About Town: Grand Blanc

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The PGA TOUR makes one of its few Midwest stops this week in Grand Blanc, Mich., for the Buick Open. And outside of the Detroit Lion's acquisition of quarterback Matt Stafford, you might not know much else about the area, so PGATOUR.COM is here to help if you're planning a trip to Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club for the big event.

Halleran/Getty Images

A general view of the 13th green at Warwick Hills, host of the Buick Open.

HUNGRY?

Redwood Lodge
Kruse and Muer at the Lake
The Whitney
Rattlesnake Club

GET BUSY

Buick Gallery and Research Center
Michigan Ecotour
Motown Historical Museum

SOMETHING TO SNACK ON

Get a little of everything this week from small-town Midwestern eateries to fancy Motor City bistros.

• Redwood Lodge: This mesquite grill and brewery has a country lodge atmosphere with all the fun gadgetry of a brew station. Among the reasons to visit are the wood-fire pizza ovens, the cigar lounge, the wine cellar, the stocked bar, the outdoor dining, the live music and -- of course -- the beer.

• Kruse & Muer at the Lake: A modern swing on traditional Midwest farmhouse cuisine, the menu here offers hearty dishes such as roasted corn chowder, a 14-ounce sirloin and pan-roasted chicken.

• The Whitney: Detroit dining at its finest. The Whitney restaurant is located in a 115-year old downtown mansion and serves up classic and classy American cuisine. Upstairs, you'll find an upscale lounge -- Wintergarden -- where you can relax with an after-dinner drink.

• The Rattlesnake Club: One of Detroit's most famous restaurants, the Rattlesnake celebrates 20 years this year, so join in the celebration with them and order up a delicious meal. Suggestions? Crispy calamari to start, pan-seared duck for an entrée and a baked russet potato on the side.

SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT

• Everyone knows that Detroit is the home of the automobile industry in America, so pay tribute to this week's tournament sponsor and visit the Buick Gallery and Research Center in the Alfred P. Sloan Museum. The exhibition features over 25 classic and concept cars from Buick as well as an old-fashioned 1940s soda fountain (fully functional) from the heydays of Detroit's auto business.

• There's more to Michigan than cars and movies. The Great Lakes State has a great outdoors where you can take great, deep breaths. How about getting some fresh air on one of the Johnny Panther Quest Ecotours while you're here? There are all different kinds of tours depending on your interests, so find one you like and pack a picnic.

• Motor City is the home of Motown, and you can't spend any time in Detroit without checking out the Motown Historical Museum. From Smokey Robinson to Michael Jackson, this place is bursting with musical memorabilia.

STICKING AROUND?

Though Grand Blanc is a small town that seems to be in its own world, it's actually a great location for hitting the road in Michigan because it's a good driving distance from many state attractions. Here are some ideas for your navigator to scribble down if you are planning on taking a day or two to explore before or after the Buick Open.
•Bay City: Nestled on the south end of Saginaw Bay, a southwest protrusion of Lake Huron, Bay City is your quintessential lakeside town with all of the character you would expect from a Midwest bayside town. Swim, fish, tan, golf, sail, shop, eat and relax your 9-5 troubles away. Plus it's a lake, so, you know, there are no sharks.
• Grand Rapids: Doesn't the name just make you want to visit? I swear I knew nothing about this town before now, but the name is what made me want to know. Name aside, Grand Rapids is one of the most bustling cities in the Midwest with a very modern atmosphere. It's a great place to have a city getaway; stay in a fancy hotel, eat snobby cuisine and spend far too much money shopping.