Downtown Holly Holly, MI

In some ways, the Village of Holly hasn't changed much since its inception in 1838. The small town cropped up as a result of railroads that ran through the area. Trains traveling between Flint, Saginaw, Lansing and other major Michigan cities used Holly as a main hub. By the early 1900s, the village had gone through all its major growth spurts. The population has not significantly increased over the last hundred years although the railroads remain a vital source of industry to the area.

Every year around Christmas, residents hold the Holly Dickens Festival. Actors dress up as characters from the Christmas Carol and roam the streets re-enacting scenes, singing carols and providing all types of entertainment for families strolling the streets and taking in the lights and decorations.

The annual Victorian Tea is another popular annual event that features actors dressed in period costumes.

The Blackthorn Pub serves as the area's Irish pub and popular gathering place. Be sure to try the Reuben which is piled high with spiced corn beef and purple cabbage sauerkraut. The fish and chips basket with Guinness battered haddock and hand-cut fries should also be at the top of the list of entrées to sample. Best of all, patrons can wash down their hearty meals with local beers on tap and a selection of Irish whiskeys.

The Red Devil Restaurant has been serving the area since 1973 and hand tosses some of the best pizza in the state. Start by trying the Red Devil Special pizza that comes topped with mozzarella, green pepper, ham, pepperoni, onion and mushrooms. Other favorites on the menu include the baked meatballs and the classic Italian sub, which makes for a great lunch on the go.

Visit the Fenton Winery and Brewery Tasting Room to try a variety of drinks that have been brewed and bottled on site. Take a tour of the vineyard while sipping on a glass of award winning wine or learn more about the beer brewing process in the taproom. Enjoying a drink can be fun and educational at this scenic location.

Locals enjoy a low-key nightlife that mainly consists of eating out at local bars and restaurants. Watch big games with fellow fans at J's Bar and Grill or catch a show at the Comedy Club located inside the historic Holly Hotel.

The major express way I-75 runs right through the Village of Holly, providing drivers with quick and easy access to other parts of the state. The downtown area offers several large off-street parking lots and on-street parking spots that can all be used free of charge. Safely walk or bike the streets of the downtown area without worrying about traffic. Both sidewalks and an extensive trail system make it easy to get around town and enjoy the weather.

Hailing a cab or using Uber in this small time could prove difficult. This village also sits a full 30 minutes from public transportation services like Amtrak and MASS buses, making it almost exclusively a driver-friendly area.

The Sorenson Park provides a 93-acre oasis for residents to enjoy nature and engage in exercise. In addition to a playground and softball fields, the park also contains a 5-mile fitness trail that is perfect for jogging with the dog of biking. Residents can enjoy the park free of charge during any time of the year. Take the family to the on-site nature center to learn more about the animals that inhabit the area and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many shelters.

The park hosts an annual Easter Egg hunt and regular yoga classes. Kids can also sign up for swim lessons at the local Holly High School.

The cost of living in the downtown area of the Village of Holly runs below that of Detroit and many other suburban areas. Residents can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $500 a month, and drivers pay about 10 percent below the national average for a gallon of gas. Pull up a stool at one of the local bars and pay $3 for a bottle of domestic beer.

Main Street in the Village of Holly is the popular destination for shopping. Locally owned specialty stores carry a great selection of unique gifts and antiques.

Holly's Main Street Antique's slogan reads: "You won't believe your eyes," and it doesn't take long after stepping into this store before you realize what it means. From stuffed moose heads and ancient tortoise shells to Tiffany lamps and old movie reels, this store houses many treasures. Enter with an open mind and a sense of adventure, and be sure to ask the owner about the resident ghost who haunts the location.

If you're looking to rejuvenate your personal space, stop in at Pigeon in the Parlor for all of your paint needs; this home-grown favorite is one of Michigan's largest suppliers of sidewalk chalk and decorative paint. But that's not all. Pigeon in the Parlor has a little bit of everything, from clothes to French-inspired furniture. Stop in to browse their eclectic collection of merchandise, or take a painting workshop and brush up on your skills.

Residents looking for more conventional shopping can head 15 miles north to Flint and the Genesee Valley Center Mall. Visit Macy's for more high-end items, or stock up on household items at the nearby Target.

Residents do their grocery shopping at the local Meijer which offers a bakery, a deli, a pharmacy and an extensive produce section. The Holly Farmer's Market provides fresh produce and other artisan products from July through October.