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During COVID, the city of Northville decided to close its downtown to cars in an attempt to give its businesses a fighting chance, especially when Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer mandated that outdoor dining was acceptable and people were masked.

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During the height of COVID, Northville decided to close off its downtown to traffic to give its restaurants a fighting chance at survival.

During this final weekend of Black History Month, events are still taking place throughout the area including in Southfield, where a new art exhibit is opening. The “Visions” art exhibition will feature artworks by local African American artists on display in the main lobby of the Southfield City Hall. An opening reception is Friday, February 24, and the exhibit runs through April 28.

If you’re looking for a night out this weekend filled with laughter and magical surprises, Genitti’s Hole-In-The-Wall in Northville is the place to be. Entertainer, magician, comedian, and friend of “Live in the D,” Jasen Magic stopped by the show to speak with Jason Carr, and of course he brought the jokes and surprises. The public will have the chance to experience Jasen’s unique comedy show along with a family-style Italian dinner. The dinner and show take place Saturday November 19 at 6:30pm. Genitti’s Hole-In-The-Wall restaurant is located in Downtown Northville.

From babbling brooks, to a bustling downtown, the city of Northville has a certain charm and uniqueness. The city is also the setting of a growing trend. “We were one of the first communities to apply for the social district license, and now there are over 96 communities that have a social district,” Lori Ward, Executive Director of Northville’s Downtown Development Authority told Live in the D’s April Morton. Ward says the social district, called The Twist, allows visitors to walk around a closed-off pedestrian-only area in downtown Northville with alcoholic drinks. There are 18 restaurants within the Social District, and Ward says that number is growing. Visitors to Downtown Northville can also enjoy shopping from unique, one-of-a-kind stores including clothing and home décor. For those who would like to learn about the city’s history, the Mill Race Historical Village is a great place to visit. April Morton took a tour of Northville and found some jewels. Click the video above to learn more about Northville.

During the COVID pandemic, many busy downtown streets closed so restaurants could set up outdoor seating. Northville was one of those towns.

Check out these four events that are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

In Northville, a Christmas tree has popped up that has people passing by doing double-takes.

Take a trip back in to a sweeter time at Sugar Lu’s

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – It may not be your normal New Year’s Eve celebration, but many are still ready to bring in 2021 in Downtown Northville -- whether outside in the cold or something a little more warmer. “We’re just going to go home and have some dinner, just alone with our little puppy,” said Carol Seneker. “Well we did a little shopping in Downtown Northville today and we’re going to go home and spend it with my wife and family and bring in the new year,” said Sean Carlson. We are, I think, all ready for 2021,” said Mayor Turnbull. “Oh yes, yes.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – There has never been a more anticipated end to the year than in 2020 -- and even amid the pandemic, Metro Detroiters are not missing the opportunity to say kiss the year goodbye. New Year’s Eve celebrations in Michigan look different this year due to COVID restrictions, but some Metro Detroiters took to downtown Northville on Dec. 31, where outdoor businesses were ready to welcome them. Businesses and restaurants in downtown Northville have taken advantage of outdoor structures and heaters to continue offering services amid the state’s coronavirus restrictions. More: Heated outdoor ‘pods’ installed to keep downtown Northville businesses goingLocal 4′s Larry Spruill visited Northville on New Year’s Eve and found crowds of people enjoying the outdoor space with their friends and family. LIVE STREAM: 2021 New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop virtual event