Marcy's Travel Blog- Northville, Michigan - A Walk Back In Time!!

    I'll give you a very quick history lesson. (Oh, no! Not history!) Northville was part of Plymouth for 40 years. Northville got it's name by literally being "north" of Plymouth! The city is famous for the Northville Downs, which is a harness racing track that opened in 1944. It also was the first night time track in Michigan. The city of Northville incorporated in 1955. (There, told you it would be short!)   My first stop today was "Mill Race Historical Village", located at 215 Griswold street in Northville. Gertie GPS struggled a bit, because some of the streets change names once in the city, but I arrived safe and sound, none the less!

Entrance to the village

The Hirsch Blacksmith Shop

   This historic village is an excellent place to visit, especially for a family outing. It's very easy on the budget, because there is no charge to enter! Even though the village grounds are open every day, year round, the buildings themselves are not open except on Sundays from 1p.m.-4 p.m., from the middle of June until the middle of October. The exception is the "Christmas in the Village" celebration. This year it will be held December 11th. If you visit on a Sunday, you will be greeted at each building and site by a volunteer, dressed in the style of that era, with information on that particular site.

   Created in 1972, it's built next to the Rouge River on 12 1/2 acres donated by the Ford Motor Company. This was once the site of a grist mill.
   The village consists of a church, gazebo, school, rustic wooden bridge, blacksmith shop, general store, interurban station and several homes reminiscent of an era gone by. Also there is the Caddy Inn, where legend has it the building served a stoping point for the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War.

The Cady Inn

The General Store

     Since I was here on a week day, these buildings were not open. But the weather was wonderful, descriptive information was displayed at each site, sitting areas were everywhere, and the river gurgled pleasantly around the village. Even though I'd like to return on a Sunday, today was a wonderful day to wander the grounds and take in the tiny town "feel" of the place.

The New School Church

Beautiful Gazebo

   I'd like to mention that weddings are held here! There is a choice of the church, with a capacity of 100, or the lovely gazebo for outdoor weddings! Thanks to Abbie Holden for permission to take pictures and your gracious hospitality!


   By now I was hungry. As I meandered on and around main street, I came upon an Italian restaurant! What luck! My favorite food! As you remember from my Boston trip, I'm now looking for a new "favorite" Italian eatery! I do believe I've found it

Nancy and Brandon

   The name of this gem is "Tirami Su' Ristorante Italiano". Decorated in a casual elegance with table linens and soft Italian music in the background, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. My wait staff was Nancy and Brandon. I ordered chicken tortellini soup and spaghetti. There were 5 or 6 sauces to choose from. I ordered the Bolognese, and prayed. (I've been so hungry for a really good plate of spaghetti, like my Italian grandmother use to make!) The soup was delicious! I had Nancy add a bit of Parmesan cheese to top it off. Wonderful! The "Italian butter" was outstanding! It consisted of olive oil (of course), ground pepper, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and surprisingly- a touch of balsamic vinegar! It made the bread basket a delight in itself! Then came the spaghetti. Wow! Just like grandma use to make! Now that's Italian! Thank you, Nancy and Brandon for such warm, friendly, and excellent service! I WILL be back!

   The town of Northville is in the heart of their historic district. Many of the buildings are restored, and all are beautiful! I wandered the town a bit, and came upon some beautiful Victorian homes! The owners proudly allowed me to take pictures of these master pieces. Beautiful!
   I've had a wonderful one day vacation, wandering this lovely city. It has a small town feel, even though it is surrounded by urban area on all sides.
   So if you feel that a vacation is not affordable this fall, take a one day journey to Northville, enjoy some history, view historic beautiful Victorian homes, and for heaven sake, get a great plate of spaghetti! Enjoy! Or should I say Salute'!

   I'm staying overnight in Northville with a puppy named Luna. You can read about her antics on my animal blog - Auntie M's Canine Capers and Feline Follies. (http://auntiemscaninecapersandfelinefollies.blogspot.com/)      Tomorrow we'll see if Gertie the GPS will get me home, or get me lost! Stay tuned!