Visiting Detroit: What should I see?

"Moves-Like-Senna" (moves-like-senna) 10/06/2016 at 10:09 • Filed to: Detrpot

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Good morning Oppo!

So the Ms. and I are looking to head to Detroit either the weekend of the 14th or 21st for a short road trip. There seems to be a lot of old information out there about places to visit.

Obviously, I’m a car enthusiast and love trains planes and basically anything motor powered, she loves art and we both love derelict buildings.

So far the Ford Museum is on our list and that’s about it. We’re willing to drive around, I think I want to visit Pontiac just to say I have haha.

We’re also looking for an AirBnB to stay at and would love any suggestions for areas. From what I gather, on premises parking is a must in Detroit and even then may not always be safe based on area.

Thanks!

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:15

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The Henry Ford.

for Michigan > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:18

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The Detroit Institute of Art is a world-class art museum that’s definitely worth spending some time at.

If you’re going to the Henry Ford Museum, you might want to check out Greenfield Village while you’re there.

And don’t bother with the Detroit Zoo. It’s nothing special.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:19

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The nearest highway that leads out of Detroit.

Milky > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:21

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If you see glass on the ground, don’t park there. Otherwise you’ll be fine. Paying for parking is a suburbanite thing to me, unless you go downtown then park in the Z Lot. Its a garage with cool art and a flat rate.

Eater or Thrillist Detroit will show you there is great food everywhere. On the 22nd there is a RedBull house of art discussion in eastern market. Could be a cool talk with some artists.

The easiest/safest derelict B&E you can do is the Belle Isle zoo.

Source - I see my home in your photo.

Milky > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/06/2016 at 10:23

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Me every morning, its a great commute! So little traffic I cruise at 85.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:23

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Henry Ford Museum, Bell Isle park/racetrack, Renaissance Center (they have a little GM showcase on the ground floor), Cruise down woodward (if you go at night friday or saturday you’l see street racers of all types), visit Birmingham and see the sweet exotic car dealerships, GM tech center is a short drive away and if you have decent timing you can see prototypes and concepts prowling around the grounds.

For non car stuff - Atwater Brewery, Kuhnen’s Brewery and Winery, and basically anything that comes up when you search for “brewery” is a safe bet. Downtown market is fun too.

Lodging - eh, get about 20 minutes north of detroit and you’re in one of the nicest areas in the country (Sterling Heights, Troy, Ferndale area). Dearborn, just to the west, is beautiful and if you love middle eastern food, they’ve got it. Ann Arbor is a college town and basically home for legal(ish) weed and profoundly useless conversation with random strangers but overall it’s a good town. Mexicantown (legitimately what the area is called) - authentic as fuck food, spanish billboards, and hondas stripped of all parts and set on fire in the street......don’t stay the night there.

vondon302 > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:24

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Stay in Royal oak or West bloomfield. The piquette model t mueseum is kinda cool but plan to spend alot of time at the Henery Ford almost need a full day to do the mueseum. the village is big too and the ford factory tour is a must do. Vinsettas garage in royal oak is a great place to eat if your a car buff.

Enjoy.

jimz > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:32

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1) don’t stay in the city, especially if you’re trying to “AirBNB” it. Detroit has a revitalizing (some would also say gentrifying) downtown core, but the neighborhoods surrounding downtown are still pretty much the model of blight. pick a closer suburb north of 8 mile. Some spots downriver are ok, e.g. Wyandotte.

2) if you go to the Henry Ford museum, also check out the Automotive Hall of Fame right behind it. If you arrive on a Friday say hi, I work right across the street from it.

3) if you like Middle Eastern food, Dearborn is your place.

4) in addition to the DIA there’s also the Park West Gallery in Southfield.

5) even if you “like” derelict buildings, stay out of the old Packard plant.

edit: oh, and it looks like the Walter P. Chrysler museum will be open the weekend of Oct. 22-23. .

http://www.wpchryslermuseum.org/pdf/Website_Public_Dates_and_Admission.pdf

and if you don’t mind a drive of about an hour and a half, hit up Frankenmuth a bit south of Saginaw.

jimz > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 10/06/2016 at 10:33

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Cruise down woodward

stay north of 8 Mile, you don’t want to end up in Highland Park.

xyzabc > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:36

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Lots of very cool Restaurants / Bars in “Mid-Town”. Go see the “ Shingle Watch Store ” on West Canfield off of Woodward Ave.. Mornings at Eastern Market...Fresh Flowers, Fruit, Vegetables, Meat, seafood, Coffee...everything an open market offers. “Slows-BBQ” on Michigan Ave. Swing by Tiger Stadium and walk around it...next to Ford Field (Detroit Lions) and the 100-Year old Detroit Athletic Club building. ...IMHO

xyzabc > for Michigan 10/06/2016 at 10:37

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Yeah...DIA and the Henry Ford are kind of cool.

jimz > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/06/2016 at 10:40

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pff. there’s usually little to see, but I’ve no problem driving through the city on surface streets. just today thanks to I-94 being plugged up (as usual) I took Harper down to Grand Blvd, then to Warren Ave. I’ve also frequently taken Hoover/Gunston down to Gratiot.

If you don’t go looking for trouble, you’re probably not going to find it.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:42

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Detroit History Museum is kinda cool. GM buildings are an interesting walk through if not anything really special. If you do go to the GM buildings, grab the Detroit People Mover and do a quick loop of downtown Detroit with a decent view.

handyjoe > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:43

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If you want a quick city tour, check out the People Mover. It’s not great as public transit, but you can hop on and off to see things downtown. Campus Martius has some good eats and the architecture around there is cool.

jimz > xyzabc 10/06/2016 at 10:43

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Tiger Stadium (what’s left of it, basically a fenced-off field) is at Michigan & Trumbull. Comerica Park is next to Ford Field.

my uncle belongs to the DAC, it’s a pretty formal club.

Milky > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 10/06/2016 at 10:44

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Except for Detroit Beer Co. That place sucks.

Master Cylinder > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 10:47

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There’s a smallish Cars and Coffee that meets at a hobby shop called Pasteiner’s on Woodward in Birmingham that’s worth a stop if you’re in the area.

Loads of craft breweries around if you like beer - my personal favorites are Dragonmead and Kuhnhenn’s (mentioned above).

Detroit has become a foodie city in the last 5-6 years too, plenty of great options to suit just about any taste, and especially if you like Middle Eastern or Mediterranean food.

There are tons of automotive-themed landmarks here, as you would expect. The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is awesome, you can take a tour of the Rouge River plant, cruise Woodward on a Friday or Saturday evening, or see some derelict factories like the Packard Plant (venture inside at your own risk).

In the suburbs, Ferndale is a cool spot (I’m not very partial to Royal Oak, but there is a lot to do there too), or if you don’t mind the drive, Ann Arbor is a cool town too.

Milky > jimz 10/06/2016 at 10:52

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“Detroit has a revitalizing (some would also say gentrifying) downtown core...”

I take offense to this. Also midtown, corktown, Indian village and a couple other places are nice enough. I’ve never air b n b’d in Detroit so I cant speak to their qaulity, but I’d feel safe.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > jimz 10/06/2016 at 10:59

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Highland is fine. Just nothing to do in there.

yamahog > xyzabc 10/06/2016 at 11:04

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I think you got auto corrected there - you mean Shinola on Canfield right? Conspired with one of their salesman to surprise my fiancé with a watch the day after he proposed to me, super helpful employees!

jimz > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 11:09

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oh, and if you two are into stand up comedy, Tom Papa is at Mark Ridley’s in Royal Joke the weekend of the 22nd.

yamahog > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 11:09

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I haven’t air bnb’d in Detroit, but midtown would be a desirable area.

“Ruin porn” touring is frowned upon. The DIA is awesome, both of you will enjoy it.

There is really so much fun stuff downtown, most of the comments have it covered. The Greektown, Corktown, midtown areas are all cool.

jimz > yamahog 10/06/2016 at 11:10

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yeah, if you want “ruin porn” I’ll just post some of my dashcam vids.

yamahog > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/06/2016 at 11:12

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“wah I’m scared of Detroit”

-people replying in this thread who don’t seem to know the area

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > yamahog 10/06/2016 at 11:15

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I never said anything about it being scary. More than anything, I was inplying that it’s simply not a place worth visiting. If I said “emergency room” or “police department” it would be different.

Rock Bottom > Milky 10/06/2016 at 11:16

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There’s more scary shit in Detroit than in all of the other states I’ve lived in combined. He should absolutely avoid staying anywhere in the city limits if he’s never been here before. It’s true that it is better than it was in the 80s when I grew up here, but compared to pretty much everywhere else, Detroit is still a warzone and should be entered cautiously and only when necessary.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 11:17

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Trumbull and Porter Deal

I just was there. I stayed at Trumbull and Porter in Corktown, which was great because it had parking in a secure lot and was across the street from Batch Brewery that was very good beer.

We walked to the restaurants like Slow’s and a few bars on Michigan Ave.

Plus you’re a cheap taxi ride to anywhere and the hotel has bike rental if you want to go riding down along the waterfront.

I really liked the hotel. It’s a bit hipster-chic, but it’s quiet, clean and like I said, easy to do the drinking thing.

yamahog > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/06/2016 at 11:18

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Showing some serious ignorance if you think there’s nothing worth visiting in the entire city.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > yamahog 10/06/2016 at 11:20

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It was a sarcastic joke, but if we’re going in that direction, I live in New York. Whatever you have (other than crime, snow, and Canadian border access) we have a better version of which is again a sarcastic joke.

yamahog > Rock Bottom 10/06/2016 at 11:20

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Living in LA and NY was more personally threatening to me than being in Detroit. Even “good” areas of Chicago and Miami felt sketchier to be in as a woman. If he’s visited a city before he’ll be fine.

Milky > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 10/06/2016 at 11:23

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No shit. Always wondered what it looked like in there. Seems like a good deal for a good location.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Milky 10/06/2016 at 11:28

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It was actually really nice. I used to stay at the MotorCity when I went to Detroit, but they went from $150 corp to $199 corp rate and I couldn’t justify it. Found this little gem and it’s closer to the things I wanted to do without forcing me to have to take a taxi everywhere.

I brought my own bike, because I’m like that, but they rent Detroit Bikes Model As out front of the hotel. It’s a great way to get around down there, especially closer to the water.

I will be staying there again.

You get a quiet and clean room, parking in a gated and controlled lot, a fridge, etc.

Added bonus every two rooms have a small hall to their door, so even hallway noise is minimized (it wasn’t an issue in the first place, but I wouldn’t have heard someone walking down the hall.)

Milky > Rock Bottom 10/06/2016 at 11:30

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First off I think we switched lives, Grand Cherokees at Silver Lake and all.

I have no idea what Detroit was like in the 80's and yes the west/east side are still very much Detroit. But “entered cautiously and only when necessary” seems like a huge over reaction to me. I have had no bad experiences in Detroit, except for a when a hobo punched my friend’s car. But that’s it. IMHO as long as you’re not overly stupid you’ll be fine.

*Yes I knocked on wood.

yamahog > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/06/2016 at 11:31

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I’m from New York. I should’ve recognized the misplaced sense of superiority.

First off, I’ve gotten more uncomfortable catcalls/stalkers/road rage psychos etc in NY than literally anywhere else I’ve ever lived, so your crime claim isn’t super reassuring. Second, since I’ve been living in Michigan my family back east has had much harsher winters than us ever year... Sandy, etc. Third, Canadian border access is awesome. Sucks to suck. Punch down somewhere else.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 11:33

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No-one gonna mention the “Detrpot” tag?

Sam > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 11:38

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You could ask K-Roll to show you around. Really nice guy, showed me around the city several months ago.

vondon302 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 10/06/2016 at 11:46

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Kuhnens yes! Need me some looney kuhney! Still the best beer in town.

Milky > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 10/06/2016 at 11:48

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Thats genuinely good to know. Looks like I have a new place to recommend.

Also just for conversation I haven’t taken a taxi since Uber came around. If you don’t like their business thats fine but its always been cleaner and more often cheaper.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Milky 10/06/2016 at 11:55

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Yeah, I meant Taxi in the collective, “Someone driving me” sense, not a yellow cab.

Transit > yamahog 10/06/2016 at 12:23

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I’ve stayed at the Inn on Ferry Street, about mid-way between midtown and new center; don’t know if it’s price comparable to air bnb, but I’d absolutely stay there again.

jimz > Rock Bottom 10/06/2016 at 12:53

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yeah, I’ve been in Chicago’s south side. I’ve seen Riverdale and West Pullman. your claim is hyperbolic and hysteric.

xyzabc > yamahog 10/06/2016 at 13:20

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Yes, Shinola... Good catch...thanks!

xyzabc > jimz 10/06/2016 at 13:23

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DAC is a Members-only Club, but it’s a beautiful old building that’s had some modern architectural additions done to it...as well as some cool athletic-theme statues placed on the Mall area in front. A well-preserved gem in Detroit.

jimz > xyzabc 10/06/2016 at 13:25

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yeah, I’ve been there several times. they just built a new SkyBar up near the top of the building, which took some back-and-forth with Olympia Entertainment since you get a good view of the field of Comerica Park.

xyzabc > jimz 10/06/2016 at 14:09

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“The Stadium Club” is the roof-top restaurant/bar....with a great little cigar bar called “The Last Word”.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 15:45

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More good restaurants then you can imagine. Any brewery / distillery in the city is great (Atwater, Motorcity, Two James, Detroit Distillery, Hop Cat). If you like jazz and great food, go to Cliff Bell’s, always have live music at night or at least on weekends. Roast if you like Michael Simon, Top of the Pontch for a great view and food. Rattlesnake club over by Atwater for more good food. Cork town, Mid town, Woodward, go see the Fox Theater. Woodward is always bumping north of 11 mile on the weekend nights. There is a lot to do down there at night as well as far as clubs and bars go. Basically, if it looks shady don’t do it. Otherwise you’ll be fine.

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/06/2016 at 17:51

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Thanks! I’ll keep that in mind for the weekend!

Moves-Like-Senna > handyjoe 10/06/2016 at 17:52

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Hahaha! I had no idea it was actually called the People Mover, this definitely sounds really interesting. Do you know roughly how long it takes to get a good look?

Moves-Like-Senna > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 10/06/2016 at 17:52

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What’s that?

Moves-Like-Senna > Sam 10/06/2016 at 17:52

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Cheers!

Moves-Like-Senna > vondon302 10/06/2016 at 17:53

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The Model T museum looks super cool! I’m pumped about the Henry Ford and will check out factory tour options too. I may have to do two weekends with how much is posted haha

Moves-Like-Senna > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 10/06/2016 at 17:55

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That’s awesome! I was really looking forward to the brewery scene out there. It seems like the food in Detroit is just fantastic!

I’ll mention the jazz joint to the GF! I think she’d be very into that. Thanks for all the tips and places to stop by. I was watching Eminem’s Detroit Chrysler 200 ad and teh Fox Theater came to mind. Definitely want to check it out as well as some of the statues.

Moves-Like-Senna > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/06/2016 at 17:56

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Oh cool! I’m a GM fanboy so definitely would love to go through the HQ’s a bit.

Moves-Like-Senna > Master Cylinder 10/06/2016 at 17:59

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Wow cool! I’ll see if I can drop by and definitely looking forward to the Craft brews and food! Is the “American food” as good as they say too? I’m a huge sucker for good burgers and hot dogs.

Cruising woodward would be super cool in the evening and any other suggestions for former automotive buildings? The Packard Plant is up there as I’d like to see it in the event that it’s torn down.

Is there much in Ann Arbor, I keep hearing about it from enthusiasts but not quite sure why?

Moves-Like-Senna > Milky 10/06/2016 at 18:00

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Hahaha you actually do? taht’s cool you can see it in the photo.

Z lot looks amazing! I’m definitely going to have to park there and thanks for the tips on eater and thrillist . We looked up Redbull house after you posted it and love it! it’s a must see for us

Moves-Like-Senna > for Michigan 10/06/2016 at 18:01

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It relaly looks like it. I had no idea those murals were in there, we’re both super excited and it’s on the must visit for us. We’ll check out Greenfield too!

Thanks!

Moves-Like-Senna > xyzabc 10/06/2016 at 18:02

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The more I read comments it’s getting harder to pick good booze and food haha! Oh wow, I’ll have ot check out Tiger stadium! Thanks!

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/06/2016 at 18:02

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Thanks! I’ll still take a peek :D

Moves-Like-Senna > yamahog 10/06/2016 at 18:05

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Thanks for the tips on location!

For us, it’s not ruin porn we’re looking for. We’re looking for history, for stories. Places like the Packard Museum aren’t going to be around forever and for myself it’s a piece of history that made a difference to our world and I’d like to see in my lifetime regardless of condition before it disappears. I’m a history geek to say the least.

Moves-Like-Senna > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 10/06/2016 at 18:07

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Thanks for all the tips and Bell Islse looks so cool! Can’t wait to see the GM HQ!

Is there a specific strip of woodward that’s best to see the street racers and how safe is it?

GM Tech center is the place of my dreams. I definitely have to check it out and Mexicantown! My god I cant wait haha Thank you!

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/06/2016 at 18:07

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Is 8 mile a place or a street?

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/06/2016 at 18:11

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Thanks for all the tips! Definitely going to try and find a place out of the city in that case for an AirBnB. For hotels is they safe in downtown?

Automotive hall of fame looks great! We’re arriving Friday but only in the evening. I’m probably going to pick up the GF at 1 or 2PM as she has to be at work, going to try and get her out a little early but if I do I will. Look for a guy with round black glasses and that looks like he’s not quite white (I’m half asian but I look white as can be)

Dearborn keeps comign up for that! Will mention it to the gf and the gallery too! We’re going to look at the packard plant but have no plans on breaking in or trespassing. It’s more to see a significant piece of history.

Wow! I’m super excited to see it’ll be open! YES I saw it was close to the public and was super diasspointed .

Thank you!!!!!!

Moves-Like-Senna > yamahog 10/06/2016 at 18:13

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Unfortunately it’ll be my first visit and what I learned on other trips to smaller cities is that we do dress like city folk and it’s not exactly a good thing so guards will be up.

Up until a few years ago I did live in the ‘hood of Montreal. I was held at gun point three times in a span of a couple years but the GF comes from a safer place.

Moves-Like-Senna > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 10/06/2016 at 18:16

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Thanks for the tip on Trumbull! That place looks sick and I’m sure the GF will be on board with it! It looks like a shinola shop hahahahaha

Moves-Like-Senna > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 10/06/2016 at 18:18

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That’s super cool! How is it biking along the waterfront? Is it more of a cruise or could we bring our road bikes and hit up a good 40 miles in the morning?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 19:25

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You tagged the post with “detroit” but then typoed.

Master Cylinder > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 20:56

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Yeah, plenty of good American food too. There are two famous coney island restaurants downtown, Lafayette and American, that people like to visit and they’re right next door to each other. Personally, I prefer National Coney Island’s coney dogs, though. Vinsetta Garage was suggested above and it’s a great burger joint with a cool vibe - it used to be an old repair shop, now converted to a restaurant.

There are loads of old factories around in Detroit and Highland Park, and there’s a cool old museum in the Piquette Plant where they used to make Model Ts.

Ann Arbor isn’t really an automotive town, but it’s a fun, lively college town with lots of good bars and restaurants.

jimz > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 21:04

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8 Mile Road (where the Eminem film got its name) is pretty much the border between Detroit and the suburbs to the north. It’s symbolic for that reason alone. 8 Mile actually goes far further west but where it touches Detroit, it’s the border.

8 Mile also has the state highway designation M-102, and just to make things more confusing is also called “Baseline Road” in some communities as it was the “starting point” for a lot of land surveying many years ago.

so generally, people who want to avoid going into the city (scared old white people) will tell you “stay north of 8 Mile.” I only mentioned it in the case of Woodward Ave. because it leads to Highland Park, which is a small enclave city inside of Detroit and is even more blighted than most areas of Detroit. Basically, Chrysler used to be headquartered there and had all of their corporate and engineering offices in Highland Park. When they left in the ‘80s to go to Auburn Hills, the city lost an enormous amount of their tax base overnight. then the inevitable happened.

jimz > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 21:17

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Look for a guy with round black glasses and that looks like he’s not quite white (I’m half asian but I look white as can be)

LOL I’m not going to be in any position to look for you, I work in a basement (I work for Ford, my lab is in their Product Develoment Center across Oakwood Blvd. from the Henry Ford.)

We’re going to look at the packard plant but have no plans on breaking in or trespassing.

the most I would do is drive past it on E. Grand Blvd. it’s pretty decrepit; and even though it was bought by someone a couple of years ago there’s no guarantee they’ve been able to clear out everyone who shouldn’t be there.

jimz > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 21:24

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Is there a specific strip of woodward that’s best to see the street racers and how safe is it?

there’s not really any racing, too much police presence. But there’ll be people cruising any reasonably warm day. “reasonably warm” meaning above 55F. When I had my Mustang, on Saturday evenings I used to take I-696 to Woodward and drive a few passes up and down Woodward to see what was going on.

usually the most activity is between 9 Mile Rd. in Ferndale and Quarton Rd (16 Mile) in Bloomfield Twp. That stretch of Woodward runs from Ferndale, through Royal Oak, Berkley, Birmingham, and Bloomfield Hills/Bloomfield Twp. Some serious money out there, so no worries about safety ;)

jimz > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 21:31

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well, depending on what you think makes a “good burger,” you’ve plenty of options. Miller’s Bar in Dearborn (Michigan Ave. just east of Telegraph Rd.) is “famous” locally for their burgers, and they’re pretty simple. with/without cheese. There’s a jar of pickles at the table if you want them, and onions on request. their menu is pretty simple.  

another place I like is The Raft , but that’s way up in Fair Haven and is a long drive just for a burger. we stop there every so often when we ride up the Thumb on our motorcycles.

jimz > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 21:33

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the Packard Museum is in Ohio. The thing in Detroit is just a crumbling old assembly plant.

Milky > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 22:02

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Well I’m on the opposite side of the building but yea. I live next to Atwater, not good for my calorie intake.

Redbull has amazing parties once every 3 months (with free vodka-redbulls, next one nov. 11th) but its a great gallery regardless. IMHO I’d stop by there and do eastern market at the same time. Also I saw another of your comments about jazz and I’d look up Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. Shit is real. Oldest jazz bar in the world and clearly good music.

Also, also the riverwalk is pretty nice for biking. You can take it from that Trumbull hotel to Belle Isle. You can also get into town/midtown on Trumbull/2nd Ave with their bike lanes and the dequinder cut(a bike only ex-railway line). Detroit is good for biking since every road is damn near 6 lanes wide and half empty.

Milky > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 10/06/2016 at 22:03

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You’ve actually been to the Rattlesnake club? Whats it like?

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Moves-Like-Senna 10/06/2016 at 22:16

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I did thirty on my road bike in Detroit. I could have done a lot more, but I had places to be. The loop on Belle Island is pretty amazing and easily accessible from Corktown. Come off of the island and head into Indian Village to see the architecture. Trumbull and Porter had 0 issues with us bring our bikes up to the room.

handyjoe > Moves-Like-Senna 10/07/2016 at 08:07

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A loop is around 15 minutes. Maybe 20. You can hop off and check things out at a couple stops, but it’s 75 cents every time you get back on. You could, however, ride all day and not get off for those same 75 cents.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Moves-Like-Senna 10/07/2016 at 08:47

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Downtown Detroit is really nice and safe, tons of amazing restaurants (read any food magazine and there’s an article about Detroit’s scene), bars, breweries, distilleries, museums and more. The inside of the Fox is beautiful. Just know, public transit sucks (we have the People Mover, but it has a very limited range), parking sucks, and if you venture out into the outskirts of Detroit it is still very poor and sketchy. But the city is slowly coming back, which is amazing to see.

Have fun, enjoy yourselves, and if you want a piece of Woodward as well, head up to Vinsetta Garage for food. While you’re in that area, there are about 3-6 more breweries in the area as well. ROAK, Royal Oak Brewing, Black Lotus, Griffin Claw that I can think of.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Milky 10/07/2016 at 08:48

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Yup, a few times. Usually go during restaurant week, but the food has always been very good. Plus, they are a block away from Atwater if you want to stop there afterwards for some drinks.

Any time Detroit has restaurant week, we try to hit up at least 3-4 spots. Some we’ve never been, some we love.

Milky > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 10/07/2016 at 10:55

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Good to know, I live like ... there. So I should really check it out. I also always space on restaurant week. Need to do that too.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Milky 10/07/2016 at 11:18

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Yup, you should!

They haven’t had Restaurant week yet this fall, not sure if they will. They usually have a spring and fall one. Best time to go to the expensive places and eat a little bit cheaper while having a great meal. 

jimz > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 10/07/2016 at 11:57

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don’t forget Dragonmead.

and oh shit, don’t forget the Detroit beer fest @ Eastern Market on the 21st and 22nd.

jimz > Moves-Like-Senna 10/07/2016 at 12:00

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there’s also the Detroit Beer Fest at Eastern Market on the 21st and 22nd (you bet your ass I’m going.)

Moves-Like-Senna > Milky 10/07/2016 at 12:09

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Thanks for all the extra tips! I think we’re definitely going to have to bring out the bikes now!

Great to hear the Redbull gallery is worth it either way! I’m excited to check it out and will do the market at the same time. Wow, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge may now be top of the list for nightlife!

Moves-Like-Senna > Master Cylinder 10/07/2016 at 12:14

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Awesome! I’ll throw those on the list for options :D The Piquette Plant keeps comign up so it’s definitely a must visit. Throw in the fact that the Model T had a huge impact on the world :P

Thanks for the extra tips and explanation of Ann Arbor

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/07/2016 at 12:16

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Thanks for the explanation, that’s actually really interesting and now makes quite a bit more sense.

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/07/2016 at 12:17

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That sounds even better haha, I’ll go for a cruise Friday evening!

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/07/2016 at 12:20

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Hahahaha, no way! Isn’t that basement where the new Ford GT was designed? That’s so cool! I’ll give you a shout if I make it in teh afternoon on Friday!

Alright, will pass by then :)

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/07/2016 at 12:22

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Miller’s sounds perfect fo us! Simple is the goal for food with me unfortunately as I have a few severe allergies (peanuts/nuts/seafood/mango).

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/07/2016 at 12:23

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Whoops I meant plant!

Moves-Like-Senna > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 10/07/2016 at 12:25

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Oh fantastic! We’re definitely bringing out the bikes.

Oh fantastic, the the loop driving or biking?

Moves-Like-Senna > handyjoe 10/07/2016 at 12:27

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That’s easy enough and not too long. It’s only 75 cents? really? my god, that’s nothing :D it’s expensive out here haha

Moves-Like-Senna > StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 10/07/2016 at 12:29

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Thanks for all the tips!

jimz > Moves-Like-Senna 10/07/2016 at 12:32

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yes. the studio they covertly formed to design it is literally down the hall and around a corner from my lab. And none of us knew it was there. That’s how well-kept a secret it was. we watched the reveal live, and later on we were laughing our asses off on how well Mark and Bill dropped the mic on Acura that day.

Moves-Like-Senna > jimz 10/07/2016 at 12:37

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Hahaha you guys humiliated Acura in the best way. Better than Porsche with the note in the 911 GT3. That’s amazing how well it was hidden!

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Moves-Like-Senna 10/07/2016 at 12:59

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https://goo.gl/maps/ih8eNauHgzM2

Biking. It’s perfectly fine, so long as you have ridden in a city before. No different than any other I’ve ridden through. The bike to the point on Belle Isle is where you will want your camera. Ren Center, the bridges, all of it is a very cool shot. On the loop around Belle Isle you’ll see the markings for the race course and see Miss Pepsi before turning and coming back past the Detroit Yacht Club. There are bike lanes for this whole portion. After that, head out toward Lafayette and take a right towards Indian Village. Those blocks are great for just riding around it, and when you come out, go back the way you came on Lafayette. Heading back to Corktown from there will put you right in the center of everything downtown.

It’s great to ride there.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > jimz 10/09/2016 at 16:37

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Oh shit! Yes to both. I’ll be there on the 21st all day! Buy tickets now!

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Moves-Like-Senna 10/09/2016 at 16:37

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No problem! Enjoy your stay, there is a ton to do in the area.