A few recent events have inspired me to turn around and think about my hometown from a tourist’s point of view. It’s kind of funny to hear them say on the news that Detroit is the most dangerous city for pedestrians (those pesky large median-less streets) one week, and then say the next week that homocides are way down this year so far over last. It’s even funnier to hear people (from the ‘burbs mostly) express such concern about going into the city, because of their perception that it’s not safe. I’m not New-York-City-hardass by any means, but it’s really not much more dangerous than any other large city in the country if you exercise some caution and, get this, common sense (you know, like locking your car doors and not flashing the bling bling).
Anyway, the thing to remember about Detroit is that the sprawl is crazy (though not quite L.A.-outrageous). It’s a matter of knowing where to go to do fun stuff in the metro area because it’s not all concentrated in one place. Sadly, I don’t hang out in the city enough to be well-versed in all that it has to offer, but I know what the big things are and 60 seconds on the internet can tell me how to find them.
Barring all that “danger” and “decay” here’s what I would take people to do if they were visiting me. Keep in mind that whenever I have to entertain, I first decide where all we’re gonna eat. Then I worry about what we’re gonna do in between meals.
Ann Arbor :: because I’ve done most of my hangin’ out there since I’ve been legal
Second City :: not just comedy, but good comedy
Hockeytown Cafe :: it’s a lot easier to eat here than it is to score tix to a Red Wings game
Patrick O. Ryan’s pub in Windsor (that’s Canada, eh) :: my favoritest pub ever has pub food, pints, live music, and atmosphere
dinner at any metro La Shish location :: Middle Eastern food :9
Greektown :: the place to eat, and the casinos, theaters and Comerica Park and Ford Field are all a short walk or People Mover ride away
Cultural District :: definitely the DIA, but there’s also the Detroit Historical Museum, the Science Center, and the Museum of African-American History
Hitsville USA & the Motown Museum :: I’ve never even done this, but it’s a staple
Belle Isle :: Riverfront!
Birmingham/Royal Oak/Ferndale :: the poor man’s Ann Arbor, from most to least snooty
the Grosse Pointes :: look at all the enormous old money houses
Great Lakes Crossing :: (shopping!)
I will NOT do Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village/Automotive Hall of Fame. I hate that place. And I’m not big on zoos, either, but you might be able to talk me into the Detroit Zoo.
