Detroit city
For automobile enthusiasts, Detroit city in the State of Michigan is the place to be after all, it is home to the top corporate houses of the automobile world. Top of the list of places to visit would be the Henry Ford Museum located at 20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn (Ph-313-271-1620), which also has an in-house IMAX theatre. A special exhibit showcasing the history of automobiles and its influence on life includes a terrific collection of vintage models, while another exhibit displays the exclusive limousines that transported the American Presidents of the 20th Century. Another must-see exhibit is Heroes of the Sky, on the aviation sector.
A newly added exhibit is With Liberty and Justice for All, an exhibit that provides a comprehensive look into the evolution of American freedom. It is not all serious stuff, though, that is on display. Some of the permanent exhibits include one on American jewelry, another on timepieces, and also one on silverware and pewters. Since there is so much to see under one roof, take breaks in between your explorations at the Michigan Caf©, where you can feast on soups & salads, cakes & puffs, and hot beverages. Also try out the variety of hot dogs with cheesy breadsticks and chips & cookies at the Wienermobile Caf©. On your way out, don't forget to pick up a souvenir from the Gift Store that sells decorative accessories, books, and toys amongst other items.
Another interesting place to visit is the Motorsports Museum & Hall of Fame. Presently, though, this museum is temporarily closed to the public as it is in the process of shifting to a new home. When it does reopen, do go and have a look at the incredible collection of race vehicles (land, air and water). 2 samples: the Cyclops, a jet powered car designed by Art Afrons in 1962 with the aim to break the world land speed record; the Ford 999 racer of 1902, designed by Henry Ford.
For film buffs, a great way to spend a couple of hours is at the Detroit Film Center at 1227 Washington Blvd. (Ph- 313-961-9936). General admission: $5 ($3 for members & free for currently enrolled DFC students). Coming up on the calendar of screenings is the Detroit Docs International Film Festival (Oct.17th to 21st), which promotes non-fiction films; and a monthly screening of independent short films from around the world at the A/V club.
Art aficionados will be disappointed to know that the Detroit Institute of Arts is presently closed for renovation and expansion and will reopen in November.
For an enjoyable shopping expedition with the entire family, you can spend exciting hours at the Eastern Market located at 2934 Russell, Detroit (Ph- 313-833-9300). Times: 7a.m. to 5p.m. (closed on Sundays except for special events). All at one site you will come across poultry and meat products, herbal condiments, fruits and vegetables, and a beautiful array of flowers. There are also many antique and jewelry stores to linger in. Wonderful sounds and exotic smells badger your senses in every way, at every step of your explorations. Whenever you feel hunger pangs, duck into a restaurant or bakery that are located in the same area. Have a mouthful of pizza, munch on a bagel, lick up a scoop of ice cream, nibble on cookies, dine on rollsthere's something for everyone!
If you are heading to Detroit with the kids, enjoy a visit at the Children's Museum located at 6134 Second Avenue (313-873-8100). A variety of exhibitions showcase various subjects of the school curriculum in an interesting manner. Whether it is science, history, the arts or cultural aspects, all these are innovatively covered in the museum's various galleries.
Give a fantastic birthday surprise to your child by celebrating at the Detroit Zoo at 8450, W. 10 Mile Rd. Royal Oak (Ph-248-541-5717). The special package (minimum 12 guests required) not only includes the admission tickets, but also fresh pizzas (or hot dogs if preferred), potato chips, an unlimited supply of cold Coca-Cola fountain beverages, and gift bags for all the kids in the group. Other packages include magic shows, puppet shows, caricatures, decorations, and even a birthday cake ! Imagine having the time of your life with the kids for less than $30 per person (the more the merrier, as prices will also be less)! You can park your wheels for $5 per vehicle (bus - $8). Just ensure that you make a reservation 3 weeks ahead (Ph 248-541-5717 ext. 3141) and request all guests to come on time! Zoo hours: 10a.m. to 5p.m. Admission Fees: $11 13yrs.-61yrs. / $7 2yrs.-12yrs. / $9 62yrs.+ / below 2yrs.-free.
There is so much to see and so many activities to enjoy in Detroit city that is practically impossible to list everything in a couple of pages! Fans of theatre artistes can have a memorable time at Woodward Avenue, the centre stage of all shows in its various theatres. Then there is Comerica Park, which houses not just a baseball museum but also a theme park. And yes! This is where the Detroit Tigers team is based. Those who like to roam around forts, a must visit is Historic Fort Wayne located at Livernois Avenue. It once served as an infantry garrison and during the summer season, special events are organized here for visitors. Located at the same Avenue is Baker's Keyboard Lounge, a Jazz Bar. Enjoy a daily lunch special (11a.m. 3p.m.) or have dinner at the end of the day, as jazz artistes entertain you while you eat (generally they perform after 8p.m., though there are a few at 3 or 6 p.m. on some days).
Flying down to Detroit is a breeze. You can touch down at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport or take a charter flight to Coleman A. Young International Airport. If you are not having your own wheels or do not wish to strain your budget by renting a car, you can explore the city of Detroit via the rail system or making use of the local Bus services.
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