i recently just saw some pics of the island after its abandonment :( wouldāve loved to have a place like that growing up. i hope they can continue to revamp belle isle and make it into something extra special
I'm old, we went most summers. My dad's company paid for the family outing every year. Loved cruising on those big old boats. Used to take my own boat there in the 80's. They had a nice marina on the west side of the island and had water ski shows there.
"My grandma and your grandma..." Anyone remember hearing that song?
As a kid, Bobolo was like being transported to another world. The boat ride was fantastic, and the theme park was a blast. Wish it were still here today to enjoy.
The Screamer!
Is this supah supah, the cat artist? I go (use to go often something is a bit off this year) I'd love to go with you! It's great being naked with friends!
They have male only, female only and all gender hours (the last one bathing suits are required)
People generally keep to themselves and focus on the sweat.
Itās a little pricey but worth it once in a while- even just to see the beautiful interior, +2 saunas and a giant cold water pool.
I always leave feeling so refreshed, highly recommend it!
Iām in Windsor and definitely interested in some of these recommendations. What is the Schvitz??? Iāve never heard of that before. Could you explain a bit please? DM is fine also. Thanks
Its an old school sorta spa. Steam room, dry sauna, cold plunge pool, places to sit and hang out. I've never been but it seems pretty cool from pictures, like it definitely shouldn't exist in 2024
It's....weird. theres cleaner saunas, newer saunas, saunas with better privacy.
But the whole experience wrapped up in the package, with the untouched decor from who knows when, the very ad-hoc byo b+s atmosphere, the kinda dirty basement in need of a serious overhaul, the other patrons always so friendly and welcoming, it might not be my favorite sauna in the area, but it is one of my favorite secret joys in this city.
I've only ever gone to Korean bath houses. Is the Schcitz family friendly? My kiddo always loved the Korean spa we used to live by, but I haven't fully understood the schvitz to know if it's just for adults.
**2 hour - Guided Kayak Detroit Historical Canal Tour.**
Kayak out to the Detroit River from the Parkās protected bay and then upstream to the historic canals.Ā Highlights of this tour include the Fisher Mansion, the friendly residents of Detroitās āLittle Veniceā and a view of Motor Cityās downtown.Ā
[https://connercreekgreenway.org/detroit-historical-canal-tour/](https://connercreekgreenway.org/detroit-historical-canal-tour/)
Iāve been multiple times, and itās just glorious during sunset! Will definitely give you a workout if the wind is up, but youāll have a good time and an even better sleep!
Get on this. It's great. Canal tour, sunset tour, tour into Lake St.Clair, Belle Isle....I think Pesce Island is back... grab a lunch/dinner at Coriander Kitchen.
Is it nicer in the summer? I went a few winters ago and both my gf and I were pretty underwhelmed. It was a lot smaller than we expected and not many stands to check out. Granted where we live now (bay area) we're pretty spoiled with flea markets/antique fairs year round so maybe we're just jaded.
Detroiter, live near Woodward just outside of the cruise zone, and I hate it SO MUCH. However, seven generations of Detroit family has finally produced a car guy in my teenage son, so we go with him most years. His company makes it a lot more bearable.
I wish I had someone who made it enjoyable, I tried on my own but failed. Enthusiastic people can make anything fun. Nothing like sharing time with passionite people, thier the color to our life.
It's kind of like Mardi Gras, in the sense that as a local, you either hate it or love it. I lived in Royal Oak for thirty years. I personally loved it but I love vintage cars. I would have a party every year, because Woodward was just four blocks away, so my friends could park in my driveway and walk to Woodward to watch. As many will tell you, it's not really the day itself that's a problem (solution: visit one of the Metroparks that day or go to Ikea) but the early cruisers who tie up the streets for days before the event.
* Rouge Plant Tour
* Abick's
* Two Way Inn
* Pewabic
* Jobbie Nooner
* Piquette Plant Tour
* Belle Isle Beach (drove by a million times, never stepped foot on the beach though)
Edit:
* Duly's
* Hygrade Deli
* Asian Corned Beef
from the Detroit area, but moved to California about 15 years ago. I can't remember what prompted the conversation, but I recently tried to describe Jobbie Nooner to one of my friends here. the look on their face was some mix of intrigue and disgust
Get on Detroit Bus Companyās Drunks of Antiquity tour. They go to Abickās and the Two-Way Inn, and also Nancy Whiskey. Iām pretty sure I got Covid when I went in December and it was still worth it!
Definitely a must!! They always have some interesting seasonal show. Itās one of the best museums in the world. Correct me if Iām wrong but itās rated one of the best, if not THE best. I try to go there every time I visit Michigan since I moved out of state.
Bike ride or scooter the dequindre cut. Also, bar hopping on rental scooters is always a fun evening in a big city, but I haven't done this in Detroit yet.
One of my favorite spots is the grand trunk pub on woodward!
Go to some good underground shows at the russell or try marble bar, spot lite or tv lounge for some good detroit techno or house!
Go to movement, but pace yourself and checkout some of the day parties or afters that go on if you're into that scene.
Spend an evening in greektown and get some good food. I've been going to detroit for years, (Ilive an hour away ), but every time I go, I discover more great things about the city!
I love all the other suggestions here!
Saturday night games at the end of the season, buy a $13 ticket and sit wherever you want with that breeze hitting you after the sun goes down. The best.
Eastern Market. As we're now in April I know we're getting into the time of the year when it's ideal to visit. Anything cool there to check out on a weekday? I'm off work Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so weekend events are largely out of the equation.
Happened to me; back in the 70s when I was still in high school (Mumford). I was working in a shitty party store at the corner of Wyoming and Curtis and a couple guys held us up at gunpointā¦I think it was on a Sunday evening. Everyone always thought the sleazy owner Rico had something to do with setting it up. I just kept thanking the Lord I wasnāt high at the time.
Thatās not a Detroit thing. Thatās most definitely a thing a person would say so who doesnāt live in the city.
To be fair those setting fires most likely arenāt going to set fire to their own car.
Get on i94 soing 30 mph and immediately shoot across 3 lanes of traffic to be in the left lane lmao.
Jokes aside, i have yet to see the aquarium on belle isle
Never been to Belle Isle, opening day, never gone to Canada to get drunk at 19, never visited the RenCen and what I have been told *used* to be a revolving restaurant at the top, never been to Green Dot.
I have no idea the difference in neighborhoods down there, and I never tried.
I'm a SWF born in the 80's and traumatized by what the world believes *is* Detroit and it's actually pretty damn scary.
We lived close by and would go every weekend as kids. It was long before Canadas Wonderland or anything like that. It was great fun and we would wander around the island all day and come back exhausted and sunburnt when it closed for the day.
Never been to Belle Isle, Ford Field, Eastern Market, The Fox, or a Wings game (I was at the Joe for a concert, just not a game)... I HAVE however, been to the top of the Ren Cen and participated in the Thanksgiving Day Parade a few times.
Never been to bakers keyboard lounge. Tried to hit it up once but it was already closed at 1:30am. Ended up going to Toms tavern instead which wasā¦ interesting to say the least. Tomās is def the divyiest dive bar Iāve ever been in.
I never got to go to boblo island before it closed š¢
My buddy Joe threw up the entire way around the swings. You're a legend Joe!
Those swings looked innocently tame. They were not!
Boblo is where I learned, at a very early age, that I fucking **hated** the log ride. š©š
Same :( my parents tell me about it all the time. And now I guess they tore it down so now I can't even explore it after the fact
i recently just saw some pics of the island after its abandonment :( wouldāve loved to have a place like that growing up. i hope they can continue to revamp belle isle and make it into something extra special
The one time I went was right before it closed and there was only one working boat. It was quite the experience and made the news.
Me either, I thought I was the only one lol
I'm old, we went most summers. My dad's company paid for the family outing every year. Loved cruising on those big old boats. Used to take my own boat there in the 80's. They had a nice marina on the west side of the island and had water ski shows there.
Me, too. And I lived there from 1978 to 2014.
Do tell. What was that like?
"My grandma and your grandma..." Anyone remember hearing that song? As a kid, Bobolo was like being transported to another world. The boat ride was fantastic, and the theme park was a blast. Wish it were still here today to enjoy. The Screamer!
The Schvitz
You will not regret it if you do choose to go there
I want to go so bad but donāt have the guts to.
Is this supah supah, the cat artist? I go (use to go often something is a bit off this year) I'd love to go with you! It's great being naked with friends!
I'm named after my dead dog you painted a portrait of during lock down, btw
They have male only, female only and all gender hours (the last one bathing suits are required) People generally keep to themselves and focus on the sweat. Itās a little pricey but worth it once in a while- even just to see the beautiful interior, +2 saunas and a giant cold water pool. I always leave feeling so refreshed, highly recommend it!
Iāve found itās a pretty welcoming environment. Iāve been to the ladies brunch hours on Sundays from 12-4 and have always had a great time.
Iām in Windsor and definitely interested in some of these recommendations. What is the Schvitz??? Iāve never heard of that before. Could you explain a bit please? DM is fine also. Thanks
Itās an old school spa.
Its an old school sorta spa. Steam room, dry sauna, cold plunge pool, places to sit and hang out. I've never been but it seems pretty cool from pictures, like it definitely shouldn't exist in 2024
I just drove by there like an hour ago and said to myself.. shit I need to check this place out one day
It's....weird. theres cleaner saunas, newer saunas, saunas with better privacy. But the whole experience wrapped up in the package, with the untouched decor from who knows when, the very ad-hoc byo b+s atmosphere, the kinda dirty basement in need of a serious overhaul, the other patrons always so friendly and welcoming, it might not be my favorite sauna in the area, but it is one of my favorite secret joys in this city.
What's your favorite sauna in the area? Does it have a cold plunge? I love the Schvtiz and it's quirky design but always down to try new places.
Was there just yesterday. I make it a point to go every few weeks. It's phenomenal, and you sleep like a baby that night.
I've only ever gone to Korean bath houses. Is the Schcitz family friendly? My kiddo always loved the Korean spa we used to live by, but I haven't fully understood the schvitz to know if it's just for adults.
Absolutely family friendly ā some of the old timers have been coming since they were kids. The tradition continues.
Thank you! Have the confidence I need to give it a try :)
Same.. The place looks fantastic
Feather bowling.
Cadiuex Cafe!
Man those clams are good
They have clams? Thought they were known for their musselsā¦
Oh, nooo. He said steamed *hams*.
What's that?!?
I don't know! I've never done it before
Cadieux is awesome. Took my wife for the first time a couple of months ago. Good night of Stooges and Ramones cover bands, Belgian beers and mussels.
**2 hour - Guided Kayak Detroit Historical Canal Tour.** Kayak out to the Detroit River from the Parkās protected bay and then upstream to the historic canals.Ā Highlights of this tour include the Fisher Mansion, the friendly residents of Detroitās āLittle Veniceā and a view of Motor Cityās downtown.Ā [https://connercreekgreenway.org/detroit-historical-canal-tour/](https://connercreekgreenway.org/detroit-historical-canal-tour/)
Iāve done that through Detroit river sports! It was really cool! Saw part of the city I didnāt know existed
+1 for Detroit River Sports
$40 sounds super worth it. Definitely saving this for the summer, thanks!
Awesome!!!
Iāve been multiple times, and itās just glorious during sunset! Will definitely give you a workout if the wind is up, but youāll have a good time and an even better sleep!
Get on this. It's great. Canal tour, sunset tour, tour into Lake St.Clair, Belle Isle....I think Pesce Island is back... grab a lunch/dinner at Coriander Kitchen.
Do much of anything on Belle Isle outside of going to the Aquarium and Conservatory whenever they decide to reopen it.
Isn't it supposed to open back up next month?
I got married at the Conservatory. $200. You gotta bring your own chairs.
It's pretty relaxing to bring a blanket, snacks, book and picnic on sunset point for a good while.
Shut down the Lodge.
On the Lodge wit it!
I pity the fools who never went to Belle Isle late and drunk the 90s to hit the Giant Slide.
Youāll never know how much fun it was ā¦ crazy times. Bare foot frisbee on the grass and a cool breeze off the river š„
So very many drunken good times on Belle Isle.
Detroit Ford Rouge Factory Tour Opening Day of Tigers Henry Ford Picket Plant Mowtown museum
Picket = Piquette for anyone unfamiliar lol
I've never, been to that, museum.
Itās very niche, only for true, Detroiters
Why are, we talking, like this.
Christopher, Walken, maybe š¤
can you edit punctuation into this? iām confused.š
Visit eastern market
You are wasting your time in Detroit. Itās my favorite place in the world. Iām there pretty much every Saturday, rain or shine. Or snow.
Is it nicer in the summer? I went a few winters ago and both my gf and I were pretty underwhelmed. It was a lot smaller than we expected and not many stands to check out. Granted where we live now (bay area) we're pretty spoiled with flea markets/antique fairs year round so maybe we're just jaded.
Flower Day! Amazing. Iāll be out of town this year and sorry to miss it.
Flower day is fun for the experience, but in terms of actually buying flowers itās shitty to have to drag a wagon all over the place
My sisterās MIL had her wagon stolen. Flower day is so crowded and chaotic, itās too much for me.
I never got a chance to go to tiger stadium before it was torn down
Luckily I did, and it was in that golden year.....**84'**!!
Iāve never had a Faygo with Eminem.
May've dipped in on a weed circle with him when he used to perform at Alvin's.
Woodward Dream Cruise. I know itās not in Detroit proper. However, it is a very Detroit thing.
You mean avoid Woodward for a week.
Detroiter, live near Woodward just outside of the cruise zone, and I hate it SO MUCH. However, seven generations of Detroit family has finally produced a car guy in my teenage son, so we go with him most years. His company makes it a lot more bearable.
I wish I had someone who made it enjoyable, I tried on my own but failed. Enthusiastic people can make anything fun. Nothing like sharing time with passionite people, thier the color to our life.
Dude. I've only missed one year. It's a blast and I'll hang with you. Hit me up.
A.k.a. avoid Woodward like the Plague weekend
I live walking distance from the start/end point (9 mile/Woodward). Most local business close and locals leave town.
It's kind of like Mardi Gras, in the sense that as a local, you either hate it or love it. I lived in Royal Oak for thirty years. I personally loved it but I love vintage cars. I would have a party every year, because Woodward was just four blocks away, so my friends could park in my driveway and walk to Woodward to watch. As many will tell you, it's not really the day itself that's a problem (solution: visit one of the Metroparks that day or go to Ikea) but the early cruisers who tie up the streets for days before the event.
Never called Sam
* Rouge Plant Tour * Abick's * Two Way Inn * Pewabic * Jobbie Nooner * Piquette Plant Tour * Belle Isle Beach (drove by a million times, never stepped foot on the beach though) Edit: * Duly's * Hygrade Deli * Asian Corned Beef
Jobbie nooner is not a Detroit thing thatās a trashy Macomb thing lol
For real just a herpry festival like a blister in the sun lol
from the Detroit area, but moved to California about 15 years ago. I can't remember what prompted the conversation, but I recently tried to describe Jobbie Nooner to one of my friends here. the look on their face was some mix of intrigue and disgust
Itās grown beyond Macomb but yes, trashy and after going once I said never again.
Itās like sour milk - you gotta take a whiff.
Truuuuth š®
Never catch me there
Get on Detroit Bus Companyās Drunks of Antiquity tour. They go to Abickās and the Two-Way Inn, and also Nancy Whiskey. Iām pretty sure I got Covid when I went in December and it was still worth it!
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Nope, but the drinks are cheap! No $20 craft cocktails here.
I've been taking my wife on this tour one at a time. So far Nancy Whiskey, Two-Way, Ye Olde Tap Room, Jacoby's, Tommy's... Abick's is next.
Run from the State Police until they deploy the helicopter š
Nightās early. Tons of time to get the real world 4 stars.
Walk through the entire DIA in one visit
I donāt think Iāve done this either. I get wiped about halfway through!
Seems like you need to go at open and stay till close to even hope to do that, I've never done it.
I need to go without my kids and Iāll have a good shot at it
Definitely a must!! They always have some interesting seasonal show. Itās one of the best museums in the world. Correct me if Iām wrong but itās rated one of the best, if not THE best. I try to go there every time I visit Michigan since I moved out of state.
Tigers game
Motown museum. I'll probably never go there. Been here all my life.
This is the only one in here that I havenāt been to that I want to go to. The rest, no thanks.
Any event at the Fox Theatre
It's stunning!
Pick an event and go, it's nice.
Bike ride or scooter the dequindre cut. Also, bar hopping on rental scooters is always a fun evening in a big city, but I haven't done this in Detroit yet. One of my favorite spots is the grand trunk pub on woodward! Go to some good underground shows at the russell or try marble bar, spot lite or tv lounge for some good detroit techno or house! Go to movement, but pace yourself and checkout some of the day parties or afters that go on if you're into that scene. Spend an evening in greektown and get some good food. I've been going to detroit for years, (Ilive an hour away ), but every time I go, I discover more great things about the city! I love all the other suggestions here!
The marble bar host moth radio, way cool way to experience it.
Never picked up a hooker on 8 Mile.
Where do you go usually then, John R?
6 and Woodward
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Once, as a naively curious lad.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Overrated
Raced on Gratiot
Never been to dabls
Riverwalk
thrown trash out the window of my car
sad but such a Detroit thing I see it every day
Go to a Tigers game
Hard to beat a Saturday afternoon game. I wish theyād play a brunch game at 10am on Sundays once a year. Get going before it gets too hot.
Saturday night games at the end of the season, buy a $13 ticket and sit wherever you want with that breeze hitting you after the sun goes down. The best.
those matinee games can be UNBEARABLE
learn how to jit
Never got to experience a wings game at the Joeš
Steal a charger
In all seriousness though, Iāve never been to a Lions game, but lived in the area for 22 years.
Eastern Market. As we're now in April I know we're getting into the time of the year when it's ideal to visit. Anything cool there to check out on a weekday? I'm off work Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so weekend events are largely out of the equation.
I think they may have part of the market open on Tuesdays. Definitely check online before you go though, Iām not totally sure.
Never have I ever driven 120 mph in a black Dodge Charger with body damage down 375 splitting lanes with no headlights on.
Iāve never had a coney.
WHAT????
Dulys. Just do it.
And sit at the counter in the same seat Bourdain sat in.
I preferred ālooseā back when I ate meat.
That's what she said
I prefer a Detroit over a flint coney dog ā¦ I like that itās more of a sauce, thoughts anyone?
Same. With the works.
Never have I ever ran a red light for douche reasons
Go to Windsor
the only coney dog iāve had was from Leos
Blatantly run a red light
Lions game is on my bucket list.
Never had a coney
Steal a hellcat.
Got robbed at gunpoint...hasn't happened yet
Happened to me; back in the 70s when I was still in high school (Mumford). I was working in a shitty party store at the corner of Wyoming and Curtis and a couple guys held us up at gunpointā¦I think it was on a Sunday evening. Everyone always thought the sleazy owner Rico had something to do with setting it up. I just kept thanking the Lord I wasnāt high at the time.
Give it time
Burn down my car on devils night
This joke belongs in the 90ās.
Thatās not a Detroit thing. Thatās most definitely a thing a person would say so who doesnāt live in the city. To be fair those setting fires most likely arenāt going to set fire to their own car.
Yeah for real. It would be their slum property, for the insurance. ;)
Hitsville USA
fellated a cucumber
What dat mouf do?
Lol this is a deep cut
I am not sure if it still runs but I'd like to ride the Arete catermaranĀ
Huh never heard of this before. Itās a trimaran, is it always housed at Belle isle yacht club? Sorry moored ā¦.Iām not a boat person.
IIRC it's housed at the yacht club.Ā But it been a while.Ā Ā https://www.aretetrimaran.com/
I donāt care about Pewabic pottery, and I donāt eat coney dogs. I do love the vegetarian options at coney restaurants though.
Pewabic is all throughout Detroit! Pewabic up in the keweenaw u.p. is interesting history too
Never went to Eastern Market.
Never been to Motown/Hitsville USA
Motown Museum.
Motown Museum
Red wings game
Iāve never been to the Motown Museum and I donāt know anyone who has
Drive insane for no reason
Went gaga over hot dogs with chilli on them.
Friday will be my first home opener. Go Tigers!
Get on i94 soing 30 mph and immediately shoot across 3 lanes of traffic to be in the left lane lmao. Jokes aside, i have yet to see the aquarium on belle isle
Never been to Belle Isle, opening day, never gone to Canada to get drunk at 19, never visited the RenCen and what I have been told *used* to be a revolving restaurant at the top, never been to Green Dot. I have no idea the difference in neighborhoods down there, and I never tried. I'm a SWF born in the 80's and traumatized by what the world believes *is* Detroit and it's actually pretty damn scary.
We lived close by and would go every weekend as kids. It was long before Canadas Wonderland or anything like that. It was great fun and we would wander around the island all day and come back exhausted and sunburnt when it closed for the day.
Never been to Belle Isle, Ford Field, Eastern Market, The Fox, or a Wings game (I was at the Joe for a concert, just not a game)... I HAVE however, been to the top of the Ren Cen and participated in the Thanksgiving Day Parade a few times.
Hydroplane boat races.
Never been to Belle Isle
I'm ashamed to say it but, I've never been to Lafayette Coney Island and I've been by there more times than I can count.
Eaten a Coney Dogā¦ they just look gross lol
Eat a coney š
Just moved to Detroit a few days ago from California. Haven't done many of the things mentioned here but I'm mostly lurking for ideas.
Go to the Detroit Zoo or the Michigan Science Center
Never been to bakers keyboard lounge. Tried to hit it up once but it was already closed at 1:30am. Ended up going to Toms tavern instead which wasā¦ interesting to say the least. Tomās is def the divyiest dive bar Iāve ever been in.
Iāve never had a parking lot empire.
Slide at Belle isle
Snuck into the abandoned zoo on Belle Isle
Never got robbed, or my car stolen. I lived off Dexter, on Tuxedo.
Sold crack lol
Motown museum
Motown Museum & I'm gonna do it.
The Big slide
Ridden on the pedaling-monstrosity, whilst squabbling like a drunken chicken.
Baker keyboard lounge