Things To Do in Detroit
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
Detroit Attractions
Detroit's rich cultural history comes alive in the Cultural Center, an area flanking Woodward Avenue 3 blocks south of I-94. Here you'll find a celebration of history, culture, and music at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the Detroit Science Center. The Detroit Public Library and Wayne State University also call the area home.
Further explore Detroit culture at one of the city's fine galleries or on a downtown walking tour of public art. Plum Tree Pottery, 30435 W. 10-Mile Rd. (tel. 248/476-4875; www.plumtreepottery.com), in Farmington Hills, sells the creations of master ceramist John Glick. The Sherry Washington Gallery, 1274 Library St. (tel. 313/961-4500; www.sherrywashingtongallery.com), and G. R. N'Namdi Gallery, 1435 Randolph St. (tel. 313/831-8700; www.grnnamdigallery.com), feature works by some of the nation's preeminent African-American artists. Public art is easy to find on the People Mover. Each station along this landmark Detroit monorail features original paintings, mosaics, tilework, and sculptures. Other famous public artworks include "Spirit of Detroit," "Monument to Joe Louis" (often called "The Fist"), and the "Pylon" tower -- all near the intersection of Woodward and Jefferson avenues.
Detroit Shopping
Detroit's Eastern Market is a favourite destination for fresh produce from Michigan and neighbouring Canada. Most Detroiters conduct their shopping sprees in the suburbs: Troy for the luxurious shops at Somerset Collection, Birmingham for trendy boutiques. Downtown shops like Habatat Galleries and the Detroit Artists' Market sell items synonymous with the city, like automotive accessories, locally produced music and original artworks. Most shops are open daily 10am-6pm.
Detroit Nightlife
Performing Arts
The renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra (tel. 313/576-5111; www.detroitsymphony.com) performs at Max M. Fisher Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave. Michigan Opera Theatre (tel. 313/961-3500; www.motopera.org) performs at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway. Touring Broadway shows play at the Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave. (tel. 313/471-3200; www.olympiaentertainment.com); the Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd. (tel. 313/872-1000; www.nederlanderdetroit.com); or the Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St. (tel. 313/832-7100; http://themasonic.com).
The Bar & Club Scene
For more than 70 years, Detroiters have whiled away their evenings at Baker's Keyboard Lounge, 20510 Livernois (tel. 313/345-6300; www.bakerskeyboardlounge.com). Billing themselves as the "world's oldest jazz club," Baker's treats guests to the city's coolest live jazz and drinks every night but Monday. Downtown, the Majestic Theater building, 4120 Woodward Ave. (tel. 313/833-9700; www.majesticdetroit.com), is home to two favorite music venues: Garden Bowl, a 16-lane glow-in-the-dark bowling alley accompanied by Detroit's hottest DJs; and the Magic Stick upstairs, a bar and billiards establishment widely known as the city's finest live music venue (the White Stripes got their start here).
Detroit is crazy for its sports, and one of its favorite sports bars is Nemo's, 1384 Michigan Ave. (tel. 313/965-3180; www.nemosdetroit.com). Fun, friendly, and full of Detroit sports fans, the bar ranked number three on Sports Illustrated's list of the "25 Best Sports Bars in America." Likewise, the Post Bar, 408 W. Congress (tel. 313/962-1293; www.postbars.com), is the place to be after Tigers and Red Wings games. No less fun -- but certainly more upscale -- is Hockeytown Café, 2301 Woodward Ave. (tel. 313/965-9500; www.hockeytowncafe.com). An ice-rink bar keeps drinks cold while Red Wings fans talk about the game; Red Wings paraphernalia covers the walls.
Casinos
In 1999, casino gambling came to Detroit with the MGM Grand Detroit, 1777 Third St. (tel. 877/888-2121; www.mgmgranddetroit.com); the MotorCity Casino, 2901 Grand River Ave. (tel. 877/777-0711; www.motorcitycasino.com); and Greektown Casino, 555 E. Lafayette (tel. 888/771-4386; www.greektowncasino.com). All casinos are open 24 hours and have slots, table games, restaurants, entertainment, and parking. You must be 21 to enter.
