Moon Spotlight Detroit & Ann Arbor

176 Pages·2014·8.45 MB·English

by  Laura Martone

SPOTLIGHT
DETROIT & ANN ARBOR
LAURA MARTONE
Contents
Detroit and Southeast Michigan
Highlights
Sights
Entertainment and Events
Shopping
Sports and Recreation
Accommodations
Food
Information and Services
Getting There and Around
Windsor, Ontario
The Suburbs
Southeast Michigan
Ann Arbor and the Heartland
Highlights
Ann Arbor and Vicinity
Jackson and Vicinity
Marshall
Battle Creek
Kalamazoo and Vicinity
Grand Rapids
Lansing and East Lansing
Mount Pleasant
Midland
DETROIT AND SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
Although Detroit’s official motto—Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus—
resulted from a catastrophic fire that nearly destroyed the fledgling town in
1805, its meaning could just as easily refer to modern times: “We hope for better
things. It will rise from the ashes.” This is a city, after all, that has witnessed its
share of soaring highs and crushing lows, and yet has always managed to come
back swinging.
Detroit truly hit the map when Henry Ford’s assembly line transformed the
town—and the world—forever. With the assistance of the “Big Three” (Ford,
General Motors, and Chrysler), the Motor City thrived during the first half of the
20th century. Reliance on a single industry, however, inevitably led to
downswings that mimicked those of the auto industry, plunging the racially
divided metropolis into years of crime and unemployment—modern problems
that have, at times, been exaggerated by the national media.
But the Motor City is defined less by its adversity and more by its innovation
and fortitude. Crime is not the crippling issue it once was, and development has
helped to revitalize the downtown area. Unofficially nicknamed the Renaissance
City in the 1970s, Detroit has finally begun to shed its troubled past. Although
it’s still a work-in-progress, this tenacious town—also known for its Motown
music, rock ’n’ roll vibe, and legendary sports figures—has improved its
tarnished image since the turn of the new millennium, and nowhere is that more
apparent than along the waterfront.
Dominating the Detroit skyline, the once-controversial Renaissance Center
has undergone an extensive renovation, transforming the distinctive office, hotel,
and retail complex into the world headquarters of General Motors. In addition,
the city has embarked upon an ambitious development project along the Detroit
River, which it shares with Windsor, Canada. When completed, the Detroit
Riverfront will comprise a new harbor, the expanded William G. Milliken State
Park, and a network of biking and jogging trails. Other recent downtown
enhancements include a new ballpark for the Detroit Tigers, an adjacent football
stadium for the Detroit Lions, and three casino resorts.
HIGHLIGHTS
LOOK FOR M TO FIND RECOMMENDED SIGHTS, ACTIVITIES, DINING, AND
LODGING.
M GM Renaissance Center: Towering above the Detroit River since the
late 1970s, the 73-story Ren Cen is home to GM’s world headquarters, a
1,300-room hotel, a fitness center, a movie theater, and numerous shops
and restaurants. Visitors can take a free, one-hour tour of the enormous
complex, which also includes a vintage auto collection, a tropical atrium
overlooking the river, and incredible views of the Detroit and Windsor
skylines (click here).
M Belle Isle State Park: Situated in the Detroit River, Belle Isle has long
been a treasured spot for visitors and area residents alike. Highlights
include designated biking paths, a zoo, a swimming beach, a conservatory,
golf facilities, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, two fishing piers, and
numerous historic edifices (click here).
M Greektown: One of several ethnic enclaves in the Detroit metropolitan
area, this historic neighborhood invites visitors to experience Greek culture
at its best. Here, you’ll find the longstanding Pegasus Taverna, the annual
Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade, and a flashy casino (click here).
M The Cultural Center: Art and culture lovers flock to this part of
Midtown, which boasts two art museums, three history museums, a science
center, an anthropology museum, a children’s museum, and several well-
preserved Victorian structures, plus nearby theaters and art galleries (click
here).
M Hamtramck: Founded in the early 20th century, this village has long
lured Polish immigrants and other Europeans. While the neighborhood is
more culturally diverse these days, visitors can still come here for Polish
sausages, European baked goods, and traditional artwork (click here).
M The Henry Ford: At this curious complex, visitors can view Henry
Ford’s childhood home, Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory, President
Kennedy’s limousine, Rosa Parks’s bus, and a working 19th-century farm.
You can also hitch a ride to the Ford truck assembly plant for an
informative walking tour (click here).
M Lake Erie Metropark: South of Detroit lies this well-preserved, 1,607-
acre recreation area, popular among hikers, bird-watchers, anglers, golfers,
cross-country skiers, and those who appreciate stunning views of the
Detroit River, Lake Erie, and North America’s first international wildlife
refuge (click here).
M Woodward Dream Cruise: This annual mid-August parade down
Woodward Avenue, from Ferndale to Pontiac, has become the world’s
largest one-day automotive event, luring 1.5 million people and more than
40,000 classic cars from around the globe (click here).