Motor City Revival: Arts, Culture & Food in Detroit

Advisor - Tori Petry
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Tori Petry

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  • USA

  • Michigan

  • Detroit

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Domestic Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Downtown

  • Local Culture

  • Shopping

Advisor - Motor City Revival: Arts, Culture & Food in Detroit
Curator’s statement

Detroit is one of the most underrated cities in the US. Outsiders will try to tell you otherwise, but people who have actually spent time there can testify to the city's incredible revival of food, arts and culture in the last decade. The historic architecture combined with modern developments and a burgeoning restaurant scene call back to the city's heritage as the "Paris of the West."

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Where to stay in Detroit

Daxton Hotel

Contemporary new hotel in the heart of Birmingham, a favorite for weddings and events.

Shinola Hotel Detroit

Historic hotel given a handsome, modern rinse, in the downtown district of Woodward.

Westin Book Cadillac

In downtown Detroit, this historic stay is home to a popular steakhouse and fun lobby bar.

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Things to do in Detroit

Motor City Revival: Arts, Culture & Food in Detroit - Things to do

Get outside

Ride MoGo bikes along the Detroit Riverfront and the Dequindre Cut – there's no better way to see the city and its parks than renting bikes on a warm Michigan summer day. 

Immerse yourself in culture

Spend an afternoon at the Detroit Institute of Arts. With a beautifully curated collection of impressionist paintings and funding from the auto giants of the Ford family, this is one of the best art museums you'll find outside of New York City. 

Eat your way through the city

Shop the farmer's market at Eastern Market – you’ll find goods from local artisans and farmers at this massive indoor/outdoor market downtown, plus you’ll see the largest concentration of the city's murals while you're at it. 

I also recommend eating in historic Corktown. This revitalized historic neighborhood is now home to delicious spots like Slows BBQ, Sugar House, Ottava Via and more. You can also witness the remodel of the old Michigan Central Station train stop as Ford turns it into a hub for their electric vehicle team. 

Go shopping

Canfield Street is a short street in Detroit is home to the flagship store for Detroit's most iconic brand, Shinola, as well as several local artisan boutiques like Nest and City Bird, as well as White Stripes frontman Jack White's record store and label, Third Man Records.

Places to eat & drink in Detroit

Motor City Revival: Arts, Culture & Food in Detroit - Places to eat & drink

San Morello: Delicious Italian foot inside the city's most iconic hotel stay. 

Prime & Proper: Treat yourself to a high end steak dinner with sophisticated Gatsby-esque vibes. 

Bad Luck Bar: An upscale speakeasy hidden down an alleyway – if you can find it. 

Monarch Club: Grab a drink and experience sweeping views of the city's historic high rises from this upscale bar.  

Chartreuse: The perfect small plates spot for dinner if you're spending the afternoon at the D.I.A. Make sure you order a Last Word, an iconic Detroit cocktail made with chartreuse. 

Grey Ghost: Experience the midtown neighborhood with a stop at this New American eatery with a cozy patio. 

Sugar House: This bar nestled in the historic neighborhood of Corktown has a rotating menu and beautifully handcrafted drinks. 

Madcap Coffee: Grab a coffee at this Michigan institution before you stroll the shops along Woodward Avenue.

Need to Know

There's nothing quite like summertime weather in Michigan. A visit during this time of year will lend itself best to walking and biking activities. A visit in the fall opens up opportunities to attend games for the city's beloved sports teams, the Tigers, Lions, Wings and Pistons – and maybe even a chance to head outside of the city to a quaint cider mill for fall festivities.

Advisor - Tori Petry

Travel Advisor

Tori Petry

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