Every City has his day and some days last longer than others
Detroit was one of the most powerful cities during the roaring 1920’s. The city was the manufacturing capital in United States (US). 
Culturally, Detroit’s music scene became the home to Motown records that supported artists Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas and Stevie Wonder. Politically and economically Detroit was the gateway to the Midwest of the US and Canada. It has been historically a blue (democratic) leaning state. Detroit has been one of the most progressive cities in the US with many social incentives to help their residents. Some critics thought this was the future model of American cities, but some uncontrollable factors such as the recent financial crisis and the loss of manufacturing jobs, the city has become bankrupt. The Motorcity has one of the highest unemployment rates at 20% and a shrinking population that once was as high as 1.5 million, it’s now hovering around 800 thousand. Most outsiders would not think of going to Detroit to visit. It’s unfortunate because Detroit’s history and culture is great. Beyond what the media says the city, at least in the downtown core is clean, friendly and safe.
My trip to Detroit started early in the morning and I had the opportunity to visit two places. The first, Detroit Institute of Arts was amazing. In comparison with the museums and art galleries in New York and Chicago, I would consider The Detroit Institute of Arts 
on par. It has a vast collection of African-American, Aboriginal and Modern American works. Just north of the Wayne State University Campus. The second treat was the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. This was probably my highlight of my trip. The museum has one of the best exhibits I have ever seen. It provides the visitor of the exhibit with a realistic understanding of the African-American experience in the United States because of all the detail and accuracy within in the exhibit.
Detroit is well known for a few culinary favorites such as the Coney Island hot dogs, Also Detroit has great BBQ and Sharwarma. I decided to go to Slows BBQ on Michigan Ave. It was classic BBQ. I had the beef brisket (for all you non-pork eaters), it was fantastic.
After my lunch I had the opportunity to drive around and check out some record shops and bookstores before the Tigers Baseball game. I also drove around the art-deco infused Detroit downtown core. There was so much history. It was a reminder of the roaring 1920’s, where glamour and wealth was paramount in Detroit. It was very Nick Carraway type of nostalgia experience.
Finally, my last stop was Comerica Park to watch the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers. I love the idea to watch baseball in all the major hubs. New York, Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, Baltimore, San Francisco and Detroit. The baseball stadium in Detroit is in the smack center of Detroit’s downtown core. Adjacent is Ford field where the football team, the Detroit Lions play. This area is full of nice bars, eateries and it has a great sports atmosphere. The game was a great. The stadium was packed; the game was under the Friday night-lights, the weather was perfect and the fans where refreshing compared to other stadiums I have partaken in. Unfortunately the Tigers lost. Regardless my Detroit experience ended on a high note. Besides the fact an artist can purchase a beautiful loft for $20,000 and besides the fact Detroit in the future will have one of the nicest urban farming projects in North America, and besides the fact Detroit’s Midwestern hospitality is always welcoming. I will still try to convince a humble day-tripper to check out the Motorcity and contribute to the rebirth of a great American city.
– The thoughtful traveler
Related Posts
Bob Marley No Woman No Cry TRIBUTE feat. the Legend’s CHEF! →
Africa is rising, Emma’s Africa →
Across eleven countries with Emma & Tristan →
A morning cuppa: complications of ordering coffee abroad →
6 Responses to Every City has his day and some days last longer than others
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Pingback: nathaniel
Pingback: Patrick
Pingback: Arnold
Pingback: Richard
Pingback: Dean
Pingback: armando