Jess & Tyler
Detroit: Curated by Jess & Tyler
SavannahBlue
Detroit is known as the northernmost southern city, so look no further if you’re after some incredible upscale southern cuisine and a perfect craft cocktail. Best shrimp and grits north of the Mason-Dixon.
Detroit Institute of Arts
A world-class art museum, and a favorite of Tyler's. If you only see one thing while you're in Detroit, it needs to be Rivera Courtyard inside the DIA. It features Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals which are absolutely stunning.
Dime Store
Our personal favorite brunch in the city. They do not take reservations so expect a wait—it’s worth it! The duck bop hash is an all-timer.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
A must-see in the Motor City! You can view historic artifacts like the car JFK was in when he was assassinated and the Rosa Parks Montgomery City Bus. Also tons of trains, classic cars, industrial artifacts, midcentury houseware, space age technology --- the list goes on and on. You could spend a full day here and never get bored.
Detroit Riverwalk Park
Beautiful views of the city (and Canada!) if you can brave the bitter winter wind coming off of the Detroit River. Some great art and culture throughout the park, perhaps the crown jewel of which being “The Fist”, a monument to notable Detroiter and heavyweight champ Joe Louis.
Buddy's Pizza
The original Detroit style pizza. Listed here is the downtown location, but if you’re looking for the full original location Buddy’s experience, you will have to travel a bit further to 17125 Conant St Detroit, MI 48212 for the official birthplace of Detroit style pizza.
Motown Museum
A must-see for music heads, located in the original headquarters and music recording studio for Motown Records.
Frita Batidos Detroit
Casual dining with crazy good Cuban sandwiches. Don’t miss out on the Churros Espanol for dessert!
Greektown
The beautiful and historic Greektown entertainment district is a great spot to walk around with its gorgeous decor and many amazing restaurants. Classic dining in the area includes The Golden Fleece, Pegasus Taverna, New Parthenon, and Pizza Papalis.
Detroit History & Architecture Tour
Detroit has so much truly breathtaking architecture. It’s one of our many favorite things about this city. If Michigan winter isn’t too much for you, we highly recommend an architecture walking tour. Detroit history runs deep, and its stunning skyscrapers bring so much of it to life.
The Rink At Campus Martius Park
Anyone who knows Jess knows her love of all things winter, so we would be remiss to exclude one of her favorite winter activities ❄️
Detroit City Distillery
Located in the gorgeous and historic eastern market, there are many reasons to check out Detroit City Distillery. High quality spirits (we always have their gin and whisky on hand at our house) and a very cozy and charming tasting room experience.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The city of Detroit has a rich cultural history that cannot be fully felt without exploring the deep, and often dark, highs and lows of Detroit’s African American community, from the Detroit race riots that played a pivotal role in the launch of the civil rights movement, to the history of Jazz and Motown.
Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery
Perfect spot for the sours-lovers out there. Don’t miss out on the food either—truffle fries are a must. Great pizza too. If you’re not already aware, Michigan is a beer-haven (though a true beer lover would need to travel a bit further to Grand Rapids’ infamous beer trail for the full Michigan beer experience), and there are endless options for a good brew in the metro Detroit area. Here’s a run down for anyone looking to settle into the local beer scene: https://detroit.eater.com/maps/best-detroit-brewery-beer
Basan
High end, tapas style, Asian inspired food with some of the most inventive craft cocktails around.
HopCat
Michigan’s favorite beer-centered chain restaurant. Casual vibes, perfect for a decent burger and/or a sampling of all the best beers the state of Michigan has to offer (120+ local beers on tap). Must try the Cosmik fries!
City Bird Gift Shop
Stock up on mitten state souvenirs and support local businesses and artists at the same time!
Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit
For the coffee lovers with a sweet tooth 😋
Z Park Garage A
Only in Detroit is a parking deck a must-see attraction! Z-Lot is just one of the many must-see street art installations that the city is known for. See the complete guide to the city’s gorgeous murals here: https://visitdetroit.com/inside-the-d/detroit-mural-guide/
Eastern Market
A community cornerstone since the 1800s, Eastern market is now a non-profit organization focused on enriching and revitalizing the local community by providing access to local and sustainable foods and supporting local artists and businesses. Great shopping (local artisan market on Sundays!), cafes, bakeries, food trucks, a brewery, and more.
Candy Bar
For those seeking out a more, um, eccentric type of experience after hours, check out the drenched-in-pink Candy Bar inside the historic Siren Hotel. We spent a very memorable and kooky anniversary here a few years back. Be sure to make a reservation if you plan to check it out.
Bar Pigalle
Immaculate vibes, delicious cocktails, and—I know the state of Michigan doesn’t scream oysters, but, hear me out?—Bar Pigalle’s are worth a try. Discovered this gem accidentally on bar-hopping journey through Detroit on a very memorable girls night a few years back.
BESA
Upscale dining experience with an incredible menu celebrating the cuisine of the Adriatic Coast. Favorite menu item: Porcini Mushroom Ravioli. Also, wine lovers look no further!
The Monarch Club
Admittedly, February is not the time to enjoy a rooftop bar. However, incredible views of the Detroit skyline are available from inside the bar at Monarch Club as well. Craft cocktails here are excellent.
Belle Isle Park
A scenic park located in the middle of the Detroit River with spectacular views of the city skyline. Winter isn't the time of year to enjoy all the outdoor activities available here (like the annual 5k we love to run on the island!), but it makes for a scenic and easily accessible drive for those who will have a car on wedding weekend.
The Sugar House
Quirky craft cocktail bar in the incredibly charming Corktown neighborhood of Detroit.
Detroit House of Pancakes
Looking for a local greasy spoon breakfast (perhaps after indulging too much during wedding weekend events)? Look no further. Discovered this hidden gem accidentally when we were starving after running a race on Belle Isle.
Vivio's Detroit Eastern Market
Bloody Marys anyone? We kicked off an extremely memorable day of touring the bars of Detroit with some great friends here. Any Detroiter will tell you this is your spot for the best Bloody Mary around. Located centrally in Eastern Market, grab a drink and enjoy some shopping around the market!
Devries & Co 1887
Whether you're looking to make the charcuterie board of your dreams or find a super unique local gift, DeVries is a Detroit landmark in a very charming historic building. Bonus: it's right next door to Vivio's so have a bloody mary and do some shopping!
Michigan Central
Re-opened after a 6-year renovation by Ford Motor Company in 2024, Michigan Central Station is a must-visit for those interested in architecture and/or Detroit's rich and deep transportation industry history. Guided tours available for $20.
Mexicantown
Love Mexican food? Us too! Want to support the revitalization of a cultural hub in southwest Detroit? Same here! We discovered this gem of a neighborhood running the annual Dia de los Muertos 5k through the neighborhood's gorgeous historic cemeteries, but the top-notch Mexican eats on every corner is what keeps us coming back.
Willow Detroit
This speakeasy in the alley behind Savannah Blue (also in our recommendations list!) is a real gem. Vibes for days and pitch-perfect drinks. If you’ve ever wished a charcuterie board could be a cocktail, we have to insist on trying The Goat.
Dearborn
Calling all lovers of Middle Eastern cuisines! Did you know Michigan is home to more people of Middle Eastern descent than any place in the US? It's true, and nearby Dearborn is the hub. If you're planning on checking out the Henry Ford Museum (or even if you're not), the short drive outside the city to Dearborn is well worth it for spectacular food. Shawarma anyone?