Troy

1. Shop at Somerset Collection

Shop at Somerset Collection, a massive, 22-acre regional luxury shopping mall opened in 1969 in Troy, Michigan. Somerset Collection has over 180 specialty stores. It was developed, managed, and co-owned by The Forbes Company and is one of the most profitable malls in the country not owned by a real estate investment trust. The mall is anchored by four department stores: Nordstrom, Macy's, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Dining options range from fast food counter-serve chains to casual, sit down restaurants. The third level of the Somerset Collection North has ten eateries called together The Peacock Cafes, which can accommodate about 650 guests. The mall offers valet parking, gift wrapping, stroller and wheelchair rental and free wifi access.

Find it at this Address: 2800 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084, Phone: 248-643-6360

2. Step back in time at the Troy Museum & Historic Village

The Troy Museum & Historic Village showcases the lifestyle of Troy Township in the 1800s and consists of ten carefully restored buildings, including the City Hall, log cabin, a brick one-room school, a Greek Revival Home, print shop, wagon shop, a general store, and a church and parsonage.

The village is managed by the Troy Historic Society, which offers a range of activities such as classes in a range of lost skills such as blacksmithing and vegetable canning; history field trips access to the historic and genealogical records, monthly history talks, group tours of unique locales and special annual events such as the Troy Traffic Jam and Christmas Open House.

Find it at this Address: 60 W Wattles Rd, Troy, MI 48098, Phone: 248-524-3570

3. Explore Stage Nature Center

Stage Nature Center is a 100-acre natural area built at the site of the former private Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center, which was purchased by the City of Troy in 2010. The new Nature Center Building contains classrooms, a research library, a wildlife viewing area, an observation beehive and a nature exhibition in the lobby. The Rouge River flows through the preserve and about 145 plant and animal species can be seen throughout the grounds.

There is an outdoor natural play area with climbing boulders, and a paved path with wheelchair access to the forest along the stream. There are over 1.5 miles of trails, which meander through meadows, upland forest, streamside wetlands, and a cattail marsh.

Find it at this Address: 6685 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, MI 48098, Phone: 248-688-9703

4. Visit Bharatiya Temple

Bharatiya Temple was developed by a group of Indian immigrants who have settled in Troy. The temple has a gift shop and offers seasonal events. The temple is a result of a dream to set up a self-perpetuating eternal cultural and religious organization which could fulfill the spiritual and cultural needs of the Indian immigrant community. The organization would represent all the great aspects of ancient Indian heritage and would foster and promote all aspects of Indian way of life, Indian philosophy and religion.

An 18-acre lot at the northwest corner of Troy was acquired on which the temple was constructed. The formal inauguration took place on July 19, 1981 by Swami Chinmayananda and Satguru Keshavadas. On November 19th and 20th, 1983 the deities, Sri Lakshmi Narayana, Sri Ganesh and Sri Hanuman were installed under the guidance of Sri Janaki Rama Sastry of Raja Rameshwari Peetham and Swami Alamlokananda of Vivekananda Monastery & Retreat at Ganges, Michigan.

Find it at this Address: 6850 N Adams Rd, Troy, MI 48098, Phone: 248-879-2552

5. Have lunch at Billy Sims BBQ

Billy Sims BBQ is a Tulsa-based fast food concept serving quality barbecue and traditional sides. established in 2004 with 50 restaurants in six states. Their Troy, Michigan location is a counter-serve small cozy spot popular for its smoked meat plates, sandwiches and great chili. College football theme décor reminds clients that Billy Simms not only makes great barbecue but was once one of the great NFL players.

The most popular sandwiches are The Heisman Sandwich with a slice of bologna, hot link, and pulled pork or chopped brisket, served with one side, pickle, pepper, and onion, and The Triple 20 Sandwich with pulled pork drizzled with Billy's secret sauce, topped with coleslaw and provolone cheese, served with one side, pickle, pepper, and onion. Billy Sims offers a range of Take Home Packs and catering.

Find it at this Address: 1977 W South Blvd, Troy, MI 48098, Phone: 248-688-9291

6. Enjoy the lunch buffet at Ashoka Indian Cuisine

Ashoka Indian Cuisine is an upscale restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and other Asian dishes in a spacious, relaxed space with white tablecloth and discrete Indian art on the walls. Ashoka specializes in Moghali, South Indian, Indian Chinese and North Indian Cuisine. Each entrée has its distinctive flavor and aroma derived from the blend of spices which are prepared each day individually for each dish. The meats used are fresh and are delivered to the restaurant each day.

Indian dishes Chefs specialize in originate from South Indian, North Indian, Indian Chinese and Home Style Tandoori Cooking. Indian Chinese cuisine is a blend of the subtle flavors of exotic Indian spices with the Chinese sauces. The menu includes typical Indian Chinese favorites such as Haka Noodles, Chilli Chicken, Manchurias etc. The best way to taste a bit of everything is to take advantage of the lunch buffet served hot every day.

Find it at this Address: 3642 Rochester Rd, Troy, MI 48083, Phone: 248-689-7070