Metro Detroiters are drawn to Royal Oak for its eclectic shops, array of restaurants and walkable downtown. It’s more than a popular place to live, work or visit, it’s a magnetic center for the region. Journalists Maureen McDonald of Southfield and John Shultz of Royal Oak managed to chronicle the city’s and growth in a new book, appropriately titled Royal Oak.
The 128-page book is part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. C & G newspapers published this interesting piece about the book and it’s authors. In it, reporter Jeremy Carroll details highlights – from the fear that building I-696 would negatively impact Royal Oak and neighboring communities to the national attention Royal Oak’s Shrine of the Little Flower earned under the guidance of Father Charles Caughlin.
Ultimately, the story and the book it details proves that Royal Oak has long been and remains an important destination in metro Detroit. In the story, McDonald calls the city an “epicenter” and that’s true.
I’d venture even further to say it’s one of the most vibrant, creative cities Michigan has to offer. From it’s farmer’s market to art galleries to coffee shops, comedy clubs to music venues and movie theaters, Royal Oak has managed to maintain a relevance and atmosphere all its own.
Outside of Detroit’s geographic boundaries, it’s the area I’m most likely to introduce to out-of-state visitors. I’ve lived in cities surrounding this area for the past 12 years – from Troy to Ferndale. I’ve worked as near as Royal Oak’s downtown and as far as Livonia, but I’ve always been drawn to this section of Oakland County for nightlife and more.
What draws you to Royal Oak time and again? Do you have favorite shops or activities that keep you coming to the area? How does it differ from other vibrant metro area cities?
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This post is brought to you by the fine folks at Paragon Apartments, offering apartments across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, and the Paragon Patio, where residents connect. We’d love to talk with you on Facebook and Twitter!
