Just when Metro Detroiters think they've seen it all, a backyard in Bloomfield Hills, MI offers a delightful surprise: a "Magic Treehouse" that's part imaginative playhouse, part work of art. Encircled by towering oak and maple trees, this custom-built structure stands as a Metro Detroit backyard retreat unlike any other, blending sustainable design with childhood wonder. It’s a locally crafted hideaway sparking curiosity among families and neighbors alike.

Far from a typical store-bought tree fort, the Bloomfield Hills treehouse is the brainchild of Martine Ilana – a local designer and mother of twins – who envisioned a backyard escape that connects her kids with nature in style​. Nicknamed the “Magic Treehouse,” this two-story play structure is not…

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A golden suit of armor glints under the gallery lights as a 17th-century nobleman gazes out from an oil portrait. It sounds like a scene from a European palace, but it’s happening right now in Midtown Detroit. The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has unveiled a remarkable new exhibit that brings together a Baroque-era painting and the actual gilded armor it depicts – an art reunion over 200 years in the making​. Smart local art lovers are buzzing about this Detroit Institute of Arts exhibit for good reason: it’s a one-of-a-kind chance to experience history, art, and armor all in one glance, right here in the Motor City.

Opening April 25, 2025, Guests of Honor: Armor as Fashion is a special year-long exhibition that reunites a full-length…

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Southgate is about to level up its entertainment scene. The MJR Southgate Digital Cinema is rolling out an innovative attraction that has local gamers and families buzzing: the RP1 Gaming Lounge. Set to debut this May, RP1 isn’t your typical arcade or just another movie theater add-on – it’s a cutting-edge gaming and social space that blends the thrill of video games with the big-screen, surround-sound spectacle of a modern cinema​. In a time when movie theaters are looking for fresh ways to bring people in, MJR’s new lounge offers a bold, interactive experience you won’t find in a living room. This introduction of RP1 at the Southgate location signals a creative shift in how Metro Detroiters can enjoy leisure time: not just watching the action on screen,…

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Imagine stepping into a Metro Detroit dream home where every corner feels like a luxury getaway. That’s the reality at 5537 Orchard Ridge Drive in Rochester, MI, a 9,186-square-foot mansion (over 15,000 sq. ft. including the finished lower level) currently on the market for $6.45 million. This 6-bedroom, 9-bath estate is more than just a house – it’s an experience. From a two-story Scottish-inspired library to an indoor golf simulator, the home is packed with amenities that make everyday living feel like a vacation. Nestled on nearly four private acres in Oakland Township, just a short drive from downtown Rochester, this property offers the best of both worlds: peaceful seclusion and easy access to local parks, top-rated Rochester schools, and city…

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Detroit’s independent bookstore scene just got a heartwarming new chapter. Pages Bookshop – a beloved neighborhood bookstore on Detroit’s west side – was on the brink of closing after a decade in business, but a team of passionate young Detroiters stepped in to keep its story going​. The Grandmont Rosedale community can breathe a sigh of relief: Pages Bookshop isn’t just staying open, it’s being revitalized with fresh energy, new programs, and a deepened commitment to Detroit youth literacy and community connection.

Susan Murphy, a retired Detroit Public Schools teacher, founded Pages Bookshop in 2015 on Independent Bookstore Day after two years of running pop-up book sales across the city​. With the help of the Grandmont Rosedale Development…

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Selling or buying a home in Royal Oak? You’re entering one of Metro Detroit’s most competitive real estate arenas. Royal Oak’s charm – from its vibrant downtown to its leafy neighborhoods – draws many eager buyers. That means both home sellers and buyers need savvy strategies to succeed. This comprehensive guide will arm you with the latest 2024–2025 market data and practical tips to stand out, whether you’re listing a Royal Oak property or trying to purchase one. Let’s dive into what makes the Royal Oak market tick and how you can come out on top.

Royal Oak, MI - City Hall, Facebook

Royal Oak Housing Market Trends (2024–2025) at a Glance

Royal Oak’s real estate market remains hot and competitive as of 2025. Understanding the current trends will…

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Detroit’s food scene never stops evolving. In the latest Detroit dining news, locals are buzzing about several new Detroit restaurants and bar openings across the metro area – even as we bid farewell to a few familiar favorites. From a ramen hotspot reviving a long-vacant space in Royal Oak to a cozy wine bar tucked inside a downtown hotel, here’s a roundup of the six fresh Detroit bar openings making headlines, plus four recent Metro Detroit restaurant closures that have the community reminiscing.

Whether you’re a foodie family looking for your next outing or a savvy local tracking the dining trends, this list has you covered. Read on for the scoop on what’s new (and what’s gone) in our neighborhoods, and stick around for tips on living near these…

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Detroit, MI – Free People, a well-known national women’s apparel retailer celebrated for its bohemian fashion, has opened a new boutique in the heart of downtown Detroit. The store, located at 1425 Woodward Avenue in the Lofts at Merchants Row, officially welcomed shoppers on Friday, April 25, 2025​. This opening marks Free People’s first location within the city of Detroit, bringing the brand’s eclectic style to downtown and adding to the growing momentum of the local retail scene. Shoppers and visitors alike can now find Free People’s eclectic, boho-chic collections right along Woodward, further energizing the downtown Detroit shopping experience.

Bohemian Fashion Finds at Free People Detroit

Free People bills itself as “the destination for…

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Downtown Detroit is scoring a futuristic new attraction. Imagine enjoying a Pistons or Lions game as if you had floor seats or 50-yard-line tickets – but instead, you’re in a dome in the heart of the city. That’s the vision behind Dan Gilbert’s latest development: an innovative live sports “video dome” set to rise at Cadillac Square in downtown Detroit. This immersive sports and entertainment venue, called Cosm Detroit, just broke ground and promises to bring a “front row seat” experience of live events to our city​. In a town that bleeds sports and craves new things to do, this high-tech dome is generating buzz among Detroit sports fans, families, and real estate watchers alike.

Mayor Mike Duggan, Facebook

A High-Tech Sports Dome Rises in Cadillac…

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Barbecue lovers in Metro Detroit have a mouthwatering reason to celebrate: Slows Bar BQ is making a comeback in the suburbs. The iconic Detroit BBQ restaurant – famous for its tender pulled pork, savory smoked brisket, and line-out-the-door popularity – has announced an exciting new location in downtown Berkley. This marks Slows Bar BQ’s triumphant return to the Metro Detroit suburbs, bringing its legendary flavors from the heart of Detroit to the family-friendly streets of Oakland County. Even as Slows Bar BQ Detroit’s original location in Corktown nears its 20th anniversary, the beloved barbecue joint continues to grow and evolve​. Slows’ expansion to Berkley later this year signals a new chapter in the Detroit BBQ restaurants scene – one that both…

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