Things To Do + Eats & Drinks
Motown Museum
Go get inspired by Berry Gordy Jr. and refresh your memory on Motown lyrics so you can sing along at the wedding.
Greenfield Village / The Henry Ford
Check out some Detroit auto history at The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village. There’s also an auto factory tour where Ford makes F-150s.
Belle Isle
This is Detroit’s island park and a place Josh and his family frequented when he was growing up, and one of the first places Josh took Marisa when he brought her home to meet his family. There’s a conservatory, a beach, a putting green, an aquarium and more for you to check out.
The Wright
The world’s largest museum of African American history is in Detroit, call The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Check out the “And Still We Rise” exhibit, which opened when Josh was in grade school and still holds up.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
If you’re trying to make a longer weekend out of your trip, spend some time on the Western part of the state near Lake Michigan. Silver Lake State Park hosts some of the largest natural sand dunes in North America (in parts of the park, you feel like you’re in a desert!). Rent ATVs to roll around the dunes and then chill on the Lake Michigan beach nearby.
Detroit Institute of Arts
Premier spot in Detroit for art. Check out the van Gogh!
Eastern Market
Perhaps especially if you’re getting in on Saturday morning, check out the Eastern Market for brunch spots and local shops. Walk in the Detroit Hustles Harder boutique for the best swag. There are also restaurants including Supino Pizzeria as well as the Detroit City Distillery, which specializes in gin but has other great spirits too.
Two James Spirits
This is a great distillery in nearby Corktown that is a favorite for Josh and Marisa. The nearby Slows BBQ is a hit, too, if you’d like to stay in the neighborhood for food.
MGM Grand Detroit
Try your luck!
Buddy's Pizza
Walking distance from our recommended downtown hotels, this is a Detroit staple and the originator of the Detroit style pizza. Josh recommends you order the Detroiter, but you can’t go wrong.
Slows Bar BQ
Well-known BBQ joint in the city.
Mad Nice
Great gathering spot for craft cocktails.
Standby
Great cocktails. Good food. Upscale vibes.
El Barzon (and others in Mexicantown)
Check out Southwest Detroit’s Mexicantown for good eats including El Barzon, Mexicantown Restaurant and Armando’s.
Pegasus Taverna (and more in Greektown)
Check out Pegasus in Greektown for some traditional Greek food in a vibrant neighborhood. Some other good eats in Greektown are: The Greek, Fishbone’s seafood restaurant, and Red Smoke BBQ. Also The Old Shillelagh is a good dive bar for cheap drinks before or after (yes, it’s an Irish pub in an area called Greektown. Just go with it).
Townhouse Detroit
Burgers and other American food nearby to our hotel recs.
Iggy's Eggies
Breakfast is served!
Farmer Frank's
Head over to this Eastern Market diner for breakfast, brunch or anything else. Josh HIGHLY recommends the house-made sausage.
Rose's Fine Food and Wine
Good diner for bakery items and other cafe staples for breakfast lunch or a snack.
Al Ameer
The Detroit area has great middle eastern food. This is a favorite of Josh and Marisa’s. They stop by when visiting Josh’s family as it is not far from the airport.