Sunday, December 21, 2008

MTM-Chicago Tribune's Reasons to Visit Detroit



Lisa Kenney reading.










(From the Chicago Tribune)Actually there are a lot more reasons than this. I could double it easily, but anyway....Reasons to Visit Detroit (although perhaps not in winter).


Forget what we know you're thinking, because this is the chance to experience a Detroit rediscovering itself. You may have to be a little selective and wear blinders sometimes, but today's Motown is an exciting city of new stadiums, new casinos, new hotels, some truly extraordinary museums and a positive vibe. A quick ride across the bridge or through the tunnel is Canada—Windsor, to be specific—with its casino and nightspots.

The Tribune's 7 reasons to go
1. Motown Historical Museum If you always wanted to be a Temptation or a Vandella, this is your chance, in the place where The Sound was nurtured. http://www.motownmuseum.com/

2. Comerica Park A wonderful place to watch baseball, the home of the Tigers is within an easy walk of downtown hotels and Greektown's restaurants and nightlife. Tours in summer only, but the exterior is a wow. tigers.mlb.com/det/ballpark/index.jsp

3. The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village It's in Dearborn, right next door, and there's nothing anywhere quite like this assemblage of artifacts and historic buildings. Dress warm (much good stuff is outside), allow lots of time to take it all in, and check out the holiday programs. http://www.hfmgv.org/

4. Coneys Detroiters argue which is the best of these local chili-dogs like Chicagoans debate pizza. The pick here: Lafayette Coney Island, downtown, especially (for atmosphere) after 1 a.m. Don't skip the onions. (118 W. Lafayette Blvd., 313-964-8198)

5. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History A brilliantly executed repository, brimming with drama and hope. The slave-ship reproduction will stay with you forever; replicas of King Tut's treasures remain on display through January. http://www.maah-detroit.org/

6. Detroit Institute of Arts Boasts a world-class collection, including the first Van Gogh to enter a U.S. museum plus the prime Diego Rivera fresco, Detroit Industry. http://www.dia.org/

7. Windsor Once a bootlegger's paradise on the Canadian side of the Detroit River, later a source of gentlemanly entertainment uncommon in Michigan, today there's mainly Casino Windsor, a few clubs of various styles, a pleasant riverwalk and Willistead Manor, a mansion linked to the Hiram Walker distillery family. You'll need a passport or birth certificate. www.citywindsor.ca

10 comments:

Barbara Martin said...

Loved your post with the multiple links which is a big help when selecting where to visit upon arrival. I agree summer is a much better time, at least as far as walking goes.

Junosmom said...

I enjoyed Detroit when I once visited. Would love to go again, but forgive me if I wait for warmer weather :-)

chuckmccky said...

I noticed that your reasons did not include Ford Field. Since the Lions have been playing more like hibernating bears, it must be MUCH further down the list.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I've yet to venture in there. First you couldn't gete tkts and now there's apparently no team playing there.

Dana King said...

I've been to Detroit several times, with family in the Plymouth area. It think it was at the Henry Ford Museum where I discovered my pathological fear of heights and had to be carried down a stairwell with my coat wrapped around my eyes.

Ah. memories.

pattinase (abbott) said...

That happend to me on the sand dunes in Michigan. Who knew you could be afraid of a height even when it was clear you couldn't fall off of it.

Lisa said...

I'd love to see the Motown Museum -- in the summer :)

Jenn Jilks said...

I'm with the summer vote...we're still digging out!

pattinase (abbott) said...

A tough year, Jill. Eight degrees and a foot of snow in Michigan.

Cloudia said...

A great town! Aloha-