Ferndale
Independent shops, excellent casual food, LGBTQ nightlife, and a curling club hiding in plain sight.
Nine Mile and Woodward form the downtown crossroads; many shopping, dining, and nightlife stops fit into a compact circuit.
Balam coffee and an empanada → a prebooked curling introduction → Rust Belt browsing → dinner at Pop's or Como's, followed by a Magic Bag show.
Saturday: Fly Trap breakfast, Rust Belt, a short Martin Road Park walk, and dinner before The Magic Bag. Sunday: Java Hutt, a booked curling session when scheduled, then an early meal at Imperial; use a nearby Royal Oak hotel as the overnight base.
- 01
The Fly Trap
The neighborhood diner choice for a substantial breakfast or lunch before heading back into the cold.
22950 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220 · 248-399-5150 · Website ↗
- 02
Imperial
Working-class taco energy at downtown's main intersection, with daily lunch-through-evening service.
22828 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220 · 248-850-8060 · Website ↗
- 03
Como's
A Ferndale pizza institution with a full indoor dining room and easy family appeal.
22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220 · 248-677-4439 · Website ↗
- 01
SOHO
An established LGBTQ neighborhood lounge with cocktails, regular karaoke, and an easygoing welcome.
205 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220 · 248-542-7646 · Website ↗
- 02
The Magic Bag
Live bands, tribute nights, and dance events; build the evening around a specific ticketed show.
22920 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220 · 248-544-1991 · Website ↗
- 03
Belle's Lounge by Valentine Distilling
A daily cocktail-lounge option featuring the local distillery's spirits.
161 Vester Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220 · 248-629-9951 · Website ↗
- 01
Java Hutt
A longstanding downtown coffee stop within a short walk of Nine Mile shops.
165 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220 · 248-542-2438 · Website ↗
- 02
Balam Coffee & Wine
Mexican-inspired lattes and empanadas make a particularly useful cold-weather breakfast or warm-up.
207 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220 · 248-206-7280 · Website ↗
- 01
Learn to curl
Advance registration is required for beginner sessions; published introductory sessions cost $55.
- 02
Independent maker shopping
Ordinary public shopping is Friday–Sunday; the December holiday market has expanded daily hours.
- 03
John Lindell Ice Arena — nearby in Royal Oak
skates
November 14–15, 2026
Jingle and Mingle
An underground holiday market with local vendors, fire pits, food, music, and a food-pantry collection.
December 15–24, 2026, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. daily
Rust Belt Annual Holiday Market
The permanent independent shops gain additional holiday vendors and ten consecutive shopping days.
November 28 and December 26–30, 2026; January 30 and February 20, 2027. A further session is listed March 27, 2027.
Detroit Curling Club: Intro to Curling
Bookable beginner sessions introduce delivery, sweeping, scoring, and why everyone suddenly cares about a stone.
December 5, 2026
Detroit Five-and-Under Bonspiel
A one-day tournament for eligible curlers with no more than five seasons of experience.
December 9, 2026
Chuck Thomas Memorial Senior Men's One Day
A team curling event for the club's 55-and-over tier; registration requirements apply.
January 8–10, 2027
Detroit Men's International Bonspiel
A winter tournament weekend with a published out-of-town team registration process.
February 6–7, 2027
Ladies International Bonspiel: Curls Gone Wild
A team competition with a costume contest, banquet, and considerably more sweeping than most weekends.
February 13–14, 2027
Mixed International Bonspiel: The Curling Odyssey
A themed mixed-team tournament; book through the appropriate local or visiting-team registration.
- 01
Hotel Royal Oak
A nearby independent base in Royal Oak; arrange transport for a Ferndale nightlife evening.
811 E. Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067 · 888-245-5055 · Website ↗
- 02
Hyatt Place Detroit / Royal Oak
A nearby downtown Royal Oak hotel that works for a two-town winter weekend.
422 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067 · 248-545-7030 · Website ↗
- 03
Hampton Inn Detroit/Madison Heights/South Troy
A nearby value-oriented alternative for visitors arriving by car.
32420 Stephenson Highway, Madison Heights, MI 48071 · 248-585-8881 · Website ↗
Bring a little Ferndale homeThe statement sweatshirtFor winning arguments about who had it worse.Have a look ↗