#Detroit International Riverfront

[livefuntravelposts]

Exploring the US on a Budget

The United States is a vast and diverse country that offers a wide range of experiences, from bustling cities to stunning natural landscapes. Contrary to the perception that a trip to the US has to be expensive, there are plenty of wallet-friendly destinations that allow you to soak in the beauty, culture, and history without breaking the bank. Join us as we uncover some of the best places to visit in the US on a low-budget trip, proving that unforgettable experiences can be had without a hefty price tag.

New Orleans, Louisiana: Jazz, Culture, and Cuisine

New Orleans is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and mouthwatering cuisine. Wander through the French Quarter, soak in the rhythms of live jazz performances, and savour delicious beignets at Café du Monde. Many of the city's attractions, like the French Market and Jackson Square, offer affordable or free admission, making it a budget-friendly destination for culture enthusiasts. Also, get out of town and explore some of the antebellum homes such as Oak Alley.

Asheville, North Carolina: Mountain Retreat on a Budget

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. Explore the stunning landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and don't miss the chance to visit the Biltmore Estate's gardens. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios that often host free exhibitions and events.

Austin, Texas: Live Music Capital

Austin's reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World" is well-deserved. Experience the city's vibrant music scene by catching free concerts in parks, at local venues, and during the famous South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. Stroll along South Congress Avenue to explore unique boutiques and enjoy affordable food truck fare.

Portland, Oregon: Eclectic Charm and Natural Beauty

Portland is a haven for budget-conscious travelers who appreciate a mix of quirky charm and outdoor adventure. Explore the city's distinctive neighborhoods, such as the Pearl District and Alberta Arts District, where you can browse art galleries and enjoy street art. Take advantage of Portland's extensive public transportation system and explore the nearby Columbia River Gorge for hiking and stunning waterfalls.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Southwestern Delights

Albuquerque offers a taste of Southwestern culture and a multitude of affordable activities. Immerse yourself in the city's rich Native American heritage at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a budget-friendly spectacle not to be missed.

Kansas City, Missouri: BBQ and Beyond

Foodies and history buffs will find plenty to love in Kansas City. Sample the city's famous barbecue at local joints, some of which offer budget-friendly meal deals. Explore the National World War I Museum and Memorial, where admission is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Country Club Plaza.

Tucson, Arizona: Desert Beauty and Culture

Tucson's unique blend of desert landscapes and cultural attractions makes it an ideal destination for budget travelers. Hike in the nearby Saguaro National Park, home to iconic saguaro cacti, and explore the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac. The city's lively arts and music scene often feature free or low-cost performances and exhibitions.

Detroit, Michigan: Urban Revival and Creativity

Detroit's resurgence as a cultural and artistic hub has transformed it into a budget-friendly destination with a unique charm. Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts, which offers free admission to residents, and wander through the vibrant Eastern Market to experience local food and crafts. Take a stroll along the Detroit Riverfront and enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline.

Salt Lake City, Utah: Outdoor Adventure and Scenic Beauty

For nature enthusiasts seeking budget-friendly outdoor activities, Salt Lake City is a hidden gem. Visit the nearby Antelope Island State Park to witness stunning views of the Great Salt Lake and its unique landscape. Take advantage of the city's bike-sharing program to explore scenic trails and visit attractions like the Utah State Capitol.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Historic Treasures

As the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia offers a wealth of historic sites and landmarks that can be explored on a budget. Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, both of which offer free admission, and explore the diverse neighborhoods like South Street and Reading Terminal Market for affordable dining and shopping.

St. Louis, Missouri: Gateway to Exploration

Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River, St. Louis offers a plethora of budget-friendly attractions. No visit is complete without a trip to the iconic Gateway Arch, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city and riverfront. Explore the historic Soulard neighbourhood, known for its vibrant farmers' market and lively atmosphere. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the St. Louis Art Museum, which offers free admission to its impressive collection.

San Antonio, Texas: Rich Heritage and River Walk

San Antonio's blend of history, culture, and natural beauty provides an enticing backdrop for budget-conscious travellers. Wander along the famous River Walk, where you can enjoy the lively ambience, free public art installations, and occasional live performances. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic Alamo, where you can delve into the city's past without spending a dime.

Buffalo, New York: Rust Belt Revival

Buffalo's resurgence has transformed it into a hub of creativity and culture, making it a surprising addition to this list. Discover the city's architectural gems, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Darwin D. Martin House, and explore the vibrant Elmwood Village neighbourhood. The Buffalo City Hall offers free guided tours, providing insight into the city's history and unique design.

Boise, Idaho: Urban Adventure and Outdoor Escape

Boise's blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure makes it a budget-friendly paradise. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the scenic Boise River Greenbelt or hike the trails of the nearby Boise Foothills. The city's downtown area is home to affordable dining options and local boutiques, while the Basque Block offers a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.

Providence, Rhode Island: Creative Charm and Academia

Providence's artistic spirit and proximity to prestigious universities create a unique atmosphere for budget travelers. Explore the RISD Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art and design, and stroll along Benefit Street to admire historic architecture. The city's Water Fire events, featuring bonfires along the river, provide a magical and free evening experience.  

Our Final Word

With these additional budget-friendly destinations, our list of must-visit places in the US for thrifty travelers becomes even more enticing. From the urban revival of Detroit to the natural beauty of Boise, and the historic charm of St. Louis to the cultural richness of San Antonio, the United States is brimming with diverse and affordable options. Embrace the spirit of adventure, make the most of free and low-cost attractions, and immerse yourself in the local culture to create a memorable and budget-conscious travel experience. Whether you're exploring bustling cities or serene natural landscapes, these destinations prove that a low-budget trip doesn't mean compromising on quality or enjoyment. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an enriching journey through the heart and soul of the United States, all without stretching your wallet.

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[wigmund]

From Wikipedia Picture of the Day; January 30, 2017:

A panoramic view of the Detroit International Riverfront, a tourist attraction and landmark of Detroit, Michigan. The area encompasses a marina, a multitude of parks, restaurants, retail shops, skyscrapers, and high-rise residential areas along with Cobo Center, Joe Louis Arena, and the only international wildlife preserve in North America.

Photograph: Chris Woodrich

[route22ny]

(In the previous post I referred to Mr Gallagher’s book Reimagining Detroit. In looking for a bio to link his name to, I discovered he was retiring and had written an open farewell letter to the city in December.  I’ll put the entire text & photos where possible into this post.)

***

Dear Detroiters,

After 32 years covering this city and state for the Detroit Free Press, today marks my final column. For a lot of reasons I’ve decided this is a good time to move on to my next chapter.

But I’m not leaving Detroit and I’m not hanging up my keyboard. I’ll continue to write in a variety of ways — more books, perhaps blogging and podcasts, and otherwise I'll be engaging with this fascinating city and its people in a bunch of new ways.

I thank my editors and my colleagues for their support during my career here at the Free Press. And I thank you, my readers, who over the years have shared this amazing city with me. You’ve responded to my work by turns complimentary and critical, encouraging and scathing, but never dull.

This job has given me a front-row seat into one of the world’s great urban dramas — the resurrection of a once-powerhouse city brought low by the scourges of racism, suburban sprawl and factory closings. Whether you agree or disagree that Detroit has made progress in recent years, you have to admit that the range of effort here has been nothing short of remarkable. Not for nothing is Detroit known as an urban laboratory for the world’s struggling cities.

The work of reimagining a Detroit after the fall has been the focus of my work for many years. So today, let me try to sum up what I think we’ve learned.  

The free-fall years

When I joined the Free Press in 1987, the city of Detroit was still in free fall. Decades of factory closings, years of of flight to the suburbs, a dismal legacy of racism and its effects, had drained the city of residents, jobs and political clout. A population of about 1 million would drop at least another 300,000 in years to come. Anchor employers like Comerica decamped their headquarters to the Sunbelt.

Perhaps the low point was the case of Malice Green in 1992, when two white cops during an arrest beat Green, a black suspect, to death with flashlights. The case exposed all of Detroit’s woes and seemed to give the lie to any notion of progress on race or any other matters.

Two neighborhood boys walk past the Malice Green memorial at Warren and 23rd Street in Detroit in 1997. (Craig Porter, Detroit Free Press)

And more disappointments were to come. Michigan would sink into its “Lost Decade” in 2001 when the state began to shed jobs every year for 10 years in a row. Those who predicted a quick turnaround were proved wrong again and again. It was no normal business cycle but, as University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes told me for a 2018 article, the long-overdue reaction to the vanished market share of the Detroit Three automakers.

"That was a permanent adjustment of the auto industry to the loss of its monopoly power," Grimes said. "We'll never get back to where we were in the year 2000."

And then came the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Short of an atom bomb going off here, it’s hard to image a worse calamity for the city. The collapse of the subprime mortgage market, the devastation wreaked by the Wayne County tax foreclosure auction, the implosion of home values, all but finished off Detroit.

The Great Recession turned Detroit from a city of homeowners to a city of renters. It wiped out a generation of black family wealth that we are yet to recover. And it led inexorably to the city’s municipal bankruptcy of 2013-14.

The first hints of recovery

But even amid the losses and abandonment, some early shoots of recovery were showing.

For years, Detroiters were turning vacant lots into urban farms. There were hundreds of small community gardens and several larger farms like Earthworks and RecoveryPark on the east side, the D-Town Farm led by Malik Yakini of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network on the west side, and the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative in New Center.

This repurposing of vacant and abandoned land for productive use first drew the attention of the world and began to inch Detroit’s reputation from Rust Belt failure to that of a city reinventing itself.

Then, too, a city government too broken and dysfunctional to do all it should began to spin off some of its operations into innovative conservancies, nonprofit corporations and public authorities. These spin-offs were hotly contested each time but ultimately proved remarkably successful.

Under these new management models, Eastern Market transformed from a faded and failing operation to the lively marketplace we see today. Cobo Center, now renamed the TCF Center, was once so poorly run by the city that it almost lost the annual auto show. Once spun off into a regional authority in 2009, the convention center transformed into the gem we see today with its soaring riverfront atrium and a ballroom that is one of the city’s best venues.

The nonprofit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy built and manages the RiverWalk. Ditto the lively Campus Martius Park, built by another conservancy and managed today by the Downtown Detroit Partnership on behalf of the city. The Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the city’s workforce development agency, the Detroit Land Bank Authority, and, most  controversially, Belle Isle itself, all improved, often dramatically, once spun off from direct city control into some new form of management.

Mina Powell of Southfield skips rope at Eastern Market before the 2018 Ford Fireworks in Detroit on Monday, June 25, 2018. (Cameron Pollack, Cameron Pollack, Detroit Free Press)

And in this process, philanthropic foundations played a key role. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has been a leader in building greenways like the Dequindre Cut. The Kresge Foundation contributed tens of millions of dollars to the RiverWalk and other efforts. The Ford Foundation was a lead contributor to the Grand Bargain that made the city’s trip through bankruptcy a success.

It would hard to imagine Detroit’s recent progress without the work of these and many other foundations. And the foundations weren’t the only nonprofits to take a leading role.

Neighborhood community development organizations like the Southwest Detroit Business Association, Eastside Community Network, U-Snap-Bac, and, perhaps most successfully, Midtown Detroit Inc. under its longtime leader Sue Mosey, led the recovery in their districts. These community groups and their staffers worked when no one else seemed to care, often for years, often alone.

And beginning in the early 2000s the city’s economy began to slowly evolve from the heavy-industry model of the past to a more entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurship gave Detroiters a new path to remake their lives.

There was a former Chrysler line worker named April Anderson whose dream of becoming a baker led to Good Cakes and Bakes, one of the city’s leading suppliers of sweets. Roslyn Karamoko’s Detroit is the New Black apparel shop, the StockX sneaker exchange, and hundreds of other startups showed that there was indeed economic life in the city, after all.

Detroit’s municipal bankruptcy, and the 2010 move by Dan Gilbert of his Quicken Loans downtown, with Gilbert's rapid remaking of the downtown core, were major steps that have gotten a lot of the credit for the city's comeback to date. But I think we cannot underestimate the importance of the urban farmers, the spin-offs, the foundations, the neighborhood activists, and the entrepreneurs in reinventing Detroit. 

And along the way there were milestones of recovery once thought unattainable. Both the long-dormant Book-Cadillac Hotel and the defunct Michigan Central Station stood for years as international symbols of the city's failure. Both at times were recommended for demolition. But the Book-Cadillac reopened to fanfare in 2008 and Ford today is turning the train station into its future center of mobility research.

Setbacks aplenty

To be sure, the work has been long and tedious, beset by setbacks at every turn.

Rebuilding a city already built upon for 300 years means dealing with a legacy of debris just beneath the surface. When the Orleans Landing project by McCormack Baron Salazar on the riverfront east of the Renaissance Center started to dig foundations a few years ago, crews uncovered sewer lines that according to city maps shouldn’t have been there.

As another developer joked about his project building a medical warehouse in New Center, “We dug up everything but Jimmy Hoffa.”

Facing these and other challenges, almost every project takes longer than we think it should.  When the Police Athletic League was planning what became the Willie Horton Field of Dreams at the site of the old Tiger Stadium, it discovered a regulation that a public playfield couldn’t be landlocked by other development on all sides as was planned for the perimeter of the site. So lawyers had to work out a solution to solve that problem. It worked, but the process that burned up several more weeks of time.

Problems so complex

Or take mortgage lending. Detroit is a city so financially broken that a normal mortgage market here almost didn’t exist until just recently. Thousands of houses do change hands each year, but mostly through cash sales or land contracts, a financially risky way for a buyer to get a home.

The dearth of market rate mortgages reflects the legacy of  racism and redlining that scarred Detroit and many other older urban centers at mid-20th century. But even bankers who admitted their past mistakes and tried to infuse more capital into the mortgage system here found that it was no simple matter.

With the Detroit skyline in the background, several empty lots sit on the corner of Park Ave and Sibley in the Cass Corridor.  There are still many undeveloped sites despite the empowerment zone being in Detroit since 1994. (Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press)

In Detroit, a potential buyer might have saved enough for a down payment but not enough for the repairs that would make a house move-in ready and eligible for a market-rate mortgage. Or an annual income that might support a mortgage in most cases might not be enough once student debt or child-care expenses were added to a borrower’s burden.

Low appraisals, lack of public transit for residents to get to jobs, food or housing insecurity — all these could hold back efforts to create a thriving mortgage market in the city.

As Janis Bowdler, president of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, told me earlier this year, "As we've been sleeves rolled up, working in the community, we're learning over and over how multifaceted the challenge is. It's not just a supply of mortgage capital or a matter of producing enough credit-worthy borrowers. It's much more complex."

Working the problem

Detroit's mortgage lenders, and civic and nonprofit leaders, have worked hard to overcome these challenges. As they've counseled home-buyers and come up with innovative approaches to housing, the number of mortgage loans made in Detroit has been rising from almost none 10 years ago to more than 1,000 a year today. But clearly we still have a long way to go.

Earlier this year I wrote about Detroiter Jomica Miller, 43, a cashier working at 36th District Court. She had hoped to buy her parents' home after her father died but found it had been sold out from under them at the annual Wayne County tax foreclosure auction. She also found her past credit history presented a problem for lenders. She had student loans she was slowly paying off and a past bankruptcy on her record.

Jomica Miller stands in front of her house she recently purchased on Detroit's northwest side on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. (Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press)

"I actually started my process in 2017," she said. "Nobody wanted to work with me because my credit was so bad. I didn't know where to start."

Through credit counseling and perseverance for more than a year, she eventually was able to buy a house in the Marygrove district on the city's northwest side with an FHA-backed mortgage. The house is one of four that were part of the Fitz Forward project that has gotten mortgages closed in the Fitzgerald neighborhood. Fitz Forward is the initiative led by Century Partners and The Platform to rehab houses in the district.

"I almost gave up, but I had some great people in my corner," she said. "Don't give up."

Grind it out

So if the problems are complex, so, too, are the solutions. A week ago Mayor Mike Duggan and other leaders announced a $10 million gift from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to the city’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund. The fund works in 10 specific neighborhoods on streetscape improvements, new and rehabbed housing, retail readiness and other improvements.

But if it sounded like a simple transfer of funds from the foundation to ready-to-go projects, it wasn’t. The money flows through Invest Detroit, a mission-based nonprofit lender that has worked overtime in recent years to generate new investment in the city’s neighborhoods. Speaking at the announcement, Dave Blaszkiewicz, president of Invest Detroit, noted that it took the coordinated efforts of multiple departments and agencies to make the work possible.

Without question, the complexity of the problems and the difficulty of coordinating solutions has held back Detroit’s efforts at recovery. But the good news — the really good news — is that Detroit in recent years has gotten so much better at working that magic.

Whether it’s city planners, the foundation staffs, bankers or neighborhood activists, more and more of these players have learned to reduce the barriers and make a complex system of investment work.

Try everything and keep trying

Does that system sometimes favor corporate interests to the detriment of ordinary Detroiters? Perhaps. Do we still sometimes see well-meaning efforts result in nothing much? Sure. Are there still problems that we have barely begun to touch? Certainly.

But the overall impact of Detroit’s recovery efforts — efforts by thousands of committed people working across a broad range of activities, from workforce training to urban farming to education and transit, these efforts have slowly inched Detroit forward. And the city is better for it.

There’s a saying that “nothing works but everything might.” It means that there is no silver-bullet solution to our problems. But if we work across a hundred different fields, making progress in each one, those efforts will add up to something greater than the sum of the parts. That’s the approach Detroit has taken and must continue to take.

There’s a story from the American Civil War that I like.  A new regiment came up to the battlefront and its colonel asked the general commanding where they should go in. “Why, go in anywhere,” the general replied. “There is lovely fighting all along the line.”

And so in Detroit. If you want a to-do list to take away from this column, work on whatever holds your interest. We need progress on public safety and education, but we also need to work on transit and child care and vacant buildings and entrepreneurship and any of a hundred other fields. Take your pick, and get busy.

It’s a long and difficult task. But that shouldn’t faze a city with a gritty work ethic like Detroit's.

And so, onward

Detroit’s story is so varied, with so much conflicting evidence of progress or lack of it, that even today one can lean toward either optimism or despair. I choose hope. I believe with Dr. King that the arc of the moral universe is long but that it bends toward justice. And I hold with the message of Irish poet Seamus Heaney whose words about his homeland echo for me in Detroit:

History says, don't hope

On this side of the grave.

But then, once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave

Of justice can rise up,

And hope and history rhyme.

So much work lies ahead of us. And in that task, I'll be there. Though I won’t be writing as a Free Press columnist, I will be writing about Detroit in other ways, and engaging in the life of this community in new ways yet to come. I’m looking forward to that.

See you around.

(John Gallagher is a native of New York City who joined the Free Press in 1987 to cover urban and economic development. He is a resident of the city for many years. He is the author of several books including "Reimagining Detroit: Opportunities for Redefining an American City" and "Yamasaki in Detroit: A Search for Serenity." He was a 2017 inductee into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.)

https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/business/john-gallagher/2019/12/19/reporter-john-gallagher-retires-detroit/2685362001/

***

The bio of Gallagher I mentioned in the intro is here; there are also links to a  number of his more recent articles about the city and related issues.

[maryjbligefashionbook]

Event: GM Style Event that kicked off the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI - 2007 . #maryjblige #tbt #detroit (at Detroit Riverfront) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRN8o-hSEh/?igshid=16cz17hakyhi7

[canvasxdetroit]

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A post shared by B.Colvin (@canvasxdetroit)

Riverfront. Reflecting. ***in each of us, an artist*** #Detroit #river #water #commodity #water #h2o #beauty #life #birds #natural #puremichigan #windsor #canada #borders #border #international #ohcanada #freshwater #riverfront #fishing (at Detroit Windsor Waterfront)

[f1]

Newgarden snatches last-second Detroit Grand Prix pole | IndyCar

Josef Newgarden took pole position for the IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix thanks to a last-second effort in the Fast Six stage of qualifying. Newgarden will lead the field of 26 cars to the green flag in tomorrow’s 70-lap race, the final Detroit Grand Prix to be held at the Belle Isle Street Circuit as the race will move to the International Riverfront district in downtown Detroit next year. His best lap of 1’15.215 came right after the chequered flag fell, knocking Takuma Sato off the provisional pole position. Newgarden becomes the seventh different pole winner in seven races this season. Sato will line up second, sharing the front row with Newgarden. The two Meyer Shank cars of Simon Pagenaud and Hélio Castroneves will start third, and fourth, respectively. McLaren SP driver Pato O’Ward will start fifth, and rookie David Malukas was the story of qualifying, making the Fast Six for the first time and ending up sixth on the grid just days after controversially missing out on the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year award. Indianapolis 500 winner and IndyCar Series points leader Marcus Ericsson will start eighth in car number eight, sharing the fourth row with Colton Herta, who qualified seventh. An all-Scott fifth row follows, with Scott Dixon in ninth, and Scott McLaughlin in tenth. Transfer market protagonist Alexander Rossi, who agreed to join McLaren SP next season, starts 11th. Romain Grosjean had a hard crash through turns 12 and 13 to end round two of qualifying: The resulting red flag caused the deletion of his two fastest laps, meaning Grosjean will start 12th. The other major player in this week’s IndyCar silly season, Kyle Kirkwood, qualified 15th after leading the way in first practice. However, he crashed out of second practice earlier today, and will now go on and race in the IMSA SportsCar Championship tonight with a minor injury to his right hand – before starting tomorrow’s race. Further back in the pack, Felix Rosenqvist was penalized during round one of qualifying for impeding Jimmie Johnson as he exited pit lane for his final attempt. His fastest laps in the session were deleted, and he will start from the final row of the grid in 25th. Dalton Kellett did not take part in qualifying after a heavy crash at the end of second practice, and because of a six-place grid penalty for an unapproved engine change at the Indy 500, Kellett will start 26th. Green flag time for the Detroit Grand Prix is tomorrow at 20:45 BST. Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free Grand Prix of Detroit qualifying results Position Car Driver Team Engine 1 2 Josef Newgarden Penske Chevrolet 2 51 Takuma Sato Coyne/RWR Honda 3 60 Simon Pagenaud Meyer Shank Honda 4 6 Helio Castroneves Meyer Shank Honda 5 5 Pato O’Ward McLaren SP Chevrolet 6 18 David Malukas Coyne/HMD Honda 7 26 Colton Herta Andretti Honda 8 8 Marcus Ericsson Ganassi Honda 9 9 Scott Dixon Ganassi Honda 10 3 Scott McLaughlin Penske Chevrolet 11 27 Alexander Rossi Andretti Honda 12 28 Romain Grosjean Andretti Honda 13 20 Conor Daly Carpenter Chevrolet 14 21 Rinus VeeKay Carpenter Chevrolet 15 14 Kyle Kirkwood Foyt Chevrolet 16 12 Will Power Penske Chevrolet 17 77 Santino Ferrucci Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet 18 10 Alex Palou Ganassi Honda 19 30 Christian Lundgaard RLL Honda 20 45 Jack Harvey RLL Honda 21 29 Devlin DeFrancesco Andretti Steinbrenner Honda 22 48 Jimmie Johnson Ganassi Honda 23 15 Graham Rahal RLL Honda 24 11 Tatiana Calderon Foyt Chevrolet 25 7 Felix Rosenqvist McLaren SP Chevrolet 26 4 Dalton Kellett Foyt Chevrolet IndyCar Browse all IndyCar articles Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net

[noxrose]

Happy International Cat Day‼️ 🖤💖✨💎🐈💎✨💖🖤 @sergiomazzotta3 took this awesome picture at the Detroit Riverfront of my Bombshell Catwoman. It's so beautiful there. I look forward to doing a photoshoot with him again some day, but that won't happen until the border is open again. 🖤💖✨💎🐈💎✨💖🖤 #dcbombshells #dcbombshell #dcbomshellscosplay #dcbombshellcosplay #dcbombshellscosplay #dcbombshellscatwoman #dcbombshellscatwomancosplay #dccatwoman #dccatwomancosplay #catwomancostume #catwomancosplay #catwomancosplayer #dccosplay #dccosplayer #dccosplayers #dccosplaygirl #dccosplaygirls #selenakyle #selenakylecosplay #catwoman #catwoman🐱 #catwoman😻 #catwomanmakeup #catwomancomics #detroitriverwalk #detroitriverfront #michigancosplay https://www.instagram.com/p/CSVdFBpjP2o/?utm_medium=tumblr

[canada4news]

Historic Fort Wayne hopes to draw tourists to U.S. foot of Gordie Howe bridge

Historic Fort Wayne hopes to draw tourists to U.S. foot of Gordie Howe bridge

Article content Not many people in Windsor may be aware of historic Fort Wayne on Detroit’s riverfront, but that could change given its soon-to-be prominent location at the foot of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. Dating back to the property being a Native-American burial ground in the 1700s, it’s also the location where the treaty to end the War of 1812 was signed. It became a training…

[turbobuckeye]

As expected the #NAIAS2020 cancelled. In light of the coronavirus concerns we fully understand.⁣⁣ ⁣ ♻️ Today (March 28, 2020) @naiasdetroit Organizers Announce Cancellation of⁣ 2020 Detroit Auto Show.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ The 2020 North American International Auto Show in Detroit has been canceled this year because the Federal Emergency Management Agency chose the TCF Center (formerly known as COBO) to become a field hospital for COVID-19 cases for at least six months.⁣ ⁣ The show, one of Southeast Michigan's signature events, will resume in June 2021, the organizers informed show sponsors in a memo Saturday that was obtained by the Free Press.⁣ ⁣ "The health and welfare of the citizens of Detroit and Michigan is paramount. TCF Center is the ideal location for this important function at this critical and unprecedented time,” NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts said in the memo.⁣ ⁣ The 2021 show will include all the events planned for this year, when the event was to move from its longtime home in January to summer so it could offer outdoor events along the riverfront, including test drives, demonstrations of self-driving cars and other new technologies plus Motor Bella, a pre-show street festival of Italian and English cars in the heart of downtown.⁣ ⁣ New 2021 show dates and events:⁣ ⁣ Motor Bella – Friday, June 11 to Monday, June 14:  A street fair of English and Italian cars and food.⁣ ⁣ The Gallery – Monday, June 14: An invitation-only show of the latest exotic and luxury vehicles.⁣ ⁣ Press Preview – Tuesday, June 15  to Wednesday, June 16: Automakers from around the world reveal new vehicles and technologies.⁣ ⁣ AutoMobili-D Powered by PlanetM – Tuesday, June 15 to Thursday, June 17: Innovators showcase new ideas to automakers and suppliers.⁣ ⁣ Industry Preview – Wednesday, June 16 to Thursday, June 17: Engineers and designers study new vehicles for competitive information.⁣ ⁣ Charity Preview – Friday, June 18: Massive event raises millions for local charities.⁣ ⁣ Public Show – Saturday, June 19 to Saturday, June 26⁣ ⁣ 📰 Source: @detroitfreepress @naiasdetroit #NAIAS #Michigan #Detroit #detroitautoshow @tcfcenter (at TCF Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-T4aBLFYFy/?igshid=x5zavfx12gwn

[buttonholedlife]

Movement techno festival is postponed to September

Movement techno festival, a Memorial Day fixture in Detroit, moves to September

Brian McCollum Detroit Free Press

Published 9:18 PM EDT Mar 19, 2020

The Movement Festival at Hart Plaza in Detroit on Sunday, May 29, 2016. There were six stages of electronic music, a riverside bier garden, and dozens of food choices.

John Froelich, Special to the Free Press

Detroit's arts and music calendar continues to get turned upside down: Twenty years after electronic music became a Memorial Day weekend fixture on the riverfront, the Movement festival has postponed its 2020 edition to Sept. 11-13.

The Hart Plaza techno fest, initially scheduled May 23-25, is the biggest Detroit festival affected so far by the coronavirus pandemic.

Existing tickets and passes will be honored at the rescheduled September fest or in 2021, producer Paxahau said Thursday evening in a statement. 

Refunds are available if sought, but Movement organizers stressed that ticket buyers are a critical revenue plank: "Your financial investment literally creates this event," they wrote.

Detroit-based Paxahau took the reins of the annual May event in 2006. 

From the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, the techno festival was clearly among the most vulnerable local gatherings on the immediate calendar, given its substantial international audience and number of traveling artists.

The techno fest typically draws three-day audiences of about 100,000 at Hart Plaza. Movement weekend also includes an array of afterparties and other events beyond the riverside site.

Top acts at Movement this year were to include Underworld, Adam Beyer and Deadmau5 performing as Testpilot.

"We are receiving commitments from production teams and performing artists for the new dates and have been working around the clock to share some positive news we can all look forward to," the Movement team wrote Thursday.

The Hart Plaza techno festival has been the de facto kickoff of the summer music season in metro Detroit, bracketed on the other end by Labor Day events including the Detroit International Jazz Festival and Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak .

The shift to Sept. 11-13 means Movement will run Friday-Sunday — rather than Saturday-to-Monday, as the techno fest had done since it began as the Detroit Electronic Music Festival (DEMF) in 2000. 

"We look forward to coming out on the other side of this together," Paxahau wrote.

Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com.

Published 9:18 PM EDT Mar 19, 2020

This content was originally published here.

[sprawlnation]

SN: I do dwell in the northern suburbs of Detroit so I do not practice what I preach. I am the worst king of local to city residents, outspoken about the city’s growth and re-genesis but not a tax paying participant. As such, the following is inspiring news since this is the portion of Detroit I’ve been eyeing since I was a teenager. If I’m going to make the jump, this redevelopment will signal it’s time to commit fully. The plan for the east riverfront is a strong one and could serve as example for other cities if executed properly. It may also serve my change of address.

Detroit’s new riverfront plan–more parks, fewer pricey condos Detroit’s east riverfront will not, after all, become the near-exclusive domain of high-end condominium and apartment dwellers.

In a bold, new, and more democratic vision, city planners showed off a blueprint to create three zones of public parkland on the riverfront where once private development had been scheduled to rise.

The vision reverses a long-held presumption that the riverfront running east from the Renaissance Center would fill up with pricey residences and shops to boost the city’s population and tax base. Instead, this new vision boldly accepts that the value of public access to the riverfront outweighs the value of a few more condos and shops.

“The riverfront belongs to all Detroiters,” Maurice Cox, director of the City of Detroit Planning & Development Department, said of the new vision. “Thanks to the involvement of hundreds of residents, we have principles that frame an international riverfront that can be accessed and enjoyed by all.”

“We’ve had tremendous input from the community throughout the planning process,” said Mark Wallace, president & CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy. “The East Riverfront is a special place for all Detroiters, particularly families and the elderly. This plan builds on the lessons we have learned since opening up the RiverWalk in 2007. The greenway connections and expansions of the park space will significantly improve the riverfront experience for generations to come.”

The improvements to East Jefferson are sorely needed. The city reports that over the last five years, Jefferson between Rivard Street and East Grand Boulevard has been the scene of 1,350 vehicle crashes, 39 pedestrian–vehicle incidents, and nine fatalities from vehicular and pedestrian crashes.

This plan, if enacted in full, would continue the decades-long evolution of the east riverfront. For the first hundred years or so of Detroit’s history, the east riverfront was given to ribbon farms, long thin strips giving each family access to waterfront transportation. Heavy industry eventually dominated for another century until Detroit’s decline saw the riverfront become a mostly derelict zone with large expanses of vacant lots.

Some redevelopment occurred in the 1980s with projects like Stroh River Place and Harbortown built. But an extensive series of high-end real estate projects announced by then-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick a decade ago that would have filled up the east riverfront with upscale private developments fell apart during the Great Recession and national real estate crash.

[architectnews]

10 futuristic architecture projects from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students

This school show by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute features speculative designs from current and former students, including a "shrine to science fiction" made from mechanical debris and a replacement for Steven Holl's Hunter's Point Library.

The projects were created as part of the students' undergraduate degrees at the Rensselaer School of Architecture in Troy, New York.

Although created in different years, all of the designs focus on the "benevolent power of architecture" to tackle the most pressing social and environmental concerns of our time.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

University: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, School of Architecture Courses: BArch

Statement from Evan Douglis, Dean of the Rensselaer School of Architecture:

"Situated within one of the premier technological research universities in the US, the School of Architecture at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute works in collaboration with leading scientists, engineers, technologists, artists and entrepreneurs.

"Together, we reimagine the future built environment as an ecologically responsive, energy-efficient, socially conscious and poetically charged constellation of buildings and infrastructures that reinvigorate and empower diverse communities around the world.

"We believe in the benevolent power of architecture to contribute to the environmental restoration of our planet, to establish a more productive, harmonious and symbiotic relationship with the natural world and to imbue our buildings with an awe-inspiring sense of wonder and delight."

Biogas House & Turntable Garden by Aida Ayuk

"The tearing down of domestic objects into their constituent parts provides the backdrop for architectural speculation in this foundation studio. The house began as an investigation of the aesthetic categories of a household record player and the ways it transfers energy.

"The house is conceived as a system of overlapping domestic programmes that produce, store, circuit and consume energy. In this process, domestic waste is collected and processed into bio-slurry. The house consists of a one-storey podium surrounded by a turntable composed of storage tanks, skylights and digesters. The caretaker's tower consists of three rings, which intersect to form the living quarters around an interior balcony and composting tank."

Course: first-year BArch, 2019 Studio: Architectural Design 2 
Email: ayuka@rpi.edu Tutor: Rhett Russo

Thermo House by Emmy Chen

"This house consists of a constellation of globes, with each holding a different living area at its centre. The spaces where the spheres overlap allow for movement in-between. The house is set in a cold climate, so based on ecogeographical rules each room is formed with a minimum surface-area-to-volume ratio to prevent heat from dissipating and offer thermal insulation.

"The aggregation of the spheres results in valleyed intersections on the exterior. This is where the steel supports emerge and elevate the aggregates from the ground, creating a minimal footprint to further increase the building's energy efficiency."

Course: BArch, first year, 2019 Studio: Architectural Design 2 Email: cheny55@rpi.edu Tutor: Ryo Imaeda

Habitat Nexus by Daniel Rothbart and Andrew Tice

"In designing housing, we envision a way of life. We dream of utopia, imagine dystopia and hope to influence how we imagine communal living – as a network of relationships, even an ecology. Located on the riverfront in Cohoes, New York, this project is designated for residents nearing the Third Age, meaning people upwards of 65 years old.

"The intent of Habitat Nexus is to deliver on the promises of connection and community, which were originally espoused by technological platforms but which they failed to deliver. Through extreme architectural environments, this building awakens its inhabitants from their fabricated reality and enables new associations and relationships."

Course: BArch, second year, 2018 Studio: Architectural Design 4 – Housing Emails:  ticea@rpi.edu and rothbd@rpi.edu Tutor: Yael Erel

Cohoes Gateway Boathouse & Recycling Plant by Caroline Golota


"Beginning with a study of discarded mechanical objects, Cohoes Gateway repurposes waste into experimental architectural forms. The project takes a post-industrial site in upstate New York as its basis and seeks to update its hydroelectric power infrastructure in a contemporary way.

"Emerging renewable energy technologies are integrated into a spatial grammar reminiscent of geological configurations, combining both natural and artificial elements into a hybrid language. The network of tendril-like formations constituting the project's ground floor double as hydropower storage units and public spaces, which have the potential to branch out of the site and acquire an urban dimension."

Course: BArch, second year, 2017 Studio: Architectural Design Studio 3 Email: golotc@rpi.edu Tutor: Stefano Passeri

Botanical Library for Endangered Plants by Renwen "Annie" Yu

"This library proposal is located on the East River waterfront in Long Island City, New York, on the site of Steven Holl's recently completed Hunter's Point Library. It reconsiders the function of a library in contemporary society and, rather than primarily storing books, serves as a botanical archive designed to educate visitors about plant species that are at risk of extinction due to climate change.

"The project also reconsiders the image of a library, with its form and aesthetics derived from 'glitched', projected images of OMA's Seattle Public Library. The facade is an exploration of colour and complexity, realised via full-scale 3D-printed panels."

Course: BArch, third year, 2020 Studio: Integrated Design Schematic Studio Email: yur2@rpi.edu Tutor: Adam Dayem

Museum of Science Fiction & Speculative Media by Ayesha Ayesha

"Science fiction tells us about the world we live in by exploring the present through images of the future. In this way, it serves a critical function. Apocalyptic visions, utopian futures and social experiments are all familiar scenarios found in this multilayered and complex genre.

"The Museum of Science Fiction & Speculative Media, located at 57 State St Albany, New York, is an elaborate shrine dedicated to science fiction. This referential mass contains a series of gallery spaces, exhibiting a robust timeline of the genre supported by a theater and performance space, media research labs, administrative offices and retail spaces."


Course: third-year BArch, 2018 Studio: Integrated Design Schematic Studio 
Email: ayesha@rpi.edu Tutor: Matthew Lopez

Expo '51 Detroit by Cody Seipp

"This project imagines a world in which Amazon began orchestrating a redevelopment plan for Detroit in 2018. The revamped image of the city centres around Amazon's new headquarters, while rejecting cars in favour of a public transport system and pedestrian walkways.

"The urban overhaul would conclude with Expo '51, an international exhibition welcoming works by celebrity architects to increase tourism and give Detroit a global presence. As such, this project seeks to engage with the ongoing tension between architecture and capital, public and private use, civic and corporate space."

Course: fifth-year BArch, 2018 Studio: Final Project Design Research Seminar & Studio Email: cdseipp@gmail.com Tutor: Chris Perry

Intimatopia by Mincong Huang

"Intimatopia explores how the increasing speed of cultural production and bifurcation can disrupt existing urban fabrics, in the hope of ultimately fostering a new sense of togetherness. Clustered habitats are injected into the cityscape and interconnected through synchronised electronic drum beats, reminiscent of the emergent collectivity of the 1980s.

"Yet, through this constant shape-shifting, it becomes apparent that togetherness dissolves into each and every one of us. Through the agency of our bodies, it has become impossible to capture our culture in the built environment. This stability has long been forgotten and what unites us as a community is also what inspired the forgetting in the first place. Sounds and rhythms are the only monuments that communicate and reverberate togetherness across the new cityscape."

Course: fifth-year BArch, 2018-19 Studio: Final Project Design Research Seminar & Studio Email: huangm5@rpi.edu Tutor: Carla Leitao

Power – After the Flame by Varun Chillara

"Politics and power in architecture have reemerged as prominent topics in the last decade and the increasing instability of international political structures has correspondingly influenced the built environment.

"Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984, and will again host the Olympic Games in 2028. However, when they come to a close and the flame is extinguished, what will become of these venues? This project charts the interaction between different social and technological scenarios at varying scales from the city to the individual, so we can identify obvious but latent conditions that continue to affect today's city."

Course: fifth-year BArch, 2017-18 Studio: Final Project Design Research Seminar & Studio Email: varunkamesh22@gmail.com Tutor: Brian De Luna

Beyond Ornament: Transforming the Mundane & Overlooked by Claire Liu


"The advent of digital technologies in architecture has opened up new possibilities for design. With the tools at our disposal today, ornaments can be pushed into unexplored territory by assembling them in a new way.

"Through excessive use, ornaments lose their decorative character and become something new. In order to push beyond the decorative, this project investigates the representational and functional dimensions of ornamentation in architecture. Through exploring excessiveness, a new artefact emerges based on the typology of a motel on Route 66."


Course: fifth-year BArch, 2017-18 Studio: Final Project Design Research Seminar & Studio 
Email: lliuj18@gmail.com Tutor: William Virgil

The post 10 futuristic architecture projects from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students appeared first on Dezeen.

[tamboradventure]

14 Things to See and Do in Detroit

Posted: 7/23/20 | July 23rd, 2020

Since the Coronavirus has halted travel for over four months, I thought I would start to share more posts about destinations here in the United States. True, we shouldn’t be a lot of travel at the moment but you can always use these tips for later! Today, my Creative Director Raimee shares her tips and advice for visiting Detroit, one of the country’s most underrated cities!

Just north of Lake Erie’s western end, Detroit, Michigan, is a sprawling metropolis home to over four million people. Haunted by the echoes of its past, the city is often overlooked or ignored by domestic and international travelers alike.

Having grown up in the Detroit area, I can understand why those unaware of its charm consider Detroit a blighted city, burdened by debt, crime, and a fleeing population. I assure you, though, this preconception couldn’t be more wrong.

The famed “Motor City” has historically been known for its auto manufacturing sector, its contributions to the early music industry, and its beloved sports teams. Today, through its revitalization, Detroit has taken on a new appeal.

From its world-class museums and its incredible assortment of eateries to its culturally-inspired dive bars and eclectic garage-like music scene, Detroit is one of the most exciting cities in America to both explore and be a part of right now. Its population is motivated, its people are proud, and the suburbs’ rekindled interest in downtown has helped open the door to a new era of prosperity and a growing young population.

To help inspire you to plan a trip, here is my curated list of things to see and do I’d recommend to anyone visiting Detroit:  

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

Start your visit with a free walking tour. You’ll get an introduction to the city and its past, learn about its evolution and recent developments, and see the main downtown sights. You’ll also get access to an expert local guide who can answer all your questions.

Detroit Experience Factory offers daily free tours (as well as more in-depth paid tours) that will give you a solid introduction. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!  

2. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts is a 130-year-old museum located in the heart of Midtown and has something to offer every visitor. There are more than 65,000 works of art here, ranging from classic to more modern and contemporary pieces, spread out over 100 different galleries. It’s a massive space!

While you could easily spend hours here, if you choose your galleries in advance, you can be in and out in two hours without rushing.

5200 Woodward Ave., +1 313-833-7900, dia.org. Open weekdays 9am–4pm (10pm on Fridays) and weekends 10am–5pm. Admission is $14 USD.  

3. Relax at Belle Isle

You could easily spend an entire day exploring Belle Isle, a 982-acre island park with a variety of activities and attractions. It’s a popular destination for locals to gather on a sunny day for picnics and barbeques, for hanging out at the beach, or for walking along its various nature trails.

Here are some of my other favorite things to do at Belle Isle:

Wander the conservatory – The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is a peaceful botanical garden stretching over 13 acres, with dozens of walking paths and greenhouses to explore. Admission is free.

Hit the range – Belle Island Golf Range is driving range with practice areas for driving, putting, and chipping. A bucket of balls is just $5.50 USD.

Enjoy the beach – There’s over half a mile of beach where you can swim, lounge, or rent a kayak or paddleboard and soak up the sun.

  4. Explore the Eastern Market

The Eastern Market is a huge marketplace with local foods, art, jewelry, artisan crafts, and more. It covers 43 acres and is the largest historic public market district in the United States, dating back over 150 years.

There are three different market days during the week: Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays. It is particularly busy on Saturdays when farmers tend to bring in their poultry, livestock, and fresh produce for sale.

2934 Russell St, +1 313-833-9300, easternmarket.org. Check the website for market days and times. Admission is free.  

5. Walk or Bike Along the Dequindre Cut

The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a two-mile urban recreational path that offers a pedestrian link between the East Riverfront, the Eastern Market, and several residential neighborhoods in between. Along the path, you’ll find all kinds of street art, as well as buskers in the summer. It’s a nice place to walk or jog and take in the city.

If you plan on visiting the Eastern Market and the Riverfront (which you should!), consider renting a bike (they’re just $8 USD per day from mogodetroit.com).  

6. Check Out One of the Largest Bookstores in the World

Maybe it’s because I love all bookstores, but this is one of my favorite places to explore in Detroit. John K. King Used & Rare Books, located in an old glove factory, is an enchanting host to over one million books.

I love spending time wandering through the rows of strange titles and marveling at the rare editions they have in stock — some are so rare, you have to make an appointment to be allowed to view them.

901 W. Lafayette Blvd., +1 313-961-0622, johnkingbooksdetroit.com. Open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm.  

7. Visit the Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre is the largest surviving movie palace of the 1920s. Built in 1928, and with over 5,000 seats, it continues to host a variety of live productions and events (like concerts, standup comedy, and children’s performances).

The building is a National Historic Landmark, the highest honor given by the National Park Service, and is open for tours in case you can’t catch a performance during your trip. The interior is absolutely stunning!

2211 Woodward Ave., +1 313-471-7000, foxtheatredetroit.net. Tours take place on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and go on sale two weeks in advance. Tickets are $20 USD for tours; ticket prices for performances vary. Check the website for details.  

8. Take a Tour of the Guardian Building

You’ll find many architectural beauties around Detroit, but the most prestigious is the 36-floor Guardian Building downtown, located in the Financial District. Completed in 1929, it is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most important Art Deco skyscrapers in the world!

Detroit Experience Factory offers a few free walking tours, including an Art and Architecture tour that covers the Guardian Building if you want to learn more during your visit.

500 Griswold St., +1 313-963-4567, guardianbuilding.com. Open 24/7. Admission to the building is free.  

9. Walk Around Campus Martius Park

After a devastating fire in 1805, Campus Martius was created as the de facto center of Detroit’s rebuilding efforts. Covering just over an acre, the park features outdoor cafés and bars, a mini beach, green space, food trucks galore, monuments, and a host of weekend festivals and activities.

In the winter, you’ll find a giant Christmas tree, an ice-skating rink, and a Christmas market. Every time I visit this area of town, I reflect on how far the city has come in the past ten years.

To visit the park, take the light rail to the Campus Martius station.  

10. Snap Photos at The Belt

The Belt, named after its location in the former downtown garment district, is a culturally redefined alley in the heart of Detroit. Public art is the driving force behind the redevelopment of The Belt, which has murals and installations by local, national, and international artists. It is part of Library Street Collective’s continuous effort to ensure that artists have a space to create and engage with the public.

To visit the Belt, take the light rail to Broadway station.  

11. See the Motown Museum

Motown Records is an R&B and soul record label based in Detroit credited with advancing the racial integration of pop music in the 1960s and ’70s. Best-selling artists like the Temptations, the Four Tops, the Miracles, the Supremes, and many others were on the Motown label. (Motown is a portmanteau of “motor” and “town” since Detroit is known as Motor City.)

Its main office, named Hitsville U.S.A., was converted into a museum in 1985 to highlight the important contributions of Motown to the greater American music scene. It has all sorts of records, awards, and costumes from famous musicians (including Michael Jackson). You can also see one of the recording studios where many of the label’s classic hits were produced.

2648 W. Grand Blvd., +1 313-875-2264, motownmuseum.org. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–6pm (8pm on Saturdays). Admission is $15 USD.  

12. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Henry Ford, a Michigan native and founder of the Ford Motor Company (and prominent anti-Semite), was responsible for kick-starting the automobile industry in the US in the early 1900s.

Today, you can tour the company’s massive museum and learn about the history of the automobile and how it evolved from a novelty to a staple of modern society. The museum has numerous cars (including presidential automobiles), as well as exhibitions on trains, power generation, and much more.

Additionally, adjacent to the museum is Greenfield Village, a semi-separate museum that hosts all kinds of science and agriculture exhibitions that Ford collected over his lifetime. It’s a great place to visit with kids, as many of the exhibits are interactive and educational.

20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, +1 313-982-6001, thehenryford.org/visit/henry-ford-museum. Admission is $25 USD.  

13. Visit the Museum of African-American History

Opened in 1965, this is the world’s biggest permanent collection of African-American culture. There are over 35,000 items and artifacts highlighting the history and culture of African-Americans throughout the ages. The museum has exhibitions on civil rights, art, film, and much more.

315 E. Warren Ave., +1 313-494-5800, thewright.org. Open Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm and Sundays 1pm–5pm. Admission is $10 USD.  

14. Take a Food or Brewery Tour

Detroit is fast becoming a foodie destination. There are tons of delicious restaurants and a growing number of breweries here, kickstarting a foodie renaissance that is putting the city on the map. If you’re looking for an introduction into Detroit’s food and drink scene, take a tour. There are plenty of food and brewery tours that will give you a mouthwatering or thirst-quenching introduction to the culinary and microbrewery scenes.

Detroit History Tours and Detroit Foodie Tours both offer excellent and insightful food tours to some of the best restaurants, while Motor City Brew Tours will introduce you to the best beers Detroit has to offer. You’ll get to eat some wonderful food, try tasty drinks, and meet the chefs and restaurateurs making it all possible!  

Where to Eat

If you’re looking for some places to grab a bite to eat, here are a few of my favorites:

The Peterboro – Mouth watering and inventive Chinese food paired with craft beer and cocktails

SheWolf – Trendy and upscale Italian cuisine

Selden Standard – Locally grown and seasonal plates

Gold Cash Gold – Local food meets Mediterranean-inspired dishes

Bronx Bar – A classic dive bar with greasy eats

Sugar House – An intimate craft cocktail pub

Brooklyn Street Diner – A cozy diner with local food and lots of vegetarian options

***

Detroit is one of the best up-and-coming cities in the country. With a developing food scene, an affordable cost of living, and more and more things opening each month, I suspect tourism here is only going to continue to grow. Come and visit while you can and beat the crowds. I promise Detroit will surpass your expectations!

Raimee is the creative director for Nomadic Matt and runs the remote work and travel blog, Do It All Abroad. She spent the past 4 years working remotely from cities around the world after leaving a marketing job in her hometown outside of Detroit, Michigan. She now resides in Los Angeles, California where she is social distancing but hopes to someday enjoy all of the comedy shows, live music, beaches, and hikes around the state!

Book Your Trip to the United States: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com, as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting the United States? Check out my in-depth destination guide to the United States with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credit: 2 – David Wilson, 3 – sj carey, 4 – Sean Marshall, 5 – Fox Theatre, 7 – wiredforlego, 8 – Ted Eytan, 9 – Jasperdo, 10 – Chuck Andersen, 11

The post 14 Things to See and Do in Detroit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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[charllieeldridge]

21 Fun Things To Do in Detroit: An Insider’s Guide

Whether you’re interested in cars, art, music, history, sports, or nightlife, there are plenty of awesome things to do in Detroit to satisfy your interests. Here you can spend a morning visiting a world-class art museum, cycle along the riverfront in the afternoon, and rock out to live music while sipping a Michigan craft beer at night. 

Detroit is a city that goes by many different names. You may know it as the Motor City, Detroit Rock City, or Motown, but I call it home. I was born just outside of Detroit and spent the better part of my life there until moving off to college just up the road.

While my hometown made the news for all the wrong reasons for several decades, Detroit has been experiencing a major renaissance in recent years. There’s a saying around Motown that goes “Detroit hustles harder,” and that never-say-quit attitude has brought new life back into the city.

I’m excited to share some of the best Detroit attractions with you along with some local tips to make your visit to the Motor City an unforgettable experience!

If you’re ready to see the best that Motown has to offer, read on for some of the best things to do in Detroit.

1. Take a Walking Tour

The best way to get acquainted with the Motor City (or any city, for that matter) is on your own two feet. As long as you’re not visiting in the dead of winter, downtown Detroit is a perfectly walkable place. 

If you’d like to learn more about Detroit as you stroll, go ahead and sign up for one of the free walking tours with Detroit Experience Factory. But, these tours only run on Saturday, so if you don’t happen to be in Motown over the weekend you can check out this affordable and informative walking tour of Detroit. 

Along the way, you’ll spot some of Detroit’s most famous landmarks, such as the fist of Joe Louis and the Spirit of Detroit. In addition, you’ll get to take in some of the city’s incredible architecture. Be sure to bring your camera along for this one! Going on a walking tour is definitely one of the best things to do in Detroit.

Going on a walking tour is one of the top things to do in Detroit! Check out these two highly rated, affordable tours:

2. Detroit Institute of Arts

While Detroit may be famous for its cars and music, there’s also a fantastic art scene here. Art lovers are in for a real treat when travelling to the D thanks to the city’s numerous museums, galleries, and street art.

To begin your art adventure in the city, head to the Detroit Institute of Arts. This world-class museum is home to one of the largest art collections in the United States and features over 100 galleries in all. It’s definitely one of the top Detroit attractions and a must-visit.

The inner courtyard of the museum features the famous Detroit Industry frescoes by Diego Rivera. These 27 panels depict the automotive industry at Ford Motor Company and Rivera even considered them his most successful work.

There’s so much to see at the Detroit Institute of Arts that you can easily spend an entire day there. The museum is open from 9AM-4PM Tuesday to Thursday, 9AM-10PM on Friday, and 10AM-5PM on the weekend. Tickets are $14 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for college students, and $6 for youth ages 6-17. You can find the museum on the map here. 

3. Rock Out

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Detroit is going out to see some live music. After all, this is Detroit Rock City! No matter what night of the week it is, you’ve got plenty of options for rocking out in Detroit.

Shows here run the gamut from massive international touring bands at the football stadium to tiny dive bars with local bands looking to make a name for themselves. Whatever your musical tastes are, there’s something playing for you in Detroit. Rock, jazz, electronic, hip hop, classical – the list goes on and on.

Some of my personal favourite places to see a concert in Detroit include the Fillmore, the Majestic Theatre/Magic Stick, and the Masonic Temple. To find out what’s playing in Detroit, I recommend checking out the calendar of events from the Metro Times or Jambase. 

☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Fun Things To Do in New Orleans – An Insider’s Guide

4. Hang Out in Campus Martius

One of the best places to visit in Detroit is Campus Martius. For those who aren’t Latin scholars, the name of this downtown Detroit park means “Field of Mars.” The original was the most populous area in Rome, and this one is a great place to kick it in Motown.

Before we get into the fun things to do in Campus Martius, a little history lesson. Back in 1805, the city was devastated by a huge fire. Augustus Woodward, the first Chief Justice of the Michigan Territory, set about rebuilding the city centred around this park.

After some major renovations in 2004, the park is now home to sculptures, gardens, a nice fountain, and a few places to grab a snack or a drink. In the winter months, you’ll find an ice skating rink here, while the warmer months feature a fun little beach in the middle of the city.

If you happen to be visiting Detroit in the fall, you can attend the festive Christmas tree lighting here the Monday before Thanksgiving. Whichever season you visit in, be sure to add a stop in Campus Martius to your list of things to do in Detroit. You can find the park on the map here.

☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Awesome Things To Do in Asheville, NC

5. Visit the Motown Museum

Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, Michael Jackson – these are just a few of the legends who recorded music right here in Detroit. As such, one of the top Detroit attractions is the Motown Museum, AKA Hitsville, USA. 

Motown founder Berry Gordy purchased a photography studio in 1959 and transformed it into a recording studio. Over the following decade, countless hit songs were recorded here in Studio A. In short, the Motown sound was born in this very building.

Motown Records moved its operations to Los Angeles in 1972, and many believe the heart of the label was lost in the process. In 1985, the Motown Museum opened up to continue the legacy of this important piece of musical history.

The Motown Museum is open from 10AM-6PM Tuesday-Sunday from May to October. During the fall and winter, it’s also closed on Sundays. Tickets are first-come, first-serve, and often sell out on the weekend. It costs $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children ages 5-17. You can get directions to the museum and find it on the map here.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Things To Do in Austin – A Guide to The Texas Capital

6. Take the RiverWalk

These days, one of the top things to do in Detroit is taking a stroll along the RiverWalk. Part of a greater transformation of the Detroit riverfront as a whole, this 3.5-mile trail is the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air and get some exercise in the Motor City.

Along the trail, there are several parks, fishing piers, picnic areas, and even a carousel. While walking here is just fine, there are also plenty of places where you can rent a bike. Whether you walk or ride, it’s a scenic area to spend a few hours in.

Work on the RiverWalk is ongoing as it continues to expand. For now, it starts at Joe Louis Arena downtown and stretches to the Milliken State Park. Make sure you stop here for a great photo op with the lighthouse!

The RiverWalk is hands down one of the coolest places to visit in Detroit, so be sure to add it to your itinerary. You can get directions to the RiverWalk by checking the map here.

Wandering along the riverfront is one of the top things to do in Chicago as well. If you’re heading to the Windy City, don’t miss it.

7. Explore Belle Isle

I spent most of my life in the Detroit area, and my favourite place to go in the city is definitely Belle Isle. This state park is actually an island in the Detroit River in between Michigan and Ontario, Canada. From one side of the park you can see downtown Detroit, and from the other, you can catch a glimpse of Windsor. Pretty cool, eh?

Belle Isle has actually had quite an interesting history. Once a playground for the well-to-do with a casino, zoo, and bandshell, the park fell into disrepair for many years. It became a state park in 2014 and it has been on the up and up ever since.

There’s plenty to see and do on Belle Isle to warrant spending an entire day there, especially during the warmer months. You can check out the greenhouses at the conservatory, visit the aquarium, hit a bucket of golf balls, or just lounge on the beach. It’s definitely one of the most fun places to visit in Detroit.

It’s free to visit Belle Isle, but you need a Michigan Recreation Passport to drive onto the island. These cost $31 for non-Michigan residents and they get you access to all state parks for the entire year. If you’re just visiting and don’t think it’s worth it to shell out the dough, you can just cycle or walk across the bridge to access the island for free. 

Belle Isle Park is open from 5AM-10PM every day. For directions, check the location on the map here. 

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Top Denver Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss

8. Eat and Drink, Detroit Style

I don’t know about you, but I always love to try local snacks and drinks when I travel. There are plenty of tasty made-in-Detroit options that you should definitely sample when visiting Motown.

If you’ve ever heard someone call soda “pop” and wonder why, that’s because of Faygo. This Detroit company coined the term long ago and still produces unique carbonated beverages such as Rock & Rye and Redpop. Another classic Detroit drink is Vernors ginger ale, which goes especially well in a Motown Mule cocktail.

Moving on to the snacks, we have to start with Better Made potato chips. Founded back in 1930, they still churn out delicious varieties of chips such as red hot BBQ and salt & vinegar. I know I’m a local and may be biased, but I really think these are the best chips around!

To satisfy your sweet tooth, you can pick up a box of chocolates or try some ice cream from Sanders. If you’d like to live out your own version of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, you can even take a guided tour of their factory. You’ll need some wheels, though, as it’s about a 30-minute drive outside of downtown Detroit in Clinton Township. Check the map for directions here.

See Also: 21 Best Place To Eat in Chicago – A Guide For Foodies

9. Take the Coney Island Hot Dog Challenge

We can’t talk about eating in Motown without mentioning the classic Detroit Coney Island hot dog. This culinary masterpiece is a beef frankfurter in a natural casing, topped with an all-meat chili, diced white onions, and yellow mustard.

Don’t you dare put ketchup on this hot dog!

If you’re wondering why the Detroit-style hot dog is named after a place in New York, well there’s really no definitive answer there. I can give you a little history lesson, though…

Back in 1917, a Greek immigrant named Gust Keros opened American Coney Island in downtown Detroit. His brother moved to town a few years later and eventually opened Lafayette Coney Island right next door. Both are still in business to this very day, although ownership of Lafayette has since changed hands.

One of the top things to do in Detroit is taking the “Coney Challenge” where you try a hot dog from both establishments to see which one you like best. I have my personal favourite, but you’ll just have to go try them both and decide for yourself! You can find American on the map here, and Lafayette is literally right next door.

10. Catch a Professional Sports Game

As you may have noticed by now, Detroit has a lot of nicknames. In addition to being called the Motor City, Motown, and Detroit Rock City, it’s also commonly known as Hockeytown. That’s because the city is home to the Red Wings, who have won more Stanley Cups (11) than any other American team. 

The Wings recently moved into a new home downtown at Little Caesars Arena, which is now one of the top Detroit attractions. The regular season runs from October to April with home games every few days. They share the arena with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, so there’s a good chance there will be a game on if you’re visiting in fall/winter.

Detroit is actually one of only two cities where teams in all four major sports play downtown (Denver being the other one). In addition to the Red Wings and Pistons, Detroit is home to the Tigers (MLB) and Lions (NFL). The Tigers play at Comerica Park and have games very often from April to October, while the Lions play eight home games at Ford Field during the season starting in September. 

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, catching a game is one of the best activities in Detroit. Depending on the game, you can even score last-minute tickets for super cheap! 

☞ SEE ALSO: Seattle Attractions – 15 Top Things To Do in The Emerald City

11. Check Out the Heidelberg Project

Of all the Detroit attractions, it’s really hard to beat the uniqueness of the Heidelberg Project. This outdoor art project has a very inspirational story and message behind it. 

Artist Tyree Guyton returned to his neighborhood on Heidelberg Street after serving in the army only to find that it “looked like a bomb went off.” After the riots of 1967, poverty and blight made this a place where people were afraid to walk, even in broad daylight.

With the help of his wife and grandpa, he began painting houses with brightly coloured dots and attaching salvaged items to them. They continued to transform abandoned houses and lots into one big art project, eventually developing a non-profit community centre around it.

It’s a fascinating place to visit and a great cause to support, so be sure to add it to your list of things to do in Detroit. 

The Heidelberg Project is just a short drive from downtown Detroit. There’s plenty of street parking so you can get out of the car and walk around, or you could just catch an Uber there. Alternatively, it’s not a bad bike ride if you rent some wheels. You can find it on the map here.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Awesome Things To Do in Portland, Oregon

12. Ride the People Mover

To be honest, public transportation in Detroit isn’t great. What can I say? It is the Motor City after all. That being said, things are slowly improving as mass transit finally comes to Motown. 

While it isn’t exactly the most useful or profitable system, the People Mover is pretty cool as a tourist attraction. This elevated light rail train circles downtown Detroit, stopping at 13 different stations along the way.

A ride on the People Mover only costs $0.75 and provides some nice views of the city. It’s an easy way to get between some of the top Detroit attractions such as the RenCen and Greektown. 

The People Mover operates between 6:30 and midnight from Monday to Thursday. It stays open until 2AM on Friday, runs from 9AM-2AM on Saturday, and from noon to midnight on Sunday. You’ll need to pay in cash or pick up some tokens to use for your rides. 

13. Explore Eastern Market

Eastern Market has been a Detroit institution since way back in 1841. That makes it one of the oldest urban farmers markets in the country! It’s a fun place to explore and definitely earns its spot among the top places to visit in Detroit.

On a visit to Eastern Market, you can shop for fresh produce, clothing, art, jewelry, and so much more. In total, around 225 different vendors set up here. There are also several excellent cafes, restaurants, and bars in the area. You could easily spend all day exploring the Eastern Market.

The market is at its busiest on Saturdays, when upwards of 40,000 people visit. The Saturday market operates year-round from 6AM-4PM. There are also seasonal markets on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Be sure to check their website for all the relevant information about the many different markets. 

While you’re in the area, be sure to grab your camera and search for amazing street art. The annual Murals in the Market festival brings artists from all over the world here to brighten up the neighborhood with eye-catching murals. Get directions and check the location of Eastern Market on the map here.

14. Visit Greektown and Mexicantown

Many cities in the US are home to a Chinatown or Little Italy, but not that many have a Greektown or Mexicantown. Detroit has both! Exploring these neighborhoods should certainly be on your list of things to do in Detroit.

Greektown is located right smack in the heart of the city near the stadiums and theatres. Here you’ll find the popular Greektown Casino as well as a handful of awesome Greek restaurants.

I love eating at Pegasus in Greektown, especially ordering saganaki. This appetizer of fried cheese comes to your table on fire as your waiter yells “Opa!” It’s quite the dining experience. You can find Greektown on the map here, and can get there via a ride on the aforementioned People Mover.

Over in southwest Detroit, you’ll find the area known as Mexicantown. Mexican immigrants began flocking to Detroit in the 1920s due to turmoil in Mexico after the revolution. These days, Mexicantown is a thriving neighborhood full of Mexican-owned shops.

I actually live in Mexico now and can attest to the fact that the Mexican food in this part of Detroit is legit! If you’re craving some tacos, this is where you’ll want to head. You can find Mexicantown on the map here.

15. Go for a Bike Ride

Detroit is definitely still the Motor City, but it’s also a very bike-friendly place. More and more bike lanes are being installed in the city every year as cycling becomes a more popular means of getting around.

As I mentioned above, the RiverWalk is a great place to go for a bike ride in Detroit. There are several places that rent bikes along the trail. You can also find bike rentals all over the city at the various MoGo stations. A day pass costs $8 with unlimited 30-minute trips. If you use the bike longer than that, it costs an additional $4 for each 30 minutes.

If you don’t feel like paying for the car pass to visit Belle Isle, cycling is a solid option. The island is a great place for a leisurely bike ride, especially on a nice sunny day. 

To really experience cycling in Detroit Rock City, you should join the Slow Roll. This weekly bike ride brings out tons of people for a group ride through the streets of Motown. Thousands show up, many with some impressively tricked out bikes.

The group meets on Monday nights and takes winters off for obvious reasons. Keep up with their Facebook page for their 2019 schedule.

16. Explore the RenCen

Dominating Detroit’s skyline, the Renaissance Centre is a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers on the riverfront. Commonly known as the RenCen, it’s the world headquarters of General Motors.

The RenCen has been one of the top Detroit attractions for quite some time. Come here to admire Michigan’s tallest building from outside, and then head in to explore a bit. Make sure you check out GM World, which showcases some of the company’s latest vehicles. 

There are also plenty of different shops, cafes, and restaurants inside the complex if you want to stay awhile. While the restaurant on the top floor recently closed, a new one will be moving in on the 71st and 72nd floors soon. 

You can actually take a free tour of the RenCen if you’d like. They run from Monday-Friday at both noon and 2PM. Check their website for more details about the tours and everything else on offer there.

17. Cruise on the Detroit Princess

If you enjoy being out on the water, you might want to add a river cruise to your list of things to do in Detroit. The Detroit Princess Riverboat is a massive 5-story cruise boat that holds up to 1,500 passengers. 

On this dinner cruise of the Detroit River, you’ll get to enjoy some incredible views of the city along with a mouth-watering meal. Chefs carve up prime rib and juicy pork tenderloin, and there’s also a buffet with a wide range of choices.

In addition to the views and dinner, you’re treated to some live Motown classics. Each level also has a full bar set up, making this one amazing floating party! 

Prices and times for the Detroit Princess cruises vary depending on the season. Adult tickets cost between $55-70 and typically last from 7-9:30PM. They also have a lunch cruise which is a bit cheaper. Be sure to check their schedule and book your tickets in advance for this one.

See Also: Chicago Architecture River Cruise – A Guide For Travellers

18. Visit the Henry Ford Museum

Without the vision of Henry Ford, there’s no doubt that Detroit would not be what it is today. In fact, his Model T car changed the entire world! Ford founded this museum in an effort to preserve the history of his time, especially the Industrial Revolution that he helped spur. 

There’s a lot to see and do here, as it’s actually the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the entire US. You can visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, which began as a collection of historical objects by Ford himself. Here you can see the limo that JFK was assassinated in, the bus Rosa Parks refused to give up a seat on, and even an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!

In addition, you can explore the fascinating Greenfield Village. It’s a collection of buildings from the 17th century to the present and is meant to show how Americans have lived and worked since the country was founded. There are nearly 100 different buildings here that were all moved from their original locations and arranged in a village. 

If you want to see how cars are made in person, you can sign up for a tour of the Ford Rouge Factory. Here you’ll get an in-depth look at the making of the Ford F-150, America’s most iconic truck. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Detroit when it’s raining, or cold outside, this museum is a good bet. There are several different options for tickets and tours, so be sure to check their website to pick which one is best for you. The museum is located in Dearborn, which is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Detroit. You can find it on the map here.

19. See a Great Lake

We have a saying in Michigan that goes “Great lakes, great times!” Indeed, my home state is surrounded by the five great lakes – Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. 

While Detroit is actually located on the river, you don’t have to travel too far to visit the Great Lakes. Head north from the city for about an hour and you’ll find yourself on Lake Huron. Alternatively, you can go south for about half an hour to reach Lake Erie.

You can visit the Great Lakes in any season, but my preference goes to the summer months. On the weekends, you’ll find lots of people coming out to enjoy a day on the water. Fishing, swimming, wakeboarding, and more are all on offer at the Great Lakes.

Visiting one of the Great Lakes is definitely one of the top things to do in Detroit. The problem is you likely won’t have a boat with you. If you want to get out on the water, you’ll want to find a tour to do so.

20. Catch a Local Festival

Attending a local festival is always fun when travelling. Motown hosts festivals all throughout the year of all shapes and sizes. We’ve got plenty of music and food festivals, as well as several dedicated to cars and boats, which should come as no surprise here.  

Even though the winter months can be unbearably cold, that doesn’t stop Detroit from having festivals! Every January, the North American International Auto Show takes over the Motor City. Other car-related events include the Detroit Grand Prix race and the Woodward Dream Cruise.

As far as music goes, the city that invented techno throws one of the best electronic music festivals in the world. Movement takes over downtown’s Hart Plaza every Memorial Day weekend and features an amazing lineup of international artists.

Country fans may want to check out the Downtown Hoedown, while jazz lovers can come to town in September for the Detroit Jazz Fest. The latter is actually the largest free music event in North America, with over 120 bands!

21. Sample Michigan Beers

There are plenty of states brewing up great beers, but few do it better than Michigan. That’s not just me bragging as a native Michigander, either – 5 of the top 10 beers in the country come from the Mitten! I’m happy to see that my personal favourite – Bell’s Two Hearted Ale – is actually atop the list.

With all these amazing beers, you’ll want to be sure to sample a few on your visit to Detroit Rock City. It’s not hard to find Michigan craft beer in the city, as we’re quite proud of our brews.

One excellent bar where you can try several different Michigan beers is HopCat, where they have quite an impressive selection of beers from all over. This is the perfect place to pre-game before going to a sporting event or concert downtown.

See Also: Top 10 Best Bars in Chicago – A Guide To The City’s Nightlife

If you want to try some beer that’s made right here in Detroit, you’ve got quite a few options. Local breweries include Batch, Atwater, and Motor City Brewing Works. Just check the map here to find the Detroit brewery that’s right for you. My advice – hit them all!

Now You Know What To Do in Detroit!

Many travellers skip over my hometown of Detroit in favour of visiting places like New York or LA. Don’t get me wrong – I love the Big Apple and Tinsletown, but there’s just something special about the Motor City. 

I hope this article has shown you how much Detroit has to offer as a travel destination. Us Detroiters are very passionate about our city, and I think we have good reason to be at the moment. Detroit Rock City is doing amazing things these days. Come and see for yourself!

*Some images in this article courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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Shanghai – China’s largest city and its principal port, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River delta. Shanghai’s heritage is very mixed given its role as a major trading city, especially as China opened up to international maritime trade in the 18th century onwards. Much of this was forced on the declining Qing Dynasty mostly in the mid-19th century by Western powers via the “Unequal Treaties,”  which remain a sensitive point to this day.  The expulsion of the various foreign occupiers in the 1949 revolution and subsequent relative isolation of the city through the 1980’s by the victorious Communist regime preserved much of this environment.

Shanghai Business District – East Bank of the Huangpu River

Like many large commercial cities, it’s a fascinating place to visit with plenty to see, and is an excellent base for other China travel. The main issue is that you need to obtain a China entry visa.

Huangpu Neighborhood

Shanghai’s main city area is centered around People’s Square, a large park that also holds some museums, with largely residential districts to the west and the business district to the east. The eastern area is bordered by Shanghai’s famous Bund waterfront on the Huangpu River, with a concentration of unspoiled Art Deco era buildings that is hard to find except in other cities that grew rapidly in the mid-20th century, such as Detroit: https://wp.me/p7Jh3P-nP

The Bund

Shanghai’s layout reflects the two main 19th-20th century foreign settlements – the International Settlement (to the UK and USA) in the east along the riverfront (largely in the eastern part of the Huangpu District); and the French Concession, which runs to the southwest of People’s Square along Huaihai Middle Road and the northern part of the Xuhui District. Just south of the former International Settlement and next to the river is the old city, that was originally a walled city and which remained separate from the International Settlement to the North.

You could easily spend 3-4 days in Shanghai and find plenty to do, especially if you have never visited mainland China before. There are some pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods within the former French Concession area such as the rather upmarket Xintiandi and Tianzifang areas. The old city (start at Yuyuan Garden metro) is south and east of Renmin Road and includes some isolated archaeological remnants and gardens. Here are some ideas of in-town things to do, as well as some area side trips that I’ll write about later.

The Shanghai Museum (People’s Square – south side). If you want an introduction to Chinese history and culture, the Shanghai Museum is equivalent to a national art museum. You can get the various imperial dynasties – going back over 2,000 years – outlined in your head through the extensive watercolor, pottery, currency and other collections. I have always wondered how much of China’s historical artifacts survived the Cultural Revolution in 1966, and notably some of the material came from overseas Chinese collectors. The museum is closed Mondays and has free entry.

There is interesting transitional currency with late 19th/early 20th century bills.

The Bund and Art Deco Shanghai. Manhattan on the Yangtze: Shanghai has a high level of preservation of its buildings from the late 19th through the mid-20th century, and was a major commercial center of East Asia for the first half of the 20th century. You could be downtown in a US city that grew around that time. There are plenty of online offerings for historical tours to understand this – see below, but book ahead. China had been dealing with invasion by Japan since 1931 and Shanghai was attacked by the Japanese in 1932 and then again in 1937, being occupied until 1945.

The main business area is located northeast of People’s Square towards to the Bund, with many of the major buildings lining the Bund. If you want to pick one place to see, the Peace Hotel, originally opened as the Cathay Hotel in 1929, has an impressive Art Deco ground floor area.

Eating Around. Without getting into the usual street food obsession, Shanghai Chinese cooking works very well if you are after something light and casual, and there are plenty of formal restaurants covering the main cooking styles of China. The Shanghainese post-revolution diaspora has meant that many Shanghai specials have worked their way into the Chinese repertoire. A few key types include:

Xiao Long Bao – Soup filled dumplings, usually pork or shrimp, but vegetarian options are common.

Shengjiang Mantou – oh yeah. Soup filled dumplings with a flakier pastry shell, fried around the base.

Hongshao Rou – braised pork belly. A favorite of Chairman Mao apparently, although there are varieties nationwide.

Jiaohua Ji – beggar’s chicken. Stuffed, marinated and roasted in a paper shell. 

For the most part, restaurants catering to the local crowd often offer picture menus where the menu is in Chinese. The various city shopping malls usually have a restaurant level – these are usually quite good in Asia as they are clean, bright and air-conditioned, and not at all the usual chain debacle you get in the West. Some that are worth a visit include:

Da Hu Chun (11 Sichuan Street, Huangpu) – full range Shanghai classics.

Di Shui Dong (56 Maoming S Road, Jing’an) – Hunan specialty.

Din Tai Fung ( Jing’an) – actually a Taiwanese chain (whose founder fled China in 1948) featuring Shanghainese specials and known for it’s xiao long bao, but a good entry-level restaurant with a simple menu.

Lao Fan Dian (Fujou and Juixiaocheng Streets, Huangpu) – another Shanghai standard.

Lin Long Fang (10 Jian Guo Dong Lu or SML Center, Huangpu) – great local mini chain.

Nan Ling (1238 Yainan Middle Street, Jing’an) – more formal Shanghai classics.

Shanghai Grandmother (70 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu) – multi-level family style offering.

The French Concession. The French Concession is a more residential, retail and green area, largely north and south of Huaihai Middle Road as it heads southwest from People’s Square, which provides contrast to the more urban/shopping/office focus in the Huangpu/Bund area east of People’s Park. It is also close to the Jing’an temple, which is worth a visit. It has a more relaxed and leafy atmosphere, in part because the French built wider, tree-lined streets. As mentioned earlier, the Xintiandi (aim for the metro station of the same name) and Tianzifang (southwest of the Jianguo West and Sinan Roads intersection) areas are good walking destinations.

Jaywalking on Julu Road

Dance Evening at Xianyang Park

The Jing’an Temple. The Jing’an temple, northwest of the French concession with a metro next to it, is well with a visit, centered around a great hall with a seated Buddha. There has been a temple in the area since 247 CE, and one on the current site since 1216; it burnt down in the 1970’s and was rebuilt in the 1980’s so is quite new, although various artefacts, such as the medieval Hongwu bronze bell, date back a ways. There is a good park just south of the temple to take a break and admire the greenery.

Walking Tours. Shanghai’s sights are well distributed around the neighborhoods and there isn’t a concentration of major points, so a walking tour can be useful. Here are a few and of course Tripadvisor has a selection:

The Shanghai Historical Society focuses on the 19th and 20th century and their walking tours are here: https://www.historic-shanghai.com/events/

Shanghai Walking Tours: http://shanghaiwalkingtour.com/english/walking_tours.html

Culinary Backstreets is food focused: https://culinarybackstreets.com/culinary-walks/shanghai/

Side Trips. There are a few cities in the Yangtze delta that are worth visiting, such as Suzhou and Hangzhou, about 30 and 60 minutes away by rail, respectively. You can always look for a bus or tour service, although rail is good option, connecting into the metro at both cities. Suzhou is a compact medieval city better suited to a day trip, while Hangzhou and it’s famous lake and forested hill park are more for an overnight stay.

Suzhou

Closer in is the canal town of Zhujiajiao, located in the western outskirts of the city facing Lake Dianshan, at the metro stop of the same name.

Logistics. I stayed at the Mansion Hotel (Xinle and Xiangyang Roads, Jing’an) and the Jing’an Campanile (425 Wulumuqi North Road), in the French Concession and Jing’an areas, respectively. Both have proximity to the metro which is worthwhile here. The Mansion Hotel is a one of a set of smaller hotels restoring pre-war Shanghai mansions, here designed by French architects in 1932 for a Shanghai syndicate leader and opened in 2007.

Airports. Shanghai is served by two airports – Pudong (PVG), the newer principal international gateway located east of the city on the coast; and Hongqiao (SHA), the original secondary airport located west of the city. Both have Metro stations and are about 60 and 45 minutes from People’s Square respectively. Pudong is also served by a fast (300 km/h) Maglev line to the Longyang Road Station in the eastern suburbs. This may save you some time although as you will have to change to get to the center it may be simpler to just use the metro.

Metro. The Shanghai Metro is an excellent way to get around the city. You can purchase a range of passes at the airport station or at any of the station customer service centers. Apart from individual tickets, there are 1- and 3-day passes or alternatively you can just buy the Shanghai Public Transportation Card which starts at Y100 and includes a Y20 deposit refundable on return of the card. Note that the metro stations are quite large and also have a security check (including bag x-ray machine). As to cab and ride hailing alternatives, note that Uber does not operate in China – you can try the main Chinese provider, Didi Chuxing, but check online for the latest as far as obtaining an English version of the app. Logistically, note that all metro entrances have a security checkpoint (with baggage x-ray so don’t carry a bag unless necessary) before the ticket barriers.

The Shanghai Metro is Extensive

Rail. China’s high-speed rail system is comfortable, fast, cost-effective and well worth trying. The two main issues you should factor in include the high passenger volume it manages in a country of 1.4 billion people, and the airport-style security requirements at rail stations. This means you need to plan your journey and factor in time beforehand. Many trains are 100% occupied so unless you don’t mind a “standing” ticket, you should book in advance: trip.com is a useful website. Secondly, you will need your passport to buy or pick up your ticket, after which you will go through a security check (including baggage x-ray) where you will present your ticket and passport. The ticket is scanned again when you enter the platform via the boarding gate. If you book for a certain departure time, there will be a specific departure gate that usually open about 15 minutes pre-departure. If you allow 15 minutes to buy or pick up your ticket from the ticket office queue (there are self service machines with only Chinese language access), 15 minutes to enter the station, pass security and navigate to your gate, and then assume you get in line at the gate 15 minutes pre-departure, for your first time I would allow arriving at the station at least 45 minutes pre-departure. At post-journey arrival, at the larger stations you are sent through a separated (from the departures) arrivals level and put out into a pre-security area.

Hongqiao Railway Station Main Departures Hall

Shanghai has four rail stations, the more central Shanghai Rail Station, Hongqiao (out west near the airport), the South and West stations. Note that the ticket office at the central station is in a separate building across from the main entrance. At Hongqiao, the ticket office is post-security in the main departures hall. The ticket offices are typically busy however the lines move quite fast.

Rapidly Moving Ticket Line, Shanghai Train Station

Your Chinese Language Skills. Lack of Mandarin Chinese language skills is not much of an issue; all public signs are bilingual Chinese/English – even the metro ticket vending machines have an “English” button on their touchscreen displays. Since China’s schools have had English language training from about 8 years of age for some time now, English is more commonly spoken to some extent.  However, you should still either pick up a basic language guide or go to the many Mandarin Chinese language Youtube offerings in advance of the trip.

Stuck for a Gift? The First Food Hall (720 Nanjing Road East) is worth going to for a one-stop that covers Chinese products. A four-storey supermarket and food court, it has the feel of something from the Communist era and so is worth going to. Nanjing Road East is the main shopping street, pedestrianized east of People’s Square.

Craft Beer. Craft beer has reached China, or at least it’s more expat and overseas travelled populations, and it’s worth trying. Not surprisingly, the main providers are mostly in the French Concession area and you should focus on:

Boxing Cat Brewery (82 Fu Xing Road West and (under refit in July 2019) 521 Fu Xing Middle Road. My favorite I have to say, with the very floral and moderately bitter Sucker Punch pale ale, the very solid TKO west coast IPA and the excellent King Louie imperial stout.

Liquid Laundry (Kwah Centre 2/F, 1028 Huaihai Middle Road). Gastropub owned by Boxing Cat and with a solid beer menu including other beers and their own line. Good pale ales and IPAs.

Shanghai Brewing Company (15 Dongping Road). Decent craft beer selection.

Stone Brewing Tap Room (1107 Yu Yuan Road). Not entirely local as the San Diego area brewery expands globally, but worth supporting.

Shanghai’d Shanghai – China’s largest city and its principal port, located at the mouth of the Yangtze River delta.

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21 Fun Things To Do in Detroit: An Insider’s Guide

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21 Fun Things To Do in Detroit: An Insider’s Guide

Whether you’re interested in autoes, art, music, history, sports, or nightlife, there are plenty of awesome things to do in Detroit to satisfy your interests. Here you are able to spend a morning visiting a world-class art museum, cycle along the riverfront in the afternoon, and rock out to live music while sipping a Michigan craft beer at night.

Detroit is a city that goes by many different names. You may know it as the Motor City, Detroit Rock City, or Motown, but I call it home. I was born just outside of Detroit and spent the better part of my life there until moving off to college simply up the road.

While my hometown built the news for all the incorrect reasons for several decades, Detroit has been experiencing a major renaissance in recent years. There’s a saying around Motown that runs” Detroit hustles harder ,” and that never-say-quit attitude has brought new life back into the city.

I’m excited to share some of the best Detroit attractions with you along with some local tips-off to attain your visit to the Motor City an unforgettable experience! If you’re ready to see the best that Motown has to offer, read on for some of the best things to do in Detroit. 1. Take a Walking Tour

The best way to get acquainted with the Motor City( or any city, for that matter) is on your own two feet. As long as you’re not visiting in the dead of wintertime, downtown Detroit is a perfectly walkable place.

If you’d like to learn more about Detroit as you stroll, is moving forward and sign up for one of the free walking tours with Detroit Experience Factory. These only run on Saturday, so if you don’t happen to be in Motown over the weekend you are able to simply follow their excellent map to make your own walking tour of the city.

Along the style, you’ll spot some of Detroit’s most famous landmarks, such as the fist of Joe Louis and the Spirit of Detroit. In addition, you’ll get to take in some of the city’s incredible architecture. Be sure to bring your camera along for this one! Running on a walking tour is definitely one of the best things to do in Detroit.

2. Detroit Institute of Arts

While Detroit may be famous for its automobiles and music, there’s also a fantastic art scene here. Art fans are in for a real treat when travelling to the D thanks to the city’s numerous museums, galleries, and street art.

To begin your art adventure in the city, head to the Detroit Institute of Arts. This world-class museum is home to one of the most important art collectings in the United States and features over 100 galleries in all. It’s definitely one of the top Detroit attractions and a must-visit.

The inner courtyard of the museum features the famous Detroit Industry frescoes by Diego Rivera. These 27 panels depict the automotive industry at Ford Motor Company and Rivera even considered them his most successful work.

There’s so much to find at the Detroit Institute of Arts that you can easily spend an entire day there. The museum is open from 9AM-4PM Tuesday to Thursday, 9AM-10PM on Friday, and 10 AM-5PM on the weekend. Tickets are $14 for adults,$ 9 for seniors,$ 8 for college student, and$ 6 for youth ages 6-17. You can find the museum on the map here.

3. Rock Out

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Detroit is going out to see some live music. After all, the issue was Detroit Rock City! No matter what night of the week it is, you’ve got plenty of options for rocking out in Detroit.

Shows here run the gamut from massive international touring bands at the football stadium to tiny dive bars with local bands looking to make a name for themselves. Whatever your musical tastes are, there’s something playing for you in Detroit. Rock, jazz, electronic, hip hop, classical- the list goes on and on.

Some of my personal favourite places to watch a concert in Detroit include the Fillmore, the Majestic Theatre/ Magic Stick, and the Masonic Temple. To find out what’s playing in Detroit, I recommend checking out the calendar of events from the Metro Times or Jambase.

4. Hang Out in Campus Martius

One of the best places to visit in Detroit is Campus Martius. For those who aren’t Latin intellectuals, the name of this downtown Detroit park entails” Field of Mars .” The original was the most populous area in Rome, and this one is a great place to kick it in Motown.

Before we get into the fun things to do in Campus Martius, a little history lesson. Back in 1805, the city was destroyed by a huge fire. Augustus Woodward, the first Chief Justice of the Michigan Territory, set about rebuilding the city centred around this park.

After some major renovations in 2004, the park is now home to statues, gardens, a nice fountain, and a few places to grab a snack or a beverage. In the winter months, you’ll find an ice skating rink here, while the warmer months feature a fun little beach in the middle of the city.

If you happen to be visiting Detroit in the autumn, you are able to attend the festive Christmas tree lighting here the Monday before Thanksgiving. Whichever season you visit in, be sure to add a stop in Campus Martius to your listing of things to do in Detroit. You can find the park on the map here.

5. Motown Museum

Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, Michael Jackson- these are just a few of the legends who recorded music right here in Detroit. As such, one of the top Detroit attractions is the Motown Museum, AKA Hitsville, USA.

Motown founder Berry Gordy purchased a photography studio in 1959 and transformed it into a recording studio. Over the following decade, countless hit songs were recorded here in Studio A. In short, the Motown sound was born in this very building.

Motown Records moved such an operation to Los Angeles in 1972, and many believe the heart of the label was lost in the process. In 1985, the Motown Museum opened up to continue the legacy of this important piece of musical history.

The Motown Museum is open from 10 AM-6PM Tuesday-Sunday from May to October. During the autumn and winter it’s also closed on Sundays. Tickets are first come, first serve, and often sell out on the weekend. It expenses $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children ages 5-17. You can get directions to the museum and find it on the map here.

6. Take the RiverWalk

These days, one of the top things to do in Detroit is taking a stroll along the RiverWalk. Part of a greater transformation of the Detroit riverfront as a whole, this 3.5 -mile trail is the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air and get some exercise in the Motor City.

Along the trail, there are several parks, fishing quays, picnic regions, and even a carousel. While strolling here is just fine, there are also plenty of places where you can rent a bike. Whether you walk or ride, it’s a scenic area to expend a few hours in.

Work on the RiverWalk is ongoing as it continues to expand. For now, it starts at Joe Louis Arena downtown and stretches to the Milliken State Park. Make sure you stop here for a great photo op with the lighthouse!

The RiverWalk is hands down one of the coolest places to visit in Detroit, so be sure to add it to your itinerary. You can get directions to the RiverWalk by checking the map here.

Wandering along the riverfront is one of the top things to do in Chicago as well. If you’re heading to the Windy City, don’t miss it.

7. Explore Belle Isle

I expended most of my life in the Detroit area, and my favourite place to go in the city is definitely Belle Isle. This nation park is actually an island in the Detroit River in between Michigan and Ontario, Canada. From one side of the park you can see downtown Detroit, and from the other you are able to catch a glimpse of Windsor. Pretty cool, eh?

Belle Isle has actually had quite the interesting history. Once a playground for the well-to-do with a casino, zoo, and band shell, the park fell into disrepair for many years. It became a nation park in 2014 and it has been on the up and up ever since.

There’s plenty to see and do on Belle Isle to warrant spending an entire day there, especially during the warmer months. You can check out the greenhouses at the conservatory, visit the aquarium, hit a bucket of golf balls, or just sofa on the beach. It’s definitely one of the most fun places to visit in Detroit.

It’s free to visit Belle Isle, but you need a Michigan Recreation Passport to drive onto the island. These cost $31 for non-Michigan residents and they get you access to all country parks for the entire year. If you’re just visiting and don’t think it’s worth it to shell out the dough, you are able to only cycle or walk across the bridge to access the island for free.

Belle Isle Park is open from 5AM-10PM every day. For directions, check the place on the map here.

8. Eat and Drink, Detroit Style

I don’t know about you, but I always love to try local snacks and drinkings when I travel. There are plenty of tasty made-in-Detroit options that you should definitely sample when visiting Motown.

If you’ve ever heard someone call soda “pop” and wonder why, that’s because of Faygo. This Detroit company coined the word long ago and still creates unique carbonated beverages such as Rock& Rye and Redpop. Another classic Detroit drink is Vernors ginger ale, which goes especially well in a Motown Mule cocktail.

Moving on to the snacks, we have to start with Better Made potato chips. Founded back in 1930, they still churn out delicious assortments of chips such as red hot BBQ and salt& vinegar. I know I’m a local and may be biased, but I truly suppose these are the best chips around!

To satisfy your sweet tooth, you are able to pick up a box of chocolates or try some ice cream from Sanders. If you’d like to live out your own version of Charlie& the Chocolate Factory, you can even take a guided tour of their factory. You’ll require some wheels, though, as it’s about a 30 -minute drive outside of downtown Detroit in Clinton Township. Check the map for directions here.

See Also: 21 Best Place To Eat in Chicago- A Guide For Foodies

9. Take the Coney Island Hot Dog Challenge

We can’t talk about eating in Motown without mentioning the classic Detroit Coney Island hot dog. This culinary masterpiece is a beef frankfurter in natural casing, topped with an all-meat chili, diced white onions, and yellow mustard.

Don’t you dare set ketchup on this hot dog!

If you’re wondering why the Detroit-style hot dog is named after a place in New York, well there’s really no definitive answer there. I can give you a little history lesson, though…

Back in 1917, a Greek immigrant named Gust Keros opened American Coney Island in downtown Detroit. His brother moved to town several years later and eventually opened Lafayette Coney Island right next door. Both are still in business to this very day, although ownership of Lafayette has since changed hands.

One of the top things to do in Detroit is taking the” Coney Challenge” where you try a hot dog from both establishments to ensure which one you like best. I have my personal favourite, but you’ll merely got to go try them both and decide for yourself! You can find American on the map here, and Lafayette is literally right next door.

10. Catch a Professional Sports Game

As you may have noticed by now, Detroit has a lot of nicknames. In addition to being called the Motor City, Motown, and Detroit Rock City, it’s also commonly known as Hockeytown. That’s because the city is home to the Red Wings, who have won more Stanley Cups( 11) than any other American squad.

The Wings recently moved into a new home downtown at Little Caesars Arena, which is now one of the top Detroit attractions. The regular season runnings from October to April with home games every few days. They share the arena with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, so there’s a good chance there will be a game on if you’re visit in fall/ winter.

Detroit is actually one of only two cities where squads in all four major sports play downtown( Denver being the other one ). In addition to the Red Wings and Pistons, Detroit is home to the Tigers( MLB) and Lions( NFL ). The Tigers play at Comerica Park and have games very often from April to October, while the Lions play eight home games at Ford Field during the season starting in September.

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, catching a game is one of the best things to do in Detroit. Depending on the game, you can even score last-minute tickets for super cheap!

11. Check Out the Heidelberg Project

Of all the Detroit attractions, it’s really hard to beat the uniqueness of the Heidelberg Project . This outdoor art project has a very inspirational story and message behind it.

Artist Tyree Guyton returned to his neighborhood on Heidelberg Street after serving in the army only to find that it” was like a bomb went off .” After the riots of 1967, poverty and blight made this a place where people were afraid to walk, even in broad daylight.

With the help of his wife and grandpa, he began painting homes with brightly coloured dots and attaching salvaged items to them. They continued to transform abandoned houses and plenties into one big art project, eventually developing a non-profit community centre around it. It’s a fascinating place to visit and a great cause to support, so be sure to add it to your list of things to do in Detroit.

The Heidelberg Project is just a short drive from downtown Detroit. There’s plenty of street parking so you can get out of the car and walk around, or you could just catch an Uber there. Alternatively, it’s not a bad motorcycle ride if you rent some wheels. You can find it on the map here.

12. Ride the People Mover

To be honest, the public transportation in Detroit isn’t great. What can I say? It is the Motor City after all. That told me about it, things are slowly improving as mass transit finally comes to Motown.

While it isn’t exactly the most useful or profitable system, the People Mover is pretty cool as a tourist attraction. This elevated light rail train circles downtown Detroit, stopping at 13 different stations along the way.

A ride on the People Mover only expenses $0.75 and offer some nice views of the city. It’s an easy way to get between some of the top Detroit attractions such as the RenCen and Greektown.

The People Mover operates between 6:30 and midnight from Monday to Thursday. It stays open until 2AM on Friday, operates from 9AM-2AM on Saturday, and from noon to midnight on Sunday. You’ll need to pay in cash or pick up some tokens to use for your rides.

13. Explore Eastern Market

Eastern Market has been a Detroit institution since style back in 1841. That stimulates it one of the oldest urban farmers markets in the country! It’s a fun place to explore and definitely earns its place among the top places to visit in Detroit.

On a visit to Eastern Market, you are able to shop for fresh render, dres, art, jewelry, and so much more. In total, around 225 different vendors set up here. There are also several excellent cafe, eateries, and bars in the area. You could easily spend all day exploring Eastern Market.

The market is at its busiest on Saturdays, when upwards of 40,000 people visit. The Saturday market operates year-round from 6AM-4PM. There are also seasonal markets on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Be sure to check their website for all the relevant information about the many different markets.

While you’re in the area, be sure to grab your camera and search for amazing street art. The annual Murals in the Market festival brings artists from all over the world here to brighten up the neighborhood with eye-catching murals. Get directions and check the location of Eastern Market on the map here.

14. Visit Greektown and Mexicantown

Many cities in the US are home to a Chinatown or Little Italy, but not that many have a Greektown or Mexicantown. Detroit has both! Exploring these neighborhoods should certainly be on your list of things to do in Detroit.

Greektown is located right smacking in the heart of the city near the stadia and theatres. Here you’ll find the popular Greektown Casino as well as a handful of awesome Greek restaurants.

I love eating at Pegasus in Greektown, especially ordering saganaki. This appetizer of fried cheese comes to your table on fire as your waiter yells “Opa!” It’s quite the dining experience. You can find Greektown on the map here, and can get there via a ride on the aforementioned People Mover.

Over in southwest Detroit, you’ll find the region known as Mexicantown. Mexican immigrants began flocking to Detroit in the 1920 s due to turmoil in Mexico after the revolution. These days, Mexicantown is a thriving neighborhood full of Mexican-owned shops.

I actually live in Mexico now and can attest to the fact that the Mexican food in this part of Detroit is legit! If you’re craving some tacos, this is where you’ll want to head. You can find Mexicantown on the map here.

15. Go for a Bike Ride

Detroit is definitely still the Motor City, but it’s also a very bike-friendly place. More and more bike lanes are being installed in the city every year as cycling becomes a more popular means of getting around.

As I mentioned above, the RiverWalk is a great place to go for a bike ride in Detroit. There are several places that rent motorcycles along the road. You can also find bike rentals all over the city at the various MoGo stations. A day pass costs$ 8 with limitless 30 -minute journeys. If you use the motorcycle longer than that, it costs an additional$ 4 for each 30 minutes.

If you don’t feel like paying for the car pass to visit Belle Isle, cycling is a solid alternative. The island is a great place for a leisurely bike ride, especially on a nice sunny day.

To truly experience cycling in Detroit Rock City, you are able to join the Slow Roll. This weekly bike ride brings out tons of people for the working group ride through the streets of Motown. Thousands show up, many with some impressively tricked out bikes.

The group satisfies on Monday nights and takes winters off for obvious reasons. Keep up with their Facebook page for their 2019 schedule.

16. Explore the RenCen

Dominating Detroit’s skyline, the Renaissance Centre is a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers on the riverfront. Usually known as the RenCen, it’s the world headquarters of General Motors.

The RenCen has been one of the top Detroit attractions for quite some time. Come here to admire Michigan’s tallest build from outside, and then head in to explore a bit. Make sure you check out GM World, which showcases some of the company’s latest vehicles.

There are also plenty of different shops, cafes, and restaurants inside the complex if you want to stay a while. While the restaurant on the top floor recently shut, a new one will be moving in on the 71 st and 72 nd floors soon.

You can actually take a free tour of the RenCen if you’d like. They run from Monday-Friday at both noon and 2PM. Check their website for more details about the tours and all else on offer there.

17. Cruise on the Detroit Princess

If you enjoy being out on the water, you might want to add a river cruise to your list of things to do in Detroit. The Detroit Princess Riverboat is a massive 5-story cruise boat that holds up to 1,500 passengers.

On this dinner cruise of the Detroit River, you’ll get to enjoy some incredible views of the city along with a mouth-watering meal. Chefs carve up prime rib and juicy pork tenderloin, and there’s also a buffet with a wide range of choices.

In addition to the views and dinner, you’re treated to some live Motown classics. Each level also has a full bar put in, making this one amazing floating party!

Prices and times for the Detroit Princess cruises vary depending on the season. Adult tickets cost between $55 -7 0 and typically last from 7-9: 30 PM. They also have a lunch cruise which is a bit cheaper. Be sure to check their schedule and volume your tickets in advance for this one.

See Also: Chicago Architecture River Cruise- A Guide For Travellers

18. Visit the Henry Ford Museum

Without the vision of Henry Ford, there’s no doubt that Detroit would not be what it is today. In fact, his Model T vehicle changed the entire world! Ford founded this museum in an effort to preserve the history of his time, especially the Industrial Revolution that he helped spur.

There’s a lot to see and do here, as it’s actually the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the entire US. You can visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, which began as a collecting of historical objects by Ford himself. Here you can see the limo that JFK was assassinated in, the bus Rosa Parks refused to give up a seat on, and even an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!

In addition, you are able to explore the fascinating Greenfield Village. It’s a collecting of houses from the 17 th century to the present and is meant to show how Americans have lived and run since the country was founded. There are nearly 100 different builds here that were all moved from their original locatings and arranged in a village.

If you want to see how vehicles are attained in person, you are able to sign on for a tour of the Ford Rouge Factory. Here you’ll get an in-depth look at the construction of the Ford F-1 50, America’s most iconic truck.

There are several different options for tickets and tours, so be sure to check their website to pick which one is best for you. The museum is located in Dearborn, which is about a 30 -minute drive from downtown Detroit. You can find it on the map here.

19. See a Great Lake

We have a saying in Michigan that goes” Great lakes, great times !” Indeed, my home state is surrounded by the five great lakes- Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.

While Detroit is actually located on the river, you don’t have to travel too far to visit the Great Lakes. Head north from the city for about an hour and you’ll find yourself on Lake Huron. Alternatively, you can go south for approximately half an hour to reach Lake Erie.

You can visit the Great Lakes in any season, but my predilection goes to the summer months. On the weekends, you’ll find lots of people coming out to enjoy a day on the water. Angling, swimming, wakeboarding, and more are all on offer at the Great Lakes.

Visiting one of the Great Lakes is definitely one of the top things to do in Detroit. The problem is you likely don’t have a boat with you. If you want to get out on the water, you’ll want to find a tour to do so.

20. Catch a Local Festival

Attending a local celebration is always fun when travelling. Motown hosts festivals all throughout the year of all shapes and sizes. We’ve got plenty of music and food festivals, as well as several dedicated to automobiles and boats, which should come as no surprise here.

Even though the winter months can be unbearably cold, that doesn’t stop Detroit from having celebrations! Every January, the North American International Auto Show takes over the Motor City. Other car-related events include the Detroit Grand Prix race and the Woodward Dream Cruise.

As far as music goes, the city that invented techno throws one of the best electronic music celebrations in the world. Movement takes over downtown’s Hart Plaza every Memorial Day weekend and features an amazing lineup of international artists.

Country fans may want to check out the Downtown Hoedown, while jazz devotees can come to town in September for the Detroit Jazz Fest. The latter is actually the largest free music event in North America, with over 120 bands!

21. Sample Michigan Beers

There are plenty of states brewing up great beers, but few do it better than Michigan. That’s not just me boasting as a native Michigander, either- 5 of the top 10 beers in the country come from the Mitten! I’m happy to see that my personal favourite- Bell’s Two Hearted Ale- is actually atop the list.

With all these astounding brews, you’ll want to be sure to sample a few on your visit to Detroit Rock City. It’s not hard to find Michigan craft beer in the city, as we’re quite proud of our brews.

One excellent bar where you can try several different Michigan brews is HopCat, where they have quite an impressive selection of beers from all over. This is the perfect place to pre-game before going to a sporting event or concert downtown.

See Also: Top 10 Best Bars in Chicago- A Guide To The City’s Nightlife

If you want to try some brew that’s made right here in Detroit, you’ve got quite a few alternatives. Local breweries include Batch, Atwater, and Motor City Brewing Works. Just check the map here to find the Detroit brewery that’s right for you. My advice – hit them all!

Ready for Detroit?

Many travellers skip over my hometown of Detroit in favour of visiting places like New York or LA. Don’t get me wrong- I love the Big Apple and Tinsletown, but there’s just something special about the Motor City.

I hope this article has shown you how much Detroit has to offer as a travelling destination. Us Detroiters are very passionate about our city, and I think we have good reason to be at the moment. Detroit Rock City is doing amazing things these days. Come and ensure for yourself!

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