things to do list for Detroit Wedding

**hamtramck boy** · May-08-13, 06:50 PM

hello all.

i'm getting hitched in october and am currently building the website. the vast majority of our guests are going to be from all over the country and i want to show the best my hometown has to offer and encourage them to explore.

i've got the usual list of destinations and sites to see, but if anyone knows of good off the beaten path tours or tour companies, neighborhood suggestions, or anything else, let me know.

i can't wait for the snark.

**Honky Tonk** · May-08-13, 07:42 PM

I'll start.... Don't take them to Mid-Town, it's a cesspool! Are they in good shape? Why not a Historic Walking Tour? Then if you have an extra 10 minutes, take them to Historic Fort Wayne!

http://www.detroityes.com/mb/showthr...-in-full-swing!!

**marshamusic** · May-08-13, 08:32 PM

Belle Isle, in October, will still be pretty, for a drive around, if it's cool.
Museums - DIA/Detroit Historical/Charles Wright
N'namdi Center [[art, Milieu - artwear shopping, Seva - food)
MOCAD - modern art gallery
Shops in the Park Shelton - Peacock Room lady shopping, Emerald - men and lady shopping, T-shirt Shop, Rodin - French restaurant.
Whitney - food Midtown
Traffic Jam - food - Midtown
Le Petit Zinc, food - CorkTown
Mudgies, food, Corktown
Slows, food, Corktown
Willis and Cass, Midtown:
Flo's hip clothing - Midtown
Textures - natural hair and day spa
Avalon Baker - goodies
Tulani Rose - exotic gifty things
Dell Pryor Gallery - art/jewely [[renown art dealer)
Auburn Building, Midtown:
Hugh - Mad Men, house and barwear, accessories
Nora - contemporary design house wears, etc.
Source Books - non-fiction books
Textures - organic hair/day spa Midtown
Xaviers - antiques, specializing in Mid-2oth Century, Michigan Ave.
CAID [[Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit) Gallery [[nr. Woodbridge)
Sweet Potatoe Sensations - Bakery, confectionary - all things Sweet Potatoe, way off the beaten path - Lahser and Grand River.
MBAD Bead Museum - sort of the Heidleburg of the Eastside. Decorated buildings and serious bead shop - Grand River and W. Grand Blvd.
The shops of West Village will be open by October - on Agnes, just west of Indian Village.
Indian Village - take a look at the mansions
Riverwalk, if the weather is still nice
Trinosophe, new coffee house, cafe on Gratiot, across from Market
Great Lakes Coffee - on Woodward, in Midtown
Savvy Chic - Eastern Market - boutique - called a little bit of Paris, in Detroit
If you're feeling real "Detroit", Steve's Soul Food, on Franklin, near Riverwalk
Virgil Carr Center - in Paradise Valley/harmonie Park, art. in this enclave - a cigar bar, blues bar, seafood bar, restaurant
Greektown, of course,
Casinos' of course

and on and on and on......

Congrats!

Wedding is probably Saturday, right? So Eastern Market stuff is out, I presume, though some things are open during weekdays.

**marshamusic** · May-08-13, 08:46 PM

http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/...etroit513.aspx

**cman710** · May-09-13, 09:00 AM

If you have any donut lovers in your party, I would suggest they make a quick trip to Dutch Girl Donuts.

Some of the more authentic Mexicantown eateries would be nice for a bite to eat, too.

**poobert** · May-09-13, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by hamtramck boy

hello all.

i'm getting hitched in october and am currently building the website. the vast majority of our guests are going to be from all over the country and i want to show the best my hometown has to offer and encourage them to explore.

i've got the usual list of destinations and sites to see, but if anyone knows of good off the beaten path tours or tour companies, neighborhood suggestions, or anything else, let me know.

i can't wait for the snark.

I find that a lot of things we think are awesome here are pretty commonplace elsewhere. There are a few exceptions:

I've always been a fan of Baker's Keyboard Lounge, for its intimate setting, remote location, and, of course, music. I have never failed to woo out-of-towners and a laundry list of women by taking them there.

Cadieux Cafe tends to turn a few heads, too. It would be especially nice if you/they could reserve some lanes or go on a weeknight when lanes are available. Weird Belgian-American bocce in dirt pits on the eastside of Detroit, and plenty of Belgian beer and mussels in an old neighborhood bar - outstanding!

While Heidelberg Project has been around for a while and is quite famous/infamous around these parts, national and international visitors are usually quite impressed by it, albeit it is a bit charred these days. The DIA is probably on your "usual destinations" list, but it is still an incredible place by national and international standards, and it would be nice to show them that we have art that doesn't just consist of giant piles of garbage, too.

Having Canada across the way and [[relatively) accessible tends to intrigue out-of-towners, too. I'd say send them there but I don't know what's left to do in Windsor these days, aside from not locking your doors, curling, or getting gay married.

**dmike76** · May-09-13, 09:35 AM

I also had a lot of out-of-towners for my wedding this past March. I took them to a lot of the more famous places and they really enjoyed themselves. Motown Museum was a huge hit, then Traffic Jam for lunch. I just 'happened' to take them down historic Canfield on my way there. Then we went to Motor City Brew while the ladies went to City Bird, Nest, Nora, etc. It was pretty nice. I also took them on a little driving tour in Indian Village. For the rehearsal dinner, we went to Detroit Brewing Co. and they were really impressed. The food and the beer were great. I knew the beer was good, but the buffet we had exceeded my expectations. You could pop by that place for dinner.

**EastsideAl** · May-09-13, 01:18 PM

I find that the Motown Museum is incredibly popular and memorable for anyone over the age of, say, 30. Particularly if you draw one of the really good guides there. I sometimes combine that with a trip to the nearby Fisher Building arcade, which, if you have anyone who's into older architecture, is as spectacular as any such building anywhere. For a full day [[none of my friends and relatives are ever awake early enough or away from a bar long enough for all of this), you could combine it with a trip to DIA, where the Rivera Court is always especially impressive to people who haven't seen it before even if they aren't particularly art lovers. If they are though, the rest of the collection is pretty damned impressive as well.

The Rouge factory tour that takes off from the Henry Ford Museum is generally an enormous hit, as it gives out-of-towners a view of something that seems centrally and uniquely of Detroit, and is an experience they won't forget. Of course, if you have any history buffs or old car or gizmo lovers at all, a visit to the HFM and Greenfield Village is a gimmie [[albeit a rather pricey one, if you have more than a couple people). It's our area's one bona-fide international tourist attraction.

If you live well/time it right, you can also combine this with a nice, delicious, and inexpesive-ish meal in one of the friendly middle-eastern restaurants along the Warren strip in Dearborn, which I often find is interesting and exotic [[and even usefully educational) to out-of-towners. Dropping in at Shatila for some delicious and unusual rosewater and fruit ice creams and perhaps a pastry or two is always intriguing at least.

My father likes to take folks on his eastside "diamonds-in-the-rough" adventure, which always includes a big perch late lunch [[or early dinner on Friday) at the Ivanhoe Cafe [[Polish Yacht Club to my fellow eastsiders). The location of which, at least, never fails to intrigue. This is usually followed by a drink or two or three at one or several of his favorite bizarre hidden watering holes, from the Two-Way to Nick's Gaslight. A drive around Belle Isle is often included, or a trip around Hamtramck, followed by a meal at a local Polish or Bangladeshi restaurant. Polonia is the usual spot, in some large measure so my Dad can talk about the glory days of the Workingmen's Co-Op Cafe. Or, if the crowd is still in a drinking mood, perhaps a dinnertime visit to my Dad's regular 'home' at Sindbad's, where the greeting is warm, the food is lukewarm, and the drinks good and cold. All of this is followed by a late evening nightcap or 2 at Bert's in the Eastern Market, hanging out with some live jazzy music and friendly down-home folks, with a fried shrimp or chicken wing liberally doused in Frank's thrown in on the side for the still peckish. Of course, my Dad is kind of a weird dude, but it sure doesn't get much more Detroit than that...

**hamtramck boy** · May-09-13, 01:23 PM

awesome work guys.

thanks so much. this list was also pretty amazing, if anyone else is interested:
http://www.detroitmoxie.com/home/200...oure-dead.html

**Honky Tonk** · May-09-13, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by EastsideAl

I find that the Motown Museum is incredibly popular and memorable for anyone over the age of, say, 30. Particularly if you draw one of the really good guides there. I sometimes combine that with a trip to the nearby Fisher Building arcade, which, if you have anyone who's into older architecture, is as spectacular as any such building anywhere. For a full day [[none of my friends and relatives are ever awake early enough or away from a bar long enough), you could combine with a trip to DIA, where the Rivera Court is always especially impressive to people who haven't seen it before.

The Rouge factory tour from the Henry Ford Museum is generally an enormous hit, as it gives out-of-towners a view of something that seems centrally and uniquely of Detroit, and is something they won't forget. Of course, if you have any history buffs or old car or gizmo lovers at all, a visit to the HFM and Greenfield Village is a gimmie [[albeit a rather pricey one, if you have more than a couple people). It's our areas one bona-fide international tourist attraction.

If you live well/time it right, you can also combine this with a nice, delicious, and inexpesive-ish meal in one of the friendly middle-eastern restaurants along the Warren strip in Dearborn, which I often find is interesting and exotic to out-of-towners [[and even usefully educational). Dropping in at Shatila for some delicious rosewater and fruit ice creams and perhaps a pastry is always intriguing at least.

My father likes to take folks on his eastside "diamonds-in-the-rough" adventure, which always includes a big perch late lunch [[or early dinner on Friday) at the Ivanhoe Cafe [[Polish Yacht Club to my fellow eastsiders). Usually followed by a drink or two or three at one or several of his favorite bizarre hidden watering holes, from the Two-Way to Nick's Gaslight. A drive around Belle Isle is often included, or a trip around Hamtramck, followed by a meal at a local Polish or Bangladeshi restaurant. Polonia is the usual, in some large measure so my Dad can talk about the glory days of the Workingmen's Co-Op Cafe. Or, if the crowd is still in a drinking mood, perhaps a dinnertime visit to my Dad's regular 'home' at Sindbad's, where the greeting is warm, the food is lukewarm, and the drinks good and cold. All of this is followed by a late evening nightcap or 2 at Bert's in the Eastern Market, hanging out with some live jazzy music and friendly down-home folks, with a fried shrimp or chicken wing liberally doused in Frank's thrown in on the side for the still peckish. Of course, my Dad is a weird dude, but it sure doesn't get much more Detroit than that...

Some VERY good ideas there. The "Polish Yacht Club" is a trip onto itself. Bert's Marketplace Lounge has open mic jazz on Thursday nights. I've seen some famous jazz musicians jamming there from time to time. How about Middle-Eastern food along the strip? Anywhere on Warren between Lonyo and Greenfield.

**Richard** · May-09-13, 05:30 PM

Very nice , save and printing this one.

**Kathleen** · May-10-13, 05:33 AM

Detroit Historical Museum....free admission to all!!

Pewabic Pottery....almost every visitor to the D that I've taken there has bought something to take home for themselves or as a gift. I shop there for a unique wedding gift...consider it for bridal party gifts!

Pure Detroit in the Fisher Building or Pure Detroit in the Guardian Building...two birds with one stone...

**Zacha341** · May-10-13, 05:50 AM

And Midtown Eatery for some great friend chicken and waffles right there on West Grand Blvd off Cass if you are so inclined : )

Great list BTW M-Music!

Originally Posted by Kathleen

Detroit Historical Museum....free admission to all!!

Pewabic Pottery....almost every visitor to the D that I've taken there has bought something to take home for themselves or as a gift. I shop there for a unique wedding gift...consider it for bridal party gifts!

Pure Detroit in the Fisher Building or Pure Detroit in the Guardian Building...two birds with one stone...

**belleislerunner** · May-10-13, 08:25 AM

Dakota Inn Rathskeller is one of those places that doesn't fail to impress. It's in a slightly seedy area - but has a gated lot next door. There is usually a German band doing sing-a-longs, crazy chicken hats, and good old fashioned fun/food. It's basically right off 75 and McNichols. Check the Events listing and try to go for a Sing-a-long/Band Night http://www.dakota-inn.com/web/pages/home/

If they're here over a Sunday morning, La Dolce Vita [[Woodward just north of McNichols) is another must visit for brunch. They have an intimate patio [[which may or may not be open depending on weather) but is also really good Italian weeknights. It's Old School Italy charm [[behind iron gates/vines/outdoor bar) smack dab in Detroit. http://www.ldvrestaurant.net/Home_Page.php

**Honky Tonk** · May-10-13, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by belleislerunner

Dakota Inn Rathskeller is one of those places that doesn't fail to impress. It's in a slightly seedy area - but has a gated lot next door. There is usually a German band doing sing-a-longs, crazy chicken hats, and good old fashioned fun/food. It's basically right off 75 and McNichols. Check the Events listing and try to go for a Sing-a-long/Band Night http://www.dakota-inn.com/web/pages/home/

If they're here over a Sunday morning, La Dolce Vita [[Woodward just north of McNichols) is another must visit for brunch. They have an intimate patio [[which may or may not be open depending on weather) but is also really good Italian weeknights. It's Old School Italy charm [[behind iron gates/vines/outdoor bar) smack dab in Detroit. http://www.ldvrestaurant.net/Home_Page.php

More good calls. Damn, I'm starting to like living here........

**dmike76** · May-10-13, 08:35 AM

Dakota Inn is awesome. You could always take them to Tom's Tavern. The bar is so sloped that it feels like you're having a drink on the Titanic.

**marshamusic** · May-10-13, 09:24 AM

Tom's Tavern is still OPEN??????????????? The one on 7 Mile????

**dmike76** · May-10-13, 10:08 AM

Yeah I believe so. I think it's been over a year since I've been there, but my U of D alum buddies haven't mentioned anything about it closing.

**DetroitPlanner** · May-10-13, 10:09 AM

To Do List:

Get the oil changed
Go to eastern market and get beans,
Pick up the kids,
Mow the lawn,
Buy beer,
Buy more beer.

**marshamusic** · May-10-13, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by dmike76

Yeah I believe so. I think it's been over a year since I've been there, but my U of D alum buddies haven't mentioned anything about it closing.

I thought it would have collapsed by now.

Back in the day [[when I used to hang like that), it would feel like Captain Jolly, Poopdeck Paul or Popeye would come from out of the back somewhere and have a cold one.

**stasu1213** · May-11-13, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by hamtramck boy

hello all.

i'm getting hitched in october and am currently building the website. the vast majority of our guests are going to be from all over the country and i want to show the best my hometown has to offer and encourage them to explore.

i've got the usual list of destinations and sites to see, but if anyone knows of good off the beaten path tours or tour companies, neighborhood suggestions, or anything else, let me know.

i can't wait for the snark.

Don't forget the Biergarten in West Village on Van Dyke south of Kercheval. You guys could go to a play produce by Magenta Giraffe. They usually hold plays in October just go on there website. Hopefully Woodward would have more decent retail stores opening by October which would make shopping and dining a nice experience in Detroit #1