Things to Do in Melvindale

With the help of her husband, Chris, Crissi Ballas put her heart and soul into opening Wicks & Stones nearly a decade ago. Blossoming from a simple idea, the business grew into a gallery, jewelry and supply store, workshop, and candle emporium. Today, Wicks & Stones offers a wide variety of classes, from basic beading to stitching bracelets out of high-grade tennis balls. For gift-givers, the shop stocks 100% soy candles, a smattering of Swarovski crystals and other semi-precious stones, and displays packed with already-assembled jewelry.

The four trainers and two instructors at Rushlow’s Arabians combine more than 150 years of experience in the equestrian industry, applying their expertise in the areas of breeding, training, and riding. Rather than focus solely on riding techniques in the saddle or trying to teach horses sign language, riders learn the full spectrum of horsemanship, including equine anatomy, proper stall etiquette, and tacking up a horse. Students of all abilities have their choice of instruction in Western, Hunt Seat, Saddle Seat, Driving, and Dressage atop designated lesson horses, most of which have retired from the show ring.

Tucked into a curve of the Huron River, Wesburn Golf & Country Club traces its roots back to 1910 and its layout to course architect Wesson Seyburn. Extensive renovations have launched the bluegrass fairways into the modern age, enabling contemporary golfers to putt on sculpted greens that have existed for over a century. Before teeing off, players can warm up at one of the driving range’s 20 hitting stations, and after penciling in their final score, they can head toward the stately brick clubhouse. Here, plaid carpeting and a fireplace paint a comforting atmosphere, and the dining room’s overhead beams provide a place for athletes to do pull-ups until they can bend their clubs into pretzels.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par-72 course
• Length of 5,981 yards
• Course rating of 68.8
• Slope rating of 129

For more than 30 years, Rob Luton has used horseback riding as a way to instill self-confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship in his students. His efforts at Luton Riding Academy have resulted in a range of successes over the course of three decades, having guided riders to regional and national titles in disciplines such as Western and side saddle. He and his steeds teach future horse whisperers aged 5 and older riding skills during one-hour lessons. Students learn how to groom, tack, and ride a horse while adhering to safe riding practices and respecting the horse by not showing up in the same color horseshoes.

A lap around Skateland West’s sea-foam-green floor transports inline skaters back in time with psychedelic rainbow lights, arcade games, and music. Despite the retro-chic atmosphere, Skateland West keeps things modern with activities such as freestyle-skating sessions and inline-skating lessons. The center also has a staff of fitness instructors who run patrons through fun and challenging Zumba, kickboxing, kids’ dance classes, and yoga workouts to help patrons stay in better shape than a buff geometry teacher. The skating rink also hosts kids’ birthday parties and has a snack bar where skaters can refuel with sodas and pizza.