A New Vibe Detroit Cool
A New Vibe: Detroit Cool
Start spreading the news, Detroit is the “New Cool”
Steal the Look: Tank // Striped Pants // Tall Girl Wedges here & here // Layered Necklaces: Choker, Mid Length, Long Length// Bracelet 1 // Bracelet 2
I've Just Gotta Be Honest
Instead of looking for something truly profound to say, I'm just going to come out and say it . . .
DETROIT, I ❤ U!
Yes, it's true. I have a new love and her name is "Detroit". Now, I can only imagine the sea of surprised looks this statement is evoking. Listen, I was right there with you. Honestly, I'm just as surprised as you are. No really.
Steal the Look: Crop Top // Floral Pants // Slide Mules here & here// Choker // Bar Necklace // Bracelet 1 // Bracelet 2
More of My Favorite Travel Adventures
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Don’t forget to check out my Travel page for more ideas
Hint, Hint, Hint . . .
A little background: My friend Des has a pretty kick ass job. She works in the wine industry. (Yes, please) Annnnnd, she pretty much oversees the middle of the United States from the gulf to the Great Lakes. (Go, Des!). Annnnnnd within her region, there are some gems of cities that I wouldn't mind spending some time in (hint, hint: Chicago). Apparently, Des wasn't picking up what I was putting down about Chi-town. But that's ok because next time, I'll just hint a little harder.*Des and I always have the best time (hell, we met at a party). Let's go to Detroit!
I've Been Here Before
My previous experience with Detroit was eons ago. No exaggeration, it was legit like 20+ years ago. And if you can do shady math, I was pretty much a fetus when I visited before (just kidding). Although I was so young, I do remember that Detroit had a very distinct industrial feel. Fast forward to today and it's a stark contrast to the majorly artsy renaissance vibes Detroit gives today.
Is Detroit Worth Visiting?
Easy answer . . . YUP!
Where to Stay in Detroit
Detroit Foundation Hotel
250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226
https://detroitfoundationhotel.com/
Des and I kicked off our trip with a stay at the Foundation Hotel. If you are in Detroit, and I'm hoping you will be on the first thing smoking after reading this, a stay at the Foundation is a must. Repurposed from an old historical fire station, the Foundation Hotel was giving me all of the cool kid vibes. Subtle nods to the original structure can be seen throughout the building. From the big red doors that welcome you (they are huge you can't miss them) to the original stone carvings (look up) that adorn the facade to the fireman poles in the main dining area of the Apparatus Room.
Insider Tip: Explore downtown Detroit by bike (compliments of the hotel.) If peddling isn't really your thing, catch a chauffeured ride in the hotel's Lincoln Navigator. Just ask the front desk for details on both.
Where to Eat in Detroit
The Apparatus Room
250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226
https://detroitfoundationhotel.com/apparatus-room/
Inside the Detroit Foundation Hotel and a short elevator ride to the downstairs lobby, you find The Apparatus Room. This is where Des and I officially kicked off our first night in Motor City with great conversation, a full belly, and delicious libations.
Insider Tip: Order the "Drink with No Name". Not exactly sure what's in it *in retrospect, probably not a good way to start off a recommendation, but stick with me. . . * Put it this way, if you could put Fall (yes, the season) in a cup with alcohol and drink it, this would basically be it. Also, let's not overlook the fact that this bad ass drink has a pretty kick ass name too. My Game of Thrones fans, where y'all at?! Also not to miss, the "Crispy Fried Cauliflower" and the "Mascarpone Cheesecake".
Luckily I wore a stretchy food-baby-friendly jumpsuit to dinner, 'cause I showed out.
Prime + Proper
145 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
http://primeandproperdetroit.com/
Beautiful decor. Steak, steak, delicious steak, and more steak. If you are a vegetarian, you might want to skip this one. But if you are as carnivorous as me . . . let's eat. *Interesting caveat . . . take notice of the Prime + Proper name or logo on everything from the chairs at the bar to the plates, to the custom inlaid wood handled cutlery.
Insider Tip: Head downstairs to see all the meats displayed through floor to ceiling windows of Prime + Proper's dry aging room. Did I mention the walls are lined with himalayan salt? *Fancy*.
Wright & Company
1500 Woodward Ave floor 2, Detroit, MI 48226
Sitting above the John Varvatos store on Woodward Ave is where you’ll find Wright & Company. And it’s also where you'll find the best butterscotch pudding ever. This ain't your grandmother's butterscotch. Eat it before dinner and thank me later.
Insider Tip: For the best view and photo opp, request to sit at the corner booth with the chandelier (if available). In my opinion, it's the best seat in the house.
Where to Drink in Detroit
Candy Bar
1509 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226 (inside The Siren Hotel)
https://www.candybardetroit.com/
Behind the pink curtain in the beautifully unique Siren Hotel lies the Candy Bar. No sign will acknowledge its existence. Just pull back the curtain to be whisked back into a time reminiscent of an old Hollywood boom boom room. Complete with pink walls, velvet fabrics, a mega chandelier, and an everso hypnotizing disco ball.
Insider Tip: Order 2 of their signature drinks, the Mona Lisa Overdrive and their Gimlet (complete with a lily pad).
The Skip & The Standby
The Skip: The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226
https://www.theskipdetroit.com/
The Standby: 225 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
https://www.standbydetroit.com/
So I usually don't venture down back alleys because you know, #commonsense. But at the urging of a local friend, I made an exception for The Belt.
What is “The Belt”? The Belt is a reclaimed alley found in the heart of downtown Detroit that has found new life as a public art space and a hub for nightlife. Murals and neon signs with inspirational messages adorn walls in between buildings under a canopy of aesthetically pleasing string lights.
Insider Tip: Make sure you stop to enjoy a gin and tonic at The Skip. They make their own tonic (didn't even know that was possible) and it's DELICIOUS! Also, make sure you pop into The Standard. Don't blink because you'll miss the door.
Lady of the House
1426 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
https://www.ladyofthehousedetroit.com/
Located in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit is where you’ll find this quirky sophisticated restaurant. Ladies, run and don't walk to the bathroom. That’s a super weird directive, right?? Don't be scared because I'm pretty sure you are going to like it. Guys, while she's um, indisposed, pull up a chair at the bar and order a drink and the Carrot Steak. Hell, order a meal and another drink because she might be in there awhile.
Insider Tip: Bring a camera into the lady’s bathroom because I'm sure you'll want to take pictures of what you’ve discovered.
Unfortunately, Lady of the House has closed. Hmmm, I wonder where the bench with Ryan Gosling’s beautiful face ended up? Inquiring minds definitely want to know.
What to Do in Detroit
Detroit Institute of Arts Museum
5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Also known as DIA is a “must-see” by local standards. Now I've been to my share of art museums, Louvre Museum in Paris, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, etc, but nothing (and I mean nothing) could've prepared me for the DIA. This museum is HUGE! Like 3 stories HUGE. From the moment you walk in, the grand foyer captivates your eye. You are welcomed with marble walls and fresco paintings lining the ceilings above.
Insider Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend a day at the DIA. When you get hungry (and you will get hungry), make sure to stop for a snack at Kresge Court (inside the museum). The court's castle-like structure totally make me feel like I was at Hogwarts.
Motown Museum
2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208
https://www.motownmuseum.org/
Ok, we are all friends here, right??! Soooooo friend-to-friend, I have to be honest because that's what friends do. Right? Get ready to clinch the pearls in 3, 2, 1 . . . Here it is: The Motown Museum was "meh". There I said it. And before you promptly exit this post, just hear me out. The staff at the ticket counter was anything but friendly or welcoming and they have a no pictures policy. Not even if you take pictures without the flash. No pictures. Zero. Zilch. Nada. And you know if it's not on social media, it didn't happen. While touring the museum I laid my eyes on Michael Jackson's iconic rhinestone glove and black fedora he wore. But with the “no pictures” policy, I’ve been reduced to committing this historic moment to memory.
Insider Tip: It's perfectly ok to skip this one. Don’t worry, I won't tell anyone.
Detroit Riverfront
588 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207
https://detroitriverfront.org/
The Riverwalk is a great "to do" for everyone. 5 miles of green space, art, and activity run along the Detroit River overlooking Canada (Windsor, Ontario). Grab a drink, ride the carousel, meander through beautiful gardens, discover the art, ride a bike and the list goes on.
Insider Tip: Basically, just go.
Where to Shop in Detroit
1441 Woodward Collective
1441 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
https://www.facebook.com/1441WoodwardCollective/
If Etsy had a store, it would be the 1441 Woodward Collective. A very cool concept store that gathers its inventory by showcasing the work of several designers. Each one of them has its own section. Awesome unique and handmade items ranging from hammered jewelry (btw, I LOVE my Goldeluxe rings), to clothing to stationery.
Insider Tip: 1441 Woodward Collective is just a quick walk across the street from Detroit is the New Black
Unfortunately, 1441 Woodward Collective has since shuttered its doors.
Steal the Look:Denim Culottes // Tee //Belt// Slide Mules here & here // Bandana Scarf red & Scarf navy
Detroit is the New Black
1430 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
https://www.detroitisthenewblack.com/collections/woodward-1
While I was outside the Foundation Hotel finishing a solo photo shoot with the help of a very kind valet, who not only came to my rescue but also takes EXCELLENT pictures too, I serendipitously ran into Roslyn Karamoko, owner of DITNB. Unfortunately, the store was temporarily closed due to construction during our trip. But Roslyn did let us swing by the work zone to pick up a tee. Next time I'll definitely swing back by the new store in all of its glory.
Insider Tip In addition to clothing, there's a live art gallery inside. Plus, a portion of each sale goes towards the DPS Foundation school uniform program: BONUS Insider Tip: DITNB designed a lot of the uniforms for the staff at the Foundation Hotel.
Unfortunately, the physically Detroit is the New Black store is closed; however, the vibe and sleek style are still alive and available to purchase online.
Where You Can Find Me on Social Media
Same place; same bat channel
@ThisIsMelDrake
THE ‘GRAM (the pretty pictures): https://www.instagram.com/thisismeldrake
PINTEREST (the inspiration): https://www.pinterest.com/thisismeldrake
FACEBOOK (a little this + a little that): https://www.facebook.com/thisismeldrake
TWITTER (the sass + musings): https://twitter.com/thisismeldrake
