Howell
A handsome old downtown that knows how to light up November and keep February occupied.
Howell is a designated Great American Main Street community.
Find the Basement Bar
Begin at Good Sense Coffee Company, photograph the old downtown facades, then locate the rear-alley entrance to 2FOG's. Consider it a scavenger hunt with dinner at the finish.
The February Market Without Frostbite
Visit the Howell Opera House Winter Market on February 7 or 21, browse local makers, and finish at The Silver Pig. Winter culture, conducted mostly indoors.
Saturday: Explore Howell's downtown, historic buildings, independent coffee shops, and restaurants. Sunday: Visit an Opera House Winter Market on a scheduled date, or travel to a nearby recreation area for sledding or skiing. Finish with dinner at Cello.
Begin with coffee at Good Sense, walk Grand River Avenue, and have lunch at Cleary's. Explore downtown shops and the Opera House, then finish with dinner and drinks at 2FOG's Pub or The Silver Pig.
- 01
Cleary's Pub
A downtown pub for substantial food and a comfortable seat after a cold walk.
117 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 517-546-4136 · Website ↗
- 02
2FOG's Pub
A basement-level speakeasy-style pub entered from the rear alley. Finding the door is part of the outing.
118A W Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 517-518-8056 · Website ↗
- 03
The Silver Pig Bar & Oyster Room
Oysters, cocktails, and shareable food in a compact downtown setting. Winter doesn't require every dinner to involve gravy.
102 S Michigan Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 517-798-8008 · Website ↗
Smoked barbecue and cornbread
Rub pork shoulder with paprika, black pepper, salt, and garlic, then smoke slowly. Serve with a skillet cornbread made with buttermilk and coarse cornmeal.
Fresh Italian pasta
Make a simple egg pasta using flour, eggs, and salt. Cut into ribbons and dress with butter, roasted mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan.
Three things most people walk past.
- The historic Opera House facade above the street
- Ornamental masonry and upper-story windows along Grand River Avenue
- Evening reflections from downtown shopfronts on wet or snowy pavement
- 01
2FOG's Pub
The downstairs, alley-entrance atmosphere makes this the more theatrical choice for a drink.
118A W Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 517-518-8056 · Website ↗
- 02
Cleary's Pub
An established downtown pub with food, drinks, and a familiar neighborhood atmosphere.
117 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 517-546-4136 · Website ↗
- 03
The Silver Pig Bar & Oyster Room
Cocktails and oysters for a slightly more polished night.
102 S Michigan Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 517-798-8008 · Website ↗
- 01
Good Sense Coffee Company
An independent downtown coffeehouse with daily hours and a convenient location for exploring Grand River Avenue.
102 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 810-355-2349 · Website ↗
- 02
Black Iron Coffee Roasters
Small-batch coffee roasting and espresso in the historic downtown.
119 W Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 517-359-2997 · Website ↗
- 01
Indoor artisan market
The most dependable winter activity here: no snow required.
- 02
Cross-country skiing
The regional trail is used for skiing when adequate natural snow is present.
- 03
Kensington Metropark Ski Center
Cross-country ski equipment during supported winter operating periods
- The Friday after Thanksgiving belongs to Fantasy of Lights.
- Many downtown spectators combine the parade with shopping and dining.
- The Howell Melon is a local source of agricultural pride, even outside harvest season.
- The historic Howell Opera House operates as an arts and community venue.
- Fantasy of Lights is a major civic tradition entering its 42nd year in 2026.
- Grand River Avenue is the center of downtown commercial life.
- Howell Melon Festival reflects the region's agricultural identity, although its celebration takes place in August.
Local customThe Opera House Winter Market supports regional artisans through the cold months.
November 27, 2026; parade 7 PM
Fantasy of Lights Parade
The 42nd annual parade, themed Let It Glow, features illuminated floats, marching bands, and a downtown full of holiday spectators.
November 27, 2026; 5K at 6 PM, walk at 6:05 PM
Fantasy 5K & Family Walk
A festive run and walk immediately before the holiday parade.
November 8 and 22; December 6 and 13, 2026; January 10 and 24; February 7 and 21; March 7, 2027. 10 AM–2 PM
Howell Opera House Winter Market
An indoor market featuring handmade gifts, locally produced food, jewelry, and crafts. Free admission.
December 12, 2026, 9 AM–3 PM
Winter Whimsy Marketplace
A large holiday craft marketplace with more than 100 vendors and a Santa visit.
- 01
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Howell
A highway-accessible hotel with breakfast and an indoor pool.
1397 N Burkhart Rd, Howell, MI 48855 · 517-548-0100 · Website ↗
- 02
Hampton Inn & Suites Howell
A practical option near the commercial district, convenient for a regional weekend.
3900 Grand Oaks Dr, Howell, MI 48843 · 517-540-1800 · Website ↗
- 03
Kensington Inn of Howell
A smaller motel alternative listed by the Howell Area Chamber.
Bring a little Howell homeThe enamel camp mugDents add character. So does a little cocoa on the rim.Have a look ↗