A Weekend in Detroit: The Ultimate Guide
Detroit is a city that’s always full of surprises – and one that often gets a bad rap. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a have been many times, it is constantly changing and growing, and there’s always something new to discover. This weekend, I got the chance to explore Detroit – without kids – and was blown away by this vibrant city. There’s definitely something for everyone in Motor City. If you’re looking for a fun getaway destination, Detroit should definitely be at the top of your list!
Where to Stay
The Shinola Hotel is our favorite place to stay in Detroit. It’s in the perfect location, walking distance from everything, and the hotel itself is absolutely beautiful and unique. The hospitality is top notch – everyone from the front desk staff to the housekeeping crew goes above and beyond to make sure you have a great stay. It really makes for a unique and special getaway – plus, it’s pet friendly!
Where to Eat (& Drink)
It’s no secret that Detroit has been on the up-and-up in recent years. And one of the most exciting aspects of the city’s renaissance is its food scene. We had some amazing meals during our stay in Detroit, and we’re excited to share our recommendations with you.
My favorite meal of our trip was at Wright & Co., a charming 2nd floor restaurant with a great ambiance and even greater food (a quick walk from the Shinola Hotel). We shared small plates and each dish was better than the last. It’s a seasonal menu that changes regularly, and I don’t doubt that every menu is superb, but if it’s on the menu when you go, don’t miss the Potato Pave. They are also known for their cocktails, which are absolutely fabulous. Be sure to make a reservation on their website.
The moment we stepped into Townhouse, we were transported to another world. It. is. stunning… with with plush velvet chairs and giant exposed windows, greenery and flowers, it’s right out of a magazine. The menu was equally impressive, with creative takes on classic dishes. We stopped for an early lunch and enjoyed their upscale coffee drinks, salads and sandwiches.
The Apparatus Room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel is another great option. The food is exceptional, and the service is casual and friendly. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and the cocktails are fabulous. Be sure to make a reservation!
If you’re looking for a classic Detroit dining experience, head to Slows Bar BQ in Corktown. This iconic restaurant is known for its slow-cooked meats and tasty sides. Whatever you order, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious meal at this Detroit institution.
After dinner, be sure to unwind with a delicious cocktail in hand. And when it comes to cocktails, the Monarch Club is one of the best places in town. Located on the roof of a historic building, the Monarch Club offers stunning views of the city skyline. But the real star of the show is the cocktails. Created by mixology experts, these cocktails are both unique and delicious. Head to the Monarch Club for an unforgettable evening. Just don’t forget your sunglasses and sweater – it can get pretty chilly up on that roof!
Looking for a great way to start your day in Detroit? Then head on over to Madcap Coffee. This popular coffee shop is known for its delicious coffee and friendly atmosphere. You may have to wait in line for your latte, but it will be worth it!
First up is Gold Cash Gold, a cozy spot in Corktown serving up inventive takes on classic comfort food. The short rib grilled cheese is a must-try, as is the poutine with chicken gravy. And for dessert? The beignets are out of this world.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, check out Selden Standard. This Midtown restaurant serves seasonal small plates, and everything we tried was absolutely delicious. The roasted cauliflower is a standout, as is the smoked trout dip. And the cocktails are not to be missed – we loved the ” smoke show” with mezcal, pineapple, and habanero bitters.
For a special occasion meal, you can’t go wrong with The Whitney. This historic mansion has been transformed into a stunning fine dining restaurant, and the food lives up to the setting. The rack of lamb is pure perfection, and the chocolate souffle will have you swooning. Trust us, The Whitney is worth the splurge.
So there you have it – our top three picks for places to eat in Detroit. Bon appetit!
What to Do
This can’t-miss Detroit activity fits into both shopping and eating. This historic market has been serving the city for over 150 years, and it offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, flowers, and artisan goods. The market is open year-round, but it really comes to life on Saturdays, when over 250 vendors set up shop. You can find everything from hand-crafted jewelry to locally-sourced honey, and there’s always plenty of delicious food to sample.
Shop
Not what you were expecting me to say? Detroit actually has great shopping. Here are some of our favorites:
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Downtown: Downtown has all your classics like Shinola, H&M, Moosejaw, and Good Neighbor.
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Parker’s Alley: This fun alley has great shops (and places to grab a bite to eat!)
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Pewabic: This historic ceramics shop is a can’t-miss.
Sports
Detroit sports are a great way to spend a day in the city. You’ll soon see that Detroit sports fans are full of heart (and hope!) Catch a Tigers game at Comerica Park, or head over to Ford Field to watch the Lions. The Pistons and the Red Wings both play at the Little Cesars Arena. No matter what your sport of choice is, you’re sure to find a great game to watch in Detroit.
Museums
If you’re looking for a dose of culture, look no further than Detroit’s museums. The city is home to some of the best museums in the country, covering everything from art and history to science and technology.
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The Detroit Institute of Arts: a must-see for any art lover.
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The Henry Ford Museum: packed with historical artifacts (outside the city in Dearborn)
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Motown Museum: a blast for music lovers (one of my favorite things to do in the city!)
Cruise the River Front
How often do you get to cruise along a river and look into another country? Just across the Detroit Riverfront is Canada – a really fun experience. Walking the shore is great, but my favorite way to do it is on a Lime electric scooter (download the app and find a nearby scooter, as long as you have a drivers license!) They often have events and concerts on the Riverfront as well.
Gamble
If you like to gamble, you’re in luck in Detroit. There are three casinos in the city – The MGM Grand Detroit (the largest of the three), The MotorCity Casino and The Hollywood Casino at Greektown (formerly known as simply the Greektown Museum).
Detroit is a city that’s on the rise. If you haven’t been, now is the time. The food scene is booming, there are plenty of things to do and see, and it’s a great place to visit. We hope this list has given you some ideas for things to check out when you next find yourself in Motor City. Have you been to Detroit? What did you think?
