A Day In Downtown Detroit, Michigan
Recently I have been hearing more and more talk about Detroit. Most of it not in the most positive light. I have heard things like, “there is nothing there,” “tumbleweeds roll down the street,” and other things along that line. Over the years I have met and have made friends with so many amazing people from the Detroit area. The vast majority of them no longer live there, but rep their hometown with much pride. So when I got the chance to visit, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
There were definitely no tumbleweeds rolling through Downtown Detroit as I looked around. There was certainly a lot there. It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for walking around. The first thing I noticed was an area called Greektown. There were tons of greek restaurants which reminded me of Astoria in Queens, NY. There is also a Greektown Casino and Hotel.
GreekTown ©2015 HollyDayz 
GreekTown ©2015 HollyDayz 
More of GreekTown ©2015 HollyDayz
There was a store inside the Greektown International Building called ‘Detroit V Everybody.’ The store is pretty small, but has a ton of hoodies, hats, and shirts in an array of colors that say Detroit V Everybody. Despite the size, the store was pretty crowded. I was gifted a very nice t-shirt that I will wear soon. The owner has envisioned his brand to rebuild Detroit’s image though the pride of those from Detroit. Perfect for this city!
As we continued to walk around I saw a sand volleyball court in the middle of downtown. I thought that was pretty awesome. I then looked and noticed a ton of guys playing have court basketball. It was easy to look on from the many nice table and chairs they had. Walking a little further, I saw a beach. There was no water, more like a really large sandbox with 150 tons of sand located on Woodward Avenue.
I thought the beach concept for the summer’s public space was awesome. There are some lounge chairs to kick back and relax. I saw kids digging in the sand having a blast. I didn’t dare dip a toe in it as sand is a clinger and I had on sneakers, but I loved the concept! There was also a beautiful fountain that lit up at night.
In front of the fountain during the day ©2015 HollyDayz 
Fountain lit up at night ©2015 HollyDayz
As we headed towards the riverwalk I began to notice more and more people. Across the street from the Spirit of Detroit crowds were forming. Turns out there was a really big techno event going on that people were lining up for. We braved the crowd to go inside the GM Renaissance Center.
It was like walking around a car show, for General Motors. I didn’t get to see everything, but I saw a few beautiful cars. There was a gorgeous view of the river through the huge window that amped me up to head outside. There were tons of people on their boats, walking around, and lining up for the techno event. It was a gorgeous view with Canada directly across the water.
I also got the opportunity to get some great views from high up in some of the many buildings when night fell after dinner. Detroit is definitely a city that is making attempts to rise from the ashes. The city is beautiful and it was great to be taken around by locals to really get a feel for Downtown.
I had an amazing time and look forward to going back and exploring more. Don’t believe people when they tell you there is nothing in Detroit. There is plenty.
Have you ever been to Downtown Detroit? What was your experience?
Aisha Johnson Adams
Thanks for sharing good thing about Detroit… We do need to see both the good and bad.
Holly Dayz
I am glad you enjoyed the fun things I have found. We do need to see both because it isn’t one sided.
Kita Bryant
I need that car lol. I have been to Detroit many years ago so I know it has grown up quite a bit. I like that beach concept for the kids gives them a little peek of what a real beach could be like.
Holly Dayz
The car is really nice. The beach concept is really nice. The kids were enjoying as well as adults.
thesophislife
I have never been! I love the beach theme and the water views looking at Canada. Had no idea they have a Greektown.
Holly Dayz
Me either, but it was awesome to see. The water views over looking Canada was amazing. I could stare at that for hours.
Jonna
It looks like there is a lot to do in downtown Detroit. I hope to visit and check it some of these spots one day.
Holly Dayz
There is lots to see and do. I hope you visit soon.
patranila (@patranila)
Looks like the Motor City is still alive and kicking. Glad to hear it!
Holly Dayz
It is certainly making strides in a nice direction.
Chasing Joy
Sounds like a great place to visit. I love how cities are doing more with the public spaces.
Holly Dayz
I am too. A beach for the summer in the middle of a city is a great idea.
LaQuisha Hall
These are awesome photos! I would love to visit this site soon!
Holly Dayz
Thank you so much! I hope you do.
kp3reloaded
I’ve never been to Detroit, but you made it look so fun to visit! Great photos as always. The store for Detroit Vs Everybody sounds pretty cool!
Holly Dayz
Thank you so much! It was a lot of fun. It was nice, very small, but nice.
Katherine G
I’ve never been to Detroit but your post sure makes me want to visit. It looks like it is a great place.
Holly Dayz
I hope you do visit, it is a great place. A ton of fun!
Camesha | Mama Motivator
You’re taking me back. I haven’t been back home in at least a year now. I grew up in Detroit and spent a lot of time downtown.
Holly Dayz
Oh I am glad I could do that. Your hometown is very kool!
Julian @BoldFearless1j
Who would have thought there was that much awesomeness in Detroit? I’ve never had the desire to visit, just because of how the city has been depicted in the past, but it just goes to show—never believe everything you hear! Thanks for taking us on tour with you.
Holly Dayz
Very true. Like I said I heard all kind of negative things about Detroit, but I saw something different. It is a really nice place with lots more to see.
Michellette "MimiCuteLips" Green
I’ve watched a lot of really cool documentaries on Detroit. They really make me want to go and visit. There are a lot of hidden gems around the city. The beach looks really cool.
Holly Dayz
There are tons of hidden gems. I hope to find some more in the near future.
Beth Blair
Fun stuff! I’ve only overnighted in Detroit a million times as a flight attendant but the hotels were never near anything. The beach looks like a fun way to spend the day.
Holly Dayz
Yea, that is a place where a car comes in handy or at the very least an Uber.
jusztravel
I’ve never been but great post!
Holly Dayz
Thank you.
Vashti@veepeejay.com
I’ve never been to Detroit. Thanks for sharing your visits and giving us a look at everything there is to do and see.
Holly Dayz
Very welcome. I hope you go one day.
Terumi
I’ve never been to Detroit but the ‘beach’ area looks really fun! What great pics!
Holly Dayz
Thank you. Everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves and I was enjoying walking around.