Clinton Township, MI

Originally known as "Huron Township" in 1818, the name was changed to the Charter Township of Clinton in 1824 to eliminate confusion over the location of the Huron River, located south of Detroit. The Michigan Territorial Legislature chose the name after former New York governor DeWitt Clinton for his role in constructing the Erie Canal, which helped numerous settlers journey to Michigan from 1817 to 1823.

Annual events such as the Festival of the Senses highlight the township's commitment to the importance of the arts and artistic advancement, while the annual blood drive sees residents selflessly donating blood in an effort to engage in charitable action for the benefit of others. The Clinton Township Historical Commission encourages residents to learn about early life in the area while preserving its roots and historic significance in Michigan's history.

Local eateries help offset the number of chain restaurants, providing you with a number of choices when dining out.

If you like buffet-style dining in a clean, well-lit setting, try Teppanyaki Grill & Buffet on South Gratiot Road for traditional Chinese and sushi dishes. If you feel adventurous, add some frog legs to your plate before filling the rest of it with crab legs, kung pao beef and a few spicy tuna hand rolls with avocado. The hard-working, friendly staff and casual atmosphere let you relax as you ponder what to try next. Be sure to come hungry and remember to clean your plate before heading back for seconds or thirds.

For down-home barbecue and true Midwestern hospitality, head to Bad Brad's BBQ on Groesbeck Highway. The rustic atmosphere and traditional smoking methods make this the perfect place to gather with family or friends. Start your meal with the pig candy appetizer before diving into the big pig gig. This family-style dish includes a full slap of ribs, smoked chicken, four different kinds of meat and five large sides. There must be at least four people in your party to order this feast.

If you prefer something more exotic, Shish Kabob Express on South Gratiot Road doesn't disappoint. Specializing in authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, each dish at this eatery includes the freshest ingredients made to order. The naturally healthy way of life in the Mediterranean means you can dine out without the guilt. Start with the falafel with tahini and hummus appetizer, and then move on to the shish kafta triple, made with your choice of lamb, beef or chicken. Whether in a hurry or in the mood to sit down, this small restaurant provides both take-out and dine-in options.

As far as nightlife, romantic, classy night outs or a dance all-night live music parties can be found in Clinton Township.

Opened in 2012, Cellar 59 provides an upscale experience, uniquely designed to satisfy every patron. Acting as both a wine bar and fine retail liquor outlet, this family-owned business uses the latest and greatest in wine dispensing and preservation technologies to bottle over 40 types of wine — all exclusive to the establishment. Relax your nerves with a glass of wine on your first date, or toast each other on a milestone anniversary for an experience you won't soon forget.

For a more lively night out filled with dancing, live music and incredible cocktails, visit the Stray Cat Lounge on Garfield Road. The modern design and swanky atmosphere make this martini and cigar lounge a one-of-a-kind place. With numerous HD televisions broadcasting your favorite sporting events, a large dance floor and huge selection of martinis, cocktails, wine and Michigan-made craft beers, this establishment lets you take your pick of things to do as you puff on one of the finest cigars available in the country. A fantastic ventilation system allows you to kick back and enjoy a live show from one of several local bands who perform here throughout the week.

Clinton Township's close proximity to Interstate 94 and M-59 make getting around town by car easy, whether you prefer to use your own vehicle or hire a private car, taxi or airport shuttle through the Uber app on your smartphone. Plenty of bike-friendly roads and walking paths allow you to cycle or walk to your destination, unless you'd rather take advantage of the SMRT ride public transportation service, which provides numerous routes throughout the day and night, and features discounted rates for students and senior citizens.

When commuting to downtown Detroit, you have plenty of public parking options from which to choose. The central location and reasonable rates make Port Atwater Parking Garage on Beaubien Street a great place to leave your vehicle for a few hours or a full day. The safe location and $6-per-day fee provide you with the security of knowing your car will be well taken care of.

Outdoor fun never gets old in Michigan, no matter the season or temperature. If you like to exercise and enjoy some leisure time all in one place, George George Memorial Park remains the place to be. This dog- and child-friendly park features several walking and running trails in addition to play structures for the kids and plenty of open space to relax with a good book or share a picnic with family and friends with no admission fee.

For dog-friendly fun, Behnke Memorial Dog Park on North Groesbeck Highway provides your furry friends with a day full of exciting action in the fresh air. Make new, like-minded friends as you watch your pooch revel in the expansive, wide-open space. Bring a Frisbee for a pick-up game of fetch with your dog's new pals, or relax on one the many benches as your favorite pet burns off that extra energy.

Clinton Township features a mix of middle- and working-class neighborhoods, making the average cost of living about 7 percent less than the greater Detroit area. Expect to pay $634 for a standard one-bedroom apartment and around $5 for a pint of beer at the local pub. It costs $2 for a one-way ride on the SMRT bus, while the price of gas hovers almost 3 percent higher than the national average.

Whether you enjoy one-stop mall shopping or a relaxed day of boutique browsing, Clinton Township has you covered.

Visit the Mall at Partridge Creek on Hall Road to pick up a great pair of jeans from Guess or the Gap. Check out the trendy new fashions available at Banana Republic before picking up the perfect new clutch to match your little black dress at Nordstrom.

Plenty of locally grown produce, hand-made garden accessories and fragrant flowers accentuate the Farmers Market on South Gratiot Avenue. Stop by each vendor's booth during the open season for all your whole food, fresh herb and flower needs.

For more standard grocery items available any day of the week, visit Kroger on Crocker Boulevard. A great selection of meats, snacks and fresh-made bakery items let you stock up for the week as you plan your daily meals.