Tales road FROM THE ~ howell, michigan ~

inferred - No Liquor.” It was said you had to get a room in the Temperance to get a good night’s sleep as the other hotels had taverns connected to them. When driving into Howell, it is hard to miss the massive Livingston County Courthouse in the center of town. The classic bright red brick building opened in 1890. The lobby is full of impressive oak and maple woodwork.

By Steve Ellis

Howell is located about two hours east of Kalamazoo, tucked in between M-59 and I-96. I often swing through town for a quick stop or bite to eat when I visit relatives on the east side of the state. I love the downtown and the dozens of two and three story brick buildings that are over a century old.

The City of Howell, was established as a village by an act of Legislature on March 14, 1863.

The first actual settlements in Howell, were made in the year 1834. The village was laid out by Flavius J. B. Crane and Edward Brooks in July 1835, and was named Howell in honor of Thomas Howell, a friend of Mr. Crane and son of Judge Howell of Candaequa, New Jersey.

In 1835, John D. Pinckney built the first log house in this area and the settlement became known as Livingston Centre. In this year, Moses Thompson and his family migrated here from New York, and Livingston Centre began to grow in population.

The first building erected was a two story frame house, which was a public house known as the Eagle Tavern, or hotel.

Other public houses and taverns came along including the Temperance Hotel, which was just what the name

The Howell Carnegie Library first opened in 1906. The rotunda of this gorgeous building has been described as “breathtakingly beautiful” and I would be hard pressed not to agree. The expansion and restoration of the original 8,000 square foot building which occurred in 1991, added another 22,000 square feet and compliments the sound. In addition, he added two stages and a cafe vibe in the lobby to host community activities and create a venue to showcase regional artists. The renovated theatre reopened September 26, 2014. old Carnegie building.

Across from the theatre is a new business, named Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar and Bocce. A modern looking building with great decor, pizza and indoor bocce ball. I’m looking forward to dining there on my next visit to Howell.

I peaked in the door of Aberrant Ales Brewery, which was packed. This newer brewery prides it self on “departing from the standard and deviating from the norm” as it’s name implies. They have a great food and beer selection.

Loving baked goods as I do, I couldn’t resist stopping into M Street Baking Co., and was thrilled with the tasty, thick slice of iced raisin bread.

There is a wonderful statue in front of the library of Duane Zemper, a legendary photographer who photographed the town and its citizens for over 50 years.

The iconic Historic Howell Depot and Museum is open during the summer-Sundays 11am-3pm. The Depot is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

The Historic Howell Theatre opened on December 1928, with Marion Davies in “Show People.” The theatre has been opened and closed several times over the past 20 years. I stopped in and spoke with Owner/Operator, Tyler DePerro. He completed a major facelift in 2014, which included renovations, new decor and the installation of digital projectors, screens and surround

On the main corner downtown is Diamonds Steak and Seafood, an upscale steakhouse with a great reputation. Before I hit the road to head home, I grabbed a quick cup of coffee at Black Iron Coffee Roasters, known for their small batch, artisan coffee and their soup and sandwich selection.

The big event each year is the Howell Melon Fest that celebrates their famed, delicious cantaloupe grown only in Howell. The festival has been held in downtown Howell since 1960 and is a wonderful family-friendly Howell tradition. The festival occurs this year from August 18 - 20.