7 Activities
Step Back in Time in Mid-Michigan
Starts from
Detroit
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
7
Duration
8 hrs 15 min
Length
51 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Detroit
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
8 hrs 15 min
Length
51 mi
- History and Culture
- Family-Friendly
Alana Valko
Travel Expert
- Peruse thousands of vintage items and antiques.
- Visit historic downtown Howell.
- Have dinner at an English Inn on the Grand River.
From the antique markets in Williamston to the charming, miniature village at the Mason Antiques District, this trip is perfect for the nostalgia buffs on the hunt for hidden treasures.
For lunch, you will take a stroll through historic downtown Howell and grab a bar bite at the local speakeasy—if you can find it, that is. You will end the day with dinner at a traditional bed & breakfast located on Michigan's Grand River.
For lunch, you will take a stroll through historic downtown Howell and grab a bar bite at the local speakeasy—if you can find it, that is. You will end the day with dinner at a traditional bed & breakfast located on Michigan's Grand River.
Categories
- History and Culture
- Family-Friendly
From the antique markets in Williamston to the charming, miniature village at the Mason Antiques District, this trip is perfect for the nostalgia buffs on the hunt for hidden treasures.
For lunch, you will take a stroll through historic downtown Howell and grab a bar bite at the local speakeasy—if you can find it, that is. You will end the day with dinner at a traditional bed & breakfast located on Michigan's Grand River.
For lunch, you will take a stroll through historic downtown Howell and grab a bar bite at the local speakeasy—if you can find it, that is. You will end the day with dinner at a traditional bed & breakfast located on Michigan's Grand River.
Alana Valko
Travel Expert
- Peruse thousands of vintage items and antiques.
- Visit historic downtown Howell.
- Have dinner at an English Inn on the Grand River.
Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 1
50 mi0.3 mi
A Day for Nostalgia
Take a nostalgic journey through mid-Michigan's top antique shops, uncovering hidden treasures and discovering unique finds. Sip on prohibition-era cocktails at a speakeasy in Howell, Michigan and experience the charm of a traditional inn in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, as you indulge in the area's rich history and culture.
10:001 hr 30 min
Livingston Antique Outlet
Welcome to your first antique stop of the day! One of the largest shops near Detroit, this large antique mall offers 33,000 square feet of antiques from over 200 vendors across the state. Browse through thousands of antiques, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and vintage home goods. Arrive when the outlet opens so you can spend as much time as needed at this massive shop—you'll need it to dig through the endless array of vintage goods. Note that the shop opens at noon on Sundays, rather than 10 AM every other day.
4.3 mi
10 min
11:4530 min
Like Mother Like Daughter Vintage Treasures
Founded by a mother-daughter duo and sitting in the heart of downtown Howell, this hand-selected vintage shop sells one-of-a-kind vintage furniture and trinkets with a modern flair. Much of their goods have been intentionally repurposed to fit nicely within a contemporary chic design. Due to its high element of curation, you'll not need much time here to spot your favorite pieces.
0.2 mi
5 min
12:301 hr
2FOG's Pub
While in historic downtown Howell, stroll around the corner to this speakeasy-like underground pub. You'll just have to find it first! The entrance is located behind the building in the alley, to the left of their Instagram-worthy mural. On the menu, select from an array of Michigan craft brews, craft cocktails, and casual American fare. If you're up for it, you can even catch a game of shuffleboard.
0.2 mi
5 min
13:4515 min
M Street Baking Company
Save some room after 2FOG's, so you can make a stop at M Street Baking Company while in downtown Howell. Try one of their famous over-the-top milkshakes before continuing your day filled with antiquing.
20.9 mi
25 min
14:301 hr
Antiques Market of Williamston
For over forty years, this antique market has been known for its large yet comprehensive antique offerings. While big, the store has a more curated element and a higher price tag to it; you'll spend less time digging around and more time admiring the museum-like collections. You'll browse like a collector through some of the finest collections of trinkets of the past in this shop tucked just off the highway.
14.6 mi
25 min
16:001 hr
Mason Antiques District
End your antique trail at the Mason Antiques District, a little antique village with about ten different antique shops to pop into. Tucked away in the small town of Mason, these shops are perfect to wander around and get lost in. A little more eclectic than past shops on your route, each shop within this antique village has its own personality and charm to it, and there is something to be found for everyone. Some shops require more finesse than others, but if you're up for the hunt you may come across some hidden gems at a steal price.
10.9 mi
20 min
17:451 hr 30 min
The English Inn
End the day with an incredible fine dining experience at the English Inn. Enjoy an authentic Beef Wellington dish as the main course, complete with a glass of wine from their award-winning wine list. When you are finished with dinner, catch the sunset on a lovely walkabout alongside the Grand River.
If you'd like to stay the night, the Inn offers traditional rooms and adjacent cottages to kick back and relax from everyday life. In the morning, enjoy a complete English breakfast if that's your cup of tea.
Visit the official website to book a table for dinner or even a stay for overnight.
If you'd like to stay the night, the Inn offers traditional rooms and adjacent cottages to kick back and relax from everyday life. In the morning, enjoy a complete English breakfast if that's your cup of tea.
Visit the official website to book a table for dinner or even a stay for overnight.