Discover the Grosse Pointes

Welcome to Grosse Pointes, where five charming cities curve gracefully along Lake St. Clair just east of Detroit. Whether you live here or are visiting for the first time, the Grosse Pointes unfold more like a storybook than a sprawling suburb. Each city gives the day its own flavor, from tree-lined streets and grand homes to cozy bakeries and shoreline parks. Here’s how a friendly local might show you around for a full day.

Morning: Coffee, Sweets, and Shoreline Surprises

Start your day in Grosse Pointe Park. The hum of Kercheval Avenue is just the thing to get you moving, with its morning energy and the aroma of brewing coffee. Pop into Red Crown, a local staple on Kercheval, serving up from-scratch breakfast classics in a sunny, welcoming room. Sink into a booth, wrap your hands around a warm mug, and fill up on pancakes or a fresh breakfast sandwich. People-watchers will be right at home here.

A few blocks away, the Grosse Pointe Park Farmers Market on select mornings offers Michigan fruit, artisan breads, and just-cut bouquets. Stroll through the stands, chat with local growers, and score snacks for later.

For a calm and scenic start, venture north to Grosse Pointe Shores. The Municipal Park and Marina is all early-morning light off the lake, and it’s a favorite for dog walkers, joggers, and anyone craving that endless-water view. If you linger, bring a coffee and stroll the pier or simply trace the tree-lined promenade.

Afternoon: The Village, Gardens, and Lakefront Parks

By midday, move west to Grosse Pointe City. Don’t miss exploring The Village, the Pointes’ classic retail hub along Kercheval Avenue. Independent shops, family-run boutiques, and ice cream stands fill the blocks from Neff to Cadieux. Try lunch at Pastaio for hand-crafted Italian, or head to The Charlevoix for pub favorites and a breeze if you sit outside.

With a baguette or coffee in hand, wander toward Grosse Pointe Farms. Here you’ll find the much-loved Pier Park, which opens its gates to residents and their guests—so if a friend invites you, accept! Rent a kayak, visit the marina, or simply sprawl in the sun and watch sailboats drift by. Families love the swimming pool and splash pad. For a tranquil detour, the Grosse Pointe War Memorial boasts manicured gardens, local history, and often a free afternoon program or exhibit.

If a museum mood strikes, detour just past The Village to Grosse Pointe Historical Society for a glance at the area’s evolution from lakeside farmland to Detroit’s original commuter suburbs.

In Grosse Pointe Woods, the leafy side streets wind you to Lake Front Park, known for its playgrounds, picnic nooks, and a wide, sandy lakefront. This is a perfect spot to stretch out with a book under mature trees or watch families launch paddleboats into the calm bays.

Evening: Patio Dining, Local Sips, and Small-Town Strolls

Evenings in Grosse Pointes bring out a whole new crowd. Dinner options abound—try Da Edoardo in Grosse Pointe Woods, where generations of families have toasted over Northern Italian fare since the 1970s. Their patio glows at sunset and makes an ideal setting for handmade pasta, steak, or a house cocktail.

For something more laid-back, Johnny Black’s Lake House in Grosse Pointe City offers classic comfort food, craft beers, and a lively waterfront vibe. If burgers are your thing, High Pointe Burger Joint will deliver, with hand-crafted patties and milkshakes.

As the sun drops, locals often ramble along neighborhood sidewalks, greeting neighbors, or gather at events like outdoor movie nights, jazz at the park, or trivia in one of the cozy pubs.

If you linger late, the lakefront offers a quiet spot for stargazing or just reflecting on the glow of street lamps lining the Pointes. Here, night comes gently, with laughter echoing from patios and music drifting from porch windows.