7 (Ish) Things I Did in Detroit Yesterday

Yesterday a friend and I decided to spend the entire morning and most of the afternoon in the city.

I’ve never been a stranger to the city. I have always loved it, so writing this is a bit overdue. I just didn’t realize how important it was to do so until recently, when I was talking to a friend of mine, (@dreamingundone) about the negative journalism that has recently been surfacing about Detroit. Instead of thinking about the all the diversity and culture, people think of all the violence and bankruptcy. Instead of thinking about art and revival, people think theft and corruption. 

I am not writing this to say that those aspects do not exist. I am writing this to explain that Detroit has suffered beautifully, and it is making a come back.

It felt strange to go back to Dearborn after yesterday. The suburbs are great in their own suburban way, but they have nothing in comparison to Detroit’s tall experienced buildings. The options for entertainment are limited, and there is no room to walk freely from one destination to another. (Technically you can, but it is not very practical, and you will not be accompanied by a bustling crowd of diverse people.)

When people think of Detroit they usually think of this:

And yes, that exists in Detroit.  I took those photos yesterday. But what people are ignoring is that there is also this:

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These photo’s are just a fraction of all there are to see and do in the city. (Eastern Market, Tigers games, Greek Town food, Red Wings pride, the historic Whitney Mansion, theaters like FOX and Majestic and Filmore, Clark Park, the beauty that is the old train station…I could go on all day.)

I was once asked by a lady at an airport where I was going. When I said “Detroit,” she asked me why I would ever want to return home. 

So I’m going to explain why I love Detroit, and why it is my favorite city. 

1. We started the morning off at Astro Coffee on Michigan Avenue, where we sat and enjoyed a cup of coffee. Their coffee list is not as extensive as that of Starbucks of Biggby, but they have your basic choices, for, you know, coffee. (And some pretty intricate blends, too.) The aesthetic of the place was beautiful as you can see a little in the photo, although it does not do the place enough justice. (Yesterday was not my first visit, I am a faithful customer to an excellent cup of coffee.) Oh, and they play good music, which is a coffee shop rarity. 

2. We went from there to Rose’s, a vintage diner recently restored from scratch in order to improve a sense of community in Detroit. How could you not support an idea like that? The owners raised money for the restaurant through Kickstarter,(https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/202186174/roses-fine-food-from-scratch-diner-food-in-detroit) and made a video about why the idea is important to them, and why it is important to know that Detroit is more than “corrupt mayors” and “rubble” and more about “a tight knit community." 
To top it off, the food was delicious, the atmosphere was great. Simple, diner themed, yet country-like and charming. (Watch the video. Do it, and then go there.)

3. Next on the imaginary list was Bell Isle. We walked by the water and sat on bench with a beautiful view of the Renaissance center and Ambassador bridge. We were lucky to have excellent weather, (my favorite kind; 65 and sunny.) The water was still and it was just us and a 1 other man, alone, out on a fishing boat. It was peaceful. (Made me decide I would have a picnic there before I leave for France.) Before we left, we stopped at the fountain, and I made a wish.

4. After that it was the historic Guardian building to see the art deco design on the inside. Again, the photo’s don’t do it nearly enough justice, but it was a gorgeous sight and empowering to be in a building with such history. 

5. After walking through Campus Martius, (which is currently beach themed, decked out even with sand, beach balls, and beach chairs,) we got to the River Walk. It was as great as the River Walk always is; a must-see experience for anyone who lives near Detroit or is visiting the area. I’ve lived here my entire life and I still think it’s cool that I get to stand at one end of a body of water and see a different country on the other side. 

6. Next up was Eastern Market, where I bought some organic honey, and we stopped at Supino’s Pizza. The line was practically out the door, but I don’t think anyone minded, it’s great to see a business booming in the city. While waiting in line the girl in front of me (another Detroiter who’s family owns and runs the local meat market) started a conversation about why she loves the city. She said the place was "changing so much,” and that she loves how she can “spend the entire wait in the line talking to strangers, and they’ll be friendly." (…and the pizza was great, too.)

7. We finished the day with a  quick run through of the Detroit Public Library, and the Detroit Institute of Arts, which everyone now knows is free to Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County citizens. We did a quick run of the whole museum, dedicating a little more time to the recent "Detroit” exhibit by Bruce Webber, a series of photos taken in 2006 which portrays Weber’s interest in the “vitality of Detroit” during a time when most photographers were focusing on it’s vulnerability. (http://www.dia.org/calendar/event.aspx?id=4558&iid=#sthash.jtppnvTM.dpuf)

And even more time on my favorite mural, Detroit Industry murals, Diego Riviera’s testament to the struggles and strengths of Detroit. 

So, that was more than 7, but you get the point. It was a great day, and I already feel a sense of nostalgia just knowing I’m going to be away for a year. 

I believe in Detroit’s revival. 
I love this city.