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Clarkston: City of The Week Gallery 2023

Congrats to our friends in Clarkston: City of the Week with WCSX. I spent a wonderful day checking out the local shops, talking with Eric Haven, the Mayor (great guy),…

Group of people standing in front of a gazebo in Clarkston, Michigan

Clarkston: City of The Week! Jim O’Brien meets up with the folks making things run in Clarkston.

Jim O'Brien

Congrats to our friends in Clarkston: City of the Week with WCSX. I spent a wonderful day checking out the local shops, talking with Eric Haven, the Mayor (great guy), and of course our friends at the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce and City Hall. They're all getting ready for the Taste of Clarkston this Sunday (Doni will be there with WCSX).

There's a very cool vibe when you come into Clarkston - and a great group of friendly people who love talking to you and having a good time. A place full of history, we're celebrating it this week.  Here are our friends from Clarkston talking about this weekend's events:

Historical Clarkston

Clarkston's downtown is a designated National Historical Site.  The downtown is a beautiful blend of modern restaurants and shops that nod to the history of Clarkston's past.  Naturally, with the Taste of Clarkston coming up, I needed to sample some of Clarkston's fine food.  First, I stopped by Clarkston Union.  I love that The Union is a church. It was built back in the 1840s and converted into a bar and kitchen.  Maintaining its history while serving the needs of the community... beautiful. Here's owner Curt Catallo explaining the history:

We also spent some time with Eric Haven, the Mayor of Clarkston - talking about the history of the town and some really interesting facts.

Next, I met my buddy, Roger at Honcho and we sampled some of Honcho's delicious Latin street food.  I finished my afternoon walking the streets of this very well-kept community.  Thanks for the hospitality!

Clarkston: City of The Week Photos

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The clock on Main Street in front of The Fed - one of the coolest restaurants in Clarkston. A former bank turned into a restaurant (even the vault is open).

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Big Jim with Clarkston Mayor Eric Haven at Depot Park.

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patio dining and a GREAT store to go shopping in right next door!

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The view of the Clarkston Union

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Curt Catallo, the man who runs all the Union Joints, greeted us at the Clarkston Union.

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yes the Clarkston Union restaurant was once a church!

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The view of downtown Clarkston from The Union.

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Waiting area inside Clarkston Union - yes that's a disco ball.

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Checking out just some of the beer selections at Clarkston Union

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The stylish front of Honchos in Clarkston.

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Checking out the menu at Honcho's.

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Oh so fancy - believe it or not, this is also on the menu at Honcho's.

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Tostadas at Honcho's - yep, they're as good as they look.

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taquitos at Honcho's - hungry yet?

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the queso dip at Honcho's - Big Jim always gets this for his wife.

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The landscaping and vibe in Clarkston is stunning.

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For years Rudy's Market has been part of Clarkston - now it's becoming "Rudy's Steakhouse"...can't wait to see it next year.

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One of the newer places in Clarkston - make your own candles (and bring your own wine)...not a bad night.

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The owner of North End Candle Bar in Clarkston - great place and if you like the scent of the candle you made, you can get more accesories with it.

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Society Boutique in Clarkston - beautiful store.

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Essence on Main is one of the coolest shops in Clarkston. Trust me.

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One of the newer restaurants in Clarkston - an amazing choice for brunch.

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Jim's friend Roger sampling food at Honcho's (and the margaritas)

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Oh Big Jim made his way to Honcho's for a nice dinner.

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Highly recommend checking this place out in Clarkston - such a cool store.

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Love this mural on the side of the Woodshop.

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I can smell the brisket cooking at the Woodshop. So inviting.

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Wouldn't be a trip to Clarkston without swinging by the Woodshop. As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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First Row: Jonathan Smith – City Manager, Jimi Turner – DPW Director, Paul Angelini – WizTech ,Kendal Penney Petzold – Executive Director of Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, Brandon Still – Main Street Coworking, Kate Masters – Marketing and Membership Manager of Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, Laura Haynes – Public Information Office, Independence Township, Lisa Christensen – Deputy Director of Recreation, Independence Township Parks, Recreation & Seniors, Amy Laboissonniere – Community Relations Coordinator, Independence Township Parks, Recreation & Seniors

City of the Week Clarkston

Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.