Danny, you are a true Mensch, Congrats to you on your anniversary and birthday. things vintage, from clothing to col- lectibles. Not downtown proper, but worth the few extra minutes drive are women's clothier Milieu (756 Livernois, 248- 542-9119), exhibiting its moody genre along the nascent Livernois business district, and its neighbor Bubble & Bark (686 Livernois, 248-544-WAGG), a dog day care, pet boutique and do- it-yourself dog wash. And if your furry friend behaved, a visit to Fetch (22961 Woodward, 248-336-2621) pet bou- tique might be in order. Further, it's hard to resist explor- ing the cornucopia of tchotchkes at American Pop! (175 W. Nine Mile, 248-837-2127), or Naka (171 W. Nine Mile, 248-582-9113), which describes itself as a neighborhood indie bou- tique for men, women, babies and home. Beyond cool clothes, home accents and furniture can be perused and purchased as well, including custom, hand-made items from Beautiful Home (22963 Woodward, 248-336- 5200), many of which come from west Africa. You can also dress your home from among the collections at both Living Modes (23535 Woodward, 248-544- 1711) and Elegance by Design (231 W. Nine Mile, 248-582-0090). The musically inclined enjoy dis- covering hidden gems at The Record Collector (327 W. Nine Mile, 248-548- 9888), which specialize in used CDs, cassettes and, for those of a certain age, LPs; the aptly named Percussion World (22741 Woodward, 248-543- 7020) or New To You Music (172 W. Nine Mile, 248-545-4570) for vintage equipment and instruments. And, if you've not quite dropped from all this shopping, save time to explore Ferndale's one-offs: John King North (22524 Woodward, 248- 548-9050), the sibling to downtown Detroit's historic, and vast, purveyor of used and rare books; Natural Food Patch (221 W. Nine Mile, 248-546- 5908) health food store; and the every- thing-is-Irish Twisted Shamrock (276 W. Nine Mile, 248-544-4170). ARTS + CULTURE Despite its art scene being a bit thin and weedy, a handful of galler- ies are working to put Ferndale on the cultural map. These include the long-established Susanne Hilberry Gallery (700 Livernois, 248-541-4700) and the well-known Lemberg Gallery (23241 Woodward, 248-591-6623), both specializing in contemporary pieces in a variety of media by artists from around the world. At the Lawrence Street Gallery (22620 Woodward, 248-544-0394), the focus is a bit closer to home, what with its monthly exhibits showcasing the work of local artists. And probably the most interesting space is that of the Community Arts Gallery (22635 Woodward, 248-414- 6500), located inside the contempo- rary, Ron Rea-designed Paramount Bank branch. ENTERTAINMENT/ HANGOUT Many of the bars, lounges and restau- rants around town regularly feature live entertainment throughout the year. And you can even catch a flick and a beer during the twice-weekly Brew & View nights at the Magic Bag Theater (22920 Woodward, 248-544-3030), which also plays host to live musical performances. Lastly, check out the Ringwald Theatre (22742 Woodward, 248-556- 8581) for its farcical productions. EVENTS When the mercury rises, Ferndale takes to the streets. The city takes full advantage of its easy-to-navigate downtown and plays host to annual festivals celebrating art, food and pret- ty much everything else that gives this burg its most singular personality. Among the standouts are the annual Green Cruise, held several weeks before the Dream Cruise. Sponsored by the Sierra Club, the Green Cruise is a celebration of alternative forms of transportation and the people who use them. There's also Third Thursdays on the Nine where you can shop into the night before grabbing a bite, an annual Pub Crawl, a holiday Ice Festival, and September's annual Fine Art Show and Food Festival. For a complete "to do" list, visit www.downtownferndale.com . El omo RESTAURANT Serving The Community for 39 Years 22812 Woodward at 9 Mile Rd., Ferndale MI 248-548-5005 • Fax 248-548-1310 www.comospizza.com oci i t All Occasion Catering Dine in. Carry out. Delivery. aim $10.00 OFF .. Fresco RESTAURANT purchases of $50.00 or more ria eys• Or a ' m ' p y +r style dinners available. • Steaks whip, veal, fresh fish, chicken. ChitiPt6:, Dalutli 4111 Orchard Lake Rd. at Pontiac Trail • Orchard Lake, MI 248.855.1259 Exp 11/15/08 Dine in only • One per table Coupon must be presented Cannot combined with any other offer Sunday-Thursday 25% OFF the total bill OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER Italiafresca.net Exp 11/15/08 Dine in only • One per table Coupon must be presentes Cannot combined with any other offer THE PLACE FOR YOUR DINING PLEASURE AND PRIVATE PARTIES 5586 Drake Road • West Bloomfield, MI 48322 • 248-592-1500 Hours: Tuesday-Thursday Spm -1 Opm • Friday & Saturday 5pm - 11 pm Afternoon High Tea Friday & Saturday - 1 2:30pm4pm by reservation main October 23 • 2008 B41