Birmingham

For relief from Detroit's grit, drive 30 min. north to Birmingham, a city of nearly 19,000, which locals consider Michigan's answer to Beverly Hills. That's quite a stretch. But Birmingham remains the center of Michigan's suburban wealth. Check out the shops, restaurants and bars along East Maple Road or Old Woodward Avenue (you'll find the usual outposts of chains like Panera Bread and Starbucks). For a more regal dining experience try The Townsend Hotel's The Rugby Grille, where brunch serves up a Crème Brulee brioche French toast.

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