Explore: A Stroll Through Downtown Farmington
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 16, 2020)
Farmington, MI – A recent morning spent wandering around Downtown Farmington was a great chance to see Halloween-themed window decorations, public art, interesting businesses and more.
The morning began with a visit to Sunflour Bakehaus, to get pictures of the “It’s A Small Town After All” mural, and to stock up on delicious baked goods for our Reporter Food column about the artisan local bakery.
From there it was easy to spot details that make Downtown Farmington unique, especially now with their Halloween-themed Grand Raven Festival, which is a play on the name of Grand River Road.
Ravens appear throughout the community in window displays and other public art. Events include a Victorian Book walk featuring a recitation of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven,” Poe Night with Streaming Performances of The Tell Tale Heart, The Village Street, The Raven, and The Haunted Place streamed live from the Farmington Civic Theater. There’s also a movie series, a pumpkin carving contest and more. Details on those events can be found at www.DowntownFarmington.org.
No matter the season, the town’s celebration of history is unending.
Banners in honor of Veterans line the street, and there are memorials for those who lost their lives in war, a plaque honoring the first Quaker meeting, a marker for the Blue Star Memorial Hwy, a steel beam from the World Trade Center along with a story of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack and the role of local firefighters and police who went to help, as well as a monument to former Farmington City Manager John D. Dinan who worked for Farmington from Oct. 1960-Feb. 1972.
The historic architecture of the stores along Grand River as well as the nearby homes, also adds to the atmosphere of a cozy hometown kind of life. Learn more about Downtown Farmington by checking out www.DowntownFarmington.org or check out the Farmington Voice website for independent local news.
Be sure to check out our Places to Explore list. Some are accessible during the crisis, and others may be an inspiration for down the road.