If you’ve never heard of, or been to Dixboro, I’m not surprised. It’s a bit off the beaten path. Actually, more accurately, it’s got a very beaten path called Plymouth Road, running right through the center of it. But if you blink, you could miss this tiny hamlet. It is just northeast of Ann Arbor.
The history of the Village of Dixboro dates back to 1824, when it was founded by retired seaman, Captain John Dix from the War of 1812. He supposedly selected the land for its good soil, nearby timber, and the creek that snakes through it. The original village contained about 25 acres, which was divided into 64 lots, plus a reserve, and public square. The latter of which was to be used for construction of a church and school.
At one point the village grew to include at least two sawmills and two gristmills, three taverns, an ashery, a cooperage, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a creamery, a brick kiln and a post office. It might have continued to grow, had it not been for the railroad. Rumor had it that the second Michigan railroad line, between Detroit and St. Joseph, was originally going to head through Dixboro. Instead, a route along the Huron River, took it through what is now its much larger neighbor of Ypsilanti. Not all is lost, though. The relative quiet is the source of much of the village’s charm.
Hollywood-style lights and an extra flare to this Dixboro cafe.
This small café is an excellent place to start any Dixboro adventure. Chat with locals, while getting your java fix. The unique name was inspired by the love story of the original founder’s parents, Muriel and Oscar Tankanow. The couple met at a restaurant in upstate New York called MoonWinks. They dated briefly before Oscar left to fight in WWII. Despite the distance, he wrote to Muriel every day from foxholes in Europe, then returned home to marry his true love and start a family.
Under relatively new ownership (2022), this local favorite has kept its love of community, while adding some new touches. If coffee isn’t your jam, you can find plenty of sandwiches, salads, and desserts to enjoy. In the evenings, it’s also a tavern, serving up mocktails, cocktails, beer, wine, seltzers and ciders. The tavern menu also includes pizza.
Wooden paths complement dirt trails in the Cherry Hill Nature Preserve.
Take a break from life’s hustle and bustle, with a stroll into the woods. This nature preserve is conveniently located a few little turns away from the heart of Dixboro. Park along the road and wander in. If you don’t have a trail app, don’t worry, maps are typically available on a sign at the front entrance. This area is filled with diverging paths that make for relatively short easy hikes, with a few small hills along the way. The primary loop is 1.6 miles, and can get a little muddy at times, so come prepared.
The preserve offers 160 acres of diverse terrain that includes rolling hills, wetlands, meadow, woods, and even part of Fleming Creek. All in all, it is approximately one half mile square, with a variety of paths to explore on foot, bike, or snowshoe, depending on the season. There is a resident owl population, so keep your eyes peeled. You may also spot some bluebirds and warblers.
The old English-inspired Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden is one of eleven unique garden designs at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
If you prefer more flora than fauna, and especially flowers in bloom, then you may want to add a wander through this collection of eleven gardens to your itinerary. Run by the University of Michigan, this site features bonsai, native and medicinal plants, perennials, and others, blooming seasonally from spring to first frost.
Among the options to explore, are a labyrinth and a rock garden. Discover different cultures with a stroll through the Herb Knot Garden, which is home to a rich tapestry of plants that all have culinary, textile, or healing significance, in various parts of the world. There is even a dedicated Children’s Garden to enchant the little ones.
Home furnishings abound on the second floor of the Dixboro General Store.
From the outside, this may look like a lot of surviving old general stores, in a lot of small towns across America. Trust me it’s not. You won’t find bags of flour, hammers, or postcards here, but you will still hear the familiar squeak of old wooden floors, and can indulge in ten cent candy. The original building is nearly two centuries old. In that time, it has served as a post office, barber shop, gas station, and even a dance hall.
Nowadays it is known to be one of the premier home furnishing shops in all of the state. Saunter through different rooms on both the lower and upper levels and you’ll come across an abundance of products charmingly displayed. There is a bevy of American-made furniture available. You may also find wall décor, lighting, candles, books, beauty products, toys, clothing, and so much more.
Each May, the outdoor carriage barn and garden open up with accessories for decks, sun porches, and outdoor living spaces. There are funky signs, cool planters, primitive accents, unusual birdhouses, and tons of garden stakes. Roam through the garden for birdbaths, furniture, lawn ornaments, and other spring delights. Take note that the outdoor features close after Father’s Day.
The stark gray sign directs passers by to The Dixboro Project, a culinary complex on Plymouth Road.
Without a doubt, one of the other highlights this hamlet offers, is The Dixboro Project. It would be easy to miss, were it not for the intriguing large gray sign by the road. The first time I visited, I drove right by, then thought, what could the project be? I caught a quick glimpse, and immediately turned back around. The building and grounds alone, look like something off of the Food Network or HGTV.
The outdoor area is dotted with picnic tables sloping down a grassy knoll. There are options close to the building, or down by the creek. Along the back right of the building, you’ll spot The Boro. This little spot features fresh coffee, scrumptious baked goods, takeaway meals, and woodfired pizza. You can order online, or just walk in. While you wait, buy a bottle of wine or other beverage of choice, pick out your picnic table, and enjoy the respite.
For a grander experience, plan to dine at The Dixboro House, which comprises the rest of the building. Seating is available both inside and out, weather permitting. Brought back to life by visionary local restauranter, Sava Farah (think Aventura and Sava’s in Ann Arbor), this place is a culinary gem. There is at least a hundred years of eatery history to live up to there, and this team seems up to the challenge.
It boasts an impressive menu from the aforementioned woodfired pizza options to mains like duck leg served with bbq baked beans, bacon, and harissa. The service is equally exceptional. You can try to just drop in, but I highly recommend a reservation. Dining options include weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, or hit the bar for golden hour weekdays from 3pm-6pm.
Remnants of Captain John Dix’s original vision can still be seen today. The public square is now known as the Village Green, but it’s still home to an old schoolhouse and a church, as originally planned. It also has a small playground and hosts a farmers market on Friday afternoons. I doubt he envisioned the nearby massage therapy or yoga studio, but you’ll find those now too.
Whether you’re on your own for the day, getting out with friends, entertaining the kids, or looking for a dating destination, Dixboro has something to offer. Hit the road and have some fun.
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