A Weekend In Detroit

So I spent a weekend in Detroit a few weeks ago and I know what you’re thinking, “But why Detroit?” I know because that’s what everyone around me said when I said I was taking some vacation time. But that was the most fun that I’ve had in a really long time, and I honestly recommend checking it out for a weekend getaway.

One of my cousins has been living in Detroit for a couple of years now and always wants family to visit! So finally me and my other cousin who lives in Chicago organized a cousins weekend in Detroit. I flew out on a Friday morning and my cousin in Chicago drove up that same day. I hadn’t been on a vacation in over year and with everything that’s been happening this year (take a look at my life update in this blog post), this long weekend came at the perfect time. Family, food, football and drinks.

Our first day was pretty chill. We had lunch at Mudgies Deli & Wine Shop which I highly recommend. They’re menu includes a number of sandwich and wrap options, with seasonal beverages. I had a southwest chicken wrap and it was amazing. I cannot remember the last time I had a full wrap sandwich at a restaurant. That afternoon we relaxed before heading out for happy hour at a local sushi restaurant Ronin Sushi in Royal Oak. This was some of the best sushi I’ve had since visiting Vancouver and if you’re in the area, definitely check out their happy hour menu.

On Saturday we got up bright and early to walk around downtown Detroit before heading to Ann Harbor for some tailgating at the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game. Before I left for Detroit, everyone told that this would be an all new football experience that I hadn’t seen before. I went to the University of Minnesota, which is the same Big 10 conference as both of those teams, but this was on a different level. The tailgating took place across two golf courses directly across from the stadium. And there were hundreds if not a thousand people, and cars, trucks, and tents forever. These fans are definitely dedicated to their teams on a level I haven’t seen before.

Sunday was our site seeing day. We drove up to Bell Isle State Park which reminded me of Nicollet Island in Minneapolis, but much larger. Also fun fact from my cousin: it’s the only location in the U.S. where you can look south at Canada. Next, we drove through some neighborhoods that have been through better times. I’ve heard stories of these neighborhoods, but to see them is an experience. My cousin drove us to a local mural for some Instagramable tourist photos, which I also noticed there are a number of these murals throughout the Detroit area. We also had to drive up to M-102, or better known as 8 mile road, and also drive through Eminem’s old neighborhood. Finally we swung by the Yates Cider Mill for some fresh cinnamon donuts and cider slushies.

I very much enjoyed my time in Detroit and in a five to ten years I can see the city being a revitalized and sought after place to live. If you live near Detroit or Michigan and are looking for a weekend getaway and you’re into city life, I would recommend it as a place to go! If you’re not so keen on the city part of Detroit, there’s many surround suburbs with local foods and outdoor activities. A little something for everyone.