This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Escape from Cruise Crowds in Downtown Royal Oak

Not so far off the beaten path, the city's restaurants and shops offer a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the carfest.

Less than a half a mile away from the main drag of the Woodward Dream Cruise the streets are a little lighter and a whole lot quieter.

Cruisers – and those who shun the cruise – can find food, drinks and a cool place to hang out with no long lines in downtown Royal Oak. The exception might be Starbucks.

“It’s business as usual here at Starbucks,” manager Bernadette Monterosso said. The long lines, almost out the door, validate that fact. Although there are many things people will give up, a great latte or cappuccino doesn't seem to be one of them.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Liz Morton, owner of Lily’s Seafood on Washington, said the restaurant was seeing very little business on Dream Cruise Saturday. Morton pointed to local parties and the number of residents who leave town to avoid the Dream Cruise as contributing factors. 

"I think a lot of people leave town or stay home to avoid the traffic," she said. As for the cruisers, Morton said they are likely to find something to eat on Woodward.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is What Crepe?'s third Dream Cruise weekend. “Business has been slow both Friday and this morning,” employee John Mader said of the Washington eatery.

Because the restaurant is off the main Dream Cruise strip, a lot people don’t think to head downtown, he said.

“Overall, the Dream Cruise is great for the city of Royal Oak," said Case Lawrence, manager at Café Muse. "We may suffer some during the Cruise, but we are slammed during the other festivals and events highlighted here in downtown Royal Oak during the summer months."

More Dream Cruise:

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?