Samantha & Christopher
Things To Do
The Henry Ford Museum
$$ Step into a world where past innovations fuel the imagination of generations to come. A vibrant exploration of genius in all its forms, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation allows you to experience the strides of America’s greatest minds while fully immersing yourself in their stories. Step inside the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand by taking a seat. Play pilot as you explore flight innovations, starting with the Wright brothers' achievements, or make yourself at home inside Buckminster Fuller’s circular Dymaxion House. Put yourself in the place of the movers and shakers who blazed the trail to where we stand today. And in doing so, discover your own path.
Greenfield Village
$$$ Experience firsthand the sights, sounds and sensations of America’s fascinating formation, where over 80 acres brim with resourcefulness and ingenuity. Here, 300 years of American perseverance serve as a living reminder that anything is possible. Step foot in the lab where Thomas Edison had his lightbulb moment or the workshop where the Wright brothers taught us to reach for the sky. Take a ride in a real Model T, or a walk through four working farms. Rub shoulders with world-class artisans, and explore the place where America’s can-do spirit inspires you to go out and get it done.
Motown Museum
$ Step into an era of musical magic on your visit to the Motown Museum. Tour Hitsville U.S.A., the birthplace of the Motown Sound. Stand where the Temptations, Four Tops, Miracles and Supremes—and many more of your favorite Motown artists and musicians—recorded their famous songs.
Detroit Institute of Arts
$ The DIA's collection is among the top six in the United States, with more than 65,000 works. The foundation was laid by William Valentiner, who was director from 1924 to 1945 and acquired many important works that established the framework of today's collections. Among his notable acquisitions are Mexican artist Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry fresco cycle, which Rivera considered his most successful work, and Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait, the first Van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum collection.
Eastern Market
Eastern Market is the destination in the heart of the city with fresh food, restaurants, businesses, art and culture and over 150 years of rich history. With vendors selling everything from tacos to colorful produce every Saturday. Sundays see the space packed with local jewelers and artists. Hip cafes and places serving classic Coney Island hot dogs dot the district whose warehouses are being revitalized with murals. There is live jazz and Motown music at relaxed Bert’s Warehouse Theatre.
Heidelberg Project
FREE The Heidelberg Project (“HP”) is an outdoor art environment in the heart of an urban area and a Detroit based community organization with a mission to improve the lives of people and neighborhoods through art.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
$ Founded in 1965, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has for over half a century been a leading institution dedicated to the African American experience. The Wright Museum provides learning opportunities, exhibitions, programs and events based on collections and research that explore the diverse history and culture of African-Americans and their African origins.
Greektown Casino
No matter what you want to play, we’ve got your game. From slot machines and table games to live poker, our downtown Detroit casino offers 100,000 square feet of exciting, action-packed choices.
MGM Grand Casino Detroit
Step up to one of our nearly 3,500 slot and video poker machines and call Lady Luck to the line. With only a penny, you could be well on your way to taking home big payouts, exciting bonuses and progressive jackpots!
MotorCity Casino
MotorCity Casino Hotel is Detroit’s most innovative entertainment venue featuring the crown jewel of the city’s skyline. With world-class luxury hotel accommodations, spa facilities, fine dining, live performance venues, and high-energy gaming, you’ll find your kind of entertainment at the new MotorCity Casino Hotel.
Cranbrook Art Museum
$ Cranbrook Art Museum invites viewers to discover relevant and transformative moments in modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design.
Cranbrook Institute of Science
$$ Discover the wonder of the natural world and develop a better understanding of the ways in which science impacts our lives each day at Cranbrook Institute of Science. Interactive exhibits, a world-class collection of objects and artifacts, special events, a planetarium and observatory, lecture and educational programs and changing exhibitions offer something for every member of the family.
Somerset Collection
$-$$$$ Dubbed as the most beautiful mall in America, the magnificent Somerset Collection features the most important and exclusive shopping in Michigan. Visit Nordstrom, Marshall Field's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more than 150 other specialty shops. Fine dining, family restaurants, and a cappuccino bar provide comfortable quiet moments. Concierge staff will assist visitors with strollers, wheelchairs, special needs, gift certificates, and gift wrapping.
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
$-$$$ Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Michigan's largest indoor regional outlet center and entertainment venue, is located in Auburn Hills. It features 185 shops, restaurants and entertainment options, including manufacturer outlets, unique themed restaurants, a 1000-seat food court and a 25-screen, state-of-the-art theater megaplex - all situated in a single-level, easily accessible racetrack design. Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is also home to over 30 stores and restaurants you won't find anywhere else in Michigan including SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Michigan Science Center
$$ The Michigan Science Center inspires curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math in a creative, dynamic learning environment. Check out the planetarium at the Michigan Science Center for an out of this world experience for all ages. Other exhibits at the Michigan Science Center include topics such as engineering, health and wellness, motion and space.
Main | Detroit Public Library
FREE The crown jewel of one the largest library systems in the United States. The main branch is much more than just books. It's a lesson of history, not just of the City of Detroit, but also of art and architecture. Come wander the stacks or just admire the classic art deco architecture. There's something for everybody! You'll be surprised at what you can discover here.
Detroit Zoo
$$ The Detroit Zoo has 125 acres of naturalistic habitats for more than 2,000 animals from anteaters to zebras and features award-winning attractions such as the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee and Arctic Ring of Life. The Zoo’s newest attraction is the spectacular Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the largest facility for penguins in the world.
Belle Isle
$ Rich with history and natural beauty, Belle Isle Park is a Detroit gem and a Michigan state park. The 987-acre island park features the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, giant slide, athletic fields, picnic areas, tennis courts, Belle Isle Nature Zoo, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and more attractions popular with all ages and interests.
Stony Creek Metropark
$ Get that “up north” feeling without leaving the suburbs at top-rated Stony Creek Metropark. Extending across Oakland and Macomb counties, 4,461 scenic acres abound with opportunity for outdoor recreation all year long. Spend an afternoon boating or swimming in the 500-acre Stony Creek Lake. This is prime fishing country with a state record crappie caught here. Hike, bike, run or in-line skate through lush woodlands, serene wetlands, and tallgrass prairies. This Metropark also features a nature center, disc-golf course, 18-hole regulation golf course, zip-line course, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, soccer field, volleyball and basketball courts. Picnic areas with reservable shelters, grills and comfort stations are located throughout the park.
Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
$$$ Love Christmas but can't wait for December? Then welcome to Bronner's! The Guinness book of world records holder for the world's largest Christmas store! You'll instantly feel like a kid in Santa's workshop. The sights, sounds, and spirit of Christmas completely surround you at this amazing store, which is the size of one and a half football fields. Bronner's is overflowing with 50,000 trims and gifts. Bronner's is located in Frankenmuth, Michigan's "Little Bavaria."
Ann Arbor
Recognized as an urban oasis of recreational opportunities, Ann Arbor offers both big city attractions and natural areas with scenic trails to explore. At any time of the year, there are local events and festivals to enjoy. Urban explorers can kick back and relax at an independent bookstore nestled downtown, or discover the hidden fairy doors sprinkled throughout the city. Whether you want to take a stroll along the Huron River or take in the culture at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Challenge yourself at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, expand your knowledge at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, or join the raging crowd on Saturday afternoon at The Big House, Ann Arbor has you covered.
Cedar Point
$$$ Just a 2-hour drive outside of Detroit, Cedar Point is America's Roller Coast! Boasting 18 world-class rollercoasters and features 71 rides in all. It's the second oldest amusement park in the United States first opening its doors back in 1870. It is the only amusement park in the world with six roller coasters that are at least 200 feet in height. Home to several record-breaking rollercoasters and rides, and has been in a head-to-head coaster war with Magic Mountain since the 90's. Cedar Point also received the Golden Ticket Award for "Best Amusement Park in the World" from Amusement Today for 16 consecutive years. If the heat of the coasters is too much, be sure to cool down at the waterpark, Cedar Point Shores, on one of their 12 water slides.
Buddy's Pizza
$$ With multiple locations, come experience Detroit style pizza in its original shop! Known for its thick crust overflowing with cheese baked in the iconic square cast iron pan. Leave your no carb diet at the door and come crunch into square baked heaven!
Motor City Soul Food
$$ Don't be fooled by the rough exterior, this is no ordinary hole in the wall! Come experience soul food in the purest form from Mississippi. Featured on numerous Food Network shows such as Man's Greatest Food and Bizarre Foods America, see what everyone's talking about. Served counter service and cafeteria style, pick and choose from all of your favorite soul food entrees and sides. They have everything from fried chicken, oxtails, and chittlins, to candied yams, collard greens, and mac & cheese. Hop in line and get grandma's Sunday down home cookin'! And don't forget some cobbler or sweet potato pie for dessert if you have the room!
American and Lafayette Coney Island
$ Have a taste off at Michigan's most famous dueling restaurants. Started by the Keros brothers back in the 1910's after immigrating from Greece, have your hand at discovering which brother's recipe is superior for Detroit's coney dog. By the end you'll be team American or Lafayette. So grab some dogs and pop open a Faygo, and enjoy the taste!
Pizzapapalis
$$$ Get a taste of Chicago in the heart of Detroit. After a day of exploring Downtown Detroit and riding the People Mover, stop and fuel up on the heartiest slice in town. Pizzapaplis is Detroit's own take on the world famous Chicago deep dish pizza. With an average 45+ minute wait time, every pie is made to order. Don't be tempted to fill up on apps while you wait, your stomach will thank you later that you didn't!
Tonys I75 Restaurant
$ Located an hour north of Detroit in the outlets city of Birch Run. Tony's offers colossal portions on EVERYTHING, including their famous BLT sandwich made with 1 lb of bacon! Still have room after your hefty meal, be sure to try your hand at the banana split! Lose the belt and come see what Food Paradise is talking about. If you can still walk without the aid of a wheel barrel, be sure to work off the calories at the nearby outlet malls.