Patch Passport: A Visitor's Guide to Dearborn

We wrote this daytrip guide to Dearborn for a summer series called Patch Passport. The other Patch sites in Michigan — from St. Clair Shores to Dexter and two dozen in between — have done the same. So no matter what Patch town you visit, you'll have a guide.

 Have more suggestions? Add them in the comments.

Two downtowns?

Dearborn's pretty lucky. While some cities have just one walkable stip of restaurants, bars and shops, we have two.

In East Downtown, you'll find a unique mixture of hip shops, history, and both Polish and Arab-American influence in the food and stores. On the west side, a bevy of places to eat, plus Dearborn's bustling nightlife – any night of the week.

Here are some spots you won't want to miss, according to Patch readers:

• / (east): A double-whammy of comics below, and records up top in one building.
• and (west): Best burgers in the state? Locals will say hole-in-the-wall Howell's, but Millers has received national recognition. You decide.
• (west): One of the oldest, biggest locally-owned record stores in Michigan.
• (east): Built in the 1920s, City Hall has astounding architecture and a neat nearby park.
• (east): Home-cooked food with friendly hospitality.
• (west): Good luck finding a seat at lunchtime.
• (west): A large antique mall with constantly changing inventory
• (east): As one Patch reader put it, "Polish with attitude."

Dearborn history

You can learn a lot about Dearborn's history at The Henry Ford. But most people think it's just about a Model T ride in Greenfield Village, or a photo-op with the Weinermobile.

Here are the lesser-known spots and experiences to take in the city's roots:

• : Don't forget to visit the McFadden Ross House and the Commandant's Quarters. Both worth seeing.
• : See where Ford's trucks are built up close!
• Ford Historic Homes District: A beautiful west downtown neighborhood of hundred year old homes, commissioned by Henry Ford himself.
• Springwells Park: Like a city within the city, Springwells residents are among the most proud of their neighborhood of unique homes, also designed by Ford architects.
• Fairlane Estate: Though the actual estate that Henry and Clara Ford called home is currently closed, the grounds are not. See the Rouge waterfall, the former boat launch, and Clara's rose garden.

Arab-American influence

Dearborn is known for its Middle Eastern cuisine, but there's also the culture, the hookahs, the bakeries – oh, the bakeries!

Here's where our readers say to go for the best Middle Eastern eats and experiences in the city:

• : The first museum in the world devoted to Arab American history, culture and art.
• : A longtime favorite restaurant on Warren Avenue for locals and visitors alike.
• : Ice cream and a variety of Arabic baked goods.
• : Roasted on site–buy it bagged, or sit down for a drink.
• : Fresh produce, unique products, locally owned.

Arts and culture

Dearborn residents are proud of the eclectic art, culture and performance experiences available in the city. Here's what they say to check out:

• : Catch comedy, dance, theater and music shows all year round.
• : Located inside of The Center, with local, regional and national art of all types.
• : Dearborn's top-rated community theater spot.
• Outdoor art: Including the in east and west downtown, scultures courtesy of the , and (beginning in July) the .

Best time to visit?

The city's 2012 Homecoming festival takes place Friday through Sunday at .

The festival is known for its spectacular fireworks on Saturday and Sunday, as well as a carnival that includes two dozen rides.

Headline entertainment is Dearborn’s Rhythm & Blues Blast Featuring Thornetta Davis and Laith Al-Saadi on Friday, WAR on Saturday, and Riot House on Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased at www.buymycarnivaltickets.com/event.asp or www.cityofdearborn.org. Call 313-943-2285 or visit www.cityofdearborn.org for more information.