The Dollar Depot, 3353 Third St., is a treasure trove of very affordably priced items, ranging from useful and necessary to kitschy and fun. The store stocks a large selection of holiday-themed décor, hair accessories, office/school/craft supplies, scrapbooking items, greeting cards, party supplies, cleaning products, beauty and health products and much, much more. There are hundreds of items that make for thoughtful (and affordable) gift-giving, as well as inspired conversation pieces. With so much to choose from, I decided to search for some of my favorite dollar store discoveries—pop …

The city of Wyandotte is 'dotted' with monuments that are eye-catching, essential for the city's beautification and, in some cases, steeped in historical significance. On a recent jaunt through the city, I stopped and took a second (or 40th) look at some of my favorites. Next time you are enjoying a bike ride or walk around Wyandotte, take a closer look at some of the gorgeous structures that stand as reminders of what a fantastic place Wyandotte is and strives to always remain. Check out these cool structures throughout the city: Merrill Lynch Bull (2005)–This feisty and fun bull is …

Sycamore Street has a new shop, Tossed and Found Consignment Boutique, that is teeming with second-hand finds. Clothing, shoes, children's toys, home décor items, handbags and jewelry are popular attractions. Larger items, like shelving and furniture, also are available. There are so many items to look through that we wanted to highlight our favorite finds. But things move quickly, so there's no guarantee any of the items here will still be available. Here are 5 finds that caught my eye during a stroll through the shop: Lynn Snow Art Prints. Snow is a regular participant in the Wyandotte …

From a food market that stocks grocery necessities and a gift shop with the goods that make a thoughtful gift, to places to relax and enjoy a drink and good eats, Oak Street has a lot to offer.  Here are five Oak Street establishments to patronize regularly: Jerry's Food Market. Jerry's is a quaint, quality butcher shop specializing in a luxe deli-meat counter. There is no shortage of prepared foods or popular grocery items, including fresh produce. Shopping at Jerry's is a great way to support a dying institution–the non-chain, neighborhood grocery store. The store accepts all major credit …

In honor of Valentine's Day, Wyandotte Patch scoped out five places to pick up a sugary treat or two for yourself or someone you love. From chocolates and sundaes to nostalgic candy and cheesecake, Wyandotte is the ideal shopping destination during one of the sweetest weeks of the year. Here is a list of five places offering a large assortment of confections at reasonable prices: Sanders Store. What is more quintessential Valentine's Day than the heart-shaped box of chocolates? With over a century of chocolate-making under its belt, Sanders sells an assortment of holiday-themed confections, …

There are a host of things to do around town this week. Here are five of the top. Do you know of any other good ones? Add them in the comments below. Wednesday: The Bacon Memorial District Library Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. to discuss the book "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" by Katherine Howe. The event is open to all who wish to participate. 45 Vinewood. Thursday: The Roosevelt boys basketball team will compete in an away game against Trenton High School, 2601 Chartlon, at 7 p.m. Wyandotte Patch will be there to bring you coverage after the final buzzer. Friday: If you haven't yet …

Anyone who has experienced a Michigan winter knows that keeping track of snowstorms is frustratingly unpredictable. But with a little preparedness, you can ready yourself for any inclement weather emergency while navigating in and around Metro Detroit. Here is a list of five categories of items that are essential for any winter emergency survival kit. Items to help stay warm. Thick blankets and extra winter clothing (especially hats, socks and mittens) can help keep the body warm while waiting for assistance. Hand warmer packets would add an extra element of heat when placed inside mittens …

There are a host of things to do around town this week. Here are five of the top. Do you know of any other good ones? Add them in the comments below. Wednesday: In what some are calling the game of the year, the undefeated Wyandotte Roosevelt Bears are taking on hockey powerhouse Trenton Trojans at 7:40 p.m. at Yack Arena. Go out and show your school pride. Wyandotte Patch will be there, as well, to provide a full wrap-up after the game. Thursday: Join the Wyandotte Woodcarvers at its weekly meeting to learn how to make elaborate sculptures out of wood. This week's focus is on how to properly…

While this week's snowfall wasn't enough to close school and give children that much anticipated free day to play outside, they soon may have another chance to spend some time outside with the white stuff as another accumulation is expected on Saturday. If that comes (or whenever the next batch of snow is dropped on Wyandotte), here are five things that can occupy little minds for hours. Or at least for however long the sun stays away.  Snow Painting. Visit any of the city’s drugstores or dollar stores and pick up a few spray bottles (they are usually found in the beauty supply area). Fill …

Now that the resolutions have been made, it is time to follow through and actually make them happen in 2011. Each year, millions of resolutions are made to better oneself personally or professionally in order to be happier, healthier, wiser or more compassionate. I have chosen five pretty common resolutions that can be achieved with the help of a business or organization within the city. Good luck in the new year! Resolution to Exercise More/Be More Active–For a fun twist on the traditional exercise routine, why not head over to the Yack Arena for open skating? The rink provides open ice …

The new year will be here in a few short days and there is still time to plan a fun-filled celebration in Wyandotte. Restaurants, bars and halls all over town are offering drink specials and discounted food prices to entice your patronage. Some are requiring reservations or tickets but don't fret, both can be attained by a simple phone call or website visit. Not only will the money help keep local businesses thriving, it also will ensure that party-goers will not have to worry about the details. Here is a list of five venues hosting dynamic New Year's Eve festivities. Portofino will host …

For those shoppers who appreciate a "Made in the USA" or a "Made in Michigan" product, Treasure Alley Mini Mall is the place to go. The eclectic mall at 3016 1st St. sells a hodgepodge of home items, including food, gadgets, décor and accessories. Heritage Lace pieces and Root candles are amongst the most popular items in the store, which prides itself on carrying products made in the United States, particularly those in Michigan. The front room is a must-see for anyone interested in cooking or eating. It's full of coffee beans for grinding, dip mixes, jarred sauces and jellies, as well as …

Chelsea Menswear & Shoes has been a Wyandotte institution for more than 60 years. The store sells high quality men's clothing, including ties, fedoras, scarves, shoes and sport coats. Name brands include Tommy Bahama, Made in Detroit, Calvin Klein, S. Cohen and V. Fraas. A limited number of women's clothing also is available. Red Wings, Tigers, University of Michigan and Michigan State fan gear also can be found throughout the store. Any item purchased at Chelsea can be tailored there, as well. This week, the store is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Here are the…

Cecilia Melody's is a high-end children's boutique that specializes in clothing for newborns, but also sells charming boys and girls clothes in sizes up to 10. Dresses, matched outfit sets, books, stuffed animals, hair accessories and winter gear make up a large part of the inventory, as does seasonal wear and sale items. The boutique also features women's accessories including purses, hand-selected jewelry, Hanes hosiery, handkerchiefs and wallets. Everything in the store is currently 20 percent off and can be gift-wrapped for free. The sale continues through Dec. 24. Layaway also is …

The Boston Tea Room offers the last-minute shopper uncommon gifts for anyone interested in the spiritual world. Spirit communications, home blessings, tarot, palm, crystal ball and tealeaf readings are some of the activities available by staffers. The Boston Tea Room also is a store, selling candles, essential oils, jewelry, stones and tarot cards. Teapots, teacups and organic teas are also available. This week, the business is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Here are the top five items that caught this shopper's eye: A personal reading with a …

To find a gift for even the pickiest woman on your list, it makes sense to visit It All Makes Scents. The store offers a wide selection of candles, candleholders, wind chimes, sun catchers, wine accessories, vases and trinket boxes. The store also sells a number of seasonal items, including Christmas ornaments, stemware and décor.  For the jewelry lovers, the store has rings, necklaces and bracelets, including bead ware by Chamilia, SilveRado and Halia Beads. Watches, handbags, slippers, sunglasses and wallets are also available. This week, the store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday …

The Wyandotte Business Association will be hosting a Christmas in Wyandotte celebration on Friday. The citywide festivity is part of the association's Third Friday events and promises to offer sales that are perfect for the last-minute shopper. Homemade meals and free family activities are also scattered throughout the city. Most businesses plan to stay open well past the normal closing time and offer discounts and specials. Along with great shopping, there are a host of free activities, including horse and buggy rides, the opportunity to see a reindeer, a Christmas movie at the old municipal…

Hoards of people bundled in earmuffs and scarves officially welcomed winter into the city last month during the annual Christmas parade and tree-lighting ceremony. And now, in a few days, they're expected to return en masse to Biddle Avenue to enjoy the holiday-themed Third Friday celebration. That and a host of other special events are on tap for the city throughout December. 1. Third Friday The Wyandotte Business Association is inviting people to shop, eat and ride in the city during its Festive Friday. Reindeer, the kind with real antlers, will be by the clock tower at Biddle and …