A Couples' Weekend Guide to Detroit

Midtown (AKA Cass Corridor )

While Midtown is home to some classic Detroit staples and interesting stop offs, a must-visit in the area is the Museum of Contemporary Arts. For a jolt of caffeine afterwards, the notable Great Lakes Roasting Company is close by. If you're ready for a competitive game of bowling, swing into the classic Majestic Theater. You'll also find some newbies making waves like Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, Shinola, Fellow Barber, City Bird, and Third Man Records. 

Highlight: Old Miami

This classic dive bar has been a staple in Detroit since 1980 and is home to locals, artists, and musicians hanging out over some whisky and a game of pool. Known for showcasing great local musicians and supporting those swinging through, the music reigns top here at Old Miami.

Corktown

A historic district located west of Downtown, it's one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Michigan Avenue boasts a slew of new eateries along with a few hold outs from the beginnings of this mainly residential neighborhood. From stadiums to hotels, this area has taken to a large influx of new gentrification. There are some heavy hitters in the food world so make sure to take some time to explore the food scene on an empty stomach. 

Highlight: Takoi

This small Thai inspired restaurant gives you incredible chef-driven food in a family style tasting room -- there is nothing else like it in town. Taking inspiration from the pantries and markets of Thailand and Southeast Asia, you won’t be disappointed with the rich, deep flavors that land in front of you. This food truck-evolved restaurant, awarded a James Beard in 2017, has lasting power and creative stronghold with a unique perspective.

You can also stop into Slows BBQ to fill up, with Astro Coffee next door for some sweet fix and a cup of coffee. Further down you'll hit Gold Cash Gold, Detroit Barber Co, Ima, Motor City Wine, and more. Further towards Trumbull Ave, you'll find some other choice options for food and drink. Try Ottava Via for some Italian fare, Bucharest Grill for solid burger, Brooklyn Street Local for seasonal fare, Detroit Institute of Bagels, and Batch Brewing Company.

Downtown

Downtown is the hub of extraordinary Neo-Classic architecture along with a handful of standards that have stood the test of time. The Fox Theater movie palace opened in 1928 and is the largest theater with over 5,000 seats. Jumping east, you'll run into notable names like John K King Used & Rare books, one of the oldest and most extensive book shops in the country. Pop into Cliff Bells for live music and another bite or swing through the revitalized Campus Martius Park. The new Shinola Hotel is great for grabbing a bite at their new restaurant at San Morello. For local cocktails, go low-key at Queens Bar or head around the corner to the Candy Bar for a luxe cocktail experience.

Highlight: Detroit Foundation Hotel

A historical main fire station for the city of Detroit that was revitalized and now boasts one of the It places to stay. With their classic industrial decor and original touches from the old fire house, this place keeps it classic yet fresh. You also have a choice area for cocktails and a delicious dinner at the Apparatus Room on the main level.

Eastern Market

Eastern Market is the largest historic public market district in the United States and the Eastern Market farmer's distribution center is the largest open-air flowerbed market in the United States and has more than 150 foods and specialty businesses. Saturdays is the day to get to the market. The space also includes a wide variety of local storefronts like like The Red Bull House of Art and Inner State Gallery. Classics like Gratiot Central Meat Market, Rocky's - a must for buying spices, and Bert's Marketplace BBQ. Close by, you'll fill all your local craft brew desires at the brand new Eastern Market Brewing Co.

Highlight: Beignets 2 Go French Doughnuts 

Warm, delicious, and sweet, this mobile food truck serves up New Orleans style French doughnuts. This flash fried goodness has a light crispy exterior, soft lush center, and is dusted with sweet powdered sugar. Top it off with a rich chicory coffee.

Art Center/ New Center

History reigns supreme in this section of town. You can spend your day wandering while taking in culture at The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Detroit Historical Society, the Detroit Public Library, the Hellenic Museum of Michigan, the Scarab Club, the Whitney, Motown Museum and other notable places. Don’t forget to stop by the Fisher Building, an art deco skyscraper from 1928.

Highlight: Wayne State University - McGregor Memorial Conference Center

This building, completed in 1958, was the first by Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki and marks his shift to his new style of New Formalism. This Historic Landmark is one of three other buildings designed by Yamasaki on the Wayne State Campus. This building has received many accolades including being listed as one of the 500 Notable buildings from the 10th Century to the present.

The group brought the Hanover, Hanover Deluxe, Waverley, & Pearl.