Campus Martius Park – Campus Martius is in the heart of downtown Detroit and offers more than 35 dining options, 50 retail outlets, year-round events and a spectacular view of the city’s new and historic architecture. One place in Campus Martius to check out is The Beach Bar and Grille – where your kids get to play in the sand while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the city in an urban oasis.

 

Eastern Market – In addition to great, well-known lunch spots (Supino Pizzeria and Russell St. Deli, to name a few), Eastern Market hosts a farmers market on select Saturdays from 6 a.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET, and every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With as many as 45,000 visitors a day, it’s a popular destination in Detroit. For more information on shops and businesses, check out their directory here.

 

Detroit Riverfront – The Detroit Riverfront is a newly transformed three-and-a-half mile stretch along the Detroit River, featuring parks, plazas, RiverWalk and gardens, with an view of Windsor, Canada, and the Motor City. 

 

 

Wright & Company – Offering gourmet small plates and craft cocktails, Wright & Company is thought of by many as one of the best new restaurants in Detroit.

 

Jacoby’s – Serving up German staples and beer in the same two story brick building since 1904, Jacoby’s biergarten (link) is the perfect place to grab a schnitzel and a cold one after a day at the track. 

 

Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island – Two restaurants located next to each other in the Campus Martius area, they have become Detroit staples for their different preparations of hot dogs topped with chili. Founded in the early 1900s by two brothers, almost every Detroiter has a preference, and allegiance, to either American or Lafayette. Drop by both and decide for yourself who makes the better dog.

 

Punch Bowl Social – Although not unique to Detroit, Punch Bowl Social puts an adult spin on classic games such as ping-pong, skeeball, bowling, 80’s video games and pinball – all the makings of a great night out. 

 

Green Dot Stables – Green Dot Stables is a small, inexpensive bar and slider joint with a relaxed atmosphere. While their menu features standby’s such as the classic cheeseburger slider, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can sample their more “out there” offering such as the PB&J, Catfish, or even Mystery Meat sliders.

 

Casinos – There are a few casinos within the downtown Detroit area – Motor City Casino, Greektown Casino and MGM Grand Detroit. Offering everything from entertainment, games, restaurants and spas, they are worth checking out. 

 

The Sugar House – The Sugar House bartenders go through rigorous training to make up some of the best craft and classic cocktails in Detroit. On top of their expertly created mixed drinks, The Sugar House boasts one of the largest liquor selections around. But, don’t worry, if you’re not familiar with something they feature, the menu provides a glossary of bar and cocktail related terms.

 

Woodward Avenue – The stretch, most known for the Woodward Dream Cruise in August, is frequented by hot-rodders, cruisers and car enthusiasts alike, all out to strut their stuff on a Friday or Saturday night when the weather is nice. We recommend cruising between Nine Mile Rd and 13 Mile Rd for the best sights and sounds. If you do find yourself out on Woodward, be sure to stop in at the Vinsetta Garage. Once the oldest garage “east of the Mississippi,” it has been re-purposed as an American food joint, retaining all the luster and feel of its past life. Be aware though, they don’t take reservations. However, their open front patio – which allows for serious cool-car watching – and well-stocked bar make the wait enjoyable and almost something to be desired. 

 

Detroit Institute of Arts Museum – The Detroit Institute of Arts is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Founded in 1885, the 658,000 sq. ft. museum features over 100 galleries and is considered to have one of the top collections in the United States. One piece the museum has become known for is its “Detroit Industry” murals painted by Diego Rivera, depicting Detroit’s manufacturing and labor force of the 1930s.