Detroit Revealed–A Local’s Perspective
Sam Barrett has lived in Detroit for nearly five years and has spent nights and weekends exploring the city with his wife and friends.He gives us a fascinating glimpse into this famous, yet somehow mysterious city and its environs. You can find out more about Sam at his website here. I especially like his suggestion to take the family to the roller derby–a fun day for everyone? I wonder if he will still recommend that when he has a two year old in tow? I think he would and if I ever get to Detroit that will be first on my list.
1. Give 5 adjectives that you would use to describe the “feel” of Detroit and its residents.
Hardworking, rough, loyal, forgiving, enthusiastic
2. What is your favorite neighborhood in Detroit?
Royal Oak is a hip neighborhood with trendy shops, a community college, and many production studios used to cut commercials for the auto industry.
Hamtramck is a blue collar German town right north of downtown that is home to a few famous dive bars where the MC5 played.
Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and is the liberal hub of Michigan with many professor types and a new Google office.
Personally I love Hart Plaza downtown with the giant matte black arm swinging from a pendulum, and all the old relics of a once thriving powerful city.
3. Which cuisine do you think Detroit does best? What is the runner-up?
Detroit has the best burger joints in the nation. In fact I saw in a poll, 3 out of the nation’s top 20 burger joints were in the Detroit metro.
A close second would either be Greek salad or Mediterranean food. La Shish is a hugely popular Mediterranean restaurant chain in MI.
4. What is the best free thing to do?
It used to be the Detroit Electronic Music Festival which was the largest free Electronic Music festival in the world. Now it would be the Dream Cruise, a summer event where car enthusiasts gather around Woodward Avenue to see classic and current hot rods drive the strip.
Visiting one of the Great Lakes is free and beautiful. Michigan has the longest fresh water coast line in the world. Looking at the state on a map you’ll see it is made up of two peninsulas.
5. What is your favorite type of entertainment?
Roller Derby – Detroit has the best roller derby teams in the nation.
Hockey – Detroit borders Canada and the Red Wings just won their 11th Stanley Cup.
Music – World class rock legends have come out of Detroit. The Stooges, The White Stripes, Bob Seeger, Kid Rock, MC5, Patty Smith, Eminem, Detroit Cobras, etc.
6. List the best family friendly activity.
Roller Derby – The bouts can be brutal but the musical chairs, hula hoop, and high school gymnastics in-between periods make it fun for everyone.
Detroit Auto Show – The biggest most influential auto show in North America. Showcasing cool future cars, new green technologies, and tons of people, the whole family could spend all day dreaming of their next ride.
7. What spot would you send a couple, looking for a romantic weekend?
Either Traverse City, South Haven, or the Renaissance Center downtown.
8. Describe a perfect day…one that captures what your area/city is all about. In 3 sentences or less.
A perfect day in Detroit would be attending the Blues festival at Hart Plaza, swimming at Belle Isle (a ten minute drive from downtown), and watching an old black and white at the Detroit Theatre.
9. Tell us about a place that you love to go, whether it is in the guidebooks or not.
Ann Arbor art fair. It is huge and it envelops the entire college town for a week.
10. What should we have asked, but didn’t?
• What’s your favorite sports team in MI? Detroit and the Midwest in general go nuts about sports.
• A question related to the auto industry. People here live and breathe by the success of the Big Three (GM, Ford, Chrysler).
• A question about Canada or Ohio to drive people crazy.
Want to share, brag, or tell about your town? If so, send an e-mail or comment on this post–then you can be our next local expert!
If you’re planning a trip, check out flights to Detroit.
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14 Responses
Sam is quit knowledgeable on this City. Could he share information on other Cities or tavels?
Enjoyable reading and it makes you feel that there is something for everyone to take part in.
Nice write up, but the pic for Roller Derby should be of a girl. Detroit Derby Girls is an all girls league. Men are refs, score keepers, announcers, and fans. Nothing else. Detroit rules.
I never thought of Detroit for an Auto show. I could see going to a game (always wanted to see the Tigers), and then just enjoying the night life maybe catching a couple of local bands. Thanks for the info Sam.
Well rounded writeup of the city. I’ve heard the weather varies a lot in the midwest – what is the best month of the year to visit?
Fun write up. I have visited the Detroit area about 4 times in my life and now I have several new places to check out on future trips. I recently drove from Ann Arbor to Grand Haven on the coast and had a great time. I almost wish Sam had been with me.
John
Good commentary! Very descriptive! Great voice!
I was also able to vist the Detroit area. I went in March. I had the opportunity to visit Lake Huron while I was there. The ice on the lake was 11/2 feet thick. It was awesome to be able to walk out onto the lake.There were some folks ice fishing. I am from the Pacific Northwest. It was quite an event for me!
What about the Motown Museum for those of us who grew up with that music? Is it worthwhile?
You love Detroit so much your moving. I thought only Mormon moms made blogs. I should send you the link to mine. Uncle Bobby
@ Justin – Detroit is home to the Big Three (GM, Ford, Chrysler) and is known as the Motor City. Hosting North America’s biggest auto show is part of the tradition.
@ Kathleen – The best months to visit Detroit would be May – Sept. Winter is bleak and layered in snow, but Spring and Summer are sunny and gorgeous.
@ Patricia – The Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A) is housed literally in a house. It’s quaint, fully of character and true to early Motown artists. For the even older generation there is also the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, which is filled with American historical automobiles ranging from a horse drawn carriage to the car that carried JFK when he was assassinated.
@uncle bobby–yes, please send us the link to your blog. I can only imagine…
auto shows would be obvious. i can’t believe their are so many outside activities to do!
aw this was fun. ps i love your photo of Tahoe on the top… it’s pretty much the best place in the world. I mean, i’m biased, but for you, besides texas….
have an awesome weekend!
<3kp
Fresh perspective from a cheeky local. I really like the strategy you are using. The little things are what bring enchantment and who would know better then a new local with time to explore. Keep it up.
@ Mary Jenkins – From May-Sept Michigan is crawling with outside activities (sports, hunting, boating, etc.) People get so stir crazy during the long winters they breakout at full speed when the snow melts, and they don’t stop until winter returns. It’s a race of recreation and fun!
Supporting Facts:
- Michigan ranks first in the nation in licensed hunters (over one million).
- Michigan has the most boat owners in the nation behind Florida.
- Michigan has more than 90 native species of trees, more than all of Europe combined.