Need an excuse to break up with your weekend routine? Head 35
miles northwest of Toledo to the quaint town of Tecumseh, Michigan. The town’s
hub is easily accessible -it’s situated right on M-50 or Chicago Boulevard as
it is known locally. There you’ll find charming eateries; boutiques; antiques
shops; a winery, brewery, bakery, and ice cream parlor; and a history museum
all within walking distance of each other plus hiking and outdoor adventure nearby.
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| Antiques shops are abundant in Tecumseh. |
Upon arrival, visit Lev’s
Bakery, a Tecumseh institution. Rumor has it that their donuts and soft,
German pretzels (only available on Saturdays) are all the rage, but get there
early in the day to indulge as they sell out quickly.
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| A stroll along the boulevard reveals a plethora of shops, eateries and small businesses. |
A stroll along the boulevard provides a healthy dose of
shopping opportunities. Visit Antiques
& Vintage on the Boulevard
and Hathaway Antique Emporium to
scout out treasures from the past. For unique gifts, peruse the floral
arrangements, candles, linens and home décor pieces at the DG II gift shop. Into hobbies? Browse the thousands of plastic
kits, train sets, die cast cars, and accessories offered at J-Bar Hobbies.
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| The Boulevard Market |
The sign at The
Boulevard Market says it all – wine, chocolate, cheese. Owners John and Erika
Aylward craft their own cheeses with fresh local milk and create chocolates
using Sicilian chocolate-making techniques.
The market also carries specialty
foods and offers the best selection of boutique wines in the area. If you feel
like staying in Tecumseh longer than just the day, reservations and $89 will
get you an overnight stay in one of the three hotel rooms located on the second
floor of the market.
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| Wines, chocolates and cheeses are available at The Boulevard Market. |
Speaking of wine, Tecumseh boasts not one - but two wineries.
Pentamere Winery is an urban venue
and tasting room right in the heart of downtown, and J. Trees Cellars is an industrial-farmhouse style tasting room housed
in the historic Hayden-Ford Mill, a short drive from downtown.
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| Evans Street Station |
When you are ready for a bite to eat, the options are
abundant. Enjoy a relaxing lunch of farm-to-table fare at Evans Street Station. Check into The Dog House for an all-beef hot dog embellished with one of their
creative combos like the Junkyard Dog and the Frito Pie Dog, or design your
own.
Sample the many craft beer varieties along with a cheeseburger and tots at
Tecumseh Brewery. For soups, salads
and sandwiches with a side of espresso, look no further than The Daily Grind.
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| Tecumseh Area Historical Museum |
After lunch, visit the Tecumseh
Area Historical Museum, located in a former church, and learn how the
community has developed since it was first settled in Lenawee County in 1824.
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| Indian Crossing Trails Park |
Up for a little outdoor recreation? Drive a mile or so east
of downtown on M-50. Indian Crossing
Trails Park is a 130-acre park with several walking paths. The one-mile
main trail winds along River Raisin.
For a bit of adventure, visit the adjacent
Satterthwaite Park where kayaks,
paddleboards, canoes and row boats can be rented from the Tecumseh Paddling
Company beginning on weekends in May.
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| Peruse the many antiques for sale in Tecumseh. |
With so much to offer, Tecumseh’s inviting personality and
close proximity to the Toledo area will beckon you to make a return trip, or
two.
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