On a cold December night, with their phone lines yet to be hooked up, Dox Grillhouse in St. Clair Shores was packed with people eating, relaxing at the wraparound bar, or waiting to be seated.

In Freeport, Long Island, there is an oasis of restaurants, entertainment, and waterfront wonder at the Nautical Mile. Sam’s Scoops is just one of several fun and yummy spots along the mile-long ...