Built in the 1990s, Laurel Park Place departs from the wide-open mall look and has the feel of a series of shopping courts. Shops tend toward the elegant and the upscale. The largest Jacobson's clothing store in the chain is the anchor. Laurel Park Place also has the only Parisian store in Michigan. Dining options are a cut above the usual mall fare. Laurel Park Place has spawned the familiar satellite system of stores, eateries and office buildings, transforming a sleepy section of the western suburbs into a central destination along the burgeoning I-275 corridor.

Little Dublin's Sports Pub is a nice little place to enjoy an evening in the company of some good music and appetizing food. The Pub serves a variety of burgers and grilled preparations along with a decent collection of liquor to choose from. Every Friday and Saturday come here to tap and hum as the local bands and DJ's cause a movement of sorts. To sum it up, Little Dublin's Sports Pub is great for its food, drinks and music and hence is worth a visit.

Run by local legend Amir Daiza, Elektricity is the premier electronic music club in the area. The local stop for many top international DJs, tickets for the shows are available at the door and online. Many events are 18 and over only.

The Pike Room at the famed Crofoot is an intimate venue that can hold up to 250 people. Located on the second floor, it's a part of The Crofoot Ballroom & Balcony which caters to a larger number of people. This venue is perfect for small meetings, a get-together or even private parties. Know that being a part of The Crofoot, quality is a promise. The Room is well equipped with a bar, a stage, good views, Wi-Fi, flat screen TV's and great sound acoustics.

The Jacksons, Pink Floyd, Madonna, Backstreet Boys, World Cup Soccer teams, Pope John Paul II - they have all been here! This unique indoor stadium, with a seating capacity of 80,325, is host to music concerts, sporting events, religious gatherings and more. Its claim to fame includes being the first indoor stadium to host a soccer game, on fresh grass, during the 1993 U.S. Cup. Events are also held in its 100+ acre parking area like wrestling, motorcycle racing, college, high school football games and consumer shows. Silverdome is definitely beyond comparison.

Their motto is "You are a stranger here but once!" and it's certainly true - the friendly staff at this cozy watering hole will make you feel right at home. In addition to drinks, they also offer a small but tasty menu of standard pub fare (the burgers are particularly good). Thursdays and Saturdays are designated karaoke nights, so grab a mic and strut your stuff! Be sure to check the website for additional information and upcoming events.

Ray's Ice Cream has been family owned and operated since 1958. Located in Royal Oak, this quaint shop is a homey blast from the past. All their ice cream is made in house, and they feature flavors such as Mackinac Island Fudge, Detroit Club Coffee, Orange Pineapple, White Russian and Huckleberry. Prices are a bit higher than what you might expect for an ice cream parlor, but the portions are huge and warrant the extra cost.

The Northern Lights Lounge is a neighborhood bar that has an inviting, laid-back atmosphere. The bartenders here can mix up a wide variety of drinks, and a selection of favorite bar food like burgers and fries is available. Occasionally DJs will be here, and they even take requests!

Vinotecca serves up a world of wine along with a wide variety of classy dishes such as lobster macaroni and cheese and pan roasted salmon. This venue is a great place to taste, buy, and pair fine wine with great company and delicious cuisine. And if you really like the glass of wine you are having you can purchase a bottle of it for a discounted price. Call or see the website for more information.

Arguably metropolitan Detroit's most accomplished community theatre group, Stagecrafters operates out of the beautifully restored vintage neighborhood theatre, the Baldwin. It's located in downtown Royal Oak. On a main stage and a second stage, the group presents a variety of classic plays and musicals, with regular youth theatre performances. Organ-accompanied silent movies are also occasionally shown. It's an affordable alternative to grander theatres, and the performances are consistently good. Afterwards, you're in a great position to walk to a dining or drinking establishment on Main Street.