Things To Do
Detroit Shipping Company (Casual Spot for Food and Drinks)
Detroit Shipping Company is home to six individually operated restaurants, each offering their own unique take on classic street foods from around the world. Three bars featuring custom cocktails, a rotating draft beer selection and over 40 canned craft beers. There’s something for everyone. Fun fact: this is where we went on our first date!
Detroit Institute of Arts (Museum)
The Detroit Institute of Arts is ranked one of the top museums in the United States. With a fantastic and diverse collection of artwork, this is a great spot to visit while in Detroit. As the site where Mike proposed to Emily, this is an extra special place for us!
Detroit Institute of Bagels (Breakfast Near the Wedding)
DIB is located right next to our church where we'll be for the wedding ceremony. Stop by for a bagel or sandwich on your way to the ceremony! We like to come here for breakfast after church with friends and family.
Rocco's Italian Deli (Lunch Spot)
Great spot for a lunch sandwich on the go! Rocco's is close to other Midtown spots mentioned below.
Ima (Any Time Restaurant)
Japanese food and one of our favorite restaurants for a low key date night. There's rarely a wait and you can get a delicious, quick bite to eat or linger for a while. There are two locations in Detroit - either Corktown or Midtown.
Selden Standard (Dinner Restaurant)
Looking for a nicer place to eat? Selden Standard, located in Midtown, is our favorite restaurant in the city (and where we had dinner after our engagement). Selden offers delicious flavors born in local farms, captured at the peak of the season, prepared in a wood-fired oven, and served small plates-style in shareable portions. *Reservations are usually necessary.
Walk Detroit's Midtown Neighborhood (and stop into Cass Corridor shops)
The west end of the Midtown neighborhood is a fun place to walk and stop into some cute shops or restaurants: Nest, City Bird, Third Man Records, Shinola, Jolly Pumpkin, Hopcat, and La Feria (Spanish tapas) can be found in this part of town.
The Red Hook-Midtown (Coffee)
Our favorite coffee shop and place to work outside the house. Enjoy coffee, pastries, cakes, and a great atmosphere.
James Oliver Coffee Co. (And a walk to Michigan Central Station)
Another favorite spot for coffee, breakfast or lunch bagel sandwiches, and pastries. This coffee shop is located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit. If it's nice out, walk west on Michigan Ave. until you reach the old train station at 14th street (near Mercury Burger Bar). This historic landmark was purchased by Ford, and is to be used as their Corktown Campus for employees and events. It's a cool building and a nice area to walk.
Cafe Sous Terre (Cocktails or Coffee)
Located in Midtown, Cafe Sous Terre has good cocktails, coffee, and delicious French food and bagels.
Campus Martius Park (Downtown Detroit)
Walk around the heart of downtown. Start at Campus Martius and go from there. Downtown you'll find breweries, bars, restaurants, and more. But just a heads up that it may be very crowded! The NFL draft is taking place downtown the same weekend as our wedding.
Eastern Market Neighborhood
Check out the colorful Eastern Market neighborhood in Detroit. Start at La Ventana for a coffee or pastry on Gratiot, head west to Russell street and turn right! As you walk (or drive) you'll see a lot of murals on the buildings, restaurants, and some shops. Some fun places to go are: Eastern Market Brewing, Germack Pistacio Co., Devries and Co., and Savvy Chic Trends & Parisienne Boutique
Kiesling (Craft Cocktails)
Brick walls, brown leather, and Art Deco accents characterize Kiesling, which resides in a historic building (built by the Kiesling family in 1890). The bar's menu changes seasonally, featuring its takes on the classics, as well as varying craft cocktails.