Good morning neighbors ☀️

Last Friday, I shared a bit about why we chose to build our life here.

Not right in the middle of everything, but just outside of it. Close enough to feel what’s going on, far enough to actually build something steady.

And the more I’ve thought about it, the more I realize… this place isn’t really defined by where it sits on a map. It’s defined by the people in it.

The business owners unlocking their doors each morning, figuring it out as they go.
The families who choose to support them.
The small, everyday decisions to stay local, to invest here, to be part of it.

That’s how this all gets built. Not all at once. Just over time, by people showing up.

So this week, I want to lean into that a bit more.

We’re going to highlight 100 local businesses in 100 days. Just putting more eyes on the people helping shape this area.

If there’s a business you think should be featured, just reply to this email and send it over.

Let’s keep building this together.

In today’s 59:

🎨 A hands-on workshop worth getting out for
🍎 A local spot everyone keeps going back to (plus a job fair)
🎉 Events happening around the area this week
🏡 A few homes currently on the market locally

🎨 Hat & Handbag Burning Workshop | AR Workshop Macomb | Macomb | Apr 10 | More

Alright crafties… grab a friend or come solo, but either way, this is a good way to spend a few hours.

Not one of those events where you’re just standing around wondering what to do next. You actually sit down and make something.

They walk you through designing your own hat or handbag using a burning technique. It’s easy to get into, but still feels like you created something legit by the end.

Good for a casual night out, a low-key date, or just getting out of the house without it turning into a whole production.

And the best part… you leave with something you made, not just another receipt.

🍎 Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill | Armada | More

If you’ve lived around here for even a little while, you’ve probably heard someone say, “let’s just go to Blake’s.”

And that’s usually how it starts.

It’s one of those places that doesn’t need much planning. You go for a few hours, and it turns into more than that. Kids running around, people meeting up, grabbing a cider, maybe staying longer than you expected.

They’ve built it into more than just an orchard. Between the cider mill, events, and everything else they have going on, there’s always something happening without it feeling overwhelming.

It just works.

They’ve also got a hiring fair coming up on April 8th, which is a solid opportunity if you or someone you know is looking for something local.

That’s part of what makes places like this matter. It’s not just somewhere to go, it’s something that supports the community around it.

And around here, that goes a long way.

🧶 Make Your Own Chunky Blanket | Painting With A Twist | Shelby Twp | Apr 7 | More
Hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own cozy chunky blanket to take home.

💼 Blake’s Hiring Fair | Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill | Armada | Apr 8 | More
Hiring event for seasonal and full-time roles at one of the area’s most popular orchards.

🐶 IDH Trivia Night Fundraiser | I Heart Dogs Rescue | Clinton Twp | Apr 8 | More
Trivia night supporting local animal rescue efforts with games, prizes, and community impact.

🛍️ Mom 2 Mom Sale | Growing By Style | Clarkston | Apr 8 | More
Large resale event featuring kids items, clothes, toys, and more for families.

🐦 STEM Fun: Bird Feeders | Detroit Public Library | Detroit | Apr 8 | More
Interactive STEM activity where kids can build and learn while creating bird feeders.

🛍️ Sip and Shop | Impact 100 Macomb County | Shelby Twp | Apr 9 | More
Local vendors, shopping, and a chance to connect with the community in a relaxed setting.

🎶 Main Street Soul Live at the Rec Bowl | Rec Bowl | Mt Clemens | Apr 10 | More
Live music night featuring Main Street Soul with a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

🎨 Hat and Handbag Burning Workshop | AR Workshop Macomb | Macomb | Apr 10 | More
Creative workshop where you design and customize your own hat or handbag.

📄 Macomb Shred Day | Credit Union One | Macomb | Apr 11 | More
Secure document shredding event to safely dispose of personal paperwork.

🐾 National Pet Day Adoption Party | Macomb County Animal Control | Clinton Twp | Apr 11 | More
Adoption event helping local pets find homes while celebrating National Pet Day.

🎲 Board Game Night: Shelves of Shame | Sterling Heights | Apr 11 | More
Late-night board game meetup for casual and serious players alike.

🌸 Birmingham Spring Stroll | Birmingham Shopping District | Birmingham | Apr 11 | More
Seasonal stroll featuring local shops, activities, and spring-themed experiences.

🎸 OCD at Freddy’s | Freddy’s Bar & Grill | Clinton Twp | Apr 11 | More
Live band performance with a high-energy local crowd.

📚 Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale | Blair Memorial Library | Clawson | Apr 11 | More
Browse a wide selection of books at discounted prices while supporting the library.

Spring break is wrapping up, but there are still a few key dates coming up to keep on your radar:

  • May 22–25 — No School (Memorial Day Break)

  • June 8 — Secondary Half Day (Exams)

  • June 9 — All Students Half Day

  • June 10 — Last Day of School (Half Day)

A quick look at homes around our community, from starter options to larger family homes hitting the market.

We feature a limited number of listings each week. If you’d like yours included, reply to this email and we’ll reserve a spot.

Thanks for reading What's Up 59.

See you all Friday.


Looking to get your business or event in front of the What’s Up 59 community? Reply to this email.

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