I was so fortunate to have my weekends packed with visitors during the month of January. Hosting guests in Detroit is my absolute favorite not only because I love hosting, but I love sharing Detroit with fresh faces! Here is my list of some of my favorite stops for my guests during their weekends in the D.
1. Lincoln Street Art Park–
Because I usually drop my recycling at Recycle Here! on Saturdays, this adjacent park serves as a two in one stop for me. I get to share Recycle Here!’s amazing facility (as I complete my Saturday chore) and the nearby Art Park filled with all sorts of recycled sculptures and mixed media pieces. Down the street from the park are funky murals on and around a few bridges and alleyways. This stop is a photo-op dream!
2. Eastern Market Antiques-
Of course, Eastern Market is a great stop for any guest, any time of the year. When it’s colder outside, I like to spend more of my Eastern Market mornings browsing the lofty aisles of Eastern Market Antiques. This is fun for guests too, as the market has antiques for browsers of all types, including a huge variety of vintage Detroit and Michigan postcards. These make great souvenirs for your out-of-town guests, too.
3. Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory–
Let me be honest here: these are my fave places in the city right now. The Aquarium and Conservatory are a warm welcome from the winter temperatures, and they are simply the most delightful little gems. Both are free (with your State Park Recreational Passport to get onto Belle Isle), and tout enormous Detroit historical significance. My guests have loved the aquarium’s beautiful interior, its dwarf seahorses, catfish and electric eels, and the conservatory’s little tropical paradise.
4. Detroit Institute of Arts–
Like Eastern Market, this museum makes every Detroit tourist’s list, and with good reason indeed! However, now is one of the best times to visit the Detroit Institute of Arts as the museum preps for its highly anticipated Diego and Frida exhibit starting March 15. In preparation, volunteers are available to provide a sort-of-tour through the breathtaking Diego Rivera mural. My guests and I loved learning more about the history of the mural and its connection to Detroit. A stop in Kresge Court after touring the museum is a lovely way to end.
5. Parker Street Market–
Whenever I’ve got visitors in town, I like to do some driving through different Detroit neighborhoods, and Indian Village usually makes the cut for its charming mansions and pristine lawns. Since Parker Street Market resides in the West Village, I like to bring guests by there to check out their decadent selection of local Detroit eats like preserves, hot sauces, and the delicious Sister Pie baked goods. Makes for a great snack break!
6. Café con Leche
Those that know me know I can’t live without coffee. So whether my guests like it or not, there is usually an afternoon coffee break scheduled into our Detroit days, and Café con Leche is my favorite spot. Certainly its location in my Mexicantown neighborhood bumps it to the top of my list, but I also love showing guests this spot for its neighborhood feel and offbeat art. Plus, while I may want to order their double Cubano espresso, their Mexican Mocha is a yummy option for those less caffeine-dependent.
7. Supermercardo La Jaliscencell
Obviously, a taco stop is completely mandatory when you visit me in Detroit and as of the last 4-5 months, my roommate and I can’t seem to go anywhere but this little Supermercado at 3923 W Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit. Aside from making the top of our ongoing list of “Best Tacos in Detroit,” this place is super convenient with either quick take-out or cozy dine-in (complete with chips, salsa and sliced radishes and cucumbers). I’m always a pork fan, and I love their al pastor tacos and al pastor burrito. Some friends swear by their chorizo, and others are obsessed with the mega quesadilla. Whatever you do, don’t leave without a cup of their horchata!