Explore: A Stroll Through Downtown Ferndale
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 11, 2025)
Ferndale, MI – Downtown Ferndale is a place full of public art, creative stores, and diverse places to dine. I recently got some steps in checking out the beauty of the Nine Mile and Woodward area, enjoying the many murals and other amenities that make it a great place to just enjoy a fun and relaxing day.
Downtown Ferndale recently wrapped up their month-long celebration of art, called ArtMarch. It concluded with a public input session so residents and visitors could share their ideas for what might come next in the creative community center. “Art is part of Ferndale’s identity,” said Ferndale Councilperson Rolanda Kelley told Oakland County Times at the event. Kelley has lived in several places through her life, but when it came time to relocate to the Metro Detroit area 15 years ago, she wanted to be in the place that is “eclectic and artsy. When the DDA launched the You Belong Here art series in 2023 it particularly spoke to Kelley.
“I’ve never quite felt like I belonged anywhere before Ferndale,” she said. “You Belong Here encompasses what I think Ferndale is, it’s a place for everyone.”
When you visit be sure to check out amazing restaurants like Pop’s for Italian, One Eyed Betty’s, and Tigerlly which support Oakland County Times. You might also find new friends or enjoy the artwork on the walls of Affirmations Community Center which serves the LBTQ+ community and allies.
And as the summer event season starts to ramp up, there will be even more fun in Downtown Ferndale. Keep up with the latest events, art, businesses and more at https://downtownferndale.com/.
