My recent trip to Novi, Mich., for a convention featured a nice mix of old favorites and new discoveries. We even squeezed in a little history.

The convention was held at the beautiful Suburban Collection Showplace, the second-largest convention facility in Michigan. Opened in 2005, the Suburban Collection Showplace has more than 340,000 square feet of space. Novi is laid out very well, with plenty of hotel and eating options right off of the main expressways and within a 10-minute drive of the Suburban Collection Showplace. I caught up with many friends, including actress Jordan Trovillion

One of the newest (and most convenient) is the Hyatt Place, which is connected to the convention center. With its 24/7 Gallery, you never have to leave the complex throughout the duration of the convention. Their portabella and brie soup was ridiculously delicious and surprisingly low in calories at 273.

We did venture off the convention grounds to hit Bagger Dave’s, our favorite burger place. We never miss a chance to enjoy a specialty burger at Bagger Dave’s. We also enjoyed great Mexican fare at Border Cantina. Their seafood burrito was stuffed with plump, fresh crab meat and shrimp. Their salsa is one of the best I have tasted. Tony Sacco’s was the new place we tried, and we loved their coal-oven pizza. The coal oven produces a crispy crust with a slightly smoky flavor, and the cheese is a golden brown. Even my Italian grandmother would love this place. My only suggestion is they should serve cannoli.

For a little history, we checked out the Novi Depot. Erected in the late 1800s, it is believed Novi got its name from the train depot, which was No. VI (number six) on the route to the state capital. This is a yearly trip, but since the Tigers were not in town, I might have to return to Detroit later this summer.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor