City Guide Table of Contents
DETROIT CITY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS
ATTRACTIONS
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
LIVE MUSIC
NIGHTLIFE
RESTAURANTS
SHOPPING
TRAVEL TIPS Detroit is the largest city in Michigan with over 4 million in population. A true gem of the Midwest, Detroit fostered the rise of automobiles and Motown music. It is home to one of the finest art museums in the nation and prides itself on its up and coming nightlife. We definitely recommend this city as a vacation spot for your next trip! ATTRACTIONS
Motown Museum
• For all the music lovers out there, this museum is a destination not to be missed. The famed Motown recording company is located at 2648 W Grand Street. Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, and many more all recorded here. Step back in time to experience the history of this influential company and driving force behind it to keep the music alive today. [motownmuseum.org]
Feather Bowling
• Originating in Belgium, feather bowling consists of wooden balls with a shape similar to a cheese wheel that are rolled down a concave lane to see how close it can land to a feather at the end. It is truly a must-see! The Cadieux Cafe in Detroit is one of a few locations in the U.S. that offers this unique sport. The official League practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays but the rest of the week is open for all! [cadieuxcafe.com/featherbowling/]
Detroit Institute of the Arts
• Detroit is home to one of the most prominent art museums in the United States, The Detroit Institute of the Arts. The museum houses over 100 galleries within 658,000 square feet. The permanent collection is impressive with works by Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso and many more. Rotating exhibits and educational programs are available. [dia.org]
Dequindre Cut & Riverfront
• A former railroad turned urban walking, biking, rollerblading, and exercising path. It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse of the city without the bustle of tourists. You can view murals and graffiti along the path. [detroitriverfront.org/riverfront/dequindre-cut/ dequindre-cut]
• The Detroit Riverfront, a 3.5 mile trail along the Detroit River, is also a great way to get out and view the city. Connecting various parts of Milliken Park, you can view the wetlands, lighthouse, and various seasonal festivals along the trail. [detroitriverfront.org/] BOUTIQUE HOTELS
From old school charm to cute B&Bs, Detroit has a lot to offer for your rest and relaxation needs. Detroit has seen a substantial growth in the city and more chic and unique hotels are opening around town. Take a look at the list below to find the perfect spot for your next trip!
Detroit Foundation Hotel ($$$) • 250 W Larned St • + 1 (313) 800-5500 • detroitfoundationhotel.com Trumbull & Porter ($$) • 1331 Trumbull St • + 1 (313) 496-1400 • trumbullandporterhotel.com Greektown Casino & Hotel ($$) • 555 E Lafayette Ave • +1 (313) 223-2999 • greektowncasino.com The Inn on Ferry Street ($$$) • 84 E Ferry St • +1 (313) 871-6000 • innonferrystreet.com The Siren Hotel ($$) • 1509 Broadway St • +1 (313) 277-4736 • thesirenhotel.com Aloft Detroit ($$) • One Park Ave • +1 (313) 237-1700 • marriott.com/hotels/travel/dtwal-aloft-detroit-at- the-david-whitney LIVE MUSIC
When in Detroit, seeing live music is a must. For experiencing music like a local, we recommend listening to jazz and blues at Cliff’s Bell. Hart Plaza is a beautiful outdoor concert space for listening to music and enjoying a picnic!
The Fillmore Detroit • 2115 Woodward Ave • +1 (313) 961-5451 • Music Venue, Bar, Performing Arts • thefillmoredetroit.com Magic Stick • 4120 Woodward Ave • +1 (313) 833-9700 • Music Venue, Bar • majesticdetroit.com Fox Theater Detroit • 2211 Woodward Ave • +1 (313) 471-3200 • Performing Arts, Music Venue • olympiaentertainment.com/venue/fox-theatre-2 Cliff’s Bell • 2030 Park Ave • +1 (313) 961-2543 • Jazz & Blues, Bar, Dining • cliffbells.com City Theatre • 2301 Woodward Ave • +1 (313) 471-3200 • Performing Arts, Cinema • olympiaentertainment.com Hart Plaza • One Hart Plz • +1 (313) 877-8077 • Outdoor venue • detroitmi.gov/departments/parks-recreation/hart-plaza NIGHTLIFE
If you are looking for a great night out in Detroit, you’re in luck. From opera houses to karaoke dive bars, the Detroit nightlife scene has exploded in recent years. Enjoy delicious food at Cafe d’Mongo’s before heading to Baker’s Keyboard lounge for some live jazz and cocktails. Take a look at the list below for more ideas!
El Club • 4114 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209 • + 1 (313) 279-7382 • Music Venue, Event Space, Late Night Snacks • elclubdetroit.com Cafe d’Mongo’s Speakeasy • 439 Griswold St • +1 (215) 568-3131 • Dining, Bar, Speakeasy • www.facebook.com/Cafe-dMongos-Speakeasy Michigan Opera Theatre • 1526 Broadway • +1 (313) 961-3500 • Performing Arts, Ballet • michiganopera.org Otus Supply • 345 E 9 Mile Rd • +1 (248) 291-6160 • Dining, Late Night, Bars • otussupply.com Baker’s Keyboard Lounge • 20510 Livernois Ave • +1 (313) 345-6300 • Dining, Jazz & Blues Club, Bar • theofficialbakerskeyboardlounge.com Sneakers Pub • 22628 Woodward Ave • +1 (248) 545-8243 • Dive Bar, Karaoke • sneakerspubferndale.com RESTAURANTS
From fine dining to late night snacks, Detroit has you covered. We recommend checking out the chef’s menu at The Apparatus for a fine dining experience and then Green Dot Stables for a late night drink.
Selden Standard ($$) • 3921 2nd Ave • +1 (313) 438-5055 • American, Brunch, Sandwiches • seldenstandard.com The Apparatus Room ($$$) • 250 W Larned St • +1 (313) 800-5600 • American, Bar, Late Night • detroitfoundationhotel.com/apparatus-room Rocco’s Italian Deli ($$) • 3627 Cass Ave • +1 (313) 315-3033 • Italian • roccosdetroit.com Slows Bar BQ ($$) • 2138 Michigan Ave • +1 (313) 962-9828 • BBQ, Beer • slowsbarbq.com Norma G Caribbean Cuisine ($$) • 14628 E Jefferson Ave • +1 (313) 290-2938 • West Indian, Caribbean • normagscuisine.com Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine ($$) • 1250 Library St • +1 (313) 962-8800 • Cuban, Dancing • vicentesdetroit.com Sister Pie ($$) • 8066 Kercheval St • +1 (313) 447-5550 • Desserts, Coffee • sisterpie.com Green Dot Stables ($) • 2200 W Lafayette Blvd • +1 (313) 962-5588 • American, Bar • greendotstables.com SHOPPING
Detroit Shopping is full of hometown pride! Carhartt and Shinola, which were founded in Detroit, are two well-known shopping locations in the city. We also recommend stopping in the Guardian Building for a tour and then checking out the gift shop inside.
Carhartt • 5800 Cass Ave • +1 (313) 831-1274 • Started in Detroit, Carhartt is a well-known national brand for sturdy, reliable clothing. Mainly used for work and outdoor activities. [carhartt.com]
Pure Detroit • 500 Griswold, Guardian Bldg, Ste 250 • +1 (313) 873-6004 • Detroit gift shop located in the architecturally beautiful Guardian Building. Find super hip and cute t-shirts, magnets, postcards, purses, books and more. [puredetroit.com]
John K. King Used and Rare Books • 901 W Lafayette Blvd • +1 (313) 961-0622 • Four floors of books spanning every genre. Make sure to check out the Rare Book room in the back. [kingbooksdetroit.com]
Shinola • 441 W Canfield St • +1 (313) 285-2390 • Another Detroit original, Shinola is known for quality watches, bikes, and leather goods. This location is not only cool to shop in but also a great location for hanging out and relaxing. [shinola.com]
Hello Records • 1459 Bagley St • +1 (313) 300-5654 • Retro vibe abounds in this quaint music shop. A great selection of vinyl across all genres. If you have time, peruse the $1 section to find that hidden gem. [hellorecordsdetroit.com] TRAVEL TIPS
Transportation • While staying in Detroit, you’ve got lots of options. Downtown Detroit has multiple options for public transit including the People Mover, QLine, & MoGo. For only 75 cents, People Mover can drop you off along 13 different stops around downtown. The QLine travels up and down Woodward Ave, taking you from downtown to Northwest Detroit. MoGo is the city’s newest bike share program, charging by the half hour. It’s perfect for fresh air jaunts around the city.
Don’t Miss Motor City • While in town, don’t forget to check out The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. The fifth largest car maker in the world, The Ford Motor Company, was founded in Detroit in 1903. The museum is an awe- inspiring walk through history. Hands-on activities, exhibits, educational tours, and exploring Greenfield Village are all part of this museum’s experience. [www. thehenryford.org]
Summer Festival Destination • Detroit in the summer is a sight for sore eyes. With temperatures averaging in the high seventies, Detroit is an escape for some, and those who do, come for the festivals! Between the months of May and August, you can experience the Detroit Jazz Festival, Movement Electronic Music Festival, Arts & Apples Festival, Michigan Renaissance Festival, and the Armada Fair, just to name a few! [visitdetroit.com/summer-festivals-in- metro-detroit/] DETROIT CITY GUIDE