Cool Things to do in Detroit

Places To Eat

Breakfast or Lunch

AVALON INTERNATIONAL BREADS - One of Detroit's best kept secrets.

Really wonderful food and staff! Buy bread, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, cookies, muffins and much more at this little place on 422 W Willis St. Great atmosphere here, you can eat in at one of the little tables they have inside, or sit outside and enjoy your breakfast or lunch in the sunshine. Find a map and read reviews on yelp.com

THE HUDSON CAFE - Serving breakfast and lunch in the heart of Detroit.

The Hudson Cafe is located at 1241 Woodward Ave, and has opened to rave reviews. Check out what people have to say on yelp.com and view the video of the grand opening to see what it's like.

PARIS CREPES - Really unique place to eat next to the DIA.

Good Girls Go To Paris Crepes is a really unique place to stop in for breakfast or lunch. You would think for a crepe place, their menu would be limited, but they have a lot to offer. I really liked their menu, and i liked the design of the interior. I love supporting businesses like this one. You should check them out. goodgirlsgotopariscrepes.com

RUSSELL STREET DELI - In Eastern Market, really great food and atmosphere.

They have awesome food, and It's a pretty cool environment as well. This restaurant is relatively small, and they get pretty busy because their food is so great. Inside you'll be seated at one of their long 6 seater tables, which means you often have to sit next to people you don't know. But I think it's a nice and refreshing atmosphere that you don't find too many places these days. I eat here every time I go to Eastern Market. Check them out at, www.russellstreetdeli.com

LA PETIT ZINC - Crepes, salads, sandwiches, deserts and good coffee.

This is an amazing little coffee house, where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy a good meal or desert. As the name suggests, it's a pretty small place, but in the summer they open up the yard. Overall it's a great atmosphere to hang out and do some homework or relax with friends. Check out their site at lepetitzincdetroit.com

MUDGIES DELI - Voted readers choice best deli in Wayne County by Metrotimes.

This place has a home town feel with amazing food. Check out reviews on yelp.com, and view their website at mudgiesdeli.com to see the full menu. I fell in love with this place the moment I walked in, I'd highly recommend it.

PINK FLAMINGO - Mobile restaurant serving locally grown organic food.

The Pink FlaminGO is an Airstream Mobile Restaurant that serves locally grown organic food around Detroit. Their goal is to serve healthy, fast and inexpensive food, nothing is processed, and the menu changes according to what's in season. Follow The Pink FlaminGO on their Facebook page to find them around Detroit. The season starts on July 1st.

ASTRO COFFEE

Located at 2124 Michigan Ave in Corktown Detroit, Astro Coffee opened it's doors on July 12th to rave reviews. Check out their blog for more info astrocoffeedetroit.blogspot.com

Lunch or Dinner

CADIEUX CAFE - Historic Belgian bar featured on the Travel Channel, and one of the few places in the U.S. that offers Feather Bowling!

The Cadieux Cafe in Detroit is a historic Belgian restaurant that was a speakeasy during prohibition, located at 4300 Cadieux Rd. It offers classic Belgian food that was highlighted on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations on the Travel Channel. But aside from their great food and great selection of Belgian beers, this is also one of the few locations in the U.S. that offers feather bowling! Never heard of feather bowling? Well it's kind of a combination between bowling and bocce ball. If your looking for something different, this is definitely the place to check out. They also have live music and stay open till 2:00 am daily. check out their website at www.cadieuxcafe.com

HOT TACO - On Park Ave. next to Centaur and The Town Pump

Hot Taco just opened it's doors on Park Ave. behind the Fox Theater. I love small businesses like this in Detroit. Check them out the next time your in the area for a concert or a game. And check out the article here for more photos and info. detroit.curbed.com

CASS CAFE - it's a bar...it's a restaurant..it's a gallery!

Cass Cafe, located at 4620 Cass Avenue, is Detroit's alternative restaurant and art gallery. Their menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, vegetarian dishes, deserts, and daily specials. They also offer a full bar, including products from Detroit's own Motor City Brewery. check out their site at casscafe.com for more info.

Z'S VILLA - Famous for their pizza, but all their food is excellent.

This place has really good food and are known for their pizza. It's located on 42 Piquette St. I usually eat their Pizza but they have a full menu of things like fish and chips, salads, steaks and so on. In the summer you can sit outside on the patio. I've been there on a karaoke night, which was pretty cool. They also have a volleyball court out by the patio too. Check out their website at www.zsvilladet.com

TRAFFIC JAM - Home brewed beer, great food, perfect place for big group parties.

This place has good food, gated parking, cool interior and they brew their own beer. They're located at 511 West Canfield. I've gone there a few times and have loved the food every time I'm there. Their home brewed beer is good enough to please any beer snob, and It's a large place really ideal if you want to get a big group together for a party. The interior is really cool and rustic, each room is a bit different. Check them out at www.trafficjamdetroit.com

MOTOR CITY BREW WORKS - Perfect for a casual summer meal out on the patio.

This place is located across from the Traffic Jam, on the other side of the gated parking lot. It's actually set back IN the parking lot, so it's easy to miss. I have been to the Traffic Jam multiple times and parked in their lot and never even noticed Motor City Brew Works. This place is small and rustic, really one of a kind. It's also a great place to go on a nice summer day. There is a patio upstairs you can sit at, but if there are no seats upstairs sitting downstairs near the bar is just as good because they open all the windows and door so you get a nice summer breeze. When I went here I ordered pizza, and the pizza was great! They have a really good menu and beer selection. This place is perfect for a casual meal. Check out their menu at www.motorcitybeer.com

CLIFF BELLS - Classy historic jazz club, perfect for date night.

This historic jazz bar is located at 2030 Park Ave, right around the corner from Park Bar. There is only street parking so get here early if you want a close spot. An added perk is its a little slice of Detroit history; during Prohibition it was a Speakeasy. The building has been restored to its original glory, and it is also one of the oldest Jazz clubs in Detroit. They often have a live band playing. This place is great for date night, having a few drinks at the bar, or for dinner with a small group of friends. When I went here I didn't have dinner, but all of the food around us looked amazing, I've heard many good things about their food from friends who have eaten here. The jazz band was great as well, but expect a $10 cover charge on the weekends when a band is playing. Check out their website at www.cliffbells.com

PARK BAR - Great food served late, relaxed atmosphere and excellent beer selection.

This bar is great late at night if you feel hungry, but still want to get a drink and hang out with friends. The last time I was here my friends and I were eating shawarmas and fries at 1:00am. The staff is nice, drink prices are fair, and it's just an overall great atmosphere. It's also centrally located, walking distance from a lot of other bars, and also around the corner from a people mover stop. I've started the night bar hopping in this area before and then taken the people mover over to Greek Town. Check out other reviews on yelp.com

FOUNTAIN BISTRO - Great food, indoor and outdoor seating in Campus Martius.

Fountain Bistro is located in the middle of Campus Martius. They have great food, and outdoor seating where a DJ plays on Saturdays. The atmosphere is really laid back, the prices aren't too bad, and I hear in the winter they will bring fire pits to their outdoor patio. This place is great for summer or winter. I'm excited to head back there in the winter for some ice skating at Campus Martius, and a warm drink out on their patio. www.fountainbistro.com

SLOWS BBQ - Best barbecue around for a good price.

Slows is located in Corktown at 2138 Michigan Ave. and average price for a sandwich is about $8. It's reputation around town speaks for itself, as well as all of the press it's got over the years (in 2009 Slows Detroit was featured on the Travel Channel's Man Vs. Food). I don't have a personal review of Slows, because I haven't been here yet, but all of my friends who have just rave about how good their food is. If you like barbeque, then you can't go wrong here. Check them out slowsbarbq.com

THE WHITNEY - Up scale restaurant perfect for date night, or lunch with friends.

The Whitney, located at 4421 Woodward Ave is a 115 year old, 52 room historic Detroit mansion, converted into a restaurant. Their lunch menu is priced between $7-$15 and the dinner menu between $19-$39, and it's all very delicious. The desert menu is also amazing, priced between $9-$11. Check out the full menu at www.thewhitney.com

This is a great place to go on a date! They have live bands playing regularly out on the patio in the summer, or up on the 3rd floor at the Ghost Bar; and Fridays between 5:00-7:00 they have "Rain or Shine" happy hour with $3 domestic beer and $5 cocktails. I have been here for dinner and was absolutely blown away by the quality of the food. If you want a full meal, including a starter, entree, drinks and desert, expect to spend over $100, but the food and atmosphere was great, so I felt it was well worth it.

SALTWATER - Fancy seafood restaurant in the MGM Grand casino.

From their website:
Acclaimed Chef Michael Mina's award-wining dining experience SALTWATER is proud to offer a delectable menu at a great price, featuring seafood favorites done to perfection. Dive into Michigan Fish & Chips, Beer-battered Prawns, San Francisco Cioppino and more, with the same service and attention to detail that's a trademark of every Michael Mina restaurant.

If you're going here for dinner expect an average priced meal to be around $25. But the food looks amazing, and out of all of the Detroit Casinos, MGM is really the best. So if you're going to have a fun filled casino evening, it might as well be at the MGM Grand, and you might as well stop in to check out Saltwater first hand. View their page through the mgmgranddetroit.com website to check out their menu.

Bars

CAFE D'MONGO'S - "If you like antiques, good food and music, and great atmosphere, there's plenty of all that to go around." The Detroit News

Cafe D'Mongo's is located at 1439 Griswold St. It's an interesting place that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time as soon as you set foot into the bar. Only open on Fridays between 6 pm - 2 am, this bar serve soul food, and has a great drink selection. Check them out at cafedmongos.com

SUGAR HOUSE BAR - New bar in Corktown

The Sugar House bar, located at 2130 Michigan Ave near Slows BBQ, serves craft and classic cocktails to thirsty Detroiters. The menu changes seasonally, with daily drink and weekly punch specials. It also includes a selection of exceptional beers from around the world, as well as organic, natural wines, and small plates. View their site for more info www.sugarhousedetroit.com

Also make sure to check out this video about the Sugar House Bar. Get an inside look at the bar, the people behind it, and the care and detail that goes into every drink they make. hypebeast.com

MOSAIC - Fancy place for drinks or for dinner.

I stopped in here for drinks with a friend. If you just want to get drinks you are seated at the bar, but their menu looked good for dinner as well. This place is a bit pricey, but it's not too bad. Mosaic is nice because it's got a classy upscale bar feel, but it's quiet enough for you to sit down and actually have a conversation. This would be a good place for a date or dinner with friends. It's located in Greektown in a good location so you can stop by other bars in the area as well. Old Shillelagh and Delux are a block away. Check them out at www.mosaic-detroit.com

OLD SHILLELAGH - Awesome traditional Irish band on Friday & Saturday.

This bar is really great. When I went here, a friend and I got a table on the second floor to listen to the band that plays there every Friday and Saturday night, Black Mist. They play traditional Irish music, but they mix it up a bit if they get some good requests. I loved them, and I had a really great time. If you don't feel like listening to traditional Irish music, there is dance music and a dance floor on the main floor. They also open the roof up as well. I didn't check the rooftop out while I was there, but in the summer I've seen the rooftop packed. This is a great bar to check out. I parked at Greek Town Casino's parking structure, and walked over to Old Shillelagh, so parking is really easy and free. There is typically a $5 cover charge at the door, and mixed drinks are about $5 each. www.oldshillelagh.com

DELUX LOUNGE - Classy bar in Greek Town, good place to dance.

This bar is right across the street from the Old Shillelagh in Greek Town. I was able to park at the Greek Town Casino parking structure, and after walking through the casino it was only another 2 block walk. It's has more of a classy cocktail bar feel, good dance music and a great place to go if you feel like dressing up. There are booths and couches if you feel like just hanging out and relaxing as well; I liked the atmosphere here. Cover was $5, and the mixed drinks that I was getting were about $6-$7. Not too bad. Check them out at www.deluxlounge.com

GRAND TRUNK PUB - Great local products on their menu as well as MI brewed beers.

What better way to support your local market! They have a great local food and beer selection including products from Motor City Brewing Works beer, Avalon Bakery bread, meats and produce purchased at Eastern Market, and Faygo pop, all on the menu. This pub is located in the heart of downtown Detroit, one block from Campus Martius and Hart Plaza at 612 Woodward Ave. The Grand Trunk Pub building was known as the Grand Trunk Rail Road's ticket station in the early 1900s, and still has much of the original architecture. This place has great food, friendly staff and an awesome local beer selection. Check out there site at grandtrunkpub.com for more info.

THE BRONX BAR - Rustic bar, really laid back with good drink prices.

This bar is really laid back, they have pool tables and a Juke Box that has a great selection of songs. Drinks are priced pretty good, so no worries there. You could go here to eat as well. I haven't eaten here, but I hear their burgers are really good. Also, this place is right around the corner from the Traffic Jam, mentioned earlier. It's located at 4476 2nd Ave. Check out their reviews on yelp.com.

GIGI'S - Gay bar with an awesome drag show.

Gigi's is a gay bar in Detroit at 16920 W. Warren Ave. I went here with a group of friends to see the drag show and I had a ball. There is a bar and dance floor upstairs, and a drag show downstairs. The show was like nothing I had ever seen before, so entertaining, really talented people and a funny host. I think the shows are Thursdays and Saturdays. If you're looking for something different this is it. My friends and I had some drinks while we watched the show, and then after the show went upstairs to dance. The parking is gated, free, and watched by a security guard, so no worries there. Check out their website, at gigisbar.com, and for some current reviews, check out this blog detroitgayhistory.blogspot.com I went here in 2008, so this blog gives some feedback from 2009 and 2010. There is a good mix of reviews here so scroll down to read a few.

NORTHERN LIGHTS - Karaoke on Sundays, different scene every night.

Northern Lights mixes it up so it's really a bar for everyone with different things going on every night. Here's a quote from one of the bar owners that I pulled from detroit.metromix.com:

"You'll find karaoke on Sundays; a more punk feel with live DJs on Mondays; hip-hop with DJ Dez, Uncle Paulie, Benny Ben and weekly guests Tuesdays; "be your own DJ" night is Wednesday where patrons can throw down for 15 minutes; soul night is Thursdays; Friday is dance party with DJ Frankie Bank$; and Saturday is rock 'n' roll night with live bands."

You couldn't find a friendlier bunch of people anywhere, or a more fun down to earth atmosphere. This bar has a home town feel where everyone knows everyone, the staff is friendly and funny, drink prices are good and bathrooms are clean. I've been here on a Sunday for karaoke night, and while it wasn't too busy, I still had a lot of fun. Check it out! It's located at 660 W. Baltimore St. between 2nd & 3rd street. I plan on heading back here on a Friday or Saturday. I hear it gets pretty busy. Read reviews at yelp.com

CENTAUR - Classy martini bar.

Centaur is a really nice place to go and hang out if you're looking for a classy evening; also they have a good menu if you're interested in lunch or dinner. Drinks are typically between $7-$9 but thats typically for a martini, beer is a little less expensive. On the weekends they have a DJ come in at night but i've never seen too much dancing. When you're here you can pull up a chair at a table and hang out with friends, there's plenty of room for large groups. It's also centrally located next to a few other bars if you feel like bar hopping. It's next door to the Town Pump which is a good bar as well, and it's right down the street from Hockey Town and Park Bar. (Park Bar serves food late in case you get hungry and want to take a walk a block down for some good shawarmas.) If you want to park in a parking structure I'd recommend the structure next to Hockey Town, Centaur will just be down at the end of the block on the corner. Other than that it's pretty much just street parking. Centaur is located at 2233 Park Avenue, check them out at www.centaurbar.com.

THE TOWN PUMP TAVERN - Stop in after a home game, it's a few blocks away from Comerica Park and Ford Field.

Next time your at Comerica Park, Ford Field or the Fox Theatre, stop by the Town Pump Tavern instead of Hockey Town after your event. It's located a block past Hockey Town, right across the street from Centaur Bar. They have live music after home Lions and Tigers games, and DJs on the weekends, and they also offer a full kitchen that serves till 11:00pm. Another great thing about the Town Pump is they are home of the $5 Burger and Beer and $10 Pitcher and Pizza lunch specials. Great menu, good prices and a more traditional home town atmosphere. Check out there site at thetownpumptavern.com

BLUE - Electronic music bar, great place to dance.

Since Techno was born out of Detroit, it's only fitting that Detroit would have a great Electronic music venu. Bleu is located on Woodward, between Park Ave and John R. St. I've been to Bleu before about 4 years ago and I had a great time. It's typically a $10 cover charge unless there is a special guest DJ in which case the cover charge can go up from there, and it's HUGE inside with plenty of space to dance. Bleu was closed down for a little while, and now that they are back in business I've heard the scene has changed a lot since I've been there last. I would try to check out some recent reviews before heading out to see how it is, since it's been a while since I've been there. Or you can check out their site at Bleudetroit.com.

Want more electronic music? Check out Oslo a few doors down.
Oslo is a sushi restaurant with an electronic bar in the basement. (I've only eaten here once, but the sushi was not very good, not worth the money at all, just FYI) To get to the bar in the basement you pretty much walk through the sushi restaurant all the way to the back, go down the stairs, and it takes you into a small electronic bar. There was no cover charge and the drinks were fairly priced.

Both places are typically more popular on a Saturday night.

CITY CLUB - Goth / Industrial / Alternative Club

City Club is an after hours alternative bar open till 4:30. I went here with some friends, and had so much fun dancing here. Just don't show up with your collar popped or you'll feel extremely out of place. It's a really cool atmosphere, cover charge was i think $3. It's located in the Leland Hotel building, and the door is an unmarked black door around the rear of the building. Check them out at their site, www.lelandcityclub.net, and also on yelp.com.

THE MAGIC STICK - Bowling alley, great pizza and live music.

The Magic Stick is a great place to go because it offers so much. Downstairs you'll find a bowling alley, a bar and some awesome pizza. Or check out their live concert schedule and head upstairs to see the band. They are centrally located at 4140 Woodward Av. and there is a secure parking lot right across the street, (usually $3 parking) Check them out at majesticdetroit.com

Shops

CURLE UP & DYE - Highly rated salon that also sell locally produced products.

"We can cut, dread, chop, thread, highlight, wash, relax, trim, straight-razor shave, wax, curl up & dye all types of hair." Curle Up & Dye is located at 4215 Cass in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood. They have a full range of services that are all highly rated by their clients, and they also offer naturally made, organic, healthy, and fairly priced products that are never tested on animals. Look for their locally produced Cass Corridor Beauty Products, affordable organic skin and hair care. View their site here for more info curlupanddyedetroit.com.

DUTCH GIRL DONUTS - Rave reviews for this donut shop that's been in business for 64 years.

This little donut shop located at 7 mile and Woodward has been in business for 64 years, proudly owned and operated by the Timmer family. Check out their recent news article here: yahoo.com/local They have a 5 star rating across Yelp, Google, and Urbanspoon reviews! So next time you're in the mood for some donuts, support this local shop!

PEWABIC POTTERY - Historic pottery shop where you can find specialty items.

Founded in 1903, Pewabic Pottery specializes in a unique assortment of items, such as tiles, dinnerware and vessels. Great place to find gifts, and they even offer custom design services. You can also go on a tour of their free on-site museum open 7 days a week, or attend one of their ceramics education classes. They are located at 10125 East Jefferson Avenue, and easy to miss because there is no sign by the road, so look for the house set back in a gated parking lot. Check out their site for details: www.pewabicstore.org

R. HIRT JR. CO. - In Eastern Market, great specialty Michigan made products.

This place has everything, lots of different meats, huge cheese selection, and plenty of local and Michigan-made products as well. I like this place a lot because I can often find really specialty items here that are hard to find everywhere else. The main floor is the grocery section and upstairs you can find a really interesting gift shop. This shop is located in Eastern Market, and next door is a great wine shop. Pretty much what I'm saying is, Eastern Market is a must see, and while you're there you should check out these cool stores. Read reviews at yelp.com.

JOHN KING BOOKS - 4 stories of rare and used books.

This place is pretty sweet. It's 4 stories of used and rare books, located at 901 W. Lafayette Blvd. It's unlike any bookstore I've ever been to. They have books ranging in topics such as Michigan History, Poetry, World War II, Psychology, Film, Travel, Business, Humor, Sociology, Education, Law and so on. Inside it's very rustic. There are just rows and rows of tall metal shelves with thousands of books. You could just get lost in here for hours. And they always have sales associates walking around that can help you if your looking for something specific. Check out their website here, and read reviews at yelp.com.

SHOWTIME - Vintage "Rock Star Clothing"

Showtime is a vintage clothing store located at 5708 Woodward Ave. near the DIA in the Wayne State Campus area. It caters to more of the punk rock crowd offering "Rock Star Clothing" I've never been in here before but one of my friends has and she says it's really cool, and the guy who owns the place is really nice and informative. He knows a lot about Detroit and can tell you about cool places to check out, or upcoming shows, things like that. Check out a map and reviews here.

HENRY THE HATTER - Historic Detroit hat store.

Henry the Hatter is located at 1307 Broadway and has been in business for over a hundred years. This store has a huge selection of hats for the gentleman, hipster or rocker in you. Even Kid Rock has shopped here. www.henrythehatterdetroit.com

Somerset Collection CityLoft returning to Detroit for the holidays

The Somerset Collection in Troy has extended it's shops to Detroit in the form of a pop-up mall with 41 stores. It is located between Grand River Avenue and Clifford Street. The shops were open for three days a month in July, August and September, and were so popular that they are coming back for the holiday season. CityLoft, will open December 1-3 to capture holiday shopping in Detroit, and a November 30th event will also be held to benefit the March of Dimes. View the article here for more information.

Festivals

WINTER BLAST - This is a fun family event, bring the kids!

At the winter blast you can roast marsh mellows, have a snow ball fight with the kids, check out ice sculptures, ice skate for free, and so much more. There are indoor heated tents if you want to get away from the cold, and inside you can typically find live entertainment, food and vendors. There was also pony rides, a Merry Go Round and fun house for the kids. Check out www.winterblast.com for dates and details. But typically this event falls mid February every year.

NOEL NIGHT - Free winter event in Detroit's Cultural Center, all museums open their doors and the College for Creative Studies holds an arts and crafts fair.

The first weekend of December, over 45 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Science Center, the Detroit Historical Museum, and more open their doors to the public free of charge for a "open house." Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 70 area music, theatre, and dance groups.

Also, right behind the Detroit Institute of Arts, the College for Creative Studies opens it's doors to the public for an arts and crafts fair, where students and alumni sell their work. This is seriously a great place to go to find awesome hand made, unique christmas gifts. You can find, among other things, pottery, paintings, photography, knitting work, as well as lots of different kinds of craft work. Support some local artists, and pick up some amazing gifts!

Check out the official website for more details, through detroitmidtown.com

DALLY IN THE ALLY - Music and art festival.

Every September on the first Saturday after Labor Day, Dally in the Ally opens up in Detroit on Forest and 2nd Av. In addition to its four stages of entertainment, Dally in the Alley has art vendors, food, weird acts and beer. Check out www.dallyinthealley.com for more info.

Full list of festivals:

9 Surprising Reasons Why Detroit Rocks - From Canada's Readers Digest

Canada thinks we're pretty cool too! Check out this article that takes you through 9 more reasons to love Detroit. It's a great article with links and a lot of interesting things I don't have here on my list. Check it out! readersdigest.ca

Buddhist Temples in Detroit

I recently visited the Detroit Zen Center in Hamtramck, and had an amazing experience. I thought it would be more of a casual environment since it's a Buddhist Temple based out of a house in the middle of a Hamtramck neighborhood, but i was wrong. The house has been renovated and it truly feels like an authentic temple as soon as you walk in. I attended a Sunday newcomer Introduction to Zen session, and although I was basically thrown into a prayer session, complete with yoga poses, Korean chants and a monk, it was great (although I didn't really know what I was doing, but then again neither did any of the other newcomers). The session concluded with tea in their basement cafe where the monk sat with us telling stories and answering questions. The Zen Center offers Zen & Dharma talks, yoga and even a 6 month residency program. View their site for more information www.detroitzencenter.org or check out another Detroit Buddhist Temple here www.stillpointzenbuddhisttemple.org

THE HEIDELBERG PROJECT - A city block turned into a work of art.

A project started 25 years ago by Tyree Guyton, who's mission is to inspire people to appreciate and use artistic expression to enrich their lives and to improve the social and economic health of their greater community. This is honestly an amazing and inspiring site to see. Over the years the Heidelberg project has grown into a strong community of people who offer tours, give lectures, and nurture the creativity of the kids in their community. It's located on Heidelberg Street, between Mt. Elliott and Ellery St. It's definitely worth checking out. Visit their site for more information and photos. heidelberg.org

DETROIT DERBY GIRLS - Roller derby at the Masonic Temple.

If you're looking for something totally different, go to a Roller Derby. This is one more of those things that I haven't been to yet, but it's on my list of things to do. Tickets are $15 - $20 (plus a $3.60 service fee if purchased online). To avoid the service fee, you can purchase tickets at any ticketmaster location, including Marshall Field's. Check out their website for upcoming dates: www.detroitderbygirls.com

THE DIRTY SHOW - Erotic art show, including live performances. The most interesting art exhibit I've ever been to, to say the least...

I don't even know what to say about the Dirty Show, it's pretty self explanatory :) I went here last year with a friend, and it was by far the most interesting art exhibit I've ever been to. So interesting I wanted to take pictures, but not surprisingly, cameras are not allowed in. it's located in Eastern Market at Bert's Warehouse Theatre, at 2739 Russell St. Detroit, MI 48207. Check out their website for more details, or if you're an artist, to submit your work. www.dirtyshow.org

Eastern Market

It's awesome to go to Eastern Market early in the morning on a Saturday to walk around, get some breakfast, and buy some plants or produce. Last time i was there i was able to find a range of things, such as a raspberry bush, strawberry plants, an Aloe Vera plant and a lot of fresh produce. I also like to poke around in all the cool nearby shops. There are two really nice antique shops in the area that I like to look around in when I'm there. I've also found it really interesting to photograph at Eastern Market, great people watching. I've only gone in the summer, but I'm pretty sure they're open year round. Check out their website for more information detroiteasternmarket.com

Detroit Fly House

Detroit's one and only "circus school" is located near Eastern Market in Detroit, and I personally think this is one of the coolest things on my list. They offer 8 week classes for $165, and they seem to book up way in advance, so if you're interested, get on it. Check out their website for details,
www.detroitflyhouse.com

Detroit Segway Tours

This Segway Tour will show you what makes Detroit shine, including major landmarks, new developments and historical gems. You'll zoom along the beautiful Riverwalk, get up close and personal with the Stadiums and Fox Theater and even stop and go into the gorgeous Guardian Building, all while enjoying the amazing speed and mobility of the revolutionary Segway! Check them out and purchase your ticket here, at www.insidedetroit.org

When you click on the link you will have to scroll all the way down to find the segway tour. There are other types of tours available but I think the segway tour seems the most interesting. There is a link there that says "Click Here To Register" when you click on the link you can purchase your ticket there.

Dequindre Cut

If you haven't heard of the Dequindre Cut yet, you're missing out. The Dequindre Cut connects the river front to Eastern Market and many other residential neighborhoods (plans are underway for phase II of the Dequindre Cut, which would extend the pathway north from Gratiot Avenue to Mack Avenue.) It's a walking and biking path, you can even rent bikes at the riverfront if you want. The path was formerly a railroad line and it runs below street level. Learn more on the Detroit Riverfront Website.

Places To Stay

THE INN AT 97 WINDER - You can see Comerica Park and Ford Field from the front porch.

This place looks amazing, I just happened to stroll across it on my search of other Bed and Breakfast's in Detroit. It is in a great location, you can see Comerica Park and Ford Field from their front porch. This place is truly a Detroit gem! The mansion was built in 1876 and it has been restored to "reflect the luxurious glamour of its past." Every room is unique, and most rooms have a fireplace. Check them out. theinnat97winder.com

Have you stayed here? I'd love to hear about your experience, leave me a comment and let me know.

THE INN ON FERRY STREET - Walking distance to the DIA

This B&B is located within walking distance to the DIA. They also offer special package deals like The "Dining in the D" Package which includes a one night stay at the Inn, shuttle transportation to the Whitney for a four course meal for two, and a bottle of house wine, all tip included for $295.00. I have friends who have stayed here and they loved it. Check out their website at innonferrystreet.com

HOSTEL IN CORKTOWN

1st Detroit hostel in 15 years to open in Corktown

Emily Doerr, a 25-year-old Detroiter has been getting a lot of support from the community in her efforts to open a hostel in Detroit. Local people have signed up as ambassadors, offering to pick guests up and show them around the city. Rates are $23 a night for a bunk in a common room, or $27 a night for a bunk in a private room. Check out their site to learn more www.hosteldetroit.com.

Coming Soon To Detroit

Whole Foods coming to Midtown Detroit

It has been confirmed, Whole Foods Market is coming to Detroit and it will be located on the northwest corner of Mack Avenue and John R. No opening date has been set yet, but they say they hope to open their doors to the public by spring 2013. Check the article here for more information.

Detroit products from Detroit people

Cool cloths that support our city

Check out these online shops that sell awesome Detroit themed shirts, accessories gifts and more.

Threads From Detroit

Detroit GT

Down With Detroit

Pure Detroit

Ink Detroit

Made In Detroit

Support Our City

Show your support by joining organizations that help make Detroit a stronger city.

www.detroitriverfront.org is a great organization you can become a part of by becoming a member and donating annually. Your membership dollars go directly towards the RiverWalk and the Dequindre Cut operations maintence and security of the properties. You can also buy a brick to be added to the riverfront with your own personal engraving on it, which makes for a great gift.

believeindetroit.org is another good organization where you can "use your time, passion, skills & willingness to help address Detroit's most pressing needs." Help make Detroit a better city and check out these awesome sites.

Positive News About Detroit

Downtown Detroit is filing up with artists and entrepreneurs moving into and investing in the city, read these articles to learn more.

DETROIT LIVES - Short film featuring Johnny Knoxville, highlighting positive aspects of Detroit.

In this three part short film, Johnny Knoxville has some local Detroiters show him around the city. This video shows you the real Detroit. Yes there is blight, but there are also a lot of positive aspects to the city as well.

"Today, the young people of the Motor City are making it their own DIY paradise where rules are second to passion and creativity. They are creating the new Detroit on their own terms, against real adversity."

Check out the video here: Detroit Lives

Get out of Detroit, and head up north.

Shameless plug for my aunts resort on Houghton Lake.

All Seasons Stay-n-Play resort located on Houghton Lake MI is offering a summer special.

$100 off if you book a week during the month of June or August. This can be combined with their other special, $100 off if you book a week during the first two months of June or the last two months of August. Check out their website for more details, and a printable coupon at stay-n-playresort.com

Why Did I Make This List?

College for Creative Studies

I truly love Detroit, and I want you to love it too. I want people from the suburbs and people from out of state to check out the city and give Detroit a chance. Detroit is making a comeback in a big way, but we need your support to truly make it happen. And i realized, you won't come into the city, if you don't know where to go :) So I'm here to help you out and answer your questions.

I got to know Detroit attending the College for Creative Studies. But I never spent much time in the city before hand because my cute suburbanite parents told me it was a scary place. I eventually met some cool people who showed me around, and I worked on a school project for visitdetroit.com, which really opened my eyes to some of what Detroit has to offer. Detroit is a unique, vibrant city, give it a chance and check it out.

Thinking about going to CCS? Check out my other lense, New Student Guide to the College for Creative Studies

If you want any more information about these places or other places in Detroit http://www.yelp.com/detroit is really helpful.