August 20, 2025
Things to Do, Eat, and See in Saline
Saline is a thriving community located 10 miles southwest of Ann Arbor. The city has an abundance of small-town charm, an exceptional artistic scene, and a high quality of life. From recreational opportunities to a diverse dining scene and a vibrant downtown, Saline has a little bit of something for everyone! Stay close to big-city amenities while leaving all of the hustle and bustle behind.
The Best Coffee Shops in Saline
Whether you’re running late for work or want to enjoy a laid back afternoon at a local coffeehouse, enjoy the specialty espresso drinks offered at Carrigan Cafe, or sit back and relax with a book at Brewed Awakenings while you sip a chai latte.
Carrigan Cafe
101 South Ann Arbor Street #107
When you need an early morning cup of Joe or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, Carrigan Cafe has you covered! The menu features specialty espresso drinks and classics, such as café au lait and a daily roast. If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, order the Sugar Daddy with hazelnut, caramel, and vanilla, or the Angus, which combines Ghirardelli dark chocolate with caramel and peanut butter. The menu goes on to include tea and other drinks, such as chai, hot chocolate, herbal teas, and even Italian sodas. Carrigan Cafe sources their beans, dairy, and pastries locally when possible. The cafe also makes in-house soups, quiches, and breakfast sandwiches to keep you fueled while on the go.
Brewed Awakenings
Brewed Awakenings has been proudly family-owned since 2011. This unique cafe is beloved for its comfortable atmosphere and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in an abundance of natural light throughout the day. Whether you need to get some studying done or you want to sip on a coffee by the fireplace with a close friend — Brewed Awakenings invites you to stay awhile. Enjoy handcrafted espresso drinks, such as macchiatos, cappuccinos, and Coconut Cream with vanilla, coconut, marshmallows, and whipped cream! Other non-coffee drinks include chai lattes, Italian steamers, fruit smoothies, and freshly squeezed lemonade.
Where to Wine & Dine in Saline
Saline has a diverse assortment of eateries and restaurants, from Salt Springs Brewery which is housed in a historic former church, to the casual City Limits Diner which serves breakfast staples all day. You can also order pub fare with a twist at Brecon Grille & Pub, which pairs perfectly with whatever sporting event is on TV!
Salt Springs Brewery
Salt Springs Brewery is housed in a former church that dates back a century! The brewery features stunning stained glass windows and the menu includes scratch-made and locally sourced plates that pair perfectly with the wide selection of craft beers, spirits, and wines. Whether you’re coming for dinner or you’re ordering lunch online — the brewery strives to provide the highest-quality service. Dig into a salted soft pretzel or an order of the cornmeal-dusted calamari before you indulge in fish and chips, Salt Springs mac-n-cheese, or the Korean BBQ short ribs. Patrons can also stick to the classic brew combos, such as all-American burgers, patty melts, or pizza on house-made sourdough.
Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack
The menu at Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack blends Nova Scotia’s heritage with the robust flavors of Cajun cuisine and the timeless elegance of culinary traditions from England. From the freshest fish and seafood in Saline, to lunch classics like the Michigan Chicken and a vegan jambalaya, diners will be blown away by the assortment of flavor profiles. Handhelds include a pickle and fries, with options ranging from fish tacos, roasted turkey wraps, French onion grilled cheese sandwiches, and veggie burgers. Save room for a sweet treat, such as the Zingerman’s Pecan Pie or the banana fosters bread pudding with vanilla ice cream.
City Limits Diner
Looking for a hearty breakfast? Look no further than Saline’s City Limits Diner! The restaurant serves breakfast all day from Eggs Benedict, veggie omelets, goulash, and sausage pancakes — you’ll be fueled and ready to take on whatever the day throws at you. The diner is open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily for breakfast and lunch, so swing by for a no-frills atmosphere and your favorite comfort foods like BLT sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak subs, Belgian waffles, and silver dollar pancakes!
Brecon Grille & Pub
101 West Michigan Avenue #1324
Brecon Grille & Pub was named after Saline’s sister city — Brecon, Wales. The English-style pub offers diners a new approach to old classics, as well as an extensive bourbon and spirit list. Dig into small plates, such as the tenderloin steak tips, German nachos, sautéed spicy shrimp, jalapeño popper egg rolls, or get straight to the main course! The grille and pub offers an assortment of burgers and sandwiches, as well as entrees like slow-roasted baby-back pork ribs and the Brecon Baja Bowl with your choice of cajun chicken, steak, shrimp, or Beyond Meat. There’s even a “Little Kilts” menu, which includes chicken tenders, fish and chips, and the Archer’s Cheese n’ Mac!
Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in Saline
If your sweet tooth is in full swing, these local Saline establishments would be happy to cater to your cravings! Enjoy all types of dairy creations at Mickey’s Dairy Twist, such as ice cream sundaes and floats, or swing by Benny’s Bakery for donuts, cakes, pastries, and more.
Mickey’s Dairy Twist
Craving hand-scooped ice cream, soft serve, or frozen yogurt? Mickey’s Dairy Twist has you covered for all of your sweet dairy cravings, including sundaes, flurries, peanut parfaits, and upside-down banana splits! There’s something for everyone, including malts, slushes, and dairy-free Italian ice, so nobody has to miss out on indulging in a sweet treat. Love a float? Mickey’s offers soft serve coolers with your choice of ice cream blended with your favorite pop. The menu also offers frozen cappuccinos, frozen lemonades, and an array of exciting popsicles that feature beloved characters. Along with their creative and inventive ice cream flavors, Mickey’s Dairy Twist also offers hot food options like chili dogs, corn dogs, cheeseburgers, and fried cauliflower!
Benny’s Bakery
Benny’s Bakery has been serving Saline for over 75 years! This family-owned shop proudly makes everything from scratch — from its freshly baked bread to its donuts, pastries, cookies, and cakes. Ingredients are chosen with care and the daily menu includes a range of pastries like raspberry danishes, pecan rolls, chocolate frosted cake donuts, and apple fritters. Skip those grocery store loaves and taste the difference in one of Benny’s freshly baked Sesame French breads or the Holland Dutch loaf. Swing by on Saturdays to try one of the famous soft pretzels, or pick up a dozen yeasted donuts to surprise your family with a sweet treat in the morning.
Saline’s Parks & Green Spaces
Want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air? Saline has several sizable parks and green spaces with amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and sporting fields. From frisbee, running, cross-country skiing, soccer, and playing with the pup — these are the best spots in Saline to stay active.
Mill Pond Park
Mill Pond Park is Saline’s largest community park and is hailed as a popular destination within the city. The park features an array of events throughout the year, such as Movies in the Park and Rec on the Go. The park also has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy regardless of the season. From soccer fields, a ball pit, open green spaces, nature trails, and a 1-acre dog park — you can play and stay active all day. Kiddos will love the massive play structure, as well as picnic areas and the boulder that’s often painted by residents to make announcements. There is fishing access in the 20.5-acre pond and ample space for sledding and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Curtiss Park
The 50-acre Curtiss Park is the second largest of Saline’s municipal parks, located across the road from Mill Pond Park. There is an abundance of parking spaces and plenty of amenities to keep you coming back time and time again. The park includes a baseball field, playground equipment, picnic spots, wooded trails, and Saline River public access. Visitors can also take advantage of an observation deck over the water to spot local birdlife! Whether you’re looking to cast a line, play frisbee, enjoy a picnic with the family, or take a stroll along the trails — the park has it all! Dogs are permitted as well, so don’t leave Fido behind.
Marsh View Meadows
Pittsfield Township’s Marsh View Meadows is the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful day outside. The 54-acre park features amenities such as a bike trail, grills, a pavilion, picnic areas, a playground, and onsite restrooms. Visitors can also take advantage of the 2 miles of walking and hiking trails, as well as an open field. The park is open from dawn to dusk and dogs are permitted. The park is well-maintained, with two wildlife observation decks and a boardwalk through a sedge meadow. The park also offers three distinct wetland/buttonbush swamp areas.
Arts & Culture in Saline
The arts and culture scene in Saline features a popular music center, catering to students of all ages and interests, as well as a woman-owned studio where creativity can flourish through diverse classes and workshops.
Ann Arbor Saline Music Center
The Ann Arbor Saline Music Center boasts a unique approach to teaching music. The center has top-quality faculty and offers private lessons in both acoustic and electric guitar, electric and upright bass, drums, piano, banjo, trumpet, trombone, and many more. Students can explore all genres, from rock, jazz, blues, classical, and so on. Students of all ages, from beginner to advanced, can find a place at the music center. Lessons can be tailored to individual goals and interests, as well as the personalized learning style of each student. The center also hosts a rock band program, which can be an exciting motivator to take a student’s playing to new heights!
Whitepine Studios
Whitepine Studios is a woman-owned small business where creativity, celebration, and shopping come together in one inspiring space. The studio offers a variety of creative opportunities for all ages and abilities, as well as spring and summer camps for kids (ages 5-13), after-school classes, and adult activities that cater to everyone. The studio also provides a unique venue for birthday parties and other special occasions, adding an artistic twist. The gallery showcases work from local and regional artists in both 2D and 3D mediums.
Points of Interest in Saline
Check out these unique Saline attractions, such as a farmstead dating back to the early 1900s and a theatre featuring RealD 3D and luxury seating.
Rentschler Farm Museum
The Rentschler Farm Museum is owned by the city of Saline and operated by the historical society. The farmstead provides insight into regional agriculture and farm life during the 1900-1950 period. The farmstead consists of 14 historically significant structures, including the big barn, the tractor barn, the corn crib, and the chicken coop. Visitors can also stop by the gift shop to commemorate their time at the museum!
Emagine Saline
At Emagine Saline, you can enjoy new movie releases in comfort. From the theatre’s huge screens, luxury seating, and “cuddle chairs” that are perfect for two — there’s no better way to enjoy a film than on the big screen. Emagine also has a theatre bar for guests ages 21 and up, serving a variety of specialty cocktails, beer, and wine to pair with your concessions. Stick with the classic snacks like buttered popcorn or your favorite candy, or upgrade your experience with a stone-fired pizza, soft pretzel bites, or hot dogs. Have your soda your way with a self-serve Coke Freestyle machine, which can mix over 100 flavors!
Interested in Learning More About Michigan’s Saline? Let Us Help!
If you’re interested in taking advantage of the high quality of life and the small-town feel found within the Saline community, our team at Reinhart Realtors would be happy to show you what’s on the market!
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