Fun Things to Do in Detroit

Detroit, The Motor city, has received a bad rap over the past several years. Some of it is warranted, as the city has fallen on tough financial times. But with the comeback of the American auto industry, billion dollar medical facilities being constructed and new public transportation systems in the works (including the possibility of a high speed train traveling from Detroit to Chicago), the city is poised for a full turn around. Through the thick and thin of Motown's problems, there have been several activities and events that have proven the test of time and is worth seeing and taking in, whether you are a local, new implant or just visiting.

The Detroit Auto Show

This is one of the biggest events in Detroit. In January of every year most major automakers release their revamped vehicle lineups and new mockups designed to turn heads. The show lasts for over a week and is open to the public (although a ticket is required). Many of the vehicles are completely hands on, allowing you to sit in the yet-to-be produced car. Throughout the show CEOs and other heads of the companies taught their new vehicles in front of packed crowds, lining up to see the latest and greatest.

Sports

Detroit has always and will always be a sports town. Although the Lions have failed to impress over the past decade since the departure of Barry Sanders, the city and state love their sports teams. Both the Detroit Lions and Tigers have recently moved into newly constructed facilities in downtown Detroit (the Lions formerly call Pontiac, a suburb of Detroit, home) and the Redwings play in nearby Joe Louis arena (named after the historical boxer of the 1930-1940s). All three stadiums are within walking distance of one another and there isn't a bad seat in the house for any arena. The city's professional basketball team, the Pistons, is roughly 30 minutes outside the city in Auburn Hills, although there is talk of moving the team down into the sporting and events district of the city.

Music

If there is anything in Detroit that is more popular than sports, its music. Detroit has long been one of the most influential cities in the country when it comes to producing talent. Individuals from Smokey Robinson to the Aretha Franklin recorded some of their biggest hits in the city, and now both Eminem and Kid Rock call the city home (and are two of the most popular musicians currently). If you want to take in the history of Detroit's music scene, stop by the Motown Records studio, which is the original location where hundreds of musicians recorded their music. If live music is more in order, there is the DTE Energy Music Theater (formerly Pine Knob) right outside the city in Clarkston. It is the main outdoor venue in the area and, although smaller than most major cities (less than half the size of Chicago's outdoor theater) it provides more of an intimate feel that larger facilities just can't match. For indoor locations you have the Palace of Auburn Hills (home of the Detroit Pistons) and Joe Louis Arena, but for a purely music venue try out the historic Fox Theater and The Fillmore (both in the entertainment district, near Ford Field and Tiger Stadium). If you are looking for more up-and-coming musicians try out the Magic Stick, which Detroit's own White Stripes called home, or the Blind Pig.