Hello, Michie here, ready to report on my recent visit with the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau! One of the most exciting activities I took part in was the press event announcing plans for Cobo Center’s renovation. The $221-million renovation is set to include a new “signature space” in the form of a three-story glass atrium, a 40,000-square foot ballroom, a high-tech “media mesh” that will function as a giant digital signboard and more! I was most excited to see the virtual walk-through video that previews what the new Cobo will look like. Watch it HERE.
Next up was the annual hot rod extravaganza, Autorama. I could almost feel the wind on my scales as I sat in this beauty. Since Detroit is the city that put the world on wheels, you can expect to find numerous events and attractions for car lovers year-round. In fact, there are so many events; they’re collectively referred to as Autopalooza.
Outdoor activities abound in The D. I got back to nature with a speedy trip down a sledding hill at Stony Creek Metropark. There are several Metroparks throughout Southeastern Michigan that offer a variety of activities year-round. Meeting attendees will have no problem filling downtime with activities such as kiteboarding, geocaching, canoeing and more!
My next stop was the Suburban Collection Showplace (formerly known as the Rock Financial Showplace). Many public expositions are held here throughout the year ranging from Golf Shows to Wine Expos. The Diamond Center is perfect for conferences and meetings with facilities to accommodate up to 2,200 attendees.
Just north of Detroit in the Destination District of Oakland is Birmingham. In this upscale suburb’s walkable downtown I found shops, restaurants, bars, the exquisite Townsend Hotel and two movie theaters. While I settled in to watch the animated feature Gnomeo & Juliet at the Palladium, I couldn’t help but miss the days of great animations like Finding Nemo.
In nearby Troy, visitors will find the shopping mecca of Somerset Collection. I felt like a true fish out of water as I perused the luxury retailers within Somerset South, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and others. When I crossed the glass-enclosed moving walkway to Somerset North I was greeted by the three-story atrium, which gives a bird’s eye view of the mall and fountain below. Somerset Collection is 1.44 million square feet with over 180 stores and restaurants.
I got chills up to my gills as I toured the Motown Museum! Getting up close to the artifacts from this era was thrilling. And I never imagined I’d get to go into Studio A where the Motown sound was created. You can join the likes of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson and others by singing and dancing through Studio A when you tour the Motown Museum.
A great way to explore downtown Detroit is via the Detroit People Mover. For just 50 cents a ride this elevated transportation system offers great views of Detroit’s International Riverfront, the Windsor, Ontario, Canada skyline, and all the major landmarks in The D. During my ride I saw Comerica Park and Ford Field. Detroit is known for their winning sports teams and coming soon is Opening Day for the Detroit Tigers. This annual event becomes a street party throughout downtown as fans celebrate the return of their Tigers.
Last, but not least I headed to Greektown. This area is a nightlife mecca within The D. Flanked by Greektown Casino-Hotel; there are many restaurants and bars to choose from for an evening of fun. And if you choose to go into one of the authentic Greek restaurants, be sure to order the Saganaki, which is served with a rousing “Opa!” In addition to Greektown Casino, there are two other high-stakes gaming venues in Detroit – MotorCity Casino Hotel and MGM Grand Detroit – with luxury hotels, delectable dining, relaxing spas and flexible meeting spaces for schools of fish large and small.
The D won my heart hook, line and sinker. I’m currently planning my return trip for when the weather is warmer and the waters are inviting! Go to visitdetroit.com to plan your next trip or event in The D.
