The Best of the Best Market Guide From Candice Rich: Birmingham, Michigan (Oakland County)

Candice Rich

Share this Post!

The City of Birmingham, located in Oakland County, is an affluent suburb just outside of the Detroit Metropolitan area.

Birmingham’s vibrant neighborhood is where luxury and comfort combine and where sophistication meets small-town charm, hosting some of the most beautiful multi-million-dollar homes in the area.

Nestled in the heart of this city is a picturesque community offering an exceptional quality of life and some of the best schools in the state.

Stroll down the tree-lined streets and discover what this City is known for: its harmonious blend of historic architecture and modern new construction elegance. With upscale boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, residents enjoy a diverse array of high-end shopping and dining options right at their doorstep.

The neighborhood's well-maintained parks and green spaces provide a tranquil retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, making it a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. From leisurely walks to invigorating activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

In Birmingham's neighborhoods, you will find a thriving cultural scene with various events and festivals throughout the year. From art exhibits to music performances, there's always something exciting happening that brings neighbors together.

The city’s authentic and chic vibe draws countless people from Michigan’s surrounding suburbs to relax and enjoy the offerings of an unparalleled experience. Residents also enjoy a short commute to Northville, Plymouth, Rochester, and Downtown Detroit for work and other entertainment.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Birmingham has a lively, pedestrian-friendly downtown that offers one of the Midwest's premier shopping districts. It comprises nearly 300 retailers and has a wonderfully diverse assortment of restaurants, top clothing boutiques and gift stores, salons, spas, and art galleries.

Casa Pernoi is a chef-owned, local favorite that brings a familiar approach to Italian fine dining. Serving exquisitely crafted Italian classics such as pasta, veal parmigiana, small plates, and charcuterie boards in a casually elegant atmosphere, Casa Pernoi is where high-end dining meets lively conversations and stellar service.  

Phonecia   For over 50 years, Phoenicia has been thrilling diners with the most exciting Middle Eastern fare in metro Detroit. With a focus on the best hand-picked ingredients, Phoenicia emphasizes high-quality dining and style first and its Middle Eastern origins second. The standard first courses include a puréed chickpea hummus, a roasted eggplant baba ghanoush, and a yogurt-based labneh’ but, Phoenicia also offers less common items, such as muhammara made of roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses, and mak douce; an olive-oil-roasted eggplant with garlic and walnuts.

Adachi Sushi is a warm and inviting sushi restaurant in the historic Victorian Peabody Mansion, serving fresh hand-rolled sushi and Japanese dishes alongside a fantastic drink menu. Some menu favorites are the Adachi lobster tacos, toro-toro maki, and Shiro miso soup.

Another local favorite is Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro. They serve seasonal American dishes and have an impressive wine list. Enjoy your meal in the light and luxurious dining room or out on the patio with views of Shane Park.

Bella Piatti, owned by the talented restaurateurs Nino & Liz Cutraro,  is the 'hot spot' in downtown Birmingham, Mi; Venetian born, Chef Francesco Apollonia created a traditional Italian menu with a contemporary presentation and flair. The menu consists of fresh seasonal produce, exceptional quality products and artisanal ingredients making this dining experience authentic and simply Italian with traditional meals such as pastas, risotto, seafood and mouthwatering steaks, veal and lamb.

Where To Shop

Birmingham is known for its luxurious shopping and many upscale and exclusive boutiques. Cicchini Custom Clothier sells stylish custom-made men's apparel and accessories. In addition to having a storefront where patrons can browse, they offer in-home and office visits, tailor services, and wardrobe development consultations.

dolce Moda’s highly-curated selection of men’s and women’s apparel draws everyone from locals to industry professionals, celebrities, and the everyday shopper. Since 2003, dolce Moda has been providing the customer with tomorrow’s top trends, and their clothing, as well as the store, have already been used in several movies shot in Detroit and featured in both local, national & international magazines. Offering a highly personalized shopping experience with only the most exclusive European luxury designer clothing, dolce Moda is your must-stop shop.

Wachler Estate Collection & WachlerDiamonds.com, walking in the footsteps of the original David Wachler, who started in the jewelry business in the early 1900s in Cologne, Germany, continues with a near-century-old family tradition of serving Metro Detroit’s fine jewelry and diamond needs.

The Wachlers understand the importance of treating their customers with respect and have built a clientele spanning four generations and growing. The Wachler's work with the public and the trade alike, buying - selling - trading & creating.

The Italian Dish is a gift shop known for its luxurious dinnerware, linen, and drinkware options, as well as unique housewarming gifts. It offers dinnerware and treasures from Italy, Portugal, and all over Europe. Stepping through the doors, the aroma of fresh espresso fills the air, the music of Andrea Bocelli plays in the background, and a bounty of beautiful Italian and European ceramics meets your gaze.

Where To Stay

Daxton Hotel is a member of the World Hotels Luxury collection. Located in the heart of vibrant Birmingham, Michigan, Daxton Hotel creates exceptional, memorable experiences for guests through an intentional focus on art and design infused through the property, resulting in an avant-garde urban escape in the city’s downtown.  Daxton Hotel boasts a commitment to design and is home to an extensive art collection that boasts more than 400 original works by artists from 80 countries. Each of the property’s 151 accommodations comes equipped with luxurious amenities, including Frette linens, Nespresso machines, and specially curated contemporary artwork unique to each room.

Townsend Hotel: Located in the heart of the walkable upscale community of Birmingham, Michigan, and just 20 miles from downtown Detroit, The Townsend Hotel is known for its exceptional service and amenities.  Opened in 1988, The Townsend Hotel is an AAA Four-Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star boutique luxury property with 150 guestrooms, including nine penthouses and specialty suites. Since opening, The Townsend has been the proud recipient of a variety of travel and hospitality industry publications and traveler survey accolades, including Travel + Leisure’s (T+L) Best Hotel in Michigan and T+L 500: The World’s Best Hotels, as well as Condé Nast Traveler‘s Top 15 Hotels in the Midwest and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Things to Do

Birmingham and the surrounding areas are full of amazing things to do and places to explore. To the north, Cranbrook is a very affluent area that is home to one of the oldest mansions in the state. Explore Cranbrook House’s beautiful gardens, sculptures, and fountains for free. Here, you’ll discover the Greek Theater, the Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden, and so much more. Cranbrook House is an Arts and Crafts-styled masterpiece designed by Albert Kahn for the founders of Cranbrook, George Gough Booth, and Ellen Scripps Booth. Take part in a guided tour and complete your visit with tea or lunch in this charming manor on select dates.

Birmingham hosts many annual events and activities that draw visitors from all over Michigan. The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting brings revelers from all over the region to experience the city's gorgeous holiday display and tree lighting. The lighting is part of the Winter Market, a German-themed market that features fantastic European cuisines, local artists, kids' activities, and visits with Santa.

Day on the Town is Birmingham's biggest shopping event. Held annually in July, it showcases all of the unique shops and restaurants in the downtown area with sidewalk sales and free swag. The Birmingham Farmers Market runs each weekend from May to October. This outdoor market features locally-grown produce, meat, dairy items, and artisan goods. You can also enjoy live music and various food vendors while exploring the market.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is an auto lovers’ paradise. Taking place each year along the famous Woodward Avenue, car enthusiasts showcase and drive their classic cars in a parade-like fashion, passing through various cities before ending in Ferndale. During this cruise, residents enjoy private parties, attend rooftop events all along the shopping districts, and explore vendors from local restaurants and boutiques.

For more information, please reach out to Candice Rich of Candice Rich Luxury Homes directly at 248.724.6124 or visit her website, candicerich.com.

Candice Rich represents the Birmingham (Oakland County), Michigan, real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. To view all of her listings, visit her website.

author avatar
Mary Gibson

Related post