It was about 4 hours into my visit to Detroit that I realized I was in one of America’s greatest cities. Have you spent some time in Detroit? Did you fall in love with the architecture, the heart, the real the raw, the great people?
When I only have a few days in a city, I have to hit the ground running and there’s no sense / not much time to linger in a tiny hotel room (Trumbull and Porter is pretty great if you need a place). So! Knowing that I only scratched the surface of this incredible city, here are some of the things that I enjoyed in my short time in Detroit.
If you’re a Detroit local (or enthusiast) please feel encouraged to leave your suggestions in the comments below for all of us.
1 • Please know that the burger at Grey Ghost is one of the best I’ve ever had. Actually, scratch that. This was the best burger I’ve ever had and I hope you too are lucky enough to share it with a rad friend like Megan.
2 • The ladies at Bon Bon Bon make some stellar chocolate bites. Don’t sleep on visiting their shop in Hamtramck where the walls are pink and red and the chocolate tempers to create super creative flavor bites. I mispronounced Hamtramck no less than 14 times until I blurted out to my Lyft driver… OH LIKE HAM SAMICH! No disrespect and I still mispronounce it. Once you get the knack of Hamtramck, go for the chocolate and the girl-power vibes.
3 • Definitely explore the art and vision of The Heidelberg Project where a struggling neighborhood and vacant lots were turned into an expression of strength and imagination. You can read more about it here.
4 • Speaking of art. The Detroit Institute of Art makes for a very well spent afternoon. It’s easy to lose track of time. The Art of Rebellion exhibit is important.
5 • Oh heeeeey Sister Pie! I love me some lady bakers and this place is earnest and charming and badass and they make a real good cookie too. Go for a post breakfast coffee, cookie, and sit if you don’t have time to snarf a whole pie.
6 • Rose’s Fine Foods is the most comfortable and lovely diner… so much so that if you’re like me you’ll think you can open your own equally lovely diner with with edible flowers on your homemade cakes and a badass lady rocking the griddle top.
7 • You’ll make friends of strangers and have a very fine cocktail at Selden Standard.
8 • I try to hit up a yoga class in every city I visit because it helps me balance all the burgers and pie and cocktails. I invariably misjudge how close I should lay out my mat next to another student. It’s honestly strange how different each city is about this. Denver gets real cozy with their mats, y’all. Detroit folks want a bit more space. If you’re visiting, Citizen Yoga has an affordable visitor rate for $25!
9 • The best way to really know what’s up with a city? Go to a weekday baseball game. Here’s what I learned at the Tiger’s Game, Detroit is down to party on a Wednesday and I say OK!
10 • First a cup of coffee at Astro in Corktown… then a bowl of noodles at Ima– no need to order the extra noodles unless your eyes are bigger than your stomach like meeeeee.
Thank you to each and every one of you that took the time to come to my book signing in Detroit. It really means so much to me and it was so SO great to meet you. Thank you for sharing your vibrant city with me!
My love to you… now get yo body to Detroit!
xo Joy
Molly
I don’t live too far from Detroit, but I avoid it at all costs. Maybe I shouldn’t because you make it seem pretty great. (Go Tigers!!!) I’m glad you had such a good time there in JULY but come winter I bet you’re singing a different tune! lol :-) Brrrrrrrrrrrr
Tracy A
Thanks for showing Detroit some love! It’s a great city that has been the butt of too many jokes. I’m so glad you enjoyed your time here!!!
Rebecca
Your post makes me so happy. Yay for positive posts about Detroit! Next time check out Detroit Vegan Soul, so good.
Macaire
I would never in a million years have thought to myself, “I think I’ll go to Detroit for my next vacation!,” but now that’s EXACTLY what I want to do! Thanks for highlighting the jewels in a city that usually gets a bad rap!
Britney Davis
Detroit is a hidden gem of culinary delights! My husband went two years ago and found a hole in the wall bar that served the BEST seafood mac n’ cheese I have ever had!
Glad you had a great trip!
Kdragon
Thank you for the Detroit Love??We are very proud of how this city is changing and yet staying the same. There is SO much to see, eat and do! Please come back and explore all this gorgeous state can offer! Your blog is a bright spot in my week.
Kdragon
Didn’t mean ??. I meant !!
valentina
Thank you so much for publishing something so positive about our amazing city! Here’s hoping that you find your way back here again sometime soon — you need to visit Eastern Market and so much more. Come in the fall for cider and donuts, and we’ll show you why midwest stays best.
Camille
I grew up in Michigan and I just started grad school in Detroit, and I can’t believe there are still so many places I haven’t visited yet! I’m sad that I couldn’t come to your book signing but hopefully you’ll be back???
Liz G
Mabel Gray in Hazel Park. The best.
joythebaker
Yes I’ve heard such things! I’ll have to make it on my next visit!
mimi
Just ate there last night for the first time and I was blown away! Great food, atmosphere, staff, everything!
Jen T
Thank you for recognizing how great Detroit is! I live about two hours away every time we visit we make sure to hit up Slows BBQ in Corktown.
Amy DeKok
I LOVE that you got to so many of my favorite places..next time I hope you get to go to Eastern Market..and my fav coffee shop in Ferndale??. When people find out my roots are by Detroit they often have a snarky remark. I hate that as they only hear the negative…I love all that is happening in that great city!!
Megan knows ALL the cool places to go! Enjoy!!
Christa
Completely agree about the Eastern Market. A wonderful place to not only shop, but enjoy humanity!
Jayme
What is your favorite coffee shop in Ferndale?
Lauren @ Today We Bake
I grew up outside Detroit and live in Ann Arbor now. There are so many places worth visiting, but at the very top of my list is the Eastern Market. Come on a Saturday or a Tuesday in the summer for amazing fresh produce and great people. While you’re there, get lunch at Russel Street Deli and stop by Devries and Company 1887 for the best artisanal cheese selection you could ever want. If you have extra time, swing over to Belle Isle (an island in the middle of the Detroit River with museums and playgrounds) and check out the flower conservatory.
Lee
I grew up just outside of Detroit and I always try to do something new in the city when I go back. There’s always something popping up. Thanks for showing so much love to the Motor City.
Jenni
I grew up in a Detroit and I get it drives me crazy that most of the time all you hear or read about is the bad stuff. This is awesome:).
Gigi Fudge
You were in my city!!! Ahhhh! Next time you’ll stay with us!!! there is still so much more to see you! Thank you for visiting thank you for loving this awesome place !
Rena
Unfortunately, I have never been to Detroit. Obviously it is really a great city!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Lottie Gibbons
I’ve never been to America, but Detroit looks so cool!
http://www.lottiegibbons.com