Inspira Boards: Detroit - Give It A Chance

Now for a topic near and dear to my heart. Detroit.

Is Detroit all gun fights and abandoned buildings? No. Do those things happen there? Sure, and maybe slightly more frequently than in your sleepy suburb. But is there more, much more, to the city? Oh gods, yes. Forget what you’ve seen and heard on the news and open your eyes to the real downtown Detroit.

When I tell people that I am from Detroit (well, a suburb they’ve never heard of, anyway) I usually get the same reaction - awe, shock, and open-mouthed horror. When people think of the city their brains seem to immediately jump to riots, gang violence and poverty. Yes, those things occur or have occurred in the past, but they have in every other major city in the nation as well. People watch the news and only hear the negative. No news station is reporting the fact that in 2010 homicide rates dropped by 15% and were the lowest since 1967 – 70% of those homicides being drug related (cite: wikipedia). There is no denying that crime exists, but it is not unique to Detroit or worse than in other major cities.

The heart of downtown Detroit remains attractive and bustling. There are numerous historical attractions and stunning works of architecture to view. Between renovations and revitalizations the city is actually looking better than it has in years. Abandoned lots are being turned into gardens and run-down buildings getting charismatic new paint jobs. Sure, there are quite a number of dilapidated old factories, but for the most part the city center is in tact and without need of these conversions.

One may be daunted by the drive into the downtown area; there are plenty of old automotive plants and warehouses left to rot on the outskirts of town. But once through that you are greeted with everything a big city should have: Entertainment, fine dining, big business and people. The heart of the city is still very much alive and beats with renewed fervor.

There are plenty of world class hotels, restaurants and theaters. Easily reached by city residents, Wayne State University calls the heart of Detroit its home. WSU provides a nationally recognized, phenomenal education with hundreds of degree options ranging from trade skill certificates to doctorates. They offer hundreds of millions of dollars in scholarships every year (cite: wikipedia) with Michigan residents paying one of the lowest tuition rates in the state.

If it is entertainment you want, look no further. The Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and Lions all call metro Detroit their home. Not a sports fan? Check out one of the many shows or concerts at the Fox Theater or the Fisher Theater. The Fisher is celebrating its 50^th year of bringing Broadway to Detroit! Want something more… interactive? Detroit boasts three busy casinos, each with their own live entertainment, food and attractions. Want to be outside? Check out Hart Plaza and the various festivals that take place their yearly, right on the river. The Jazz Fest is the largest in the world and the Electronic Music Festival is the largest free festival in the world. Take a stroll on the Riverwalk or visit the Wintergarden.

If art is more your pace then Detroit has what you want. Pewabic Pottery is a sight to be seen, with more tiles, vases and dinnerware than you’ve probably ever seen in one place. Of course a must-see in the city is the Detroit Institute of Arts. It’s simply fantastic. In to architecture? Check out the Fisher Building or Guardian Building for stunning examples of art deco. Go to The Whitney (fine restaurant, formerly David Whitney House) for gorgeous Romanesque revival in jasper, onyx, wood and marble. There are various statues scattered throughout the city, including the “Spirit of Detroit” and the “Fist of a Champion.” The Horace E. Dodge Memorial Fountain at the center of Hart Plaza is a sight to be seen.

There is also plenty of shopping and nightlife. Bricktown, the area around the Wayne County Building, has trendy boutiques well worth visiting. The Eastern Market has super fresh produce, meat, etc. If you’ve never experienced bartering, try visiting there for an adrenaline rush. Visit the Renaissance Center and check out the shops there. Maybe even stay at the Marriott there, the Western Hemisphere’s tallest hotel (cite; wikipedia). The Bureau of Urban Living is a MUST SEE if you like modern décor, along with the whole Mid-Town area. Also in Detroit, you never have to look far for a happening nightclub or bar. Pick your theme and I promise there is a bar or club to fit your needs.

If I haven’t convinced you that Detroit isn’t all the bad it’s cracked up to be, you probably didn’t care in the first place. Maybe visit for a sporting even followed by dinner. Stop at a casino and then stay at a riverfront hotel. Instead of avoiding Detroit like the plague, give it a chance. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Sources:

Inspira Boards

Photographic Collections That Inspire for Various Reasons

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Detroit - Give It A Chance

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