Sights Around Detroit this Week

This week I had many opportunities to explore Detroit, and it was great! I went for a bunch of walks, ate at some good restaurants, and experienced some activities along the Detroit River, and Mid and Downtown. I also learned a few interesting facts about Detroit and Michigan. Reading this post will give you some insight of some restaurants, little trivia facts, and the many places to visit in Detroit. I'm amazed that I have experienced so many places and cultural facets of Detroit in just a few short weeks. I look forward to the many more, and for my classes to begin.

Tuesday I was able to get out and about for a little walk around Midtown. A few of Midtown's attractions include gorgeous architecture and museums. Here are a few pics I took along my walk.



The Detroit Historical Museum is definitely on my list of places to check out.






The DIA, Detroit Institute of Arts, is probably one of my most favorite buildings to look at. It is surrounded by beautiful sculptures and water structures. Containing more than 100 galleries, and holding over 600,000 pieces, it is the 5th largest fine arts museum in the US. I'm going to try my hardest to hold off visiting the museum until one such said "bomb" friend of mine comes for a visit! When he does arrive I'll be sure to take him to the Traffic Jam and Snug, located on the corner of Canfield and 2nd Streets. I'm very picky about eating salmon, so I usually only eat my own recipe, but this recipe sounded so good that I had to try it. The
"Calling Dr. Bombay Salmon" is amazingly delicious! You have to go there just to try it!




The Museum of African American History has been serving students and teachers for over 35 years by providing speakers, exhibitions, and workshops. This weekend also brought the 2008 African World Festival to Detroit's Hart Plaza along the Detroit River. I attended it last evening, and it runs through Sunday. There are over 150 vendors, musical performances, and food. Last night's presentation, in my view it was a fashion show of some sorts, but the clothes were phenomenal and the music delightful. I was dancing! Here is a picture welcoming you to Hart Plaza. I had to take a pic especially after stumbling upon a website that is actually selling clothing about Detroit's Mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick. Not sure if you've heard, but he's recently run into some legal issues. I haven't been here long enough to fully understand the citizen's view of Kilpatrick, but I'm pretty sure I can guess the opinions and feelings of the clothing line designers. I remember watching an Ozzy Osbourne documentary that stated, 'there is no such thing as bad publicity.'


Also along the riverfront last night, I had the chance to experience beautiful scenery while listening to some free live classic rock. One of the local classic rock stations, 94.7 WCSX and GM present Rockin on the Riverfront, it's a FREE concert that is held every Friday throughout the summer. Last night's performers were Blue Oyster Cult. Next week, I'll definitely be there; the performer is Foreigner. Besides the cool, crowded, and loud atmosphere, I also witnessed one of the most beautiful scenes in my life. Boats filled the river during sunset as the band began to play around 8pm. It was gorgeous. I believe last night was a full moon which made it a breathtaking view.

Another day this week I took a stroll down Woodward Ave. to downtown. I LOVE downtown! The Riverwalk is obviously my favorite part, but downtown has a lot of cute little restaurants, HUGE buildings, and many different arenas and theaters. As I mentioned in my first blog, Detroit is a huge sports city, and the Tigers were at home this entire week, playing at Comerica Park, but I don't believe they witnessed too much success. Downtown though was packed every night!

A few of the downtown restaurants that I was able to dine at this week included: The Detroit Beer Pub, located on Broadway St. I had the Vegetarian Pizza which was excellent, but my friend, Matt had the Cajun Catfish, and it was OUT OF THIS WORLD DELICIOUS! I'll definitely go back for it! I also ate thee best wings I've ever eaten! They were served at the Sweet Water Tavern, on Congress and were FABULOUS; not messy at all, and seasoned perfectly. I'm not a rib eater, but they looked great, too.

Also in Downtown Detroit, you'll find a cute little section called Greektown. It has many restaurants, but it's largest attraction is the casino. Currently they are adding on to the casino (see the big blue glass building). When I was here in January to visit WSU, I ate at two different places in Greektown: The Olympia, and Pizza Papilis. I found both to be tasty.


Campus Martius Park is also located downtown, and I find it to be gorgeous! The park area use to be very low and marshy, and was considered to be undesirable for building. 1999, former Detroit Mayor Dennis W. Archer set out to make it one of the most beautiful places on earth. The park came to fruition and was completed in 2004. There are tons of events that are held there and the view is great. Here is the pic I took from across the street. I then made my way over for a rest in one of the many seats provided. The water fountain structure brings a sense of peace.