Detroit gets a pretty bad rap from most of the nation, and most of Michigan; me included sometimes.
Having grown up in a suburb of Detroit, I was fortunate enough to go to the Detroit Symphony, Tiger’s games, hockey games to cheer on the Red Wings, the Fox Theater and other little Detroit treasures. As an adult, though, short of the occasional Tiger’s game, I never go to Detroit, and I never really want to… Until I met my new co-worker Dana who lives in, and LOVES, Detroit.
She planned a Detroit day for Paul and me so that we could see Detroit through the eyes of a natives.
We started with coffee at her amazing loft which is right across the express way from Comerica Park and Ford Field and then made our way over to Eastern Market.
Detroit skyline
They had the most amazing flowers!
I thought this couple selling bread was just too cute to not take a picture of.
We then headed across the street to grab brunch at this great little place:
They had so many great options and most everything is made from local goods, plus it is cafeteria style seating, so you can make some new friends. How many people would have guessed that there were places in Detroit to get a vegan waffle?
So good!
Then we headed to Dana’s boyfriend’s building. It is a former Model-T dealership in Cork Town that he is renovating. The place just reeks of history and has the most amazing details! A tin ceiling, tiled floor, and two roof spaces for amazing views of Detroit.
Ambassador Bridge from the roof top
Michigan Central Station. It is abandoned now, but is still a gorgeous piece of architecture.
The site of the old Tiger’s Stadium, now used as a park.
The second floor of his building is his living space, and is the coolest loft style space I have ever seen. So much potential!
This doesn’t do it justice
We met a woman who rents a small retail space in the building and grew up in Cork Town. It was amazing to sit and listen to them talk about the history of Cork Town like when the Tigers won the World Series in ’84 and when people were bused into downtown Detroit when mental hospitals were closed around the state. You get a whole new appreciation for a city when you get to spend time with people who love it and are investing in it.
Our last stop in Detroit was Slow’s BBQ (for a vegetarian, I end up at a lot of BBQ places). It has a great reputation, and speaking only on behalf of the beer, service and mac n’ cheese, it was amazing.
And one last look at Michigan Central Station:
Detroit may get a bad rap, but there is tons to do in this city and lots of life thriving in it. It’s not out of the woods yet, but Detroit will have better days again.
(sorry for the terrible photos, I forgot my good camera at home)
Adventures of S 