Birmingham, Michigan is the ideal summer vacation spot, combining the balance of urban amenities and small-town charm. With year-round attractions such as Shain Park’s movie nights and Booth Park’s playscape, ample pathway and trail options, lively nightlife festivities at The Emagine Palladium, and extraordinary art featured at The David Klein Gallery and Robert Kidd Gallery, you are sure to be enchanted by Birmingham’s many offerings.
Birmingham is an upscale Michigan community located to the north of Detroit. This vibrant city offers all the benefits of a large city, such as boutique shops, parks, and restaurants, but still maintains its small-town feel. The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham provides luxurious accommodations and is ideally situated so that everything is within walking distance. As such, Birmingham is the perfect place to spend the summer and is sure to provide a memorable getaway.
Exploring Birmingham’s Parks and Trails
Shain Park is an incredibly popular destination in downtown Birmingham, featuring a playscape for children, a granite-decorated plaza fountain, and a performance stage area. At the center stands a beautiful sculpture created by Marshall Fredericks, and during summer 2021, the park will host movie nights with films such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Elf” and “Cars.” Nearby Booth Park boasts a larger size and has features including a playscape, amphitheater, rain garden, and a labyrinth with a tunnel. Birmingham also provides urban paths and wooded trails, and The Townsend Hotel even offers bike rentals so guests can explore the city on two wheels. Finally, The Farmers Market is a great place to find artisan foods and Michigan-made items.
An Unforgettable Experience
The Emagine Palladium, conveniently located just off Old Woodward Avenue, is a luxurious 8-screen multiplex housed in a 1927 building. It boasts posh features such as leather power-reclining seats, cuddle chairs, and a liquor bar with beer, wine, and cocktails. This first-run and indie movie theater offers an unforgettable experience for moviegoers. Across the street from The Townsend are two renowned galleries: The David Klein Gallery, which has been open since 1990 and focuses on contemporary and modern, postwar American pieces, and the Robert Kidd Gallery, which was founded by two Cranbrook Academy of Art graduates in 1976. These galleries offer a variety of artworks, including paintings, photographs, pop art, prints, and sculptures.
Unique Shopping Experiences
Downtown Birmingham is a highly sought-after shopping destination, and for good reason. With nearly 300 shops ranging from fashion to home furnishings, it’s easy to find something that will suit your needs. Maple Road and Old Woodward Avenue boast some of the city’s most beloved boutiques, such as Cicchini Custom Clothier, Teacups & Toys, and Lucido Fine Jewelry. Cicchini offers a unique shopping experience for men’s clothing with master European tailors on-site, while Teacups & Toys provides pet owners with bedding, bowls, collars and leads, clothing, and hand-crocheted toys. Lucido Fine Jewelry is the place to go for high-end pieces, especially Rolex watches. All of these fantastic stores are within walking distance of The Townsend Hotel.
Handcrafted Fine Chocolates
Farther west of The Townsend, but still downtown and within walking distance, Birmingham Chocolate proudly crafts handcrafted fine chocolates in small batches for everyday and special occasions. Offering an array of delicious treats, you can purchase their chocolates by the bar, in small treat packages, or assorted boxes of various sizes.
Fine Dining in Downtown Birmingham
Downtown Birmingham is home to some of the finest restaurants, such as the well-regarded Rugby Grille at The Townsend. This premier establishment offers an unforgettable Afternoon Tea experience with fine teas and classical music in a mahogany wood setting, enhanced by Waterford chandeliers. For dinner, guests can enjoy highlights such as the pan-seared Dover Sole with herb butter, artichoke sauce, fried capers, and roasted Brussels sprouts. Across the street, Bella Piatti offers Italian cuisine with a contemporary flair. The menu includes antipasti, pasta, risotto, and a variety of meat and seafood dishes. For a quality pick-me-up, there’s also Birmingham Roast with delectable breakfast and lunch items.
Further, the city is home to Adachi, a fusion restaurant serving Japanese-inspired cuisine. Executive Chef has brought superb technique and innovation to the city with many small and large plates, a full sushi bar, and specialty craft cocktails. Streetside Seafood also provides excellent Mediterranean fare, while Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar offers authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes. All of these restaurants offer a unique culinary experience that will leave guests satisfied.
Birmingham, Michigan is an upscale getaway for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back experience exploring its Shain and Booth Parks or enlivening yourself with local finds at the farmers’ market, the city has something for everyone. Art enthusiasts will be delighted to find renowned galleries showcasing traditional and contemporary works of art, while moviegoers can make a night of it by munching on cocktails and treats in the historic Emagine Palladium. No matter what type of vacation you desire, Birmingham is sure to deliver a truly unforgettable experience.
