**Updated September 10, 2025


Michigan is brimming with charming small towns that offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, local culture, and friendly vibes. From the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula to the beachy havens of the Lower Peninsula, these pint-sized destinations prove you don’t need a big city for a big experience. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways in Michigan or an epic road trip, our guide now covers 26 of the best small towns in Michigan, 11 in the Upper Peninsula and 15 in the Lower Peninsula , that capture pure Michigan charm. Each town has its own unique attractions: think waterfall hikes, historic downtowns, cozy festivals, and maybe even a pasty or some fudge. So grab a cup of coffee (or a craft beer) and let’s explore…

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In recent years, Metro Detroit’s housing market has transformed into a completely different beast. Just ask the Johnson family of Livonia: after months of house-hunting, they found their “perfect” starter home – only to be outbid by an all-cash offer from an out-of-state investor. Over in Detroit’s North End, Angela Williams, a single mother, finally achieved homeownership after years of renting, thanks to a special assistance program. Meanwhile, renters like the Wallace family in Royal Oak watch their monthly payment climb with each lease renewal, wondering if they’ll ever save enough to buy. These real-world stories underscore a larger reality across Southeast Michigan. The Metro Detroit housing market in 2025 is defined by surging prices, fierce…

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Rocket Companies – the Detroit-based fintech best known for Rocket Mortgage – recently announced a blockbuster deal to acquire Dallas-based Mr. Cooper Group for $9.4 billion in an all-stock transaction. This merger will unite Rocket, America’s largest mortgage originator, with Mr. Cooper, the nation’s largest home loan servicer. In practical terms, the combined company would be responsible for roughly one in every six U.S. home loans. For everyday mortgage borrowers, especially here in Metro Detroit, this “mega-deal” raises big questions: How might it affect my home loan, the local housing market, and the experience of buying or refinancing a home? Let’s break down the details in a neighborly, easy-to-digest way.

A Mortgage Mega-Deal Shakes Up the…

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On a chilly morning in Detroit, volunteers sort onions and load cars with groceries at a local church’s food pantry. For years, weekly food distribution events like this have been a lifeline for hundreds of Michigan families. From Detroit’s east side to rural Kent County, neighbors line up before dawn to fill their trunks with staple foods – canned goods, milk, eggs, produce – that help them make it through the week. Lately, those lifelines have been stretched even thinner than usual. Why? Because a massive federal food assistance in Michigan just got an unwelcome surprise: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suddenly canceled $4.3 million worth of food deliveries to Michigan’s food banks. This isn’t just a bureaucratic blip – it translates to more…

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Selling your home in Troy, Michigan can be a lucrative opportunity – especially given Troy’s strong housing market in 2024–2025. Whether you own a sleek condo near Somerset, a classic mid-century ranch in a quiet subdivision, or a luxury estate in one of Troy’s upscale neighborhoods, the goal is the same: get the best price for your property. This comprehensive guide will walk you through Troy home values and current market trends, including recent data on median prices, days on market, inventory, and buyer demand. You’ll learn how these trends impact what you can expect to earn from your sale and get practical tips for interpreting your home’s potential value. We’ll also highlight The Perna Team’s local expertise in Troy – including our sales track…

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Frankenmuth, MI – Michigan’s own “Little Bavaria” just got a lot more exciting for families. The Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth has officially opened Bavarian Blast, a massive indoor waterpark expansion that now holds the title of the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan. This $80+ million project has transformed the beloved Bavarian Inn into an all-seasons splash paradise, blending Bavarian-themed charm with modern aquatic thrills. Metro Detroit families and Michigan locals have a new reason to plan a waterpark weekend getaway – and they won’t even need to leave the state for a world-class experience.

Bavarian Blast, Facebook

Michigan’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark Arrives in Little Bavaria

Frankenmuth has long been a favorite Michigan family fun…

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**Updated May 06, 2025

Looking for the best places to celebrate Mother’s Day in Metro Detroit? Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the area, Southeast Michigan is brimming with unforgettable ways to treat Mom. From elegant Mother’s Day brunch spots in Birmingham and Troy to riverfront dining in downtown Detroit, this guide highlights some of the top brunches and special dining events happening across Metro Detroit. Think multi-course meals, champagne toasts, themed events, and even brunch cruises—all designed to help you make this Mother’s Day one to remember. Get ready to explore the ultimate list of Mother’s Day dining options throughout Metro Detroit.

Oakland County
Wayne County
Macomb County
Washtenaw County
Livingston County
SAginaw County
…

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Selling your home in Birmingham, Michigan is a major opportunity – especially in today’s thriving market. Whether you own a luxury estate in Quarton Lake, a charming historic Tudor, a single-family colonial, or a downtown condo, the goal is the same: maximize your profit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through Birmingham’s 2024–2025 housing market trends and share proven high-ROI strategies for selling your home at the best possible price. We’ll cover everything from timing your sale and strategic pricing to smart staging, curb appeal enhancements, and savvy negotiation tactics. You’ll also learn about common seller mistakes to avoid and how The Perna Team’s local expertise in Birmingham can help you net more from your sale. Let’s dive in to…

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Cinco de Mayo is around the corner, and Detroit is gearing up for a vibrant weekend of festivities. From family-friendly cultural celebrations in Southwest Detroit’s Mexicantown to lively nightlife events downtown, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a Metro Detroit local or just visiting, get ready to enjoy parades, authentic Mexican cuisine, taco and tequila parties, and community spirit in true neighborly Detroit fashion.

Mexican Patriotic Committee Of Metro Detroit, Facebook

Southwest Detroit’s 60th Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade & Fiesta

Date: May 4, 2025
Starts at Patton Park and travels along W. Vernor Highway to Clark Par | Southwest Detroit’s, Mi 48201
Admission: Free
Website: Southwest Detroit’s 60th Annual Cinco de Mayo…

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As spring gives way to early summer, Metro Detroit comes alive with an incredible variety of events, experiences, and community celebrations that showcase the region's vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions. Whether you're already living in Metro Detroit or considering moving to Metro Detroit, May offers the perfect opportunity to explore the area's unique neighborhoods, diverse artistic scenes, and outdoor festivals that highlight what makes this part of Southeast Michigan so dynamic. From family-friendly outings to one-of-a-kind cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of things to see, do, and enjoy as the city and its suburbs shake off the last of winter and welcome warmer days with open arms.

Concerts
Comedy
Sports
Metro Detroit Events &…

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