Things to do and see in the Motorcity

The city of Detroit gets a bad rep, and people don’t realize the history, culture and glorious architecture that lie within. With the upcoming winter break, rather than sitting on your couch, get up and explore some of the hidden gems that are helping the city make its comeback. 

1. Grab a loaf of bread and a cookie at Avalon Bakery

Location: 422 W. Willis 

Opened in 1997 and filled with tons of baked goods made fresh each day, they distribute to over 40 markets and restaurants all over Michigan. They are all about sustainability and community. They hire, grow and supply all locally. Everything is amazing there, I especially love the sea salt chocolate chip cookies… they are to die for.  

2. Take a selfie in the Guardian Building

Location: 500 Griswold St.

Known as Detroit’s Cathedral of Finance, opened in 1929, this building has the most elaborate interior. There are mosaics and marble everywhere you look. The ceiling was handcrafted and is filled with Pewbic Pottery (which is created in Detroit as well). The marble in the lobby is red, which is super rare and found in Africa. Your eyes will be glued to the ceiling from the moment you walk in.   

3. Take a visit to the Belle Isle Aquarium 

Location: 8109 Jefferson Ave.  

Opened in 1904 and was briefly closed for a short time, this aquarium now is back up and running. Personally I’ve been here and it’s amazing. It is free admission and is one of strangest but coolest things in Detroit. The water contained in many of the tanks was brought directly from the ocean. The walls are lined with tanks and historic tile.

4. Have a drink (if you're 21) and a burger at the Woodbridge Pub   

Location: 5169 Trumbull, Detroit Woodbridge Neighborhood  

First off, the homes in the Woodbridge neighborhood are amazing. They are massive brownstones that hold local artists and students. The area has the coolest vibes and this pub is no exception. They believe in growing and serving local. Great food and extremely nice people.

5. Go to a yoga class at BeNice Yoga Studio

Location: 4100 Woodward Ave. Midtown

Relax a little and head to a yoga class at the coolest yoga studio in the D. There are always fun events and the classes are great for beginners to experts. There is a $10/10 day special for MI residents, too.  

6. Have brunch at the historic Whitney Manor

Location: 4421 Woodward Ave 

Buillt in 1890, this historic home was once lived in by the Whitney family. It was maintained to look the same way it did in the 1900s. It has over 20 fireplaces and is said to be haunted. Grab brunch here with some friends to see some architecture and have great food.

  7. Take an artsy Instagram at the Heidelberg Project

Location: 3600 Heidelberg St. Hamtramack

Get some fresh air and head to this outdoor art project. It is filled with crazy art in the heart of Detroit’s urban community. It began as a site of protest, but has now been 25 years since the artist Tyree Guyton painted the first abandoned home in the area. 

8. Grab a coffee at Astro Coffee

Location: 2124 Michigan Ave. Corktown

To warm up during the brutal Michigan winter, get a coffee or tea at Astro Coffee, located in the hip spot of cork town. It holds teas from Michigan to Paris and has a true hipster feel to it. Customers say they feel like they are in San Fran while reading a book with a latte. 

9. Get a drink at the oldest bar in Detroit, The Two-Way Inn 

Location:17897 Mount Elliot St.

Opening in 1876, yes 1876, the Two-Way Inn served as a village jail, general store, a brothel and even a dance hall. With a crazy history, this bar is a must-go if you are of age to enjoy a drink. You even have to get buzzed in like a speakeasy.  

10. Volunteer somewhere! Don't just donate money, donate your time  

Location: Anywhere!  

I’ve recently volunteered for a program offered at Michigan State called Destination Detroit.  We go to city schools and engage kids with different art and academic programs for the day. We then learn about Detroit history and see landmarks. Honestly it is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. I loved working with the kids at Trix Academy which is a charter school on the East Side. This program is available to MSU students. There are also numerous other charities to volunteer at like the Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Forgotten Harvest.

  11. Check out the latest modern art by Michigan artists at the MOCAD- Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit

Location: 4454 Woodward Ave.

Right now the museum is doing a spotlight on five Detroit artists. Whether you're into art or not, this is a place to check out. It’s fresh and is different from the DIA. It has a small cafe as well where you can argue with your friends whether the painting of a square should be considered art or not.

12. Run the bases at the old Tigers Stadium  

Location: 2121 Trumbull Ave. Corktown

The last game ever played in the stadium was in 1999. Go see what is left of the grounds which is basically just a flag pole. Now residents are trying to turn it into a neighborhood ball park. While your there, check out the Mercury Bar which has amazing milkshakes and burgers. 

13.  See a film at the Detroit Cinema 

Location: 3420 Cass Ave.

Located in the historic Cass corridor, the Detroit Cinema features films from indie motion pictures, documentaries, classics, and contemporary flicks. The building itself used to be the Burton International School but was bought by two locals and transformed into this indie theatre. Grab a faygo pop and enjoy a film here. 

14. Go Shopping at the Cass & Canfield Shopping District

Location: Cass & Canfield

Home to the famous Shinola Watch Factory, this shopping district is home to very unique shops. You can take a tour at the Shinola factory or grab the latest vintage apparel at the Thrift on Ave. It is also home to the coolest boutiques and book stores.

15. Try all of the sliders that Green Dot Stables has to offer 

Location: 2200 West Lafayette  

This slider joint has a wide variety of creative flavorings. From their tofu slider to their BBQ bacon option, they are all mouth-watering. They switch up their menu a lot and the atmosphere is overwhelmingly fun. 

16. Get lost in John K. King Used & Rare Books

Location: 901 W. Lafayette Blvd.  

Opened in 1965 and expanded over the years, this book store is truly out of the ordinary. It is home to over one million books. John K. King created the store out of his love of novels. It houses extraordinary books and has been visited by many celebs. You literally will get lost and get a good whiff of that old book smell.

17. Shake your body down to the Motown Museum  

Location: 2648 West Grand Blvd 

Home of Hitsville U.S.A, the first motown record was recorded here. Founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, the once record label is now converted into a museum. Check out the historic building and get a listen to the hits our parents and grandparents grew up on.   

18. Hit Detroit’s Club Lib aka The Detroit Public Library 

Location: 5201 Woodward Ave.  

One of the most historic places in Michigan, Detroit Public Library is the 2nd largest library system in the state. It dates back to 1865 and is designed by the famous architect Cass Gilbert. The special collection they are featuring right now is the Ernie Harwell Collection, which is great for those sport fanatics.

19.  Take panoramic picture at Coach Insignia which has the best view of the city  

Location: Top of the Renaissance Center

Even though the restaurant itself can be quiet pricey, buy a couple appetizers or a drink to see the incredible view of Detroit. It has received numerous awards and is considered the best view and most romantic restaurant in Michigan.

20. Stuff your face at Lafayette Coney Island

Location: 118 W. Lafayette Blvd.

Yes, I will always pick Lafayette over American Coney Island. This coney island is the real deal. The two coney restaurants are right next to each other and are owned by brothers that have now passed the restaurant down to three generations. The rivalry they say is friendly, but hotdog eaters may feel differently. It is open 24 hours and has customers ranging from police officers, baseball fans, to people who drive from the suburbs just for those chili fries. Remember to bring cash (they only take cash) and an empty stomach when getting a coney dog.