Oakland County

See

Itineraries

There are plenty of malls and concert venues located throughout Oakland County. Malls of note in the county include Great Lakes Crossings in Auburn Hills and The Somerset Collection in Troy.

Do

If shopping is your thing then head to Somerset Collection. This is a rather upscale mall; be prepared to spend and walk a lot. Somerset Collection is located on Big Beaver (16 Mile Road) and Crooks. North of Somerset in Auburn Hills is Great Lakes Crossing. This outlet mall offers a lot of shopping, a theatre, an aquarium, and plenty of dining. Great Lakes Crossing can be accessed via I-75 exits 83 and 84.

• The Detroit Zoo. The Detroit Zoo has 125 acres of naturalistic habitats for more than 2,000 animals from anteaters to zebras and features award-winning attractions such as the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee and Arctic Ring of Life. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is the largest facility for penguins in the world.
• Michigan Renaissance Festival. Inside turreted gates, visitors enjoy the sights and sounds of a 17-acre village, complete with building reproductions of Renaissance shops, taverns and a magnificent castle. Continuous entertainment takes place on the streets and on 17 themed stages; featuring full-contact armored jousting, comedy and theater shows, music, games, and people-powered rides. Fabulous food and more than 300 artisans displaying their works.
• Alpine and Cross Country Skiing. State parks throughout the county offer numerous cross country skiing trails which in the warmer months double as excellent hiking trails. Alpine skiing can be done at several small hills across the county as well. Notable ski hills in the county include Pine Knob in Auburn Hills, Alpine Valley in White Lake, and Mt.Holly in Holly.
• Golf. Oakland county offers excellent locations for golfing including driving ranges, numerous public 18 hole courses, as well as numerous private and country club courses. Notable public courses include Glen Oaks in Farmington Hills and Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township. The Links of Novi, which is private has 27 holes, one full and one half course. Oakland Hills Country Club, in Bloomfield Hills boasts the most extraordinary history and future of maybe any course in the county. Oakland Hills has hosted 17 major championships since its founding in 1916.

Eat

There are many places to eat in Oakland County, however if you are into the non-franchise type restaurants try Oakland Grill. It is in Oakland Mall which is on the corner of I-75 and 14 mile Rd. The service is top notch, the food is excellent and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

• Sagebrush Cantina. In Lake Orion on Broadway, this charming restaurant has great atmosphere, amazing food and fantastic service.
• Vinsetta Garaga. On Woodward in Berkley, just north of the Detroit Zoo. Fantastic restaurant owned by the same people who own the Clarkston Union. The food is delicious, service is amazing and the atmosphere is top notch.

Drink

If the club/bar scene is your thing then head to downtown Pontiac. Tiki Bob's Cantina, Tonic, Sevin, and Clutch Cargos are some of the popular destinations. There are lots of bars. If you like the more classy atmosphere go to Downtown Birmingham for Blue Martini or Royal Oak.

There are many breweries peppered throughout Oakland County, such as Griffin Claw in Birmingham, Rochester Mills Beer Co. in Rochester, Royal Oak Brewery in Royal Oak, Witch's Hat in South Lyon, and The Woodward Avenue Brewers (stylized The WAB) in Ferndale.