Top Ten Things to do in Detroit
Detroit has struggled all through my upbringing, and is now finally to the point where I can say there are a lot of hip things to do, but it's not overly commercialized. Unlike most cities you won't find a central square with a TopShop, Zara and Starbucks. A lot of the city is still raw, and knowing where to go requires ride sharing around to different pockets of the city.
#1-Lady of the House-
As soon as you confirm a trip to Detroit attempt to make a reservation here! They're usually booked for weeks ahead of time, but if you do manage to snag a meal here, you won't regret it. Chef Kate Williams utilizes "ugly food" aka food farmers may not otherwise be able to sell, and vegetable waste is returned to the farms for composting. Each ingredient is finely sourced and Kate has been known to even ride on fishing boats to get a better idea of how the fish is aquired. The restaurant features New American fare sprinkled with Irish accents, plus features a big wine and cocktail list. It was a James Beard finalist for Best New Restaurant in the Country 2018. The restaurant is in Cork Town with The Gaelic League, where Kate's great-grandparents met, being a few blocks away. My financé's grandparents met there too, leaving me wondering how many people owe their lives to The League!
#2-Detroit Eastern Market-
In operation for over 150 years, this historic Detroit staple sells everything from tacos, flowers, produce and local made jewelry. There are usually live musicians, antiques, and food trucks surrounding the area. If the market is closed or in addition to the market, make sure to stop at Devries & Co., a local staple since 1887. Take the historic elevator to the top two floors for a music room and additional Detroit crafts and products. Cost Plus Eastern Market Wine is also a required stop for an excellent selection of wines and beers.
Market Hours:
Open Saturdays year round (6am-4pm)
Sundays June-September (10am-4pm)
Tuesday June-September (9am-3pm)
Third Thursday June-September (5pm-10pm)
(Street Art)
The blocks surrounding the market exhibit much of Detroits street art scene where you can find everything from Hebru Brantley, Pose, and Shep Fairey to Hense.
#3-Cass Corridor-
A name used for the neighborhoods on the west end of Midtown Detroit, the area was once home to Creem (which billed itself as America's only rock n'roll magazine), and has always held a bohemian atmosphere due to it's student population. I'd recommend starting at the Shinola (a Detroit based watchmaker) for an americano at their cafe. Wander the store then head half a block down to Third Man Records (Jack White's Store) where you can sample songs in a listening booth, watch records being made in the factory, and often catch live bands. If you've worked up an appetite, Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery a little further down is a great stop for pizza, sandwiches and house sours in rustic digs. Or Slows To Go, a takeout out-only outpost (they do have benches) of the local and famous BBQ Slows is a few blocks further. The neighborhood also boasts cute shops and bookstores, Motor City Brewing Works, local staple Avalon International Breads, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is also within a few blocks. 
Third Man Records
#4-Detroit Institute of Arts-
DIA boasts 100+ galleries with American and global art on display ranging from ancient to modern eras. Also a survivor (although not by much as the city considered selling the artworks to get out of bankruptcy at one point) of the recession, the Institute includes series of 27 frescos depicting industry at The Ford Motor Company by Diego Rivera. If you're really adventurous you'll be able to find some of the secret tiny circular staircases.
Be sure to stop at Kresge Court for a great selection of herbal teas, wine and tapas!
#5-Two James-
Located in Cork Town, Two James is the first licensed distillery in Detroit since Prohibition. Their handmade spirits are environmentally conscious, and utilize locally sourced agricultural products. Sit at the round bar for some amazing cocktail specialties, and be sure to purchase a bottle of your favorite to take home. I try to keep a collection of all of their products as not only are they excellent in taste, but in aesthetically beautiful bottle as well.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday tours of the mash tub, fermentation tanks, 500 gallon copper still, finishing tanks, etc. are offered for $15 (book online at www.twojames.com).
#6-Gold Cash Gold-
To me it doesn't get anymore modern Detroit, than this restaurant and bar in a vintage former pawn shop. Gold Cash Gold offers a hip atmosphere, thoughtfully sourced local cuisine, and interestingly named cocktails. I highly recommend it anytime, but they serve a mean brunch. Be sure to try their seasonal frozen cocktail, my favorite is the Irish coffee!
#7-King's Books-
Michigan's largest rare and used bookstore. Opened in 1965 (but in its current location since 1983), 5 stories of books on almost every subject imaginable. A book on famous female aviators for $5? Rare 1950's pulp novels? You will find books you never knew you needed, and most for very affordable prices. Wander through and pull the hanging strings to turn on light bulbs for sections as you walk along!
#8-Belle Isle-
A 982 acre park on the Detroit River between Michigan and Ontario. This park is home to the Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle Isle Conservatory and the Belle Isle Nature Center. First designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same guy that designed Central Park in New York) in the 1880's, it was a recreational area for the elite from the late 1800's through the early and mid 1900's with yacht and boating clubs, a casino and a golf course. The park fell into disrepair and almost didn't make it through the recession. Today, parts of it almost appear as urban ruins, however, improvements are slowly being made, many a family picnic is held here during the weekend, the Detroit Grand Prix is held here every year, and the fountain makes for great Instagram pics.
#9-The Red Hook Detroit-
Detroit has a few locations for great coffee, this is one of them. Although I'm a big fan of Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company (which you can do when wandering Woodward Ave.), this cafe will take you to The East Village neighborhood, which is a combination of old and dilapidated houses as well as beautiful restorations. Sister Pie is another notable that is close by, a bakeshop with creative pies made with local and seasonal ingredients.
#10-Woodward Ave
Created after the Detroit fire of 1805, it originally followed the Saginaw Trail, a Native American trail that linked Detroit to Pontiac (the base of the trail is where the first Canadian fur traders set up shop). Woodward Avenue continues to be the historic main drag of the city. The Fox, the new Ford Field to the old Joe Louis Arena, Greek Town, and the dueling Coney Islands all lie along or close to the main drag. I'd recommend attending a sporting event, or show at the Fox for a true Detroit experience. The Fox Theatre has been opened since 1928 as a flagship movie palace in the Fox Theatre's chain, and features a lavish Asian interior worth the admission price to a show alone (especially as it was recently restored). My great-grandfather used to play the golden organ that can be seen to the right of the stage during silent movies, and the theater has always held a special place to me.
After a show walk a few blocks away to Cliff Bell's Jazz Club. This fully restored Art Deco club features jazz music, burlesque shows, and creative/eclectic fare.
There you have it! Honorable mentions include The Motown Museum, Standby and The Belt for happy hour and cocktails, The Shinola Hotel, Dime Store Diner, Green Dot Stables and Rose's Fine Foods.
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