Pontiac, MI Area Guide

While Pontiac is now a combination of residential and industrial areas, it began as one of the earliest settlements in Michigan. The city's namesake, Chief Pontiac, was a famous Ottawa war chief who made his mark on the Great Lakes region by leading fighters in the struggle against British occupation and during the French and Indian War. His efforts helped shape the history of this area.

The city of Pontiac existed as small, quiet settlement until 1909 when General Motors opened its first plant in the area and eventually started manufacturing Pontiac cars. For over 25 years, the city also hosted the Detroit Lions NFL team at Silverdome Stadium. When the team moved back to Detroit, the local economy suffered a big loss.

Annual activities include the Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival and the Woodward Dream Cruise, which draws people from around the world for a weekend of classic cars.

Fast-food restaurants occupy much of the real estate along M-24, which cuts through the neighborhood. However, local mom-and-pop eateries also offer places to grab a quick bite and catch up with the neighbors over a cup of coffee.

Avon Donuts serves as a sort of stand-in city hall. Workers, retirees and all sorts of people looking to satisfy sweet-tooth cravings can be found milling about the glass counters that are filled with sugary, pastry delights. Stop by for the popular sour-cream glaze donut, and don't think twice about following it up with a bear claw.

The Rocket Restaurant grills some of the biggest and best burgers in town. You can attempt to eat one on your own, or feel free to share with one or more people. Downing an entire monster burger is a true feat, especially once you start adding extras such smelt, cheese, bacon and just about anything you can think of throwing on top of their signature two-pound burger.

Looking for a place to kick up your heels and enjoy the local nightlife? Elektricity Nightclub spins music every night and hosts small and local acts. If you have a taste for guitar solos, giant drum sets and all the other trappings of heavy-rock bands, then you have found your home. Come out to support up-and-coming acts, and enjoy a few beers.

If you crave a more low-key night on the town, there are plenty of bars and pubs where you can have a drink and enjoy some good conversation. The Green Tavern draws in locals with its friendly atmosphere and large selection of local brews and domestic beers. You can also keep up with the score of the big game on one of the bar's big screen TVs. For great happy-hour specials on food and drinks, swing by Downtown 51 Grill. It specializes in craft beers, and the bartenders are more than happy to make a recommendation if you aren't sure where to begin.

The major expressway I-75 runs north and south through Pontiac, and can get you to downtown Detroit in about 20 minutes. SMART buses also offer affordable public transportation throughout the city for $2.00 a ride. Hailing a cab might be a little difficult. Taxis service the city, but it may be hard to find one at your beck and call. Uber offers another affordable option.

Plenty of free on-street parking and large parking decks located downtown make it easy to get out and explore the sites. Walking and biking may prove a little more difficult once you are outside of the pockets of residential subdivisions and the downtown area. The sprawling city has a sidewalk system that has yet to be fully connected, so if you are on your bike, you may find gaps that force you on busy roads.

With eight different local parks, residents have their choice of prime places to visit for a variety of free, family-friendly, outdoor activities. Galloway Lake Park offers baseball fields, horseshoe pits and fishing from both a dock and the shore. To take your turn on the half-pipe, visit the Oakland County Skate Park, which also features basketball and tennis parks. All the parks are sport-centric and often full of baseball and softball leagues going head to head during the summer.

The cost of living runs lower than the local average, and a one-bedroom apartments costs $630. A short bus ride places you squarely in the center of downtown for the nominal fee of $2.00. If you head out for a beer, expect to pay about $4 for a tall frosty mug of the local favorite, Labatt Blue. Gas prices typically fall about 10 percent below the national average, saving you some money at the pump.

Pontiac used to be a shopping destination, but many of those shops and malls have closed business and moved out of the city. Luckily, a 15-minute drive north puts you at the Great Lakes Crossing Mall. Explore dozens of outlets stores, and be sure stop in for a some grilled walleye at Toby Keith's I Love this Bar and Grill after an afternoon of picking out some cold-weather clothes at Bass Pro Shops.

Other local specialty stores include Solei, which offers modern, edgy clothing for both men and women. From leather pants to sheer tops, this shop can help you take your style from drab to daring.

For a great deal and the chance to make the old new again, stop by Antoinett's Urban Chic Vintage shop. Sift through the packed shelves and racks to find incredible pieces that will compliment your wardrobe and make for great conversation starters.

Pontiac residents can visit the local Meijer to pick up groceries, prescriptions, toiletries and a whole host of other household items. This chain store is a favorite among locals and carries its own brand of low-cost groceries. During the summer months, residents visit the Oakland County Farmer's Market on three different days of the week to pick up local produce and handmade arts and crafts.