The Comeback City

We all know about the wonderful cities around the world, New York, London, Tokyo, and L.A., but who ever thought Detroit, MI would be the place to visit? Well, I'm here to tell you it's on an upswing, and now is the time! Don't be afraid. Over the past five years, crime in the major downtown area of Detroit has gone dramatically down as new businesses flourish. Metro-Detroiters are already enjoying the new gem that is Downtown, and now it's your time, too, so here are four reasons to visit the beautiful and historic Motor City.

1. Where to start?

As Detroit makes its comeback, more and more people are beginning to stay downtown. "Well, where do I stay? Where do I Eat? What do I do?" you might be asking yourself. Well, we have three casinos within the city, all of which have beautiful hotels. The hotels range in price, and are spaced out so you can get a variety of locations, from Corktown to Greektown. As shown in the picture above, Greektown Casino has a very luxurious hotel and is centered in one of the busiest parts of Downtown Detroit, Greektown. Greektown is a Greek-influenced area that has more than 15 bars within a quarter mile, not to mention authentic Greek food. The Greek food here will knock you off your feet, can you say SAGANAKI! OPA!

MGM Casino is a bit more on the expensive side, but is the most luxurious casino and hotel in Detroit. This is where you come to get pampered, spend your money, or even go to a nightclub and party the night away! Located right off M-10 Freeway and Third Street with free parking, this is a place you can't afford to miss, and only a few blocks from the famed, original Coney Islands (Lafayette and American).

But, if this still isn't for you, Detroit also has the MotorCity Casio and Hotel. This is located in Corktown, and only steps away from local eateries and bars. MotorCity is on the lower cost side as far as saving money (I'm a penny pincher), and still gives a luxurious, one-of-a-kind feel. The casino is expansive and inviting, and so are the hotel rooms.

Hotel Room at Motorcity Casino and Hotel

2. What can I do that I can't do where I live?

Detroit, in comparison to other major cities, is actually rather small. It does, however, have a large Metropolitan area, which is what makes it more similar to big cities. Sure, Detroit has department stores and chain restaurants, same as you'd find anywhere else, but we also have a wide array of things you can't find. Detroit has many things to do, only limited by your eagerness to try new things. One of the unique places to go, that you won't find in another big city, is the Fowling Warehouse. Who has ever heard of fowling (pronounced like bowling, but with an f)? This is just like how it sounds, bowling with a football. People flock from all over Metro-Detroit in hopes of playing a game with some friends, making some new friends, and having a few drinks. This is an affordable and exciting experience for anyone. The Fowling Warehouse is not technically in Detroit. It's in a small city called Hamtramck located within Detroit, and about five minutes or less from the major downtown area.

Another place that is a MUST VISIT are the Coney Islands, located on Michigan Avenue and Griswold, just a short walk from Campus Martius. For any Detroiter, this is a normal thing. In fact, when we visit other cities we are surprised to find that there isn't a Coney Island there. Coney Island (not to be mistaken with the one in New York City) is a local eatery that makes what we call a Coney Dog. A Coney Dog is a hotdog in a bun, with Chili, onions, and mustard. The Coney Islands downtown aren't the only ones around, either. There is a chain in Michigan known as National Coney Island (ironic that it isn't a national chain, and it's only on the east side of the state). You can also find other small Coney Island establishments all around Detroit, serving Metro-Detroiters at all hours of the day.

Coney Island

There are many other unique restaurants, establishments, shopping areas, and places to go to around Metro-Detroit.

3. The Local Watering Hole

Many people are unaware, being that Detroit is called the Motor City, and is most notably known for its long history of vehicle production, but Detroit and Michigan have now become the Microbrew capital of the U.S., Having more breweries than any other state. Atwater Brewery is one that has become increasingly more popular over the years (as shown above), providing Detroit with a wide variety of beers. Microbreweries pop up just about every other day around here, all over the Metro-Detroit/Michigan area. Recently, Jamex Brewing Co. of St. Clair Shores opened. Before that was Baffin Brewing of St. Clair Shores, Atwater in the Park of Grosse Pointe Park, ROAK of Royal Oak, and so goes the list. If you are a frequent traveler, perhaps one of the many mug clubs is for you. If you are a local then you should definitely join one! Many of the local breweries offer a mug club, free to join. You just have to go in and order a beer. With constantly changing beer menus, you'll never get bored! And on the plus side, if you are not a beer drinker, Detroit has its first legal distillery since prohibition located right in Corktown! Two James Distillery serves up locally-made spirits that we just can't get enough of. They make everything from whiskey to gin to even making rum now. If you have the time, it's a great local place to stop, shop, and tour.

4. Who doesn't love shopping?

Who has a list without shopping options? I mean, really, half of the fun of traveling is getting to shop! While Detroit is not known for its tourist shops (as in there are almost none), it is known for its small boutique shopping and its huge mall. Between downtown and Royal Oak, you are sure to slay with a wide variety of clothing styles to choose from. And if you aren't a boutique shopper, the Great Lakes Crossing is more your speed. Great Lakes Crossing is Michigan's largest indoor outlet mall, and everyone here loves it. It's about a mile all the way around, and you'll probably have to circle more than once to take it all in. I know I do. But it does include stores such as the Coach Outlet, Michael Kors Outlet, H&M Outlet, and more, which offer a discounted price compared to the smaller mall stores.

And as long as we are talking about shopping, don't forget to check out Eastern Market. This is a small outdoor shopping area that typically includes local food trucks and local vendors, with locally-made products ranging from décor to glassware to clothing. Open on the weekends, it's a great way to start your Saturday or Sunday off. And right around the corner from there is the Detroit Hustles Harder boutique where you can get some one-of-a-kind Detroit style. Many of their items are one-of-a-kind and you will not find a duplicate for it. It does usually range high on the price scale, but in comparison to other city's tourist shops, it's quite comparable.

Motown

Motown, as some locals call it, is a very unique and interesting city. Don't be fooled by what you see in the media. As a part time Uber driver, I am constantly meeting people from out of town, and the first thing that I ask them is, "How do you like Detroit? Is it different than you expected?" and the overwhelming response I receive is about how different being in and experiencing Detroit is from what they have read or seen on the news. Yes, we have a ghetto; yes, we have crime; yes, there are dangerous areas, but aren't all major cities like that? Detroit is trying to overcome its old reputation by really investing into itself. We have a newer police force that is really cracking down on violent crime and drugs. People like Dan Gilbert (owner of QuickenLoans) and the Illitch Family (owner of Little Ceasars Pizza, Little Ceasars Arena, Red Wings, and Tigers) who see the potential of Detroit to become the next Chicago are investing their money into making this city great again. So I ask you, what is keeping you from visiting this hip, bustling, new Detroit? Come visit and see what you discover, because there are new things popping up every day, and there is plenty of history, too.