The Cupcake Station (136 N. Old
Woodward, 248-593-1903).
Of course, if you'd rather enjoy an
ice cream sundae or chocolate covered
caramel, then you'd best make a bee
line for the charming Michigan-bred
Kilwin's (162 N. Old Woodward, 248-
646-5940); Schakolad Chocolate
Factory (167 N. Old Woodward, 248-
723-8008), known for its European-
style truffles; the gourmet kettle
corn, handmade caramel-coated or
handmade cheese-coated popcorn,
or buttery air popped variety at
HotPOP (233 N. Old Woodward, 248-
731-7510); or a true southeastern
Michigan classic, Sander's (745 E.
Maple, 248-594-2056), which, thank-
fully, for chocoholics anyway, has been
brought back to life.

SHOPPING
If, as they say, change is good, then
great things are happening in down-
town Birmingham's tidy retail district,
and the up and coming Rail District
(the Eton Street corridor south of
Maple, and adjacent Cole Street).
Indeed, Maple Road, running the
length of downtown from Bates to
Woodward is chock-a-block with
women's apparel and accessories
stores offering haute couture to comfy
sweats to everything in between.
Anchoring the western end of the
street, the high-styled Linda Dresner
(299 W. Maple, 248-642-4999) and
always chic Tender (271 W. Maple,
248-258-0212), with its stunning,
adjacent shoe and handbag boutique,
offer head-to-toe dressing direct from
the fashion capitals of the world.
The theme is slinky and sexy at
110 Couture (1-10 S. Old Woodward,
248-203-0110), weekend casual at
Sock-it-to-Me (120-B W. Maple, 248-
593-9413) and somewhere in between
at This is Me (202 E. Maple, 248-593-
8482).
Save room on the Visa, too, for
accessories from Oliver's Trendz (128
W. Maple, 248-646-2257), and the
day-to-night-to-weekend apparel from
Gracie's (154 W. Maple, 248-723-9443)
and Edward Dorian (237 Pierce, 248-
642-9424).
Brides-to-be will earn thanks from
their attendants with a stop at Miss
Kate's Maids (2121 Cole St., 248-646-
1695), while the bride herself is sure to
fall in love with the stunning gowns at
Roma Sposa (722 N. Old Woodward,
248-723-4300).
When the occasion calls for some-
thing more casual, Caruso Caruso
(166 W. Maple, 248-645-5151) is a

must stop for of-the-moment denim
and Ts in current and reissued retro
styles.
Skate and snow boarders, and those
who appreciate that street vibe style,
check out Pogo (383 Hamilton Row,
248-540-0150) and its next door
neighbor Revive (383 Hamilton Row,
248-593-9788).
While still a bit sparse, options
for men run the gamut, from the
fine suitings at Carl Sterr (742 N.
Old Woodward, 248-645-6675), the
Claymore Shop (908 S. Adams, 248-
642-7755) and Cicchini Custom
Clothier (180 S. Old Woodward, 248-
646-0535), to hard-to-find indie lines at
Peasant (205 E. Maple, 248-203-6470).
Whether truly active or sim-
ply interested in looking the part,
check out the sleek athletic wear at
Dominator (286 W. Maple, 248-644-
1475) or the just-opened Lucy (137 W.
Maple, 248-723-0168), or something
a little more old school from the half-
century-old Varsity Shop (277 Pierce,
248-646-4466).
And new to town, anchoring the
southern end of the main shopping
strip, is the Midwest's premier retailer
of all things related to winter sports,
Don Thomas Sporthaus (690 S. Old
Woodward, 248-220-1999), where the
selection is first rate (Volkl, Atomic,
Burton, K2, Bogner, Obermeyer, North
Face and Spyder), and the service
highly specialized.
The littlest ones of the family will be
able to get an early start on develop-
ing their shopping habits thanks to
a handful of spots to call their own:
the whimsical Purple Bear (244 E.
Maple, 248-645-0400), and eclectic
Babyhood (141 W. Maple. 248-540-
0105), while their bigger sisters will
find much to love at Roses are Red
(150 W. Maple, 248-723-8887).
The four-legged family members
will always find a big welcome at pet
boutiques Shaggy Chic (574 N. Old
Woodward, 248-594-5599) and Tea
Cups & Toys (271 E. Merrill, 248-594-
9494).
What makes shopping "in town:' as
the locals say, such a treat are the one-
offs like recently enlarged Lori Karbal
et. al. (560 N. Old Woodward, 248-258-
1959) for the newest and hard-to-find
skincare and cosmetics, or the recently
relocated Adventures in Toys (250 W.
Maple, 248-646-5550) where personal,
efficient service — plus compli-
mentary gift wrapping — is the rule
rather than the exception. Best of all,

BIRMINGHAM ON PAGE B14

BIG ROCK

WHERE

Atainaks
MEETS 2P. 4,/eciee

VISIT US TODAY AND ENJOY OUR:
:: HAND-CUT AGED STEAKS, DELICIOUS LANIII CHOPS AND SEAFOOD
:: ON-SITE BREW HOUSE :: EXTENSIVE WINE AND CHAMPAGNE CELLAR ::

G (:)1"-

ULTRA LOUNGE

(LOCATED UPSTAIRS)

BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 248.647.7774

BIGROCKCHOPHOUSE.COM

1 4 4 4 4 6 0

main

October 23 a 2008 B13