I grew up in the little-big town of Clarkston, Michigan.
Anyone from Clarkston knows to avoid Flemings Lake Road on Friday nights, the true magnificence in the “bakery’s sugar cookies,” and always gets ready before going into town, because you will run into someone you know. Whether you’re home for the holidays and want to show your new honey your hometown, revisit where you and your high school sweetheart first met, explore a new city, or anything really, Clarkston offers quite a few options for date night.
Although my single self is not one to give dating advice, I do have some useful insight on fun wintertime date spots.
1. Depot Park.
I have never been too keen on spending a date at the movie theater since you can’t talk. Isn’t a date all about getting to know someone? Spending a few hours at Depot Park gives you plenty time to get to get to know each other. The park, which is gorgeous in the wintertime, provides a playground for kids, a pond, a bench swing, a short pathway through the woods, a gazebo, and a bridge. Not only is this an ideal date spot for people who want to enjoy some beautiful winter scenery, but also for those of us who are ballin’ on a budget.
2. Holiday Lights Parade.
This is an event I suggest you experience at least once. The streets of Downtown Clarkston are shut down for a night to celebrate all the wonderful businesses, sports teams, organizations, and groups in Clarkston at the Annual Holiday Lights Parade. This year, the event takes place on December 16th at 6:30 p.m. Not only are the unique floats and displays fun to watch make their way down Main Street, but the festive decorations plastered through town make for beautiful scenery. Although we townies drive past them all winter long, this is a great opportunity to really appreciate the pretty decorations that fill Downtown.
3. Grab a drink at The Fed.
The Fed is a new, spunky chic-designed restaurant in Downtown Clarkston. Although the food is delicious, my favorite part about the Fed is the atmosphere. It’s obvious upon seeing the gorgeous detail and decoration in the doorway before entering the restaurant that whoever decorated put a lot of heart into it and had a very specific vision (which he/she nailed). Grab one of their many delicious cocktails and indulge in the charming scenery for a night out in town. I also hear their Sunday morning brunch is delicious.
4. Pine Knob Ski Hill.
For those who love winter sports, Pine Knob Ski Hill is the place for you. Bundle up in your winter attire and strap on your ski gear for some trips down the slope. Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, no need to worry. They have a hill for beginners, not to mention lessons. When you’re done skiing, grab some hot chocolate and a snack, and watch the skiers slide down the hill.
5. Breakfast at LA Café.
One of the unique hidden treasures in Clarkston is LA Café. The tiny building with a gorgeous painting of wings and a massive peace sign on the side is home to the happiest staff and most delicious homemade foods Clarkston has to offer. Grab one of their many delicious espresso drinks and some yummy breakfast foods with your date. You can’t beat the peaceful atmosphere, prices, and quality. P.S. If you happen to come back for lunch, take full advantage of the Mexican tortilla soup!
6. One of the notorious Woodshop joints.
Any Clarkston townie knows they weren’t about to make it through an article about Clarkston without the mention of the notorious Downtown restaurants: The Clarkston Union, The Union General, The Union Woodshop, and Honcho. The joints include a refurbished church, a general store, a trendy smokehouse, and a refurbished gas station/ car dealership. My suggestion? Enjoy in a frozen margarita from Honcho, share a Union Mac at the Union, snag a macaroon from the Union General, and split the potato pizza from the Woodshop. Or just stare in awe at the outstanding interior decorating in each location.
