Out and About; Part 1

What to do, what to do… How many times do you ask yourself this question when you feel like you’ve mastered all the possible entertainment options? When you’ve reached your wits end and the only thing left is to try something new, how likely are you to jump off the couch and do it? Detroit is a city that is never on the brink of boredom. This post only scratches the surface on the answer to the age old question “what do to.” So this will be another multi-part series. 

With Detroit being a humble community, what better way to share the love than hosting a variety of festivals. This is a city that values celebrations of all kinds especially since Detroit is worth celebrating in itself. Throughout the year you’ll come to find gatherings of all shapes and sizes with the main purpose being to celebrate the city. One of my favorite events is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 22, 2013) where the city pays tribute to the beginning of the holiday season. The giant Christmas Tree is lit in Campus Martis and the ice skating rink is officially opened. All of the news stations are present sharing the experience with those that can’t make it down and vendors open pop-up shops in the park. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony 2012

Aside from the Tree Lighting Ceremony, there are a number of other festivals and events in Downtown Detroit which include: The Jazz Festival, Winter Blast, North American International Auto Show, America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Ford Fireworks and many more. 

 

In addition, one of the more popular “things to do” when out and about in Detroit, is to cheer on our famous athletes at one of the three sporting venues. Downtown Detroit is home to three nationally known teams: Redwings, Lions and Tigers. Now coming from someone who wouldn’t be caught watching a game of any kind on TV, seeing these talented players in person is definitely a worthwhile experience. Not only is the actual game exciting, the energy exerted by a “Detroit Fan” is nothing short of hypnotic. Even those who consider themselves a casual supporter, leave these games with extreme adrenaline and wide-eyed thrill.

Of the many games I’ve been to over the years, something I’ve thought about is the “Detroit Fan.” As you may know our teams have not always been stellar, yet a majority of the games sell out in moments. It’s always made me wonder, is it a love for the team? Or is it a love for what the fight in the game stands for? Just like our star athletes refuse to go down without a fight, neither will the City of Detroit. A “Detroit Fan” is a unique individual with a fire like none other… I bet you never thought of it that way.

Go Tigers!

Dining in Detroit… where to start? With the vast number of options for Detroit eateries, I thought it would be easiest to share my personal favorites.

Morning Pick-Me-Up: Roasting Plant Coffee is one of my favorite places to get a morning cup of fabulousness. With only three locations in the world, Roasting Plant features a unique coffee bean roasting process that lets the customer choose their own beans to have them literally roasted just before being ground for your personal cup of coffee.

Breakfast: Cadillac Square Diner is an excellent breakfast location because the staff is extremely friendly, which is key especially for those non-morning people, it’s very clean and the food is always hot and fresh.

Lunch: Firebird Tavern, recently opened in Greektown, is an amazing mix of ethnic cuisine with a hint of American boldness. The menu is simple so it’s a perfect lunchtime stop for the indecisive.

Happy Hour: Bathtub Pub, don’t jump to conclusions when you hear the name. Located next to the famous Lafayette Coney Island on Michigan Ave, the Bathtub pub offers great happy hour specials with their unique ambiance… this includes outdoor garden seating in the summer months. A perfect spot for a much needed cocktail after a long day.

Dinner: Angelina’s Italian Bistro… because pasta is its own food group in my mind. Handmade pasta, excellent wine selection and a knowledgeable wait staff, need I say more?

For those that appreciate local goods and love to shop, Eastern Market is place you can spend an entire day to fill your fridge and pantry for weeks. Every Saturday from 6am – 4pm the sheds of Eastern Market are opened and house a number of local businesses that sell locally grown, fresh produce and various other products. Aside from getting your fruits and veggies in the shed’s, there are several local businesses surrounding the shed’s that sell meats, dairy products, household items and antiques. You never know what you’ll find here.

Fresh Produce at Eastern Market

Boredom?Not likely… Love Always, Detroit.