Why Detroit is Special

Take a tour of the studio home of Motown greats. You will see Michael Jackson's glove and sing in the studio that housed some of the most famed artists from our town. It is up on Grand Avenue so great to see on the way in.

One of the most unique art projects you will ever see. Found objects decorate the houses and street, honoring important figures and exploring the beauty of the mundane, all in the name of fighting decline. Free.

Head back downtown for the absolute best German food in Detroit. The restaurant has been around and in the family since the early 1900s. Fantastic food and some good, German beer. Not a lot of space, so come prepared to make friends with your neighbors.

Jacoby's
624 Brush St
Detroit, MI 48226-2909
Phone: (313) 962-7067

A Belgian bar featuring the sport of featherbowling, which is played on dirt lanes indoors, and is similar to Bocci ball. Great local bands play there often, and the bowling is a blast with some good beer. This is on the Eastern-most edge of Detroit, and you should take a cab or else drive with someone who knows the area well.

Great on gamedays, but also great any other day. Come here for a great variety of foods like nuts, spices, wines, etc. in the shops that create the perimeter for the market. There are also a couple of neat restaurants, one of which features jazz from time to time. Come Saturday in the morning to shop for flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other farmers' market greats.

This is another one that is a bit hidden, so take a cab or a knowledgeable driver. It features great local artists, and has a new artist in residence program. Innovative shows, exhibitions are mainly open Thursday through Saturday.

The best Mexican food in Detroit. Everyone will tell you to go to Xochimilco, which is right next door, but that is just because it is huge, serves big Margaritas, and panders to the idea of Mexican food as a plate of melted cheese. Real food is to be found at Lupitas, which is not about drinks or atmosphere but rather about great taste. On the way there, enjoy the view of the old train station. On the way out, turn around and check out a great view of the Ambassador bridge.

3443 Bagley St
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 843-1105

For hipsters only. Bowl, listen to some great DJs, and enjoy an occasional free show. The place has a great 50s feel. Upstairs at the Magic Stick are pool tables, and often there are bands, with a cover. Next door is the Majestic Cafe, which is a pricier music venue that gets some big acts.

Take your pick of historic homes to peruse. Woodbridge, Indian Village, and Boston-Edison are my favorites. Each feature entirely different styles and are lovely spots for a stroll. The Wikipedia link above gives an overview of the many neighborhoods in town, and where they are located.

A park, a conservatory hosting free flower shows, and an old (possibly now closed?) aquarium together with the Detroit yacht club, several recreation areas, and a bunch of wooded trails. See both the Detroit and the Windsor skylines from a single place (without crossing the border).