Part of the ‘Day Out in Macomb County’ series
Growing up in Richmond, I have always had such a deep love for the community. The businesses, the people, it’s like one big family. So when it was time to venture to the area I was more than excited to get started.
It was a rainy morning, and I had somehow convinced my sisters to come along with me. We all got ready and grabbed an umbrella as we headed out the door. Starting in Richmond, I knew the first place I wanted to stop, Gather + Grounds North. This business happens to be one of my favorite spots to get coffee in town because not only is everything delicious, but the cause is even better. One of the main goals of Gather + Grounds is to “cultivate a safe, social place for young adults with intellectual disabilities to grow and learn.” That being said, there is such a welcoming vibe as soon as you walk through the doors. I placed my order, an iced caramel macchiato, and looked at the selection of baked goods as I waited. Before I knew it, my delicious coffee was ready and we were on the road again.
Our next stop was one that my sisters and I were quite familiar with, Green Thyme Workshop. Offering a large selection of organic products and even classes where you can make your own, we love stopping in. My sisters immediately got distracted by the kittens that act as the shop's greeters. So while they were playing with them, I scanned every shelf and display, smelling all of the lotions, soaps and essential oils. I then stumbled upon essential oil car air fresheners. I called my sisters over to smell them all and pick the one they liked best, since I couldn’t decide on my own. Finally agreeing on the lavender scent, we checked out, said goodbye to the kittens and hopped back in the car.
Making our way through town, passing by Rix’s Shop and Main St. Mercantile, we made it into Richmond Township. The road is lined with corn fields and farms on either side – which is why it made sense that we decided to visit Sawmill Creek Farms. They have a storefront for their freezer meat, as well as local maple syrup, honey and milk. All of their meat is natural, farm-raised by them. They take care of their animals to make sure they are treated and fed properly to produce the highest quality of meat.
As we continued our day out, I could tell that my sisters were getting a little bit frustrated due to a lack of treats. Fortunately, Memphis was the next destination and the Arctic Queen was open for business. Excited to get some ice cream, my sisters practically jumped out of the car. They scanned the flavors and different items before both deciding on flurries. We quickly got our ice cream and sat down to enjoy the now beautiful day.
With full tummies and recovering brain freezes, we made our way further into Memphis and the Doghouse Tavern was beginning to fill up with customers ready to enjoy a delicious lunch. We had the windows rolled down and could smell the food being cooked in the kitchen from the road. We parked the car and decided to walk around downtown Memphis. Just by simply strolling past Sage Creek Winery, I could tell the atmosphere was so much fun! They have wine tastings and wine slushies, as well as plenty of food options to balance it out. If you come here, you are certain to make new friends and memories, and of course enjoy fantastic wine.
We then slowly made our way back to the car, still enjoying the weather and peaking into the businesses along the way. With some now tired sisters in the back seat it was time to head home. Taking the same route back home through Memphis, Richmond Township and Richmond City, we got to admire the beautiful historic buildings and farm land.
These parts of Macomb County are where you truly get that small town feeling. So if you ever find yourself in the north-eastern part of the County, make sure to stop by these businesses and others that surround them. Yummy coffee, organic products, locally grown meats and delicious ice cream are just a few of the amenities that come from these communities. Just like I did, grab your loved ones and make a day out of exploring!
Ella Hill is an intern for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.
