Part of the ‘Day Out in Macomb County’ series
After a long and hot week of fun at the Armada Fair, I decided to head back over and see what the rest of the village has to offer. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Restaurants, cafes, gardens and local shops are just a few puzzle pieces that come together to create beautiful Armada.
A sunny day made for perfect weather to drive down Main St. with the windows down, playing my favorite music. Bits and pieces of the fair left everywhere I looked as people held onto all of the memories that were made. Pulling into downtown Armada, there were quite a few people out and about. So we parked and decided to join them.
Our first stop was to Tigers Den Cafe! We made our way to the counter and browsed the menu which featured coffee, delicious smoothies, energy drinks and food, too! I decided to try the blue lagoon energy drink and my friend got the strawberry cream smoothie. As we waited for them to be ready, we walked around the cafe and viewed other customers working on their laptops or catching up with friends. We sat down and tried our own drinks first and then switched and tried each other's drinks – both were absolutely amazing! I already want to go back to try something new, and I think it might become one of my go-to study spots.
Just a few doors down is Armade in MI, a shop that supports local small businesses and artists who create unique artwork and custom crafts. Walking in, we didn’t know where to look first because everything was intriguing. So we decided to go aisle by aisle and make sure we saw all there was to offer. Apparel, jewelry, glassware, food, and books doesn’t even begin to cover the variety of goods they have in store. As I was browsing the handmade cards that are in a little pocket section of the establishment, a lady came up to me and introduced herself as the artist that creates them! She hand draws each and every design on the cards and has even more artwork for sale within the store. I already knew that I was going to buy a card, and after hearing her story I knew that I would most likely be back for more. After chatting with her and the other people behind the counter I learned so much more about the store. A great cause mixed with great products is definitely a reason to come back again!
Continuing our walk around town we passed by Kozy Korner Saloon, which is Armada's oldest bar and serves its best burger. We peaked into a few more businesses and finally came to the corner where The Creamery on Main is located. Their menu is an ice cream lover's dream! Loaded shakes and various Ashby’s Ice Cream flavors are on deck to help you construct your own custom creation.
Hoping back in the car, a few streets over is the April Millsap Memorial Garden. Beautifully in bloom, the garden is placed right along the Macomb Orchard Trail. As you make your way along the 24 mile trail, be sure to stop by the garden and take a moment to remember the beautiful soul it is dedicated to.
The last destination of our day out in Armada, was a quick stop at Blakes Orchard & Cider Mill. As they gear up for their busiest season, the tasting room, funland, u-pick, farm stand and bakery are all perfect places to spend time with loved ones. Whether it's a day with family at funland or a night out with friends in the tasting room, a perfect day can happen all in one place.
Armada is another piece of Macomb County that may be small, but is full of so much love. Every resident has immense pride and joy for their community. If you have the opportunity to take a trip out there, make sure to stop by these businesses and the others that surround it. You can’t go wrong with any of them!
Ella Hill is an intern for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.
