19th March 2024
Travel

Sterling Heights, Michigan: One of Detroit’s Core Suburbs

Overview

Sterling Heights is one of Detroit’s core suburbs. As the second largest suburb of the metropolitan and fourth largest city of the state, Sterling Height’s developments have always been stellar. Major state highways, roundabouts, and main roads complete the thoroughfares of the city, making it reachable at almost all points across Macomb County. Branches of the Clinton River wind their way throughout Sterling Heights, which only add up to its interesting mixture of infrastructure and natural landscape. 

When to Visit

Sterling Height’s holiday season is just stellar. Tourists can spread some cheer at the city’s elegant parties, and join the annual Festival of the Trees and Holiday Gala. In this celebration, tourists get to enjoy cold beverages, hot food, and hand-decorated trees. The festival also includes a Christmas Open House, which alone attracts more than 200 attendants. Held in July and August each summer, Sterlingfest is undoubtedly the city’s biggest event. Held in the massive Dodge Park, a crowd of thousands fill the carnival rides and food stands. Performances by several well-known and local artists are featured throughout the event. More than 12,000 guests head to the city in July for the American-Polish Festival. Its large turnout is primarily due to the huge Polish populace in Sterling Heights, and in the nearby cities of Warren and Troy. Local Polish bands and food fairs cap the event. The Memorial Day Parade is also one of the city’s favorite events. 

Exploring the City

The M-53 and M-59 Highways, known as Van Dyke Avenue and Hall Road, respectively, connect the city to nearby Mount Clements, Pontiac, and Thumb. The Hall Road passes through several large areas devoted to commercial and retail establishments. The city also has two recently built roundabouts, located at Utica, Dodge Park, and Municipal City center. The main thoroughfares include the 1 Mile Road, Utica Road, and Dequindre Road. The abundance of infrastructure makes it thoroughly navigable. Tourists can bring their own car, or avail of car rental services at Avis, Budget, or Enterprise. 

Shopping

Sterling Height’s shopping options are simply irresistible. The sprawling Lakeside Mall is Macomb County’s go-to place. Tourists can spend the day shopping at their favorite stores, or dine in one of the mall’s many restaurants. Major stores include Abercrombie & Fitch, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, PacSun, Sears, JC Penney, and Victoria’s Secret. If you’re looking for something more unique, you could also visit Detroit Chocolat for sumptuous patisserie, or scour through the eclectic finds of Countryside Craft Mall & Antiques. 

Best Dining Spots

The bakers of Olga’s Kitchen boldly claim the restaurant and bakery as the home of the best bread in the world. The bakery’s grilled-to-order Olga Bread has a secret recipe that will surely have first-timers and patrons agreeing. Specialties include the Original Olga sandwich, which has broiled lamb and beef topped with sauce, tomatoes, and onions. The bakery has recently expanded by serving burgers and Asian vegetables. Panera Bread offers similar options, and proudly makes their products from scratch daily. Most of the soups and salads offered are served in cute bread bowls.