Allen Park is one of those small towns in Michigan where, if you blink, you'll probably miss it—but trust me, you won’t want to. This adorable tiny town is within walking distance from my home, and I've kind of fallen head over heels in love with it.

Whether you’re just passing through or have one day to soak it all in, this town has a surprising array of must-visit spots that will leave you entertained, caffeinated, and maybe even slightly overfed. To help you navigate this whirlwind adventure, we’ve compiled a Top Ten list that would make David Letterman proud. So, grab your walking shoes and an appetite: Allen Park awaits!

1. Ace Hardware: 15819 Southfield Road

Yes, we’re starting with a hardware store. But not just any hardware store—Ace Hardware in Allen Park is like the Swiss Army knife of small-town life. Need a wrench? They’ve got it. A houseplant? Sure. Some conversation with an employee who knows the exact size of a screw from across the store? Absolutely. Stuffed animals that can be warmed up so you can cuddle when you're feeling under the weather? Check.

Plus, did you know that every Ace Hardware is independently owned? Knowing that the money I spend there goes into the pockets of actual humans and not mega-corporations makes me very happy indeed.

2. Pink Garlic Indian Cuisine: 8625 Ecorse Road

Pink Garlic Indian Cuisine serves up some of the best curries and naan you’ll find in town. It’s the perfect place to spice up your day—literally. Whether you’re into a mild butter chicken or you like your food so hot it could double as a furnace, Pink Garlic has you covered. This new addition to Allen Park is really spicing things up!

3. Los Arcos Restaurant Cantina: 4327 Allen Road

Cool down with a margarita at Los Arcos, Allen Park’s go-to Mexican restaurant. Well, there are actually at least three within a mile of each other. Los Arcos just happens to be my personal favorite. This Allen Park gem features an authentic Mexican menu that is, quite honestly, huge. From the moment they sit a basket of chips and a ramekin of salsa in front of you, you know you're in for one of the best Mexican meals of your life.

Their tortas are incredibly tasty and the wide variety of taco options is staggering. Hot tip: don't sleep on the soup at Los Arcos - it's spectacular.

4. Top Shelf Liquor 6660 Allen Road

Small-town liquor stores are something else,, and this one is no exception. Top Shelf Liquor has an impressive selection of spirits and wine. However, it's the beer selections that make this place shine. There are more than five coolers full of beer from local and national breweries, making it feel like a more sophisticated version of a gas station beer run. Sometimes, it takes me a full hour to pick—there are that many options.

5. Qazzaz Coffee: 5410 Allen Rd

New to the Allen Park scene, Qazzaz Coffee is your next caffeine fix. The house-roasted coffee here makes your regular cup of joe look like it’s playing in the minor leagues. Strong, bold, and flavorful, this coffee is the equivalent of getting slapped awake—in the best possible way. The shop itself is gorgeously designed, with plenty of tables and lush seating...and something good is always on the television.

This new coffee shop has become a weekly stop for me, because I fill up a carafe every week to bring to my ceramics class.

6. Nadga’s Ceramics: 5003 Allen Road

Nadga's Ceramics is why Wednesdays are my favorite day of the week. This isn't the sort of ceramics shop you slip into, hoping to find a finished treasure. Sure, the shelves are filled from bottom to top with incredible creations. However, not all of them are for sale. In fact, most of them are works in progress from one of Nadga's students.

Nadga’s Ceramics is where you’ll find your inner artist—whether you knew you had one or not. (Spoiler alert: I had no idea I would be good at this. I started the class because of a grudge I had against the building.) Want to create a whimsical garden gnome? Go for it. Have an urge to create a lopsided vase that your family will have to display because you made it? This is your spot. It’s therapeutic, and who knows? You might leave with something that doesn’t look like a kindergartener made it. But hey, even if you do, that’s art, baby.

New sessions begin every ten weeks. And if you end up in my class, you're in for a weekly party with coffee from Qazzaz and songs from the 50s. Yes, we all sing along.

7. May’s Bakery: 6617 Allen Road

Ah, May’s Bakery—where the air smells like sugar and happiness, and the pastries could probably solve world peace. Their cookies and croissants are great, but the real showstopper? The frosting. Seriously, it’s the best I’ve ever eaten in my life. You’ll leave with a full stomach and zero regrets about skipping your diet for the day—consider it the happiest decision you’ll make all week.

8. Moro’s: 6535 Allen Road

There’s no better place than Moro’s for dinner, an old-school joint that feels like a trip back in time, except with infinitely better food. Their Veal Oscar will make you question why you’ve been wasting your time making food at home, and the cozy, vintage ambiance makes you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit. Just be prepared to roll yourself out the door afterward because the portions are generous, and the food is impossible to stop eating. Not that you'd want to, of course. My first visit to this local restaurant was so fantastic, I just had to write about it. It's one of the best meal experiences I've had in my life, and I cannot wait to go back.

9. McNally’s Shoes: 6536 Allen Road

I didn't know what to expect the first time I walked into McNally's Shoes. I loved every instant of being there and left with insoles that would literally change my life. "The Shoe Guy" also sent me home with three tomato plants with precise instructions on how to help them thrive.

This family-run shoe store has been making sure Allen Park stays well-heeled for years. The owner/operator is basically a shoe whisperer—he’ll take one look at your feet and hand you the most comfortable shoes you’ve ever worn. Whether you’re looking for something sturdy or stylish, McNally’s has it all... you may just need to order it out of a catalog because he doesn't keep a ton of variety in stock.

It's totally worth it, though. And let’s face it: your feet deserve a little love after walking around town all day.

10. Mugly’s: 3000 Enterprise Drive

You can’t wrap up your day in Allen Park without visiting the infamous Mugly’s, located inside a bright pink Best Western hotel. Yes, you read that right—a restaurant inside a pink hotel. I'm not exaggerating when I say it is the first restaurant I bring everyone who visits me to. It's that good.

It's the sort of place that makes you question everything you thought you knew about dining. Despite the quirky location, Mugly’s serves seriously good food with an equally serious amount of charm. Whether you’re there for a hearty dinner or a quick bite before checking into a hotel room you never planned on booking, Mugly’s will surprise you in the best way possible.

Plus, let’s be honest—there’s something endlessly entertaining about telling your friends you ate dinner at a Best Western and it was actually amazing. Just don't forget to rub Mugly's nose for luck before you leave!

Allen Park, Michigan, might not be the first place that pops into your head when planning a day trip, but it should be. This charming town offers a little bit of everything—from strong coffee to strong cocktails, cozy shoe stores to art adventures (including the Little Free Art Gallery downtown), and a whole lot of local flavor in between. So, if you’ve got 24 hours to spare, make it a day in Allen Park. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a new pair of shoes, and maybe even a whole new appreciation for this hidden gem of a Michigan small town.

Be sure to bring your appetite, though. The food is the star of this small city. It might take you two days to get through it all, so you might want to stay overnight. Here's a rental that we love - it sleeps six so you can bring your best foodies along!