Skip the crowds at the mall this year and shop local for a great gift that is sure to surprise him or her this holiday season! From luxury leather goods, to quality clothing items, to unique home wares, Detroit is a gold mine for finding the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your shopping list. Shop our picks below!
 

1. *SPLURGE* Mini Zip Backpack – Shinola
2. Michigan Cutting Boards – City Bird
3. Ren Den Reclaimed Wood Planter – Woodward Throwbacks
4. 100 Things to Do Before You Die Book – Pure Detroit
5. Woodward V Neck – Detroit Is the New Black
6. Signature Leather Tote – Will Leather Goods
7. Triple Wrap Stitch Bracelet – Shinola
8. Cheers Detroit Wine Glass – Pure Detroit
9. Fur Pom Beanie – Bird & Bee
10. You Had Me At Mimosa Reclaimed Wood Sign – Woodward Throwbacks

1. Detroit Made Reclaimed Wood Bottle Opener – Detroit Artifactry
2. Ranger Oil Cloth Bomber – Filson
3. Acrylic Watch Hat – Carhartt
4. Slim Bifold Wallet – Shinola
5. Leather Covered Detroit Travel Glasses & Flasks – City Bird
6. Reclaimed Wood Beer Carrier – Woodward Throwbacks
7. *SPLURGE* The Canfield Chrono 43MM – Shinola
8. Timberland Men's Earthkeepers Original – Moosejaw
9. Go Wings Detroit Crewneck  – SMPLFD
10. City Journal – Will Leather Goods

The post Detroit Gift Guide appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping! Find something special, unique, locally made, or simply just great for everyone on your gift list this year at Eastern Market’s Holiday Market. 

The Holiday Market market kicks off Tuesday November 22nd (also occurring Tuesday, December 20th) where you can stock up on all the savory ingredients that go into your grandma’s secret stuffing or gain some inspiration for your next holiday meal with on site cooking demonstrations. Light entertainment and a selection of Eastern Market material goods vendors will also be present.

On Sunday, November 27th shop till you drop as you browse the aisles of the Holiday Market full of local artists, cooks, jewelers, designers, brands, musicians, and more. Pick out your very own locally grown christmas tree and/or trimmings while enjoying the holiday themed food and beverage vendors on site. Festive entertainment including carolers and Santa will also be present to add to the holiday cheer. Before leaving, have your locally sourced gift or holiday goodies wrapped by a local nonprofit. Visit this Holiday Market on Sunday November 27th, Sunday December 4th, Sunday December 11th, and/or Sunday December 18th.
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For more information please visit http://www.easternmarket.com

The post Eastern Market Holiday Market appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

(PS: These doormats make for great house warming, holiday, or birthday gifts too!) 

1. For those of us who can appreciate a good pair of shoes – SHOP HERE

2. Because we all know who “YOU” is – SHOP HERE FROM ARTSY DOORMATS

3. Who doesn't love tacos? – SHOP HERE FROM NICKEL DESIGNS SHOP

4. If you treat your dog better than you treat yourself – SHOP HERE FROM CLEVER DOORMATS

5. Adele said it first… – SHOP FROM INSPIRE LIFE TODAY

6. Whether your drink of choice is Merlot or Pinot Grigio, this mat isn't judging – SHOP FROM CLEVER DOORMATS

7. For the millennial that has a pizza problem, an online shopping addiction, and a Ryan Gosling obsession. So, all of us? – SHOP HERE FROM SHOP JOSIE B

8. This doormat will help eliminate those moments of panic when you’re wondering if your house is up in flames or not – SHOP HERE FROM BE THERE IN FIVE

9. For the ones who are never ready on time – SHOP HERE FROM TINI ANNS BELLA ARTE

10. When UPS stops by more than your own mother does – SHOP HERE FROM FOX AND CLOVER BOUTIQUE

11. Make your guests laugh with this clever doormat – SHOP HERE FROM ARTSY DOORMATS

12. Calling all nap queens – SHOP HERE FROM FOX AND CLOVER BOUTIQUE

13. If you love where you live – SHOP HERE FROM NICKEL DESIGNS

14. For those of us who don't just limit happy to an hour – SHOP HERE FROM FOX AND CLOVER BOUTIQUE

15. When you suck at cooking and order take out every night…and Home Alone is one of your top 5 favorite movies of all time – SHOP HERE FROM FOX AND CLOVER BOUTIQUE

16. When beer is not only the key to the homeowners heart, but to the door as well – SHOP HERE FROM ARTSY DOORMATS

17. This doormat accurately explains 99% of women's lives – SHOP FROM DICHOTOMAT

18. Give your guests a confidence boost with this flattering doormat – SHOP HERE FROM LAURA JANE HANDMADE CO

The post 18 Clever Doormats to Spice Up Your Doorstep appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

One of the benefits of a staycation is being able to sleep in your own bed. But if you want to treat yourself, consider spending a night or two at Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney. It’s in a beautiful historic building with easy access to the Detroit People Mover and it’s pet friendly!

For physical activity that’s a bit outside the norm, head to Drive, Detroit's official table tennis social club. In addition to Olympic quality ping pong tables, it has a restaurant and bar. 

With indoor rides, a 4D cinema, and a large play area, Legoland Discovery Center Michigan is ideal for families with kids 3-10 years old. (For additional kid-friendly things to do in Michigan, click HERE.)

For a live show, the city’s best bet is The Magic Stick, which dates back to the early ‘90s. For a more low-key music experience, visit Cliff Bell's, one of the oldest jazz clubs in Detroit’s entertainment district, complete with Art Deco interiors and classic cocktails.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Atwater Brewery, which brews traditional German lagers in a former factory warehouse.

Shop ‘til you drop at Great Lakes Crossing. With more than 180 retailers and restaurants, it’s Michigan’s largest outlet mall.

View and purchase works by the D’s emerging and established artists at Detroit Artists Market.

Visit Campus Martius Park and take a picture in front of its centerpiece, Woodward Fountain, which can shoot water up to 100 feet in the air. During the holidays, it serves as the base of the city’s grand Christmas tree.

The post 10 Places To Visit During Your Detroit Staycation appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

This 3,500-square-foot shop — a favorite of Paragon Assistant Vice President Sharisse Myren — carries men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from the 1900s through the 1980s, including casual and formalwear, workwear, military uniforms, lingerie and swimsuits, footwear, handbags, and jewelry. The shop also carries fashion-related vintage goods, such as magazines and sewing supplies.

Lost & Found Vintage Owner Tommy Dorr and his staff travel the United States and Canada in search of fashion relics to resell. However, merchandise is also sourced from local folks looking to unload used clothing; all they have to do is take it to the store, or schedule a house call, for appraisal.

Lost & Found Vintage pays sellers 25 to 50% of retail value.

Since opening in 2003, the shop has earned quite a reputation. It’s consistently named one of the best vintage stores in the Detroit area, and even got a shout-out from actress Eva Mendes in InStyle magazine.

Lost & Found Vintage | 510 Washington Ave. Royal Oak, MI | Phone: 248-548-6154 | Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun.: 12-6 p.m.

To learn more about Lost & Found Vintage, visit lostandfoundvintage.com.

The post Local Love: Lost & Found Vintage appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

Plus, you get to meet the people who grow your food, and support small family farms that struggle to compete against large agribusiness.

Make the most of your market trips with these six tips and tricks:

1. Stick a few plastic grocery bags in your reusable totes and use those for filling with your produce instead of using plastic bags from the merchants.
2. Arrive early for the best selection and freshest products. Or arrive late for last minute deals on the produce farmers want to move before heading home.
3. Buy what you need to use within a week and plan to freeze or can the rest.
4. Bring small bills and correct change for easier transactions.
5. If you’re buying meat or dairy, ask the vendor to hold it for you until you are ready to go so it can stay cool for as long as possible.
6. Get to know your vendors, and place your orders in advance.

Area Farmers Markets

• Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market | 2934 Russell St., Detroit
  Saturday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. (year-round); Tuesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (June-September); Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (June-September)

• Islandview Farmers Market | 7200 Mack Ave., Detroit 
  Wednesday: 4-7 p.m. (June-September)

• Oakland Avenue Farmers Market | 9354 Oakland Ave., Detroit
  Saturday: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (June-October)

• Wayne State University Farmers Market in Detroit | 5401 Cass Ave., Detroit
  Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (June-October)

• Westland Farmers Market | 1901 N. Carlson, Westland
  Thursdays: 3-7 p.m. (May-October); closed June 16 and August 4, 2016

The post 6 Tips for Shopping Smarter at the Farmers Market appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

The locally owned, independent running store —which opened in Midtown in 2013— is committed to enhancing the area’s running and walking communities by offering specialty products, educational resources and training opportunities.

RUNdetroit is owned by Justin Craig and Alia Polsgrove, runners who say their personal experiences, as well as their knowledge of footwear and running gear, help them provide top-notch customer service.

Inside the 1,400-square-foot shop, you’ll find shoes by all the major brands, men and women’s apparel (including extended sizes), a variety of accessories (like headbands and gloves), and nutrition and hydration aids.

In addition to a group run every Saturday at 8 a.m., rain or shine, the shop hosts Monday night speed workouts at the Wayne State University track and a free 10-week group for beginners who want to run a 5K.

To learn more about RUNdetroit, visit run-detroit.com.
RUNdetroit | 441 West Canfield St. #5 Detroit, MI | Phone: 313-638-2831 | Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The post Local Love: RUNdetroit appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

Wet weather is a great excuse to spend time inside— and the Motor City has tons of interesting places to visit.

Read on for our Top 5 Places In Detroit to Visit on Rainy Days:

Detroit Institute of Arts | 5200 Woodward Ave.

With more than 100 galleries and over 60,000 works from prehistory through the 21st century, it’s not hard to see why the DIA’s collection is among the top six in the country. And diverse programming for adults, teens, kids and families, and educators means the museum has something for just about everyone.
Admission: $12.50 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for students, $6 for youths 6-17, free for children 5 and under

GM Renaissance Center | 400 Renaissance Center

Towering 73 stories above the city, this landmark is a must-see for locals and out-of-towners. More than 30 retailers, 29 restaurants, and a variety of entertainment ensure that visitors never get bored.
Admission: Free. You can even take a one-hour complimentary tour.

The Guardian Building | 500 Griswold St.

This Art Deco skyscraper is a beaut! Though its original tenant, The Union Trust Company, fell victim to the Stock Market Crash of 1929, the building was saved by investors who believed in the future of Detroit. And to this day, visitors are awed by its unique blend of Aztec, Arts & Crafts, and Native American design features.
Admission: Free. Pure Detroit offers tours that are also free and open to the public.

Michigan Science Center | 5020 John R St.

A planetarium, an IMAX Dome Theatre, live stage shows, and more than 250 hands-on exhibits, special exhibits, lab activities and more translate to about two dozen ways to customize your MiSci visit. Curious minds of all ages welcome!
Admission: $14 for adults, and $12 for children 12 and under and seniors (60+)

Motown Museum | 2648 West Grand Blvd.

Visitors from America and beyond have come to Hitsville U.S.A. to stand in Studio A, where several famous artists and groups, including Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and the Jackson Five, recorded some of the most popular music of the 20th century. An array of artifacts, photographs and other memorabilia are on display throughout the modest home, where Motown Founder Berry Gordy lived with his family during the company’s early years.
Admission: Ranges from $12-$15 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+), $8 for children 12 and under

The post The Top 5: Places In Detroit to Visit on Rainy Days appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

Eastern Market has grown. Some of the changes are to the buildings and surrounding areas, but the greatest change is the level of activity. Eastern Market is just for Saturdays anymore.

There’s the…

Saturday Market

Bustling with as many as 45,000 visitors in a day, the Saturday Market is one of America’s most original destinations. Under the sheds and around the neighborhood you can shop at the same vendor stands and merchant’s shelves local restaurants rely on.
Days: Every Saturday year-round
Hours: 6 a.m.–4 p.m.

Then there’s the…

Sunday Street Market

With more “stuff” and less food, the Street Market is different from the other markets. It favors an emphasis on antiques, collectibles and flea market goods, with a special focus on locally made items. Detroit’s emerging maker culture is on display each week, along with visual and performing artists. Flowers, produce and made-to-order meals from local food trucks.
Days: Every Sunday, June through October
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

And then there’s the…

Tuesday Market

On Tuesdays a more relaxed version of the Saturday Market for stocking up on fresh produce, baked goods and meats. You can take part in a free Zumba or yoga class and watch cooking demonstrations using the great foods found at Eastern Market.
Days: Every Tuesday, June through October
Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

And then you have the…

Holiday Market

Shop for locally grown trees and wreaths, homemade holiday treats, beverages and enough gifts to fill any sleigh. There’ll be carolers, visits from Kris Kringle and gift-wrapping.
Days: Tuesday, November 25 and December 22
Sunday, November 29, December 6 and December 13
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

And finally you have the…

Wholesale Market

Growers from Michigan, Ohio and Ontario sell their crops all night long so that restaurants, grocers and early-rising residents can get first pick of the region’s freshest produce.
Days: Every Monday through Friday, April through November
Hours: Midnight–6 a.m. (open to the public if you like buying in bulk)

And let’s not forget the…

Farm Stand

In 2009, to accommodate areas in Detroit with little access to fresh, healthy produce, Eastern Market began the Farm Stand program. Weekly from June through October, these mobile markets pop up in different locations around the city to enhance the health of Southeastern Michigan. In 2015, the Farm Stand brings fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, honey, and more to 21 spots in metro-Detroit, the most since the program started.

http://www.easternmarket.com/attend/farm-stand

So you have plenty of opportunity to visit one of the nations finest markets.

Information courtesy of:

http://www.easternmarket.com/attend/a-taste-of-our-markets

The post The Many Faces of Detroit’s Eastern Market appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.

What about your pet? Your pet is an integral member of your family. Keep him or her healthy and safe with a few high and low tech gadgets, too.

Drinkwell Pet Fountains

“The water spouts with the patented free-falling stream provide aeration and circulation to the water, which inhibits bacteria growth. Charcoal filters remove impurities, bad tastes, and odors from the water.”

• Charcoal filter keeps water fresh and clean
• Free-falling stream adds oxygen to water and entices pets to drink more
• Promotes healthy urinary and kidney function
• Helps with temperature regulation, fat metabolism, and recovery from sickness 

Check it out here!

Voyce

“Health monitor and wellness management system for every stage of your dog’s life.” A high-tech collar that measures your dog’s key vital signs. Items  like heart rate and respiratory rate during activity and rest. The Voyce app shares the information with your vet.

Check it out here!

Tagg

“Find Your Escape Artist”.

A location tracking device that attaches to your dog’s collar so you can keep track of them wherever they go. The Tagg GPS pet tracker lets you define your pet’s home base and tells you if they wander off.

Check it out here!

Kittyo

“Play With Your Cat. Even When You’re Not Home.”

Kittyo lets you watch, speak to, play with, and record your cat when you’re away. You can even dispense treats!

Check it out here!

The post Tech Gadgets for Your Four-legged Family Member appeared first on Paragon Properties Company Blog.