Spring is near.

The smell of snow has dissipated and the sounds of birds chirping in the morning is becoming more and more frequent. The gym is full of soon to be beach bodies and the days left before parkas go into deep closet hibernation is are numbered.

Spring is approaching in the D.

The spring and summer in Detroit feel like a race. A desire to do and see and eat all the things and places runs ramped. The warm weather will come and go and so every day is full of things to do and sun to feel on your skin. Here’s a quick list of the some of the most exciting warm weather wonders in the D.

  1. The Ottava Via Patio:

Situated on Michigan Avenue in Corktown, Ottava Via has some of the best Italian eats in the city all year round. But when the months are warm and the happy hours are full, Ottava Via plays host to Bocce Ball in their back patio. The perfect place to continue the fun after a dinner out with friends, you’ll find yourself out back by the fire pit past dark. But fear not, when the restaurant slows down there are plenty more offerings for a night cap in the neighborhood.

  1. Kickball on Belle Isle:

When I moved to Detroit, one of my first experiences bonding with co-workers and soon to be friends was joining my work kickball league. I have never been heavy into kickballing, who really is after fifth grade gym class? Well, my co-worker Mo showed me exactly what it means to be heavy into kickballing. Belle Isle sports some of the most spacious playing fields for softball, soccer, kickball, you name it! Come Play Detroit is your one stop shop for all things sporty and outdoorsy this summer in the D.

  1. The Beach in Campus Martius

The least likely place in the US for a beach? The center of the City of Detroit. Campus Martius has the hook up for everyone this summer. Bring the young people in your life to come play in the sand, the co-workers in your life to enjoy a cocktail from the beach bar, and the arts & culture wiz to check out some local artists center stage on the lawn. There’s a little something for everyone in Campus Martius even after the ice skating rink is gone.

My list is CERTAINLY not all inclusive! Summer in the D has a lot to offer, as soon as the temperature rises, you’ll be itching to get out there and see for yourself.