Part 1: Why You Should Visit Detroit - A Love Letter to the Motor City
- carenbushagencyllc
- May 14
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
By Caren B | It's Time for A Vacation
Detroit, Michigan. My hometown. A city with grit, soul, and heart. While the rest of the world is just starting to catch on to how amazing this place is, those of us who live here-or who grew up here-have always known: Detroit has something special
Long before the resurgence of downtown with its sleek bars, exciting restaurants, and three world-class stadiums, visitors would come to Detroit for work or family and leave saying the same thing: "Detroit is a great city." Sure, it's a work in progress. But what city isn't? The national media has not always told the full story, so let me give you a look into the real Detroit. As a Travel Advisor and agency owner, I am giving you the same real talk I give my clients when they ask, 'Is this place actually worth the trip?"
Here are just a few of the jewels that make Detroit shine and worth a visit to the
MOTOR CITY.
Belle Isle Park: Detroit's Island Escape
Sitting in the middle of the Detroit River, Belle Isle offers beautiful skyline views of Detroit and, across the water, Canada. If you have visited, you know it is more than just a park - it's an experience. On the island, you will find:
Belle Isle Aquarium - One of the oldest aquariums in the country.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum - A maritime museum perfect for boat and history lovers. Great event space (We had our anniversary party at the museum).
Belle Isle Conservatory - A stunning botanical garden.
The Giant Slide - Made famous again in recent years for its bumpy ride.
If you're visiting in the summer don't miss a concert at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, not far from Belle Isle. Jazzy Nights on Wednesday are my favorite-picture this: smooth music, breezy weather, and the Detroit Rive as your backdrop. Artist like Samara Joy, Avery Sunshine, Norman Brown, Howard Hewett, Damien Escobar, and Will Downing will grace the state during the summer.
Baker's Keyboard Lounge: Where Jazz Lives
A visit to Detroit isn't complete without a stop at Baker's on the northwest side. Open since 1934, it is the oldest jazz club in the world. The music? Soulful. The food and drinks? On point. I recently took my cousins from Milwaukee, and everyone was happy! Good music, good food and good drinks!!!!!
The Avenue of Fashion is a vibrant area from Seven Mile to Eight Mile. Not only will you find Baker's on Livernois, but a host of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and galleries. By the way it is pronounced, Liver-noise or Liver-noy, depending on who you are asking.
Music Festivals: Dance, Jazz, and Pure Energy
Detroit is the birthplace of Techno, and we celebrate that every year during the Movement Music Festival (May 24-26, 2025). It's one of the world's top electronic music festivals, drawing people from around the world-and it's right here in our back yard. Held at Hart Plaza.
And to end summer on a high note, don't miss the Detroit Jazz Festival (August 29-September 1, 2025). It's the largest free jazz festival in the world and brings together legendary performers and rising stars for four unforgettable days. The festival takes place over several city blocks in downtown Detroit - from Hart Plaza to Campus Martius.
Museums That Tell Our Story
Detroit has a rich, complex history-and we've preserved it beautifully:
Motown Museum- Where musical legends got their start.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)- Home to the iconic Detroit industry Murals of Diego Rivera.
Detroit Historical Museum - A great way to understand the city's evolution.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History - One of the most comprehensive African American history museums in the country.
The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village (Dearborn, MI) - A must-see for families and history lovers alike.
Final Thoughts
There is so much more to say, but I'll save that for Parts 2, 3 and maybe 4. Detroit is a city with layers - resilient, artistic, joyful and yes still growing. Whether you come for the music, the history, or the energy, one thing's for sure, you will want more.
Need help planning your trip? I've got you covered. My vibe is the same as the city I am from, fun!
Would you consider visiting Detroit?
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