234 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-565-8775; foundsoundvinyl.tumblr.com
Large, busy, and always packed with new and used vinyl, this store is quite a boon to the Ferndale area. It's a great place to get lost for an hour or two while your boyfriend or girlfriend visits a nearby salon, health food store, tattoo parlor, or bookshop.
Previous Winners
Shops + Wares
Various locations; 800-400-VEIN; skinandvein.com
Skin and Vein has been in the business of minor and advanced medical skin care as well as cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal in the Detroit metro and Flint areas for 24 years, and boasts a loyal following of return customers revering them for their excellent informative consultation and friendly service.
Various locations; loverslane.com
Lover's Lane has plenty of intimate apparel for both women and men, from lingerie, garter belts, corsets, robes, costumes, and thongs. This Michigan-based chain provides a clean, sex-positive environment and a friendly staff eager to help you explore your inner kink, though you can shop discreetly on their website as well.
313-529-2988; detroitmfg.com
Founded in 1991 by Detroit-based designer Robert Stanzler, Detroit MFG designs are representative of the city's identity and are locally produced. They have been featured in such high-profile publications like GQ and Rolling Stone, and have been worn by legendary acts from Michigan and beyond such as Eminem and Metallica.
120 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham; 248-644-1651; astreinjewelers.com
Choosing a band that will express the love, unity, and togetherness between a man and woman is an important thing, so why go just anywhere? Birmingham's Astreins has 30 years of experience in a community that knows how to appreciate fine jewelry. Yes, this place has plenty of great brands, but why not go with a custom piece? They're capable of just about anything at Astreins.
Various locations; puredetroit.com
Since 1998, Pure Detroit has offered up apparel emblazoned with Detroit slogans, becoming a staple in many metro Detroiters' (and expats') wardrobes. But they're also purveyors of a bunch of other ways to take a piece of the Motor City home with you, including kitschy seatbelt belts and other Detroit-made favorites, like Pewabic tiles.
Originally concocted in 1907 by Russian-American bakers Ben and Perry Feigenson, Faygo would go on to take our region by storm. The brand's dozens of flavors are likely a key to its enduring popularity — and of course, you can't underestimate the power of the unofficial endorsement of the Insane Clown Posse.
39025 Warren Rd., Westland; 734-722-8600; westland-automotive-group.com
If you ever find yourself stranded in Wayne County with a flat tire or dead battery, call Westland Car Care. They have a fleet of tow trucks and service vehicles that will get to you fast, any time of day or night.
23459 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-2100; wetmorestireandautorepair.com
Wetmore's has been in business for 87 years, so they know a thing or two about auto repairs. These guys are known for their friendly service, speedy diagnosis, and thorough repairs. Plus it was once a Packard dealership, giving it all kinds of street cred.
43933 Van Dyke Ave., Utica; 586-726-0300; autometriccollision.com
Your car will look better than it did before the accident. This place is known for not only fixing the car but cleaning it from top to bottom before they return it to you. Opened in 1975, Autometric has built a reputation for superior work, excellent customer service and on-time delivery.
