Mexican food)
- (Hibachi grill and great Sushi)
Where else?
Let potential visitors know where else they should visit by posting a comment on this story.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.