Royal Oak: The city that never sleeps
When the sidewalk cafes open, you know spring has arrived in Royal Oak. From then on, it’s full speed ahead into spring and summer as Royal Oak is a very active community where there is always something to do.
“Let’s get moving!” said Community Engagement Specialist Judy Davids. “Royal Oak prides itself on being a walkable bike-friendly city. So dust off your favorite walking shoes or bike and explore more than 50 neighborhood parks.”
The city also has many golf choices, including two disc golf courses, Adventure Golf, a 9-hole public course and a driving/practice range.
“But enough about golf! We also have batting cages and miniature train rides, too. When you are thoroughly exhausted, head to downtown Royal Oak for our sidewalk cafes and fabulous nightlife including two movie theatres, Stagecrafters, the Royal Oak Music Theatre, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle and so much more,” she said.
Downtown Royal Oak is a vibrant community and the city hosts numerous crowd-pleasing events throughout the year, including the Woodward Dream Cruise and Arts. Beats & Eats.
Davids said not be missed are Drag Queen Bingo at Five15, Pinky’s Rooftop and the Detroit Zoo.
The Detroit Zoo is a popular local attraction. It features numerous naturalistic animal habitats, including the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, Arctic Ring of Life, African Forest, African Grasslands, American Grasslands, Asian Forest, Australian Outback Adventure, Butterfly Garden, Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness, Great Apes of Harambee, Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat, Matilda R. Wilson Free-Flight Aviary, Holden Reptile Conservation Center, National Amphibian Conservation Center and Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. These are home to nearly 2,000 animals of 240 species.
Pinky’s Rooftop serves craft cocktails, beer and wine along with shareable American and Asian-inspired small plates and seafood. It also features a covered, heated dining patio that is open year round.
Five15 is an independent book, music, gift store and café. It hosts a variety of events, including poetry readings, author signings and art shows in addition to Drag Queen Bingo.
The Royal Oak Farmers Market is another popular hotspot. Open from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays year round and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays May-Thanksgiving, the farmers market has been serving the community for 94 years. It follows a “farmer must grow” policy but in addition to the fresh fruits and vegetables, the farmers market offers a wide variety of meats, cheese, poultry, seafood and specialty food products as well as a large stock of locally produced plants, flowers and garden-related items. There is also an antiques and collectibles market from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.
Davids said visitors should also know that some of Metro Detroit’s top-rated restaurants call Royal Oak home and that the newly-open Hyatt Place hotel on Main Street is minutes away from the action. For convenience, downtown Royal Oak also has ample parking and if you arrive before 5 p.m., you get two hours of free parking when you parking in any of the conveniently located parking decks.
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