Rockwood, MI

Thought to first be an Indian village, Rockwood's recorded history goes back to the infamous Battle of Brownstown. Major Thomas Van Horne's Ohio militia were ambushed by Tecumseh's warriors while enroute to escort Captain Brush's supply column at River Raison. The American casualties were 18 killed, 12 wounded, and 70 missing. Meanwhile, Chief Tecumseh only lost one man. Historians believe this battle contributed to General Hull's misguided belief that he was facing superior forces, thereby influencing his surrender of Detroit almost two weeks later. Historically the city was known for sawmills and shipping, due to its location along the Huron River and closeness to Lake Erie. The later introduction of the railroad turned it into a busy crossroads for many industries. The Rockwood Area Historical Museum resides in a replica of the original Rockwood Rail Station, and provides plenty of resources to further study the city's history. The museum contains countless artifacts and photographs from the town's earliest days.

Annual events in the Rockwood area include the annual Memorial Day Parade, and the area offers easy access to a number of Downriver festivals, including the Pointe Mouillee Waterfall Festival held every year to increase conservation awareness.

Plenty of restaurants and cafés line Fort and Huron River Streets, in addition to Jefferson Ave. Other dining options can be found along Gibraltar Rd, as you near the marina.

Tuck into a fast and filling breakfast at Gibraltar Grill and Fine Dining while drinking in the friendly family feeling that enhances this restaurant. Patrons adore the old standards served up with a smile as well as new recipes, including the Hawaiian Omelette.

Right next to the grill, you can dine in or carry out for lunch on your boat with a fresh pizza pie or rack of ribs from Jim's Galley . Easy to find right across from the lighthouse, this neighborhood treasure offers delectable "Splinters and Planks," which are seagoing themed breadsticks.

If burgers are your thing, head further inland to Howsa Bouta Old Tyme Burger on Huron River Drive. Known for hot, fresh Detroit-famous sliders, this little burger joint also gets points for its friendly service. For something a little different, try the battered cod sandwich and split a side of bacon cheese fries.

While Rockwood doesn't have a hard-driving nightlife, you can find a number of small dive bars scattered throughout the neighborhood. Planks on the Marsh combines standard bar food with great music, while those who love live music and karaoke get their fix at Double D's on Fort Street. The closeness of I-75 also provides the option of heading to the brighter lights, clubs, and casinos of downtown Detroit.

Most residents use their own vehicles to get around town or travel to Detroit. Public transportation does not serve the area with regular bus schedules or light rail, and taxis must be engaged prior to your trip. Uber serves the area, and the city offers a senior van service for those who qualify. You won't find designated bike lanes in Rockwood, but the surrounding parks offer miles of trails and pathways made for biking and walking. Easy access to I-75 gets you to Romulus and Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

A gem of the Clinton-Huron Metroparks system, Lake Erie Metropark sits within the Rockwood neighborhood. The park, located on the shores of Lake Erie, offers stunning views of lower Michigan and provides recreational fun for just about every taste. Bird watchers enjoy a day spent in the marshes or along the shoreline spotting migrating birds, while children delight in hands-on activities that educate in the Marshlands Museum & Nature Center. An 18-hole course provides fun for the avid golfer, while the entire family can splash the day away in the "Great Wave" action pool. Day passes to the park cost $7 (wave pool costs an extra $5-$7), while a $35 annual pass for vehicles opens the door to parks scattered across the Great Lakes state.

Dog owners will have to travel to nearby Woodhaven to find a park for their furry friend. WOOFhaven offers non-resident admission for $35 a year for the first dog, and $5 for each additional canine. The 2-acre off-leash park separates small and old dogs from their larger friends in fenced off areas. The park is open from dawn till dusk every day of the week, with the exception of occasional maintenance closings.

The cost of living sits slightly higher than the Detroit and Michigan averages. Although public transportation doesn't serve the area, a trip to the city center of Detroit costs $23 via standard Uber. A gallon of gas costs around 7.5% less than the national average and a one-bedroom apartment sets you back about $650 a month. Enjoying a pint or two with your buddies costs around $4.50 in local dive bars, while craft brews are slightly higher.

Anyone wishing to shop at a major center or mall will have to run south on I-75 to Mall of Monroe, or north to Southland Center. Both malls offer a range of typical mall fare, including American Eagle, The Children's Place, and Macy's at Southland.

Most fisherman choose to first stop at Bottom Line Bait and Tackle, on Jefferson Avenue, before heading out in the morning. Prices here are reasonable and the staff almost always knows what's biting on any particular day.

Stop in at the Rockwood Flower Shop on Fort Street to find the perfect floral gift no matter what the occasion or your budget. The friendly staff here stands ready to help put together a stunning seasonal centerpiece or plan the decor for your wedding day.

Since Food Town closed, the only local grocer is Save-a-Lot on Fort Road. Residents can also choose to head a little further out to Brownstown to shop at Kroger. Fresh produce stands are known to pop-up in the summer months as well. If you're hankering for fresh-grown and farm fresh, take the morning off on a Saturday and head up to the renowned Eastern Market in Detroit, and avail yourself of the multiple stands there, selling everything from fresh pasta to vegetables, fruits and preserves.