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Like many small towns in the USA, Fenton, Michigan is a great place to live and our niece and husband chose to move there for the hallmark attributes of small towns. It is tidy, friendly, safe, affordable, pretty, convenient and fun.
All those attributes also make it a great destination for a curious traveler. My husband and I recently visited and were delighted with what we found.
A Town Called Fenton: A Little History
Originally named “Dibbleville” after its “discoverer” Clark Dibble, the town consisted of a handful of people, a sawmill and two small houses, all built beside the river.
The city’s current name reportedly came from the winner of a card game on August 24, 1837, between William M. Fenton (a lawyer and land speculator) and Robert LeRoy (a land speculator).
The consolation prize of the game, given to Robert LeRoy, was putting his name to LeRoy Street, the main route through the city. The game did not stop at one hand. The men continued on naming other streets, choosing names in turn, according to the fall of the cards.
The naming game has become a landmark for the town, and a whimsical statue of the card game adorns the front of the community center.
The Whimsy Continues
Photo by Sylvia Guarino
In the 1850s, the railroad reached and terminated in Fenton, making this village an important commercial and transportation center. Much of the town is centered on the railway’s importance, a clever demonstration of adaptive reuse.
The Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grille has a long history that began when it was built to accommodate the arrival of the railroads. No longer a hotel, the Tavern and Grille serves some appealing comfort food in a distinctly rustic, charming environment. In addition, ghost tales about the hotel over the years can be part of an evening’s entertainment, depending on your company.
In the book, “Haunted Michigan: Recent Encounters with Active Spirits” by the Reverend Gerald S. Hunter, the ghost stories include Fenton. Chapter 12 is “Some Ghosts Never Check Out,” highlighting the historic Fenton Hotel.
Photos with the story include outside shots of the hotel and windows. There is also a photo of table No. 32, where time and again a phantom intruder, dining solo with flesh and blood humans, orders a Jack Daniels, only to disappear before the server returns with his drink. That is only one of the many ghost tales one can hear, whether drinking or not.
Adaptive Reuse: The Jewel in the Crown of Fenton’s Eateries
Walking in the pretty town of Fenton, one can enjoy multiple pleasures. There is no litter, no graffiti, no traffic and no noise. But there is lots of greenery and flowers.
According to the literature composed by Fenton City Hall, the downtown area retains much of its historical look. The Shiawassee River also flows over a dam through the park in the center of town. The park is overlooked by City Hall and includes an old-fashioned gazebo and walkway by the river.
The history can be seen with the abundant use of the word railway and the intuitive renovations of old buildings are everywhere.
Best Tips & Tools to Plan Your Trip
The Vault Restaurant is in the Commercial State Savings Bank Building. The Fenton Fire Hall Taproom and Kitchen is a repurposed fire station built in 1923 that has found new life as a restaurant.
We lunched at The Laundry, a former laundromat. It is a trendy upscale restaurant, known for its eclectic menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Laundry offers everything from sandwiches to craft cocktails.
While the Crust Baking Company, owned by the same family who owns The Laundry, may not be adaptive reuse, the building oozes old-world charm. Famous for its artisan breads, pastries and baked goods, The Crust has been named the best bakery in Michigan. It’s a full-service restaurant for breakfast or lunch and has a nice selection of gluten-free options.
Things to Do in Fenton, Michigan
Fenton restaurants and bakeries are not the only establishments that give a nod to their past.
Yesterday’s Treasures is an antique store featuring the past as would the Fenton History Center, but glimpses backward can also be seen in other ways.
The Michigan Renaissance Festival (held in the town of Holly which borders Fenton) transports visitors back to the 16th century. It offers fun and interactive experiences with period-appropriate entertainment, food and activities. The festival is from mid-August through early October.
Another nostalgic event is Jinglefest in early December. This is one of Fenton’s biggest holiday events and the entire downtown area is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights.
Jinglefest features a parade, a tree lighting ceremony and festive activities throughout the downtown. It also includes live entertainment and a visit from Santa.
Additional activities include the Fenton Sculpture Walk where both permanent and temporary pieces are placed around the town enhancing its beauty and charm. There is a map of the walk to guide your strolling.
Summer months are particularly active all over town with a Fourth of July Festival called the Fenton Freedom Festival and Concerts in the Park every Thursday night during the summer.
There is also a Farmers market every Thursday night from May to September, and Back to the Bricks is a Classic Car Show held in August.
If you are not a great walker but want to attend these events or just see the town, there is a free trolley that operates 12 hours a day on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays into early January.
Water, Water Everywhere
No description of Fenton should neglect its location. Michigan is called the Great Lakes State and the Water Wonderland because it is bordered by 4 of the 5 Great Lakes and has thousands of miles of lakes and streams.
There are many lakes and streams in and near Fenton. Most, such as Seven Lakes State Park, have nice walking trails. You can also combine walking with birding. The two best experiences we had were at Holly Recreation Center, a 15-minute drive from Fenton and Kensington Memorial Park, 30 minutes away.
Both walks were memorable.
In Holly, we saw and heard a pair of Trumpeter Swans. Trumpeter Swans, the largest waterfowl in the USA, were once extinct in Michigan and the tale of how they were reintroduced to the state is touching and impressive.
Kensington has its own boasting points. Not only beautiful but magical. Put some seeds in your hand and hold it out for the Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches and other small birds to discover. Simply amazing.
Photo by Sylvia Guarino
Where to Stay in Fenton, Michigan
There are a couple of hotels in Fenton, Michigan but we chose Hyatt Place in Flint as it was only 15 minutes from family in either place. The hotel is clean and well cared for and staff were exceptionally friendly.
Author Bio: Sylvia Guarino is a retired Marketing Executive and a lifelong traveler.
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I enjoyed this piece very much. We live just north of Grand Rapids and rarely get to the east side of the state. However after reading Sylvia Guarino’s piece about Fenton,
It sounds like a very charming lovely little town. The photos, along with her descriptions leave one wanting to see it and experience it for themselves.
I love her description of the history of the naming of the town. I love birding too and the prospect of having wild birds eating out of our hand leave me wanting that experience too. I’m sure by the sounds of it, finding good eats will be easy as well. See you next summer Fenton or maybe even during the Christmas season.
Sounds like Fenton is your kind of town, Laurie! Thanks for your kind comment.