Discover Hidden Gems in Detroit's Urban Landscape

 

Are you looking for an exciting place to explore and things to do? Look no further than Detroit, Michigan! This vibrant city has something for everyone - from its lively entertainment district to impressive art galleries. Whether you're looking for a fun night out or a relaxing afternoon, Detroit has something to offer everyone. With its world-class restaurants, amazing cultural activities, and unique attractions, Detroit will make an unforgettable impression on you!

Detroit Overview:

Welcome to Detroit, Michigan! Located on the Detroit River and known as the Motor City, Detroit offers a vibrant culture and unique history. From the museums and galleries to professional sports teams and beautiful parks, there's something for everyone in this bustling city. 

Founded in 1701, Detroit has had its share of ups and downs throughout its long history. Despite its struggles, it remains an essential part of America's automotive industry due to its history with cars like Henry Ford's Model T. Additionally, many people come from around the world to experience local attractions such as Belle Isle Park or take in a show at one of many downtown theaters. With plenty of shopping opportunities and delicious cuisine, one can easily find themselves needing help in all Downtown Detroit offers.

Restaurants: Local Favorites:

Detroit, Michigan, is a vibrant city with many different restaurants. Some of the most popular local favorites are definitely worth trying. 

If you're looking for classic Detroit cuisine, check out American Coney Island. This iconic spot has been serving its famous chili dogs since 1917 and is beloved by locals and tourists alike! The classic hot dog meal includes two all-beef franks topped with their signature chili sauce and diced onions — it's a must-have while in Detroit. 

Try out The Whitney Restaurant & Bar, which specializes in regional dishes made with fresh ingredients sourced from Wisconsin farms for some lighter fare. They offer creative salads like smoked salmon atop arugula with pickled vegetables or grilled chicken over roasted cauliflower and farro salad — perfect for lunch or dinner.

Shopping: Boutiques & Malls:

Are you looking for the perfect shopping destination in Detroit? Look no further! Detroit, Michigan, is full of fabulous boutiques and malls, making it a great place to find unique items and pick up bargains. No matter what shopping experience you want, you'll find something to suit your needs in this vibrant city. 

For those wanting an upscale experience, plenty of high-end boutiques offer the latest designer trends. From custom jewelry to luxury fashion, shoppers can expect top-quality pieces from some of the world's most famous designers. Suppose you're looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs or art pieces made by local artists. In that case, Detroit has lots of charming independent stores that will offer excellent choices.

Arts & Culture: Museums & Theaters:

Detroit, Michigan, is a bustling metropolis with a fantastic array of arts and culture. From the renowned Detroit Institute of Arts to the beautiful theaters that host a variety of performances, there are plenty of ways to experience the city's vibrant art scene. 

Whether you're looking for a day trip or something more long-term, you will be satisfied with what Detroit offers. The Detroit Institute of Arts houses renowned works by Van Gogh and Monet and exhibits from local artists. Several theaters provide entertainment for all ages - from Broadway musicals at the Fox Theatre to indie films at Cinema Detroit. Visitors can also check out outdoor festivals featuring live music from famous and up-and-coming acts, craft beer tastings, and summer movie nights!

Sports: Teams & Stadiums:

Detroit, Michigan, is home to some of North America's most beloved and iconic sports teams. From the historic Detroit Tigers baseball team to the star-studded Motor City Pistons basketball squad, Detroit's sports scene is full of passion and pride. 

Moreover, it's not just about the teams; Detroit has several incredible stadiums that provide a unique atmosphere for each sport. The newly renovated Comerica Park is a sight to behold when filled with fans cheering on the Tigers. At the same time, Little Caesars Arena is an unparalleled experience when watching LeBron James and company light up the scoreboard. 

Ultimately, there's something special about being part of a great sporting city like Detroit – come be a part of it!

Nature: Parks & Trails:

Detroit, Michigan, is a city full of life and nature! With dozens of parks and trails, there's something for everyone in Motor City. Whether looking for a peaceful stroll along a wooded path or an adventure filled with wildlife sighting opportunities, Detroit's parks and trails have it all. 

The first stop on your outdoor journey should be Belle Isle Park. This densely forested oasis boasts plenty of hiking trails, some even leading to the shoreline of Lake St. Clair! For those who prefer biking over walking, you'll find miles of paved paths suitable for both leisurely rides and more intense cycles. And you're lucky enough to visit during springtime. In that case, you might catch a glimpse of some native birds migrating back home from their winter vacation spots in warmer climates.

Nightlife: Bars & Clubs:

Looking for a night out in Detroit, Michigan? Then you're in luck! Detroit is home to some of the most exciting bars and clubs around. With its vibrant atmosphere, endless entertainment options, and wide variety of venues, it's no wonder why so many flocks to the Motor City for a fun evening out. 

From rooftop lounges with views overlooking the skyline to rustic speakeasies hidden in alleyways, Detroit has something special just waiting to be explored. Get your dancing shoes ready because each night brings an array of different DJs playing everything from hip-hop and EDM to classic Motown hits. There are also plenty of unique spots specializing in craft cocktails and sports bars, perfect for catching up on all your favorite games. No matter what type of nightlife experience you're looking for, you'll find it here in Detroit!

In conclusion, Detroit is a great place to explore and experience various activities. Detroit has something for everyone, from many music venues to museums. Whether you're looking to take in the sights, catch a game, or check out some local art, Detroit has abundant attractions that will make your trip memorable. So what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to plan your visit and discover everything Detroit offers!

A look back at 2022 business openings, closures in mid-Michigan

Opened: Dick’s Last Resort

Dick’s Last Resort, where sarcasm is always on the menu, and customers should come with a sense of humor and a thick skin, opened its first location in Saginaw County this summer.

A grand opening event for the new Dick’s Last Resort and Cat’s Meow, located at 8845 Gratiot Road, formerly Shooters, in Thomas Township, was Aug. 8. It is the chain’s first location in Michigan.

“At Dick’s Last Resort, we don’t just serve up tasty food and awesome drinks. We also serve up feisty, sarcastic banter, laughter, and an experience unlike any other,” reads the company’s website.

Lolobee’s serves coffee, Tea, and small bites. There’s a piano, space for musical performances, poetry readings, and other forms of artistic expression, and wall space for local artists to hang their work. There’s also a TV and Nintendo Switch set up for gaming.

Opened: Lolobee’s Lounge

Lolobee’s Lounge, a late-night coffee and tea lounge, celebrated its grand opening in Bay City this summer.

Lolobee’s opened at 106 S. Linn St., offering coffee, Tea, and community from noon to midnight.

“We wanted to be open later so there would be something else to do in Bay City,” said Lauren Williams, who owns the business with her boyfriend, Benjamin Paul.

The food truck and catering business now have a permanent location in the food court where Taco Bell was previously located, said owner Dave Paul Olvera.

The grand opening was in August.

Olvera said customers can expect to find all their food truck favorites on the Midland Mall food court location’s menu, including the famous Macho Nacho, made with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, cheese sauce, brisket, chicken, jalapenos, and sautéed peppers, and onions.

Olvera’s Texas Pit Bar B-Q has a new location inside the Midland Mall.

Heidi’s offers over 50 types of cookies, ice cream cookie sandwiches, cookie pies, cookie cakes, and party platters. Cookie flavors include sugar, birthday cake, lemon, cookies and cream, oatmeal raisin, white chocolate macadamia nut, snickerdoodle, coconut joy, red velvet, and peanut butter.

Opened: Heidi’s Darn Good Cookies in Bay City

Heidi’s Darn Good Cookies is expanding its sweet business with a new Bay City location.

The gourmet cookie bakery’s newest store opened in August at 111 N. Linn St., near Midland Street, in Bay City.

The new Red Eye Coffee + Tea hosted a series of soft-opening pop-up-style events to gradually welcome customers back this fall. Pop-up hours are announced via the Red Eye Coffee + Tea Facebook page.

“We’re super excited, super excited to be back,” said business owner Arlene Maul. “I’m just so grateful the construction is finally done.”

Reopened: Red Eye Coffee + Tea

Red Eye Coffeehouse reopened as Red Eye Coffee + Tea in a new space in Old Town Saginaw about two years after closing its former Hamilton Street location.

Opened: Gilly’s Bistro

Gilly’s Bistro is now open and serving customers in Bay City’s Johnson Street Business District.

Guillermo and Diana Gonzalez of Saginaw Township are the owners of Gilly’s Bistro, 1023 N. Johnson St., formerly 3rd and Johnson Market & Eatery. Their restaurant and market, which opened in September, offers a lunch and dinner menu, groceries, and take-and-bake entrees like mushroom ravioli and beef pot pie.

The couple was looking for a new opportunity and researching commercial properties for sale when they came across 3rd and Johnson Market & Eatery.

“My wife and I always enjoyed the vibe out here in Bay City,” Guillermo Gonzalez said. “We had looked at several businesses, and this one just kept gravitating toward us. We fell in love with it the moment we walked in here.”

Prost! celebrated its grand opening at Uptown Bay City on Nov. 3.

“It’s fascinating. We’re excited to be part of Bay City and the community they’ve created there,” said Korina McClellan, who owns Prost! With her husband, Zak McClellan. “I think they’re doing some pretty awesome things in the community, and there’s a lot of growth in Bay City, so we’re excited to be part of that.”

Frankenmuth’s Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie has expanded into the Bay City market with a new location in Uptown Bay City.

Maria Austin is the new owner of The Bread Gal, located at 411 Hancock St. She plans to offer some of the same artisan bread and pastries The Bread Guy was known for, plus cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods.

“I just like the creativity of using my hands to make fresh products for customers and for family and friends,” said Austin, who attended the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute and has worked as a chef in mid-Michigan for the last 13 years.

Old Town Saginaw’s artisan bakery, The Bread Guy, has a new owner and name.

Robbie D’s opened in Old Town Saginaw’s Ippel building in December.

Robbie D’s began as a food truck best known for its wings, burgers, and cheesesteak egg rolls. Now, owner Robert Delgado is growing his business with his first brick-and-mortar location, which opened on Dec. 9.

“I’m really excited,” he told MLive/The Saginaw News before the grand opening. “I’m getting a lot of good feedback from many community members.”

An iconic Saginaw party store has been listed for sale after six decades in business.

Bill’s Party Store, located at 2422 Mackinaw St., and the house next door is listed jointly for a total asking price of $109,900.

Real Estate Agent Elaine Kingry of Century 21 Signature Realty said her phone has been “blowing up” since the listing went live.

“It’s like a Saginaw landmark,” she said. “Everybody remembers Bill’s.”

Kingry said the owner, Bill Vlassis, plans to keep the store open and running until it's sold. As of Wednesday, Dec. 21, a sale was pending.

Opened: Iron Dragon Pastries

Iron Dragon Pastries is one of the newest small businesses to join downtown Saginaw’s SVRC Marketplace.

Iron Dragon Pastries opened in early November, offering pies, pasties, croissants, and other baked goods.

“Everyone’s been really supportive here,” General Manager Ben Okowit-Nagy said during the bakery’s second week inside the marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave. “We’re really thankful. Everyone’s been really nice.”

Okowit-Nagy said the pasties, available in vegan mushroom vegetables and chicken Margherita, have been especially popular.

“Pasties have been flying,” he said. “We have not been able to keep up on them, which has been a nice surprise.”

Reopened: Rita’s Southern Soul Café

Rita’s Southern Soul Café is back in business in downtown Saginaw offering Sunday brunch. Owner Rita Johnson invited area families to celebrate the holiday season with a free party and toy giveaway.

The party was Saturday, Dec. 17, at Rita’s, 110 N. Washington Ave. Guests enjoyed free food, live entertainment, free gifts, trivia, and games.

Rita’s Sunday brunch, offered from noon to 4 p.m. every weekend, includes a variety of foods and a DJ or live entertainment. The price is $18 for a single plate or $25 for all-you-can-eat. Children under 10 eat for free.

After five decades in business, Bay City’s Tuthill Bros. Food Market, located at 1315 Columbus Ave., is closing its doors.

The Tuthill family shared the news via the market’s Facebook page. Their post read, in part:

“After 50 years of business, many generations have walked through these doors and made our family part of your families. We have sincerely enjoyed being a part of everyone’s life.

We have decided that it is time for our family to make changes and move on to the next chapter in our lives. We have decided to retire and close our doors on Dec. 23, 2022.

We thank you for loving us, sticking by us, and supporting us throughout all these years.”

Tuthill Bros. Food Market has been a family-owned, family-operated party store since 1972.

Opened: Aviator Cookie Co. in Bay City

Midland-based Aviator Cookie Co. has expanded with a second location in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Owner Chris Welch, a full-time airline pilot, said he’s excited for his bakery to become part of the Bay City community.

“We’ve had customers that drive from Saginaw, Bay City to come to see us, and, to me, Bay City was always the logical next choice for expansion,” Welch said. “We’re looking to make Bay City our home, too.”

Closing: Baskin-Robbins on Euclid

Mid-Michigan’s last remaining Baskin-Robbins is closing its doors.

The Baskin-Robbins at 801 N. Euclid Ave. in Bay City is closing at the end of the year. Owners Caren and Chris Thomas are retiring and, unable to find a buyer, have decided to close up shop after 25 years.

Opened: Planet Fitness on Tittabawassee

Planet Fitness is now open on Tittabawassee Road in Saginaw County’s Kochville Township.

The new gym, located at 2270 Tittabawassee Road, opened its doors to customers on Friday, Dec. 16. A grand opening celebration is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 21.