Let me tell you about Detroit! It’s crazy how polarizing opinions are when you tell someone you’re planning a visit to Detroit. I heard everything from “Why would you go to Detroit?” to “Yeah? Let me know what you think, I’ve heard some things” to “OMG Detroit is on my list!”. I suppose these reactions tell you how in the know someone is in regards to revitalization, up and coming cities, and emerging culinary hot spots. But a quick search on downtown Detroit hotels and restaurants is enough to get anyone excited IMO.
I traveled to Detroit for a wedding and asked my mom to tag along to watch Ezra. My mom is an urban planner and had previously traveled to Detroit for work, so she was semi-familiar with the neighborhoods. We stayed at the super hip Siren Hotel. And preferred traveling to our destinations by foot because installing an infant seat in a Lyft 10 times per day was extra low on my interest list.
Scroll down for my top 5 favorite things about Detroit!
- Walkable – The downtown area is fairly compact. There are good sidewalks (even with a travel stroller), well defined crosswalks, and well-timed street lights/walk signs. We clocked almost 40,000 steps during our trip and it would have been more had it not been sprinkling the entire time we were there. To top it off, the highways go UNDER pedestrian paths so we never felt intimidated by heavy traffic areas. And the Qline {light rail} was an added bonus!
- Public Gathering Spaces – Almost every other bock had some kind of green space with a lawn, seating, covered areas, and a restaurant/concession stand.
- Hip Alleys – What most cities reserve for trash pick up, Detroit has decorated and brought to life. Parker Alley and The Belt were both near our hotel. The murals, sculptures, and storefronts these alleys housed between city blocks were nothing short of magical.
- Hot Spots – There was no shortage of delicious places in Detroit! The food and atmosphere at our favorite spots were filled with intention and good vibes. Below is a list of places that we either enjoyed or were on our list. Traveling with an 8 month old makes it tough to have a jam packed schedule!
- Paramita Sound
- Chartreuse
- Huddle
- Lady of the House
- Selden Standard
- Folk
- Magnet
- Ima
- Detroit Institute of Bagels
- Sports Teams – While I’m not a sports enthusiast, I loved how all of the major league sports stadiums were located in the city center. Our Sunday morning walk put us in the company of a sea of bright blue with Lions’ fans chanting and celebrating. Having this energy downtown on a weekend was pretty awesome. I’d love to come back when the kids are older during a time when we can catch a football and baseball game during the same trip.
And for those of you planning your next trip with a little one, here’s a list of must-have gear that made our trip enjoyable!
Happy Baby Carrier – This soft structured carrier is miles better than anything out there. It’s 100% linen making it breathable, floppy, and flexible. It comes in gorgeous colors {and sometimes prints!}. And it super comfortable for babies big and small.
Phil & Ted’s Lobster Chair – This portable high chair makes dining at restaurants infinitely less stressful. It’s sturdy and sanitary. And it brings baby close to the table so he’s in the correct position to eat and can easily engage with everyone at the table.
Uppababy Minu – This lightweight stroller is light like the category would imply but it rides like a full-sized stroller. It’s sturdy and takes downtown sidewalks like a champ. We attached infant seat adapters to it, which made traveling by car an option {although still not preferable}.