Sponsored By Big Lake Candy

Long before the city’s automotive boom or musical fame, Detroit’s identity was shaped by the mysterious legend of the Nain Rouge — a red dwarf said to be a harbinger of misfortune.

This local tale dates to the 18th century, when Detroit’s founder, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, reportedly encountered the red-skinned creature by the river after ignoring a fortune teller’s warning.

Soon after this fateful meeting, Cadillac suffered severe setbacks, giving rise to stories of a curse linked to the Nain Rouge.

Detroiters have continued to connect sightings of the Nain Rouge to citywide crises, like the Great Fire of 1805 and the 1967 riots.

Today, the annual Marche du Nain Rouge parade unites thousands in Midtown, blending performance art and satire as revelers symbolically banish the creature — reclaiming Detroit’s luck and highlighting its enduring, unique spirit.

Wyandotte, Michigan is one of Metro Detroit’s oldest riverfront communities, tracing its origins to the early 1700s.

Once home to the Wyandot (Huron) Native Americans, the city’s early life centered on the Detroit River’s rich resources.

French fur traders expanded the area’s influence, paving the way for Wyandotte’s rise as an industrial powerhouse.

Incorporated in 1867, Wyandotte flourished with manufacturing giants like the Michigan Alkali Company, exporting essential chemicals worldwide.

The Detroit River shaped the city, lined with shipyards, docks, and lively neighborhoods expanding inland.

Recently, Wyandotte has balanced historic preservation with revitalization, transforming landmarks like the old McKinley Elementary School and investing $12 million in downtown improvements.

Today, residents and visitors enjoy unique shops, restaurants, public art, and a scenic, walkable waterfront, keeping Wyandotte’s local heritage alive while embracing modern growth.

Big Lake Candy is Metro Detroit’s go-to for freeze-dried treats that hit harder than the originals. From crunchy Skittles to melt-in-your-mouth taffy, every batch is small-batch crafted in Michigan and packed with bold flavor. You’ll find them at local events, hospitals, and pop-ups all over the region — and every bag is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack, stocking up for the holidays, or looking for unique gifts, Big Lake Candy delivers fun, addictive, “just one more” sweetness that keeps people coming back.

Try them once — you’ll understand the hype.

Thanksgiving Day doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen.

Several Detroit-area restaurants will welcome guests with festive meals on November 27, 2025.

Eddie Merlot’s Prime Aged Beef and Seafood in Bloomfield Hills tempts diners with hand-cut steaks, crispy parmesan truffle fries, and fresh seafood.

In Dearborn, Clara’s Table crafts breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from prime New York strip with herb frites to custard French toast and house-made pastries.

The Apparatus Room in Detroit serves up a hearty, family-style Thanksgiving with heritage turkey, sweet rolls, and local vegetable dishes in a historic firehouse setting.

Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse in Northville delights with skewered meats inspired by southern Brazil.

For international flavors, ShiangMi Chinese Fine Dining in Farmington Hills presents authentic dishes from South-Central China.

Check with each spot for specific hours and make reservations early, as tables fill quickly for the holiday.

Metro Detroit drivers are enjoying easier commutes as a new traffic signal system developed by the University of Michigan goes live in Oakland County.

This cutting-edge technology uses vehicle GPS data to streamline traffic flow and minimize stops.

Installed at 13 intersections—four on 8 Mile Road in Farmington Hills and nine on 12 Mile Road in Royal Oak—the system is already making an impact.

Farmington Hills has seen delays drop by 30% and stops by 40%, while Royal Oak has achieved a 20% improvement in both areas.

Requiring input from just 5% of vehicles, the system recalibrates every few weeks and offers a cost-effective upgrade to existing traffic control.

With U.S. Department of Transportation support, the rollout aims to expand to 40 intersections within six months, boosting efficiency and safety for the region.

Detroit glows with holiday magic as iconic events and dazzling lights fill the city with warmth and joy.

The 22nd Annual Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park kicks off festivities on November 21 with a towering Norway spruce, vibrant music, skating shows, and family fun.

On November 27, America’s Thanksgiving Parade transforms Woodward Avenue into a bustling showcase of balloons, floats, and bands, uniting Detroiters in the spirit of gratitude.

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo invites visitors to wander beneath a canopy of five million LED lights, creating a dreamlike winter landscape from November 23 to January 4.

Magic of Lights offers a spectacular drive-through light show, while Beacon Park’s Candyland dazzles with oversized gingerbread houses and whimsical installations.

Menorah in the D and Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village add tradition and nostalgia, ensuring unforgettable moments for families and friends this season.