For my birthday this year, I choose to visit Detroit, Michigan. I had recently heard incredible things about the city and Michigan was one of the 6 states I had left to visit. While I may have envisioned myself on the beaches of Lake Michigan or picking cherries around Traverse City or taking in the beautiful vistas of Mackinac Island to check Michigan off my list, we had an incredible time in Detroit. The city surprised me in so many ways. I was able to do my favorite activities such as mural hunting, eating at Instagram worthy restaurants, visiting a world class art museum and wandering the grounds of a botanic garden in the middle of an island. Detroit's architecture was out of this world and the history was visible everywhere. Detroit was amazing and here is what we did on our 3 day trip to the Motor City.
Detroit Day One
We began our trip by checking into the David Whitney Hotel. The hotel is an old post office and the postal details are everywhere on the property. From the old mail boxes to the stamped postcards in the room and the bar seating made out of old clerk windows, we loved the way old can become new in this stunning hotel. The lobby was magnificent with it's glass ceiling and traditional details. The check-in area of the hotel was an old library complete with a plethora of old books, a grand piano that was played each evening, and big cushy couches, perfect for sipping Old Fashions by the fire. Even the guest rooms were on theme with old portraits on the walls and a bar cart with local liquors. We worked from home on Friday and the little desk was a joyful place for me to get work done while Matt spent his work hours in the gorgeous lobby. All in all, a perfect hotel to spend my birthday.
The view from our hotel room was a straight shot to the baseball stadium and we loved how all the sporting venues were next to each other. The area has the baseball field, the basketball/hockey arena, and the football field, all within a few blocks. It was fun to see everyone coming to downtown for the Detroit Pistons playoff game and for the hockey game the following night. The Lions were not in town this weekend, otherwise we would have loved to have seen the game live.
Before our work from home day at the hotel, we headed out to explore the neighborhood, in search of coffee. Art and architecture were everywhere on our short walk. I didn't know where to look as everywhere I turned, there was something beautiful and interesting! We came across a highly recommended coffee spot, Madcap Coffee. The space was bright and clean and the coffee was fantastic. I really enjoyed the mural out front and how it peaked through the windows of the coffee shop.
After a few hours of work, it was time for sustenance. Matt found a cute little Italian deli, La Pecora Nera, where we ate our weight in Antipasti Salad for me and a massive Italian hoagie for Matt. We do love a good Italian cafe!
After working the rest of the day from the stunning David Whitney Hotel, it was time for my birthday dinner at the French restaurant, Le Supreme. The atmosphere was impeccable and the food was some of the best I've had. I'm always a sucker for French food and a cozy ambiance. The holiday decorations made it all the more intimate. Is there anything better than mussels and frites with a glass of champagne? Perfection.
After an amazing dinner, where we were stuffed to the gills, we headed to the famous rooftop bar, Kamper's Rooftop, atop of the Book Tower building. The lobby of the Book Tower was another stunning space with a glass ceiling and a hopping lobby bar. After a quick elevator ride to the top, we stepped out into a cheery bar with a DJ, festive cocktails and absolute breathtaking view of Detroit. Matt had a huge work project that was due that night so had to bring his laptop out at dinner and the bar. I'm sure we made quite a scene, but once he was able to 'slam the laptop shut until Monday', we had a fun night out to celebrate my birthday in style.
Hard to believe we were able to work a full day and do so many exciting things in this new city. Check back for Detroit day 2, 2a, and day 3! Cheers to 40 (something) years!
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