Growing up just 40 minutes South of Detroit, I often went to the city for concerts and sports events. It was the first big city I knew, and as I've gotten older, it's always remained one of my favorite.
Naturally, Detroit is the only city I can picture myself in that feels like home. But it also offers an arts scene and maker culture that is arguably one of the fastest-growing in the world right now due to the low cost of living and large industrial playground the recession created.
From experiments in transportation, such as a citizen-powered bus line and the Detroit "Slow Rides" where dozens of people gather together to ride bikes en masse; to urban farming; and more, Detroit is innovating -- but it's clearly still in the very early stages of rethinking the way cities operate. That's what draws me to the area and leaves me dreaming about one day moving there.
I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and the opportunities for business and investment in Detroit are overwhelming. As someone who also plans to have a family in the not so distant future, the cost of living and outdoor space in a city center is virtually unparalleled in the world right now.
Despite the many remaining vacant and dilapidated buildings in Detroit, after visiting this week I can confirm that the vibe screams turnaround.
A new Shake Shack downtown; juice places on corners; Yoga and Cross-Fit studios; high-end leather goods shops and a small army of ex-Brooklynites and Californians foreshadow Detroit's new direction -- though there is (and will continue to be) rampant gritty charm for the foreseeable future.
I HIGHLY recommend a trip to Detroit -- as does the NYTimes with Detroit topping their list of places to visit in the world right now.
Here's how we did it in a few hours following this driving tour route:
DOWNTOWN DETROIT - we started our day with a delicious Brunch at Dime Store and quick drive past the Joe Lewis fist and waterfront to catch a glimpse of Canada and the GM Renaissance Center. If you have time, stop in Greek Town or take a ride on Detroit's People Mover. And if you have even more time, head out to Belle Isle -- Detroit's "Central Park" island.
CORK TOWN & BRUSH PARK -- we then drove over to Brush Park & Cork Town to take a look at two of Detroit's hardest hit historic neighborhoods that are now at the heart of its revitalization. We saw wild Pheasants flying in between vacant homes, and stopped off at Michigan Central Station -- one of Detroit's most prominent ruins.
CASS CORRIDOR -- from there we headed over to Will Leather Goods where Ivan made his own belt; Avalon International Breads and the Eldorado General Store - some of Detroit's trendiest stops in the neighborhood. Other places I was recommended include Hello Records; John King Used & Rare Book Store; Slow's BBQ; Astro Coffee and Mudgie's Deli.
EASTERN MARKET -- while Eastern market is not open on Sundays during early Spring, I've stopped here in the past and it's one of my favorite places in Detroit. It's also a great place to check out Detroit street art
INDIAN VILLAGE -- after cruising by Eastern Market we looked at some of the revitalized mansions in Detroit's Indian Village neighborhood -- one of the most prominent signs of Detroit's turnaround. Homes here go for $450K-1M and are jaw-droppingly massive and beautiful
HEIDELBERG PROJECT -- we ended with a stroll through one of my favorite places in Detroit -- an outdoor interactive art project in one of Detroit's prior vacant neighborhoods
While we didn't have as much time as I would've liked, others places I'd suggest checking out include:
Detroit Museum of the Arts
Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village
Ferndale for brunch at The Fly Trap or Toast; Rust-Belt Market; Shinola; One-Eyed Bette's; Third-Man Records and the Apple Fritter Donut Shop
Detroit Motown Museum
Also, be sure to try Faygo and Vernor's soda + a Coney Island dog!
While this write-up is just a very cursory look at Detroit, I'd suggest taking a formal tour (you can find several very highly rated ones on Tripadvisor.com) with a local to learn more about Detroit's rich history or even attending during a big event, such as Movement Fest (Detroit is the birthplace of electronic music!).
I'd also suggest pairing a trip to Detroit with a road trip to Ohio's Cedar Point or to the UP sand dunes for a true Midwestern experience.