Vacation in Detroit: Restaurants, Hotels, and Fun Things to do in The Comeback City!
There were so many things that went into the planning of my Detroit trip, including tons of research, precautionary measures, and patience. This was my first visit ever to the state of Michigan and with the focus being on Detroit, I wanted to dig a bit deeper and be able to provide people with first hand encounters beyond what traditional media is providing. Before we begin, let’s address the reports: A golden city that has fallen; an industrial metropolis that lived and died by a sole industry that decided to leave without discourse (then again, maybe the leaders chose not to listen and/or care); a modern day Atlantis or Pompeii. While some may see the ruins as an eyesore, there is also beauty found in not being ashamed, learning from your mistakes, and rising up even more magnificent than before.
Where Did I Stay
Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center – Renaissance Center, 400 Renaissance Drive, Detroit Michigan 48243
I was greeted by the warmest, most welcoming hotel staff that I have ever encountered in my life. Since my flight was so early, my room wasn’t available for check in. The staff offered me their couch to rest my head on until my room was available. The offer took me pleasantly by surprise. (No, I didn’t stretch out across the couch, but I did put my elbow on the arm and nodded off in my hand with the occasional sounds of snoring.)
Here is where they eclipsed great customer service and showcased great human compassion.
The Detroit Marriot staff was so exceptional; every so often they would come and check on me to make sure that I was okay. In the moments when I would briefly wake up to check my phone, they would ask me if I wanted something to eat.
The staff doted over me, as if I were a child at my grandmother’s house and that made me feel good. I don’t believe I will experience that level of service in a hotel again for as long as I live.
When visiting Detroit, STAY AT THIS HOTEL!
Did It Taste Good?
Let’s start with my favorite: Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian Churrascaria that holds true to the name with its endless portions and well-marinated meats.
My personal favorite was the Caipirinha. I know it’s not food, but a good meal includes a great drink. You can’t go wrong at this spot.
Another option is Traffic Jam and Snug, a local eatery that was featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives‘. They are known for their homemade ice cream, bakery, brewing their own beer, and a rooftop garden that reminds me of a sort of urban botanical greenhouse. The staff is super friendly and fast! It’s definitely worth checking out, and be sure to try the brisket panini.
What Did I Do?
Detroit is home to over 500 museums and a zoo. Along the way, I stopped at the Motown Museum, where I got to stand in the same spot as musical greats such as Smokey Robinson, The Jackson 5, and The Temptations. Another notable museum to visit is The Henry Ford, home to over 300 vehicles and thousands of pop culture artifacts sure to transport you back in time.
There is a huge selection of options to choose from when planning a Detroit trip, but of course I am nontraditional, and went rogue. I simply just had to see the ruins of Detroit that reminded me of a fairy tale that ended too soon. Each structure lay there, abandoned by its owners, patiently awaiting their return. Some of buildings crumbled, as if a giant child got tired of playing with his toy houses and leveled them with his hands. Others stood intact, adorned with graffiti and broken glass by vandals. One of the buildings that burns clear in my memories is a must see for anyone visiting, is the Michigan Central Station.
It officially closed its doors in 1988, but still stands tall; paying tribute to what has passed and what has yet to come.
The Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings are the three major sports teams in the area. My time at the stadium is where I really had the chance to engage with locals and get a true sense of what Detroit is all about. I had the opportunity to watch the Detroit Lions game from the private box, and felt like God (sort of, but not really loll) while watching all of the fans below, cheering on the home team. The Lions were down for most of the game, so I decided to leave half way into the fourth quarter. Once I arrived at my hotel, I learned that in the final minutes they pushed through for a comeback to win the game. During my trip, I also learned that Detroit is not a city you give up on in the final quarter; they will come back and win.
