Destination Wyandotte

QUIRKY FUN DOWNRIVER

by sandra dalka-prysby | photos by brett mountain

With views of the sparkling blue detroit river (locals brag that the river is especially blue in this downriver area because the water is filtered through coastal marshes) and almost 6,000 red begonias lining biddle avenue – wyandotte’s “main street” – this southeast wayne county city, named after its first inhabitants, the wyandot indians, is a perfect destination for a summer outing of shopping, dining, art and a touch of mysticism.

YOU GOTTA DO IT …

Get a glimpse into your future with a psychic reading along with a cup of tea (more than 25 custom blends) at Boston Tea Room. Mother-daughter team Carole and Heatherleigh Navarre own this 26-year Wyandotte landmark and employ 12 readers (“who have a genuine psychic gift,” according to Carole) who use tarot cards, tea leaves, numerology, astrology charts or a crystal ball for readings. (A 25-minute session with beverage and dessert is $40.) The store carries specialty gift items, such as geodes and crystals, more than 100 gourmet teas, and one-of-a-kind designer jewelry. Heatherleigh also operates Blue Lotus Center, offering holistic wellness and lifelong learning (meditation, $3 per session). (Boston Tea Room, 121 Elm St., 734.281.2244, www.bostontearoom.com; Blue Lotus Center, 3008 First St., 734.785.9566, www.bluelotuscenter.net)

PSST...

Mark your calendar for July 9-12 for the Wyandotte street art fair, a popular metro area summertime event for the past 47 years. More than 300 artists and crafters display their works amid entertainment venues, children’s activities and food offerings. (www.wyandottestreetartfair.org.)

NOW FOR A SWEET

The Candy Store. Enjoy the large collection of nostalgic candy, lunch boxes ($8.99-$14.50) and tin signs before picking up a half-pound of chocolate amaretto pecans ($3.29). Walk one block east of Biddle and Elm to Bishop Park, and enjoy your treat with a view of the Detroit River. If it’s a clear day, you can see the Detroit skyline. (3209 Biddle Ave., 734.282.7331, www.thecandy-wrapper.com)

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?

Good eats café & grill. Homemade food, especially the popular meat loaf openfaced sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy ($5.25), Brings the locals to this small 28-seat establishment. Special menu items are offered daily, as well as homemade desserts: the cherry pie ($2.50) Would make george washington’s mother proud. Owner tony trupiano’s wife, anne, is the dessert creator and baker. (125 Elm st., 734.246.4717)

SHOPPING BIDDLE AVENUE

Willow Tree (at right). If you’d like to sparkle in a casual sort of way, Christine Alexander’s denim and knit pieces embellished with Swarovski crystals are the answer (jeans, $125; jacket, $129; tank top, $62). This 3,500- square-foot store also carries fashions by Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman Design, Tribal Sportswear, Spanx in sizes 2 to 16, misses and petites. Shoes, including Onesole, and accessories, including Brighton Jewelry, are available to complete any outfit. (3000 Biddle Ave., 734.282.8231, www.willowtreefashions.com) Traffic Jam Boutique. Owner Maria Dominguez and daughter/manager Mikelle Vargas say personal, one-on-one service is what has brought customers to this shop for more than 20 years. Another draw: a large assortment of gowns and dresses, trendy casual wear, fashion jewelry, and shoes for special occasions. (3019 Biddle Ave., 734.285.9029) The Owl’s Korner Gift Shop. In 340 square feet on two floors, owner Mary Ann Burgess offers such unique items as “Pursenality Banks” by Betty Singer (shaped like purses in various themes, $26.50) and Christopher Radko hand-blown glass ornaments ($30 and up). The charming shop is in downtown Wyandotte’s most recognizable Charles Dickens-like building, which was erected in 1918. (3050 Biddle Ave., 734.285.0077, www.owlskorner.com)

AN ART STOP

River’s Edge Gallery. For more than a quarter of a century, Patt Stack (below, left) has introduced many accomplished Michigan regional artists and their works to the public in this gallery, which is highly regarded on the art scene. Special showings and meet-the-artist nights are held every third Friday. On July 18, Flat Rock artist Ted Johnson will feature his new art form, digital painting, and Lee Vanderwalker of Southgate will show her hand-painted silks. The gallery also houses the Fine Art Photography of Patricia Izzo gallery (734.347.0987, www.izzophotography.com). (3024 Biddle Ave., 734.246.9880, www.artattheedge.com). Biddle Gallery   is owned by Karen and Ross Thomas and is a testament to the inspiration this couple gets from the local and national artists whose work they carry. Both Biddle and River’s Edge represent artists who have graced Strut’s covers, and their art is always accessible, affordable and interesting. (2840 Biddle Ave., 734.281.4779, www.biddlegallery.com)