Walled Lake, MI

Walled Lake was originally home to the Potawatomi Native Americans, who used this fertile area as their hunting and fishing grounds. The first European pioneer came to the area in 1825, initiating a slow trickle of settlers. Settler Jessie Tuttle catalyzed the town's creation by platting his farmland into streets in 1836. The creation of Pioneer Inn sparked more development. With the creation of a railroad and paved streets by the early 20th century, Walled Lake became a recreation destination. The Casino Pavillion was opened in 1925, putting Walled Lake on the map as a big band jazz hotspot. The area remained a major tourist destination through the 1960s.

Walled Lake has returned to its sleepy past while still attracting weekend warriors from Detroit. Visit two galleries that showcase a modest arts scene. Residents love the annual Passion For Life 5K run. There are no museums in the area, but the thriving museum district of Ann Arbor beckons just a short drive away.

Walled Lake contains a nice collection of restaurants and nightlife spots located in and around the downtown area. Many restaurants can be found on Pontiac Trail, West Maple Road and along Walled Lake.

For tasty food in a casually upscale environment, try Moonlight Mediterranean Cuisine located off of West Maple Road. With an expansive menu of meat and vegetarian entrées, soups and appetizers offered, the only difficulty you'll have is deciding what not to get. To make the choice easier, go with the Moonlight combo, with servings of hummus, baba, tabbouli, fatoush, meat and chicken kafta and shawarma, and chicken cream chops. For dessert, try the homemade baklava.

Seafood and rib fanatics should check out Pepino's Restaurant, housed in a classic Michigan bar one block away from Walled Lake. Pepino's is known for strong drinks and fresh seafood dishes. For a real treat, try the sauteed fresh lake perch, lightly breaded and delicately pan fried. Pasta dishes are available as well, with the highlight being shrimp aglio olio with penne, artichokes and red peppers in an olive oil, basil and garlic sauce sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Nightlife in the area remains concentrated to the shores of Walled Lake. UV Lounge is a blacklight-lit lounge with DJs, live music and dancing. Sports and wings enthusiasts should head over to Bayside Sports Grille for Sunday Funday football events with drink and food specials.

Central Walled Lake offers limited walkability, with only some errands possible on foot. Biking presents another option for eco-friendly commuting around the area. Streets are generally safe for biking here, and there are two major roads (Lake Drive and Walled Lake Drive) with bike lanes. For trips out of Walled Lake, public transit offers rides to Detroit, Ann Arbor and other suburbs. Taxis cannot be hailed on the street, but private companies are available for pickups via telephone. Uber provides ride-share service to the greater Detroit area, including Walled Lake.

Drivers appreciate the ease of finding free parking and the ability to access major highways such as Highway 5 and Interstates 696 and 75, leading to Detroit and surrounding suburbs.

Walled Lake offers the beautiful sandy beach shore of Walled Lake and several large parks just outside the city boundaries. Dogs may visit the parks but need to be leashed. Kids will especially love Robert Long Nature Park, with a sizable play structure overlooking a tranquil lake.

Hickory Glen Park, just north of Walled Lake, consists of 155 acres and has become very popular with the mountain biking community in the area. The Michigan Mountain Biking Association hosts regular rides in the area for riders of all skill levels. Hickory Glen also hosts baseball diamonds and a football stadium maintained by the Lakes Area Athletic League.

Robert Long Nature Park lies less than a mile east of Walled Lake and contains the lovely Berry Lake. Crushed limestone trails which circumnavigate the lake offer respite from urban living in this tree-filled natural setting. A play structure keeps the kids happy, and you'll find several grills and picnic areas area available for summer cook-outs.

Northwest of Walled Lake sits the massive Proud Lake State Recreation Area. The park presents more than 20 miles of trails along the Huron River and remains very popular with hunters, fishermen, water sports fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts. Cabins and tent sites can be reserved as well as the unique River Hawk Lodge, offering sleep space for 24 in a beautiful setting with modern amenities.

The cost of living in Walled Lake remains slightly higher than the Detroit average but is on par with the Michigan average. A one-way ticket to downtown Detroit on SMART buses costs $1. The average rent for a one-bedroom residence costs $780.47 per month. The typical price of a beer at a local pub costs between 2.50 and 4 dollars, while gas prices remain 13 percent lower than the national average.

Major shopping areas in Walled Lake can be found along West Maple Road and Pontiac Trail and south of the city at the Twelve Oaks Mall. High-end stores are generally confined to the mall, and the majority of Walled Lake shopping consists of practical wares such as auto parts and home furnishings.

Wine and beer aficionados should check out Simply Wine, located just south of Walled Lake in Northville. The shop specializes in boutique wine offerings from around the world and provides stellar expertise in helping customers find the perfect bottle. Wine tastings occur daily in addition to a class schedule ranging from basic grape varietals to Italy 101. Join the wine club at Simply Wine and receive two bottles of premium wine a month for $25, and enjoy special perks available only to wine club members.

Jewelry fans and crafty types should browse the extensive collection of ready-made jewelry and supplies at Bead Boutique on West Maple road in Walled Lake. With a focus on semiprecious stones, jewelry repair and restoration, Bead Boutique can help you breathe life into an old piece or create something new and beautiful. The boutique also features items such as beaded trim, appliqués and accessories to enhance clothing, hats and other accessories.

Walled Lake has several options when it comes to grocery shopping. Local grocery store Penny Lane Grocery is a family-owned grocer offering local produce and meats. National chains Save A Lot Grocery Store and Kroger are available here as well, providing access to a range of foods.

Walled Lake does have a Wednesday farmers market that runs from May through October each year on West Maple Street. Here, you'll find fresh fruits and vegetables, organic foods and a variety of handmade crafts. Come early because the market shuts down at 1 p.m.