Athletic-Minded Traveler

Create your own stir fry at this reliable chain located in Auburn Hills just west of Oakland University.  Select your protein, sauce, veggies and hit the grill. You can have your creation on its own, over rice or in a tortilla shell. Customize away!

This market offers visitors prepared foods, flowers, live music and fresh produce.  All the farmers' market goodies and you are in downtown Birmingham which means there are plenty of restaurants nearby.

There is a public parking lot on the east side of N. Old Woodward.

Located at the high-end Somerset Collection shopping mall, this Italian's wood fired grill means plenty of healthily prepared options.

Locally owned, this New Orleans themed eatery features live jazz, bourbon street décor, and of course French Quarter cuisine. It's noisy, boisterous and fun. There is multi-level seating, two bars, a sushi bar and an open kitchen.

It's modern and hip but not too trendy. The decor reminds us of a steakhouse gone casual. Exposed brick, interesting wall fixtures, exposed ceiling, big bar and wood floors come together to create a lively vibe.  The menu leans upscale with a nice array of meat and non-meat options. 

This homey café with wood tables, white lace curtains and lots of greenery serves up American and fusion vegetarian cuisine that is fresh, natural and healthy.

There are a number of Middle Eastern restaurants in the Detroit Metro area and La Marsa is a good option. Travelers will appreciate the big menu and relaxed vibe. The décor is traditionally ethnic with a big chandelier, booth seating, Middle Eastern art and flourishes.

The nautical themed dining room is upscale yet casual with warm lighting, cozy booths and lots of blue. It has a bit of a steakhouse feel, but it is seafood that takes center stage.

This Vietnamese soup house is family owned and locals like the vibe and food. The vibe is urban casual with exposed brick, wood floors, big windows, exposed ceiling ductwork, and multiple TVs over the bar.

In addition to the farmers' market, there is a flea market every Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm. About 60 farmers are represented and sell fruits, veggies, herbs, grains, plants, baked goods, cheeses and artisan crafts.

This local pizzeria/pub chain has made the Detroit metro area its home for over 60 years. The sports-themed restaurants have TVs, video games and other family friendly accoutrements, such as pizza! Shield's also offers entrée salads and other eats for those looking to go light.

Located in the Livonia Marriott, Lorraine's offers a casual yet sophisticated, warm and lively option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The bar is a great option for those dining alone.

Prepared foods, produce, trail mix, energy bars and more. Located in the Lampost Plaza.
Ready to go salads and sandwiches along with other goodies makes TJ's a great spot for a quick meal hit.

Open 8 am to 9 pm daily

Prepared foods, produce, trail mix, energy bars and more. Located behind CVS.
Ready to go salads and sandwiches along with other goodies makes TJ's a great spot for a quick meal hit.

Open 8 am to 9 pm daily

Bakery, dairy, brewery and restaurant all in one. Traffic evolved from a college (Wayne State) hang out to a local favorite for its fresh, homemade eats and diverse menu which changes every two weeks. It's also popular with the pre and post theater crowd.

Hooray for the salad bar, prepared foods and grocery staples. We always favor a Whole Foods meal when we are on the road. This Midtown location is about 21k square feet and has a mezzanine level.

Open daily 8a-10p

Come for the healthy prepared foods and fresh salad bar. Whole Foods offers lots of gourmet goodies for all. This location is close to the upscale shopping mall, Somerset Collection. Birmingham and its boutiques and art galleries is also not far.

Open daily 8a to 10p

This place is famous! It's a food market and deli that serves up made-to-order sandwiches with ingredients such as black angus corned beef, free-range Amish chicken, farmhouse cheeses, smoked fish, and much more (including veggie sandwiches, salads, and soups).

This chain is all about the soup! Emphasizing fresh, all natural ingredients and a commitment to taste, this fast food soup joint is a popular lunch destination--especially given the Renaissance Center location. The soup selections change daily and Zoup!