10 Reasons to Visit the Brighton Howell Area in 2025

January 1, 2025

Conveniently located between Detroit, Lansing, and Ann Arbor – the Brighton Howell Area in Southeast Michigan has so much to offer. With engaging events, unique attractions, delicious cuisine, and bustling downtowns you can only find here make this destination a must-visit this year. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out these ten reasons to visit the Brighton Howell Area in 2025.


1. Tanger Outlets

📍: Howell

Tanger Outlets shopping Howell Michigan

Tanger Outlets are a discount shopper’s dream. This outlet mall features over 50 brand names stores, with discounts of up to 70%. You can stop by Shopper Services for the Little Red Book of Big Savings to get even more bang for your buck! Explore coupons online and find your favorite stores in the directory.


2. Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

📍: Howell

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is the must-experience event of the summer. Happening in Howell from June 23-25th, this event features three entertainment venues with family activities and attractions. On Saturday night, watch as 20 hot air balloons glow against the night sky during the Balloon Glow. Come out to see the carnival, balloon launch, art festival, fireworks, and more!


3. Hartland Polo Classic 

📍: Hartland

Hartland Polo Classic

The Hartland Polo Classic is your chance to witness a live Polo Match! Watch as the Detroit Polo Club goes head to head in a classic polo match where you can come dressed in your best garden party attire. Don’t forget to wear your most fabulous polo hat for a chance to win the Best Hat Contest. Enjoy a delicious dinner and snacks and a bar equipped with locally brewed craft beer, bourbon, and wine.


4. Cider Mills & Pumpkin Patches

Home to some of the state’s highest-ranked cider mills, the Brighton Howell Area is the perfect fall getaway spot. Spicer Orchards, ranked by USA Today readers as one of the top cider mills in the country, offers handcrafted donuts, fresh-pressed cider, homemade wine, and every fall activity imaginable. When thinking about where to go this fall, check out the Brighton Howell Area!


5. Golf

In the Brighton Howell Area, there is no shortage of beautiful golf courses perfect for any level golfer. With 21 golf courses, the Brighton Howell Area is the ultimate golfer’s destination. From the roaring hills of Chemung Hills Golf & Banquet Center to the pristine greens of the Majestic Golf Course, there is a facility for golfers of any level.


6. Walkable Downtowns

📍: Brighton & Howell

The specialized offerings and walkable downtowns of the Brighton and Howell communities are anchoring the area. Both showcase reputable Main Street-style boutique shopping, relaxed dining, and welcoming central outdoor gathering spots for impromptu sunset strolls or a casual summer concert.


7. Livingston Antique Outlet

📍: Howell

If you love antiques, you absolutely have to go to Livingston Antique Outlet. The 33,000-square-foot outlet contains over 200 small businesses and is Michigan’s largest antique mall. Their unmatched selection and quality will make you want to return again to ensure you haven’t missed a single treasure.


8. Seven Local Breweries

The Brighton Howell Area boasts seven local breweries, each serving unique craft beers. You’ll find Aberrant Ales, Eternity Brewing, and Block Brewing Company in Howell. Enjoy weekly trivia, in-house yard games, and outdoor patios. Head to Brighton to experience the historic Brewery Becker, the new Full Circles Brewery, and a second Block Brewing Company location. In Hartland, enjoy the laid-back vibe at Hartland Brewing Company with more weekly trivia and tasty food!


9. Mt. Brighton

📍: Brighton

Mt. Brighton – the Brighton Howell Area’s very own Vail Resort is the ultimate place in Southeast Michigan to hit the slopes. Grab your skis or snowboard and plan a trip for the best winter getaway. Don’t worry; you can learn how to ski and snowboard directly from the in-house instructors if you don’t already know how! Mt. Brighton houses a coffeeshop, full-service restaurant, and a gear shop, making it a one-stop shop for your next trip.


10. Howell Nature Center

📍: Howell

When you visit Howell Nature Center you can explore 230 rolling acres of woods and wetlands. Your kids will love the Nature Scape, a fenced-in area with a kid-sized waterfall and pond, sand dunes, stump jumps, natural forts, trails, and life-sized spiderwebs. The Wild Wonders Wildlife Park houses native, permanently injured wildlife with habitats mimicking animals’ habitats. You’ll find foxes, porcupines, hawks, and more. The kids can also enjoy the adventure park, which includes a rock climbing wall and zip lining.


If you’re looking for new adventures this year, the Brighton Howell Area is certainly the place to go. From shopping extravaganzas to the beautiful outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up-to-date on all events, new restaurants or shops, attractions, and other happenings in the area! Don’t forget to tag @explorebrightonhowellarea and use #ExploreBHA on your next getaway.

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