Hidden within Detroit

Three weeks ago, Sarah and I took a road trip to Detroit, MI. We stayed in historic Greektown at the Greektown Casino and Hotel. Greektown is beautiful with great places to eat and is located right in the heart of downtown. Now, we all know that Detroit is known for crime, being broke, and abandoned buildings, but I would like to set the record straight. There is a lot about Detroit that is beautiful and very unique. Let me start with the architecture of the buildings downtown. The period in which they were erected shows through beautifully. You can see the proof that Detroit was once an empire. Walking downtown you can be in a modern part and the next second you feel as if you are in Gotham City where Batman is about to swing above you overhead. You can also see that there is life in the city. There are many restaurants and coffee shops that confirm that business is still alive in the city.

An amazing pic of Detroit from Belle Isle.

Another beautiful pic by Sarah of downtown Detroit from Belle Isle.

This is a pic of our view from our hotel room taken by Sarah.

We also were able to spend time with our good friend Matt who lives in an area of Detroit called Hamtramck. Hamtramck is 2 square miles and has its own local government including a Mayor. Hamtramck is a little hidden jewel within Detroit, filled with unique shops, restaurants, and many, many bars.

Rock City Eatery should be the most popular restaurant in Detroit. It has unique recipes that pack a huge taste for an affordable price. You can order their Swiss Chard or a plate of their locally famous BBQ Pork Mac+Cheese in a Parmesan bowl with an order of their duck fat fries. They are also known for their amazing pies and recently won the title of "Michigan's Best Pie" from MLive. And trust me, I've had their pecan and cherry pie and they were amazing!

This is the 1/2 LB RCE Burger with Duck Fat Fries that I had when we ate there.

Another hidden jewel within the hidden jewel is a little cozy hole-in-the-wall bar called PaintedLady Lounge. It has great service with a great atmosphere and a large age group demographic. When I was there I saw patrons in their twenties all the way into their fifties and sixties. There were hipsters, preppies, and goth people all hanging out with their friends having drinks, smoking their cigarettes, and having a good time. PaintedLady has a lot of character and a rich history. Oh, and if you ever do go there, make sure you order the Liquid Valium. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

We also visited a little vintage shop called Tekla Vintage where we purchased a very cool vintage suitcase from 1955 and a 1960's gold women's purse. It should also be noted that the shop is owned and operated by Hamtramck's own Madam Mayor Karen Majewski.

I also want to mention that Hamtramck is home of one of the only remaining Negro National League baseball fields. It sat forgotten for years except for by graffiti artists until 2012 when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you do visit Detroit you should make time to visit Hamtramck and experience the uniqueness of this great little town. I had a absolute wonderful time, and was delightfully set straight on the stereotypes of Detroit.