It’s no secret that I love GAMES; always have and always will. Ask me to play: cards, sports, board or video games and chances are “I’m your guy!”  If you can introduce me to a zany, unique and possibly made-up game and I’m “ALL IN!”

In that vein, I’ve come to realize that Detroit is chalk full of fun crazy activities. If my past blogs/Facebook posts/conversations haven’t been enough to convince you to come to Detroit, know that any of the following activities will be on the docket for anyone who visits:

 

Feather Bowling

FB2

My Description: Wooden cheese wheels + Bocce Ball + banked dirt playing field

This can’t be in Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feather_bowling

It’s played in Detroit?: Cadieux Café – http://www.cadieuxcafe.com/featherbowling/

(Only place to find this Belgian game in the US)

My Inside Scoop:

As someone who loves backyard bocce, bar shuffleboard, and curling (that one time), this game is right up my alley. Unlike those sports, Feather Bowling has a banked trough like playing field that ups the degree of difficulty and thoroughly tests your Geometry skills.  It’s not the fastest game on Earth, so my recommendation is to play with good friends and a beer firmly in your hand.

 

Whirlyball

whirlyball

My Description: Lacrosse + Basketball + Bumper cars + Beer

This can’t be in Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whirlyball

It’s played in Detroit?: http://www.joedumarsfieldhouse.com/whirlyball/whirlyball.html

My Inside Scoop:

Feeling overworked? Up to your eyes with stress? Got 99 problems?  Well this is your game. The bumper cars allow you to get your aggression on in this fast paced game.  Once you get a hang of the awkward steering and corner pile up this game is a blast. It’s fun for all; even if you are the cherry picker who only shoots for glory, or the punisher who only seeks out contact.  Fair warning: you will have bruises the next day, BUT they’re outweighed by the stories you’ll have to share.

 

Fowling

fowling

My Description: Bowling + Football (Duh)

This can’t be in Wikipedia: NOPE, no Wiki on this one –come visit and you can add it yourself

It’s played in Detroit?: http://www.whatsfowling.com/

My Inside Scoop:

I have yet to play the NEW “official in-the-warehouse” version. I have had the privilege of paying the home version at picnics, as this game has been around SE Michigan for a while. Two sets of bowling pins are set up on opposite ends.  Similar to cornhole, the game is 2 vs 2, but unlike cornhole you stand next to your partner = more camaraderie.  Surprisingly, big armed former football players aren’t automatically the best players.  Sometimes a wobbly “duck” of a throw is superior to a tight spiral.

 

The Great Escape Room

great escape

My Description: Scavenger Hunt + Puzzles section of Newspaper + Deadline Pressure

This can’t be in Wikipedia: Again no Wiki love!

It’s played in Detroit?: http://thegreatescaperoom.com/

My Inside Scoop:

My knowledge is limited here, as the Great Escape has yet to be crossed off my bucket list. The good news is Miss Nellie has already purchased tickets and we are currently setting a date to test our puzzle solving skills.  – Periodically check my Facebook for future updates

PS – I recently found another Detroit version that involves being locked in a room and having an hour to get out. This version includes a Zombie chained to a wall who moves closer to your group every 5 minutes – YES PLEASE!  –  http://roomescapeadventures.com/