Birmingham sits 30 minutes north of Detroit on Woodward Avenue. Cannelle Patisserie's chef Matt Knio runs the area's serious viennoiserie. Italian, sushi and steakhouses fill the village.
Tip: Cannelle opens at 06:30; kouign-amann sells out by 11:00.
Plymouth and Northville sit 35 minutes northwest of Detroit. Walkable downtowns run sit-down kitchens; Kalota Culinary teaches Italian cooking in the PARC Building.
Tip: Cooking class evenings book for groups; the Northville Farmers Market runs Thursday in season.
Ann Arbor sits 45 minutes west of Detroit. Zingerman's Deli on Detroit Street has anchored Michigan's food scene since 1982; the Roadhouse and Bakehouse round the circuit.
Tip: Saturday morning lines at the Deli start by 09:00; the Roadhouse books for dinner.
Windsor sits 15 minutes south across the river from Detroit. Erie Street's Italian district runs cannoli and pasta; Caesars Windsor casino, Canadian peameal bacon.
Tip: Bring a passport. Erie Street Little Italy runs west of Howard Avenue; bakeries open early.
Frankenmuth sits 90 minutes north of Detroit. The Michigan Bavarian-themed town runs fried chicken halls Zehnder's and Bavarian Inn since 1928 and 1888 respectively.
Tip: Family-style chicken dinners are the canonical order; both halls run hours through 20:00.
Royal Oak and Ferndale sit 20 minutes north of Detroit. Woodward Avenue runs the food strip; Voyager, Mabel Gray and Cafe Muse anchor the modern suburban food scene.
Tip: Most rooms book in advance for weekend evenings; Sunday brunch is the social meal.