Katie & Dean
To Do
Eastern Market
The Eastern Market area is named for the 19th-century market operating here, with vendors selling everything from tacos to colorful produce every Saturday. Sundays see the space packed with local jewelers and artists. We recommend the Bloody Mary's at Vivio's and checking out the cheese at DeVries & Co. when you're done with the vendors. A Detroit institution!
Detroit Institute of Arts
Considered to house one of the best art collections in the United States, the DIA showcases everything from mummies to modern art and African masks to Monets. Don't leave without checking out the incredible Diego Rivera murals!
Detroit RiverFront
Take a stroll along the RiverWalk's 3.5-mile route and see beautiful views of the Detroit River, city skyline, and Canada. Recreational opportunities abound as the trail links Milliken State Park and numerous plazas and pocket parks. The 31-acre state park offers covered picnic areas, shoreline fishing, and a great photo opportunity with its 63-foot-tall lighthouse.
Corktown
Our favorite (and the oldest!) neighborhood in Detroit, Corktown is home to some of the cities' best restaurants such as Lady of the House and Slow's BBQ, bars and cafe's like Sugar House and Astro Coffee, shopping with the Eldorado General Store, and the historic Michigan Central Train Station which will soon house Ford’s autonomous vehicle division.
Coney Dogs
You can't leave Detroit without trying a Coney Dog - I don't make the rules! It's a treat unlike any other with an all-beef hot dog topped with beanless chili, white onions and yellow mustard. There are many Detroit establishments selling their version but our favorite? Lafayette Coney Island right downtown - no frills, cash only, and open till 3am.
Sister Pie & Detroit's West Village
Our favorite spot for all things sweet in the D! Located in Detroit's West Village, the menu at Sister Pie is nontraditional in flavor combinations, rustic in execution, and constantly changing to honor the local agriculture of Michigan. Don't miss their infamous Salted Maple pie or any of the savory hand pies. When you're done take a stroll through the eclectic neighborhood and stop by Marrow for all things meat, and work off those treats with a spin class at Live Cycle Detroit.
Sports!
Lions! Tigers! and Red Wings! Detroit is home to Michigan's football, baseball, and my personal favorite, hockey teams all with new, beautiful stadiums right downtown. Catch a Lion's game at Ford Field or a Red Wings game at Little Caesar's Arena when you're in town. And for those not as athletically inclined, there are amazing bars, restaurants, and shops in all three stadiums.
Favorite Eats
We worked hard to whittle this list down as Detroit has so many incredible places to eat. It was tough, but these are our favorites: Leila - incredible Lebanese small plates and very tasty cocktails. Don't skip the confit garlic to spread over everything! Grey Ghost - sit at the bar, get the fried bologna, any of the veggie dishes, and all the cocktails. Green Dot Stables - specializes in inventive sliders, everything on the menu is under $5 (including the cocktails!) Jet's Pizza - my favorite of the Detroit style pizza spots, don't leave without getting some ranch for dipping! San Morello - upscale Italian in the Shinola Hotel Bucharest Grill - delicious middle-eastern, amazing shawarmas! Karl's - retro diner fare at it's very best. Located in the Siren Hotel, get the Maurice salad, a family favorite! Slows BBQ - incredible BBQ, get The Reason sandwich and The Yardbird Mudgies Deli & Bar - best sammies in the city
Breweries n' Bars
Breweries: Founders Motor City Brewing Works Atwater Brewery Brew Detroit Bars: Sugar House The Apparatus Room Nemo's Bar The Keep Taproom (in Grosse Pointe) The Monarch Club Temple Bar Hammer and Nail The Old Miami Second Best Detroit