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Getaway Guide: One-Tank Trip To Dexter

For a great destination on a one-tank trip, the quaint town of Dexter promises charm perfect for any traveler. What you will find there is a downtown loaded with unique shops and restaurants with nearby recreation opportunities to suit anyone's needs. Relax in a bit of nature in a community of years gone by.
Dexter Calendar (Nicola James)
2013 Dexter Calendar (Credit: Nicola James)

Getting There

Dexter is located roughly 44 miles from Detroit, just west of Ann Arbor. From the northern suburbs, take I-96 west to the junction of west bound M-14. Continue on M-14 west until it intersects with I-94 west (on the west side of Ann Arbor). Continue to Exit 167 for Baker Road. Turn right on Baker, travel about three miles to Ann Arbor Road, where you will turn left right into downtown Dexter. To reach Dexter via I-94, take the freeway west bound to exit 167 for Baker Road and turn right on Baker. Travel three miles to Ann Arbor Road where you will turn left and follow it into downtown Dexter.

What To DoSummer Music Series at Monument Park
Downtown Dexter
www.dexterchamber.org

At Monument Park in downtown Dexter you will find a historic gazebo, which each summer becomes the stage for the Summer Music Series. These free concerts offer up some of the best local and regional musical groups along with jugglers and balloon artists to entertain the entire family. Along with the entertainment at the gazebo, shops in the downtown area remain open with special hours so visitors may take a walk, listen to the music and check out the offerings of the many unique shops of this quaint downtown.

Red Brick Kitchen and Bar
(credit: redbrickkitchen.com)

Joe and Rosie's Coffee and Tea
8074 Main St.
Dexter, MI 48130
(734) 253-2344While in downtown Dexter, take the time to stop in at Joe and Rosie's for a cup of gourmet coffee or a quick snack. This is a quiet coffee shop that offers a relaxing atmosphere a good selection of premium coffees, home-baked treats and light meals. It is the place that locals stop for a quick cup of coffee and with the free Wi-Fi.

Related: Greenfield Village: A Michigan Staycation Destination

DexterHuron
(credit: metroparks.com)

Dexter-Huron
6535 Huron River Drive
Dexter, MI 48130
(734) 426-8211
www.metroparks.comPrice: $25 annual passes/$5 day passes

If you are looking for a place to take a calm ride in a canoe or kayak, somewhere to catch a fish or to just have a picnic, then Dexter-Huron Metropark has what you seek. Canoe and kayak rentals are available where for a relaxing three-mile ride. Reservations are required, so it is best to call ahead to either the park or to Skip's Canoe Livery at (734) 769-8686, which is the vendor providing the service for the park. Picnic areas are available at Dexter-Huron where you will find grills, a children's play area and picnic tables.

HudsonMills
(credit: metroparks.com)

Hudson Mills Metropark
8801 N. Territorial Road
Dexter, MI 48130
(734) 426-8211
www.metroparks.comPrice: $27 weekends/$23 weekdays/$15 seniors any day

As with all of the Metroparks that sit along the Huron River, there is plenty to do but if you are looking to play a round of golf, then the Hudson Mills Golf Course is the place to go. There are cart rentals, a club house and all the amenities you have come to expect in addition to 18 great holes to play. If golf is not on the agenda, then consider taking a walk on one of the many nature trails or if you have your bicycle along, explore a paved track that offers a view of the park for the two-wheeled set.

Related: Getaway Guide: Weekend Road Trip To Traverse City

Terry-Bs-Restaurant-Bar
(credit: terrybs.com)

Dining

Terry B's Restaurant & Bar
7954 Ann Arbor Road
Dexter, MI 48130
(734) 426-3727
www.terrybs.com/

If you are looking for upscale dining, this is the place to go. Housed in a restored Greek revival farm house, not only will you find some of the best food you have ever eaten but the atmosphere is one that should not be missed. Chef Doug Hewitt oversees the preparation of a unique range of dishes from the likes of goat cheese tartlet to roast of Culver Farms duck. To serve the best and freshest meals, Hewitt purchases much of the meat, vegetables and dairy products from local farms, creating an experience that includes some of the best meals you will find in Dexter with the best products the Dexter area has to offer. The wine list at Terry B's is extensive, and the restaurant has been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past five years.

Red Brick Kitchen and Bar
(credit: redbrickkitchen.com)

Red Brick Kitchen and Bar
8093 Main St.
Dexter, MI 48130
(734) 424-0420
www.redbrickkitchen.comWhen the locals tell you are going to get a meal that satisfies your cravings at a price that allows you to feed the kids, you know you have found the family place to eat. This is what you will find at the Red Brick Kitchen and Bar. From a wide selection of burgers and sandwiches to top-grade steaks and dinners such as balsamic-glazed salmon or spicy rustic Tuscan, there is something for everyone. Also enjoy specialty pizzas, soups, salads and a wide selection of appetizers. For the adults, there is a wide selection of beers from around the state and the world along with a wide selection of wines.

Award winning freelance writer and photographer Lawrence DiVizio is based in Southeast Michigan and works to convey in words and images the world around us. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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