MONROE, Mich. – The city of Monroe is a close-knit community of about 20,000 residents with a rich history and culture.
“I love my baking, my team, my family, my grandkids, my vendor family, we’re all close-knit,” said Denise Willis.
“Yeah, I’ve lived here all my life, and 54 years now almost, and it’s just a nice place. I mean, my kids are mostly grown and it’s just a good place to raise a family,” said Doug Rousseau. “And people overall are just really good. They’re helpful. Everybody wants to help each other out. It’s a nice, nice town to live in.
Willis and Rousseau oversee Monroe‘s Farmer’s Market. Its fun atmosphere and community feel have been a central gathering spot for residents for more than 93 years.
Patrons and vendors alike are happy to be a part of the market community.
Key community spots include the Monroe Farmer’s Market and unique businesses like Scally Waggs Doggy Bakery, which highlight the town’s strong sense of community and support for local vendors. The city embraces its history, featuring attractions such as the River Raisin National Battlefield and celebrating notable past residents like George Custer and painter Robert Duncanson. Monroe’s philanthropic spirit is exemplified by Tino Amaya, owner of the popular Mexican restaurant Amaya’s, who actively contributes to relief efforts and appreciates the city’s warm embrace.
Jeffery Albergo, a Monroe resident since 2000, dedicates his free time to studying and documenting the city’s history and diverse wildlife through photography.
“A beautiful place to live, that’s for sure. The wildlife is all in my yard. There’s tons of birds and wildlife running through there all the time,” Albergo said. “What’s really cool about Monroe is there’s history on every corner.”
Notable attractions include the Battle of 1812 River Raisin National Battlefield and the local history museum.
The city is also the former home of significant figures such as George Custer and renowned African American painter Robert Duncanson, whose legacy continues at the historic Woodland Cemetery.
“You’d have to spend a couple of days here to see it all,” Albergo said.
Monroe offers a variety of attractions, including antique stores, novelty shops, the Labor History Museum and the Michigan Museum of Horror.
A standout favorite is Scally Waggs Doggy Bakery, a unique establishment dedicated to treats for dogs.
Monroe’s businesses are not only unique but also philanthropic, exemplified by Amaya’s, the city’s most popular Mexican restaurant. Owner Tino Amaya demonstrated this by sending two trucks full of relief supplies and food to those affected by Hurricane Milton in early October. Originally from Ohio, Tino appreciates the warm embrace he and his family have received from the Monroe community.
“I’m a transplant to Monroe, but the city just embraced me and my family, and it’s been beautiful for us,” Amaya said. “I think it’s a great city. I think we have the best citizens on the planet. I think there’s a lot of great opportunity here for growth.”
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