Westland, MI

First inhabited by the people of a Potawatomi Native American Village in the 18th century, the city of Westland has held several different names, including Nankin Township. A gristmill was built in 1842, which was used by farmers and later purchased by Henry Ford in 1916, who later used it as a stencil mill for Ford Motor Company. Nankin Township was eventually renamed Westland in 1966 after the construction of the Westland Mall.

The annual St. Patrick's Day Irish Fest takes place all day at the Hellenic Cultural Center on March 17th in celebration of Irish culture. The event features live music, an open bar, traditional Irish dancing and food, and plenty of child-friendly activities, including face-painting and arts and crafts.

Westland Historic Village Park provides residents a glimpse of the past, with exhibits and artifacts showcasing what life was like during the city's earliest days.

For a true Michigan experience, visit the lodge-style Grind Stone Saloon & Grille on North Wayne Road. Warm yourself by one of the stone fireplaces before tossing back a cold beer and indulging in some smoked meat. Take a seat in one of the custom-made wooden booths to feast on the signature Jack Daniel's barbecue ribs or the bacon-wrapped steaks.

Traditional Mexican food and great prices make Taqueria Alameda on South Wayne Road the perfect spot to bring the family for a sit-down dinner. Don't let the simple decor and casual atmosphere fool you — this place provides a truly authentic taste of Mexico. Enjoy the free chips and salsa as you wait for your main entrée of huarache with al pastor or cabeza tacos served with rice and beans. Pulling double-duty, the restaurant also features a small market stocked with imported goods.

Add some entertainment to your meal by visiting the Loaf & A Pound Italian Deli and Bakery on Ford Road by ordering the Mobster — a 6-pound version of your favorite classic or specialty sandwich. If you can finish it all in 60 minutes, your food is free, you'll win a T-shirt, and your picture will be placed on the "Made" wall of fame. The small diner-style deli also has plenty of scrumptious desserts, with the tiramisu and cannollis stealing the show.

When it comes to nightlife, Westland has plenty to choose from. An old-fashioned style and relaxed vibe make the Emergency Room Bar & Grill the perfect place to kick back with friends on a Friday night. Take advantage of the terrific drink specials as you listen to classic rock playing in the background. Try one of the signature drinks such as the grapefruit juice and tequila cocktail. If you get hungry, snack on one of the specialty brick-oven pizzas or a heaping plate of nachos. If you'd rather toss a few back while watching the game, head to Fat Head's Bar & Grill on South Venoy Road. The dive-bar feel and numerous televisions broadcasting different sporting events let you get your game on while downing an ice cold brew. The friendly service and terrific drink specials keep locals coming back for more.

Live music, dancing and special events provide endless entertainment at the Token Lounge on Joy Road. Thanks to music from old-school '80s hair bands to hard rock soloists like Scott Ian, former member of the speed metal band Anthrax, you can rock the night away while enjoying your favorite drink in a lively atmosphere with an extremely energetic crowd.

Westland's close proximity to Interstates 75 and 96 make travel by car easy, while plenty of bike-friendly roads and designated walking and cycling paths give you the option of an outdoor commute. Call ahead if you wish to hire a taxi, private car or Uber to go out for a night on the town or to to the airport. The Westland SMART bus gets you where you need to be quickly and safely, running several routes throughout the day and night for a reasonable fee, while the Nankin Transit Commission provides curb-to-curb service if you're unable to access the bus.

Being outdoors never gets old in Michigan and residents of Westland don't hesitate to take advantage of it.

For family- and dog-friendly fun with no admission fee, head to Hines Park. Go for a jog on one of the designated trails, or relax with a good book after enjoying a picnic in the lush green grass. Be sure to bring the children to the annual Christmas lights show for a holiday experience they won't soon forget.

When the kids need to burn off some extra energy, take them to Tattan Park on Ford Road to play on the exciting rocket-ship-style play structures. Free admission and plenty of space to walk the dog, go for a run or take a quiet stroll make this the ideal spot to unwind, take a deep breath and enjoy the beautiful foliage that defines life in Michigan.

Life in Westland costs approximately 5 percent more than living in Detroit; however, affordable housing and lots of leasing and rental opportunities provide budget-friendly options in this welcoming community. You can expect to pay $612 per month for a standard one-bedroom apartment and $4 for a pint of beer at the local pub. The price of gas hovers around 1 percent higher than the national average, while a one-way trip on the SMART bus costs $2.

Whether you like one-stop shopping or prefer a leisurely day of boutique browsing, Westland has what you need.

The Westland Shopping Center, for whom the city was named, has something for everyone. When you want to spend a little and get a lot, head into American Eagle Outfitters to find a great pair of jeans and a sweater to match. If you need the perfect gift or just want to pamper yourself with sweet-smelling lotions and body sprays, stop by Bath & Body Works. For the sports fan in your life, Champs Sports has a great selection of team merchandise sure to boost their spirit.

For the latest in jewelry, accessories and women's and children's fashions, visit Jewels of Lara on Central City Parkway. This family-owned and operated boutique specializes in Mediterranean kaftans along with other popular trends. The upbeat, friendly staff exhibits how much they enjoy providing outstanding customer service from the moment you walk in the door.

Everyday grocery items can be purchased at Kroger on Ford Road or Meijer on Warren Road. Both of these locations have a wide selection and a pharmacy to fill your proscriptions. The Westland Farmers' Market celebrates the "Passport to a Healthy City" by providing you with fresh, local produce and foodstuffs as well as structured information related to living an active and healthy life. The market encourages you to shop there as often as possible during the open season in an effort to promote wellness and longevity, providing fun and educational activities for children and instructive seminars for adults.