3/23/10

What Would You Do: Detroit

The next city where we have an extended run is Detroit (3 luxurious weeks without having to pack and get on a bus, whoo hoo!).

Okay, we hear Detroit is a fun town--there's a great alternative music scene--and you guys know we love alternative music-- but we also hear that parts of town are very dangerous.

We look to you, our fans, for guidance. What places do we have to make sure not to miss? Favorite restaurants, top tourist attractions, excursions, gems that are off the beaten path? Leave a comment below.

As always, if you have an "in" (i.e. special access) to something really cool that you think would make a good upcoming TotallyTrucked video, email us at totallytruckedblog (at) gmail (dot) com.

14 comments:

Liz said...

For anyone who is a serious fan of history, you have to check out the Henry Ford Museum. The Museum has some of the coolest stuff you can imagine, it's one of my favorite places. Greenfield Village is also on the same property as well as an IMAX theatre. Greenfield Village has all kinds of historic artifacts and people dressed in period clothing, it's really a neat experience. And what I have to say about it is just the tip of the iceberg.

The museum, village, and IMAX are in Dearborn, just outside of Detroit.

http://www.thehenryford.org/

That's all I can think of for now, it's been a while since I've been to that side of the state.

Stacey Lantz said...

First off, i'm so excited for ya to be traveling to Detroit! Yes, it's kinda dirty and kinda dangerous in parts but there are some really fun things to hit up and great places to eat.

For you shoppers make sure to hit up Somerset Collection. It'a a two sectioned mall. One side has more upscale stores (Tiffany's, Coach, etc.) and the other side has some more moderately priced stores (Urban Outfitters, Anthro, etc.). The mall is connected by a huge walkway that is built over a highway. There is also a P.F. Changs on site there as well.

I haven't been there personally, but i've heard Slows BBQ is amazing. It was on Man v. Food. :) Hockeytown is a fun place right downtown. Pretty good food there. Also try another Man v. Food spot... Lafeyette Coney Island. There's greektown! Pegasus is great there. Coach Insignia I heard was awesome which is atop the GM Renasissance Center.

Something that's more of a drive-by attraction (no pun intended) is the Heidelberg Project. After the Detroit Riots many neighbordhoods were destroyed. A man and his family who used to live on Heidelberg street decided to turn it into a giant art project with the homes. Every house is themed. Makes for some great photographs.
http://www.heidelberg.org/history.html

See if any Detroit Tigers games will be played when you'll be in town! That's always fun. Also, the Detroit Science Center, Motown Historical Museum, and Detroit Institute of Arts.

Enjoy Detroit!!!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see you guys in Detroit - I'll be there for the May 1st show :)

I'm a Michigan native and grew up about an hour and a half from Detroit. It's a beautiful, historical city. It unfortunately gets a lot of negativity because of the crime rate, but it's only certain areas. There are still a lot of places to have fun.

I agree with the comments above - the Henry Ford Museum and Greektown are definite musts. Greektown is beautiful and has tons of great restaurants and casinos. The Henry Ford Museum is great. It has the chair Lincoln was assassinated in, the limo Kennedy was shot in, and the original Rosa Parks bus, as well as several other awesome exhibits. It really can't be missed if you're in Detroit. The Science Center is awesome as well - it has a dome Imax :)

If you have any afternoons off or don't mind traveling a bit, there are a TON of gorgeous Detroit suburbs. Oakland is gorgeous, as are Rochester and Plymouth. Ann Arbor is a great place for young people to hang out. It's about 45 minutes away, but so worth it. It has lots of great restaurants, a good music scene, art galleries, artsy movie venues, funky shops, etc.

It's also pretty close to Canada, so a trip over yonder could be really worth it. I know there are some Canadians in the cast.

Overall, a lot of fun can be had in Detroit. Please don't let this "dark and dangerous" reputation thwart you from having fun. If you know where to go it's completely safe. Just like any other major city. Hope you guys enjoy your stay!

Martina said...

I think you should defnitely visit the Detroit Institue of Arts it's awsome! and it's huge you could spend an entire day in there.I hope you all have fun in Detroit. I'm from Windsor, Ontario which is right across the border, so i go to Detroit all the time, I love it! I hope you guys have tons of fun! and enjoy your time in Detroit!

Ellie said...

About Detroit in general... let's be honest, it's got the reputation of being a kind of grody city these days. That being said, the downtown area is actually quite nice and safe; it's just when you get out into the neighborhoods that it's shadier.

First though, I'm going to try to convince you to visit MY town, Ann Arbor! People from Ann Arbor tend to have a complex that it's the best city in the world. I'm one of those people. I love my hometown and can't recommend enough that you take a bus or train out (45 min trip) for a day off! It's a fun, artsy, hippie town with a huge student vibe and so much to do. Must sees downtown: Zingerman's Deli, Main Street shopping (especially The Peaceable Kingdom, Crazy Wisdom, and all of the zany little boutiques), the Diag and South U area, Pinball Pete's, Kerrytown, the Michigan Theater (for independent films), and The Ark (for folk music every night--I saw Duncan Sheik there last year!). And for vegetarians and vegans, check out the restaurant Seva on Liberty St. Their menu is 100% vegetarian with lots of vegan options as well. It's a total hippie hangout from the 70s and the food is so, so good. I could keep going with AA things, but here are some ideas closer to the motor city...

What to do in/near Detroit:
-The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village: everyone else has mentioned this place, and it is pretty cool. The Henry Ford is a fun museum, and Greenfield Village is good for your historical village elementary school field trip fix. They also used to do Ford factory tours here, but I don't know if that's still happening.
-The Magic Stick/The Majestic Theater: Two different places, but same management. Check them out for alternative music and generally fantastic (and cheap!) concerts (www.majesticdetroit.com).
-Detroit Institute of Arts: The art museum was recently redone and is a major factor of Detroit coming back to life. For any art fans it's a must.
-Buddy's pizza: You absolutely must eat at Buddy's Pizza. The original one is in Detroit at 17125 Conant St. and was on some Food Network show a while back (Top 5 pizza places I want to say). It's sort of like Chicago-style deep dish, except square...and better. There's also a Buddy's in Dearborn pretty close The Henry Ford, so those two could be put together. This pizza is absolutely fantastic. Go eat it.
-Greektown, like others already mentioned
-Vernor's ginger ale is native to Detroit and adored by all Michiganders. You'll find it in restaurants, gas stations, and vending machines everywhere, so give it a try!
-Go to a Tiger's game at Comerica Park.

Above all, have a great time in Michigan and enjoy the beautiful spring weather! I'm bummed that I won't be there when you all are, but I did get to see you in East Lansing last year (and loved the show!), so I guess that will have to do. Have fun!

Jill said...

I'm so excited to see the show in Detroit! It will be my fourth time :)

I have to also recommend the Detroit Institute of Arts--it's in a nice part of town, and near lots of beautiful old architecture around the Wayne State campus. If the weather's warm, it's a nice place for a walk.

I also HIGHLY recommend Eastern Market. There are tons of fun shops and open-air vendors. Have breakfast at Russell Street Deli, then go hunting around Eastern Market.

Break a leg, cast and crew!

Jill said...

Oh yes, and Buddy's pizza is also awesome.

Karmela said...

What I would do? SEE A RED WINGS GAME!
I'm not even a Wings fan, but when you're in Hockeytown, USA, you've gotta see a game!

It'll be playoffs when you're there, so...even better =)

Katie said...

For good food: Pizza Papalis & Fishbones are right downtown. Astoria bakery is amazing.

In Auburn Hills (straight shot up I-75) at Great Lakes Crossing there's Gameworks and Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill (great food! mechanical bull, live music)

Red Wings or Pistons game is always a good time.
Can't wait to see the show on the 24th!

elizabeth j said...

Birmingham is a really nice area, and if you have the day off, a trip to Frankenmuth and Birch Run is a definite must! It is about an hour and a half north, but I guarantee everyone will love it. There is tons of shopping, food, sight seeing, AND if you love Christmas, Frankenmuth has the worlds largest Christmas store, Bronner's. yes, making a trip to Birch Run and Frankenmuth is mandatory while in MI.

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited that you guys are coming to my hometown!! I can't wait to come see you guys.
As other people have been saying, GreekTown is awesome. They have really great food.
Also, I saw someone mentioned the Heidelburg Project. That's definitely worth seeing. It's very eclectic, but also is powerful and sends a message. It definitely has a Spring Awakening type vibe to it.
I also really like The Henry Ford museum and Greenfield Village as well.
I'll keep thinking and post something else if I think of other cool things to do. Thanks for coming to Detroit! See you soon!

Anonymous said...

My house is a great attraction! It's in Ypsilanti, which is next to Ann Arbor! lol
But really, if you want some cool places to go, I think everyone's got some great ideas. Check out Greenfield Village, and if you ever have enough time, go visit the Mackinac Bridge and such. Very worth it, despite the horrible drive. =) I'll be at the show one day, and I'm very excited.

Christopher J said...

You definitely have to check out one of the best outdoor malls in michigan its called Partridge Creek in sterling heightsit has almost every high end store there. and in a cool outdoor setting especially in nice weather.

Also you have to try the michigan based coffee chain BIGGBY COFFEE. its amazing and i work at the one on 11 and gratiot in roseville you guys would love both of these places! :)

Lynn E said...

You have to check out the old Train Depot (Michigan Central Depot Detroit), it's just something awesome to wander around and take pictures of. http://www.michiganrailroads.com/RRHX/Stations/CountyStations/WayneStations/MCRRStationNew/MCRRDepotOutside.htm this site has the address.

I saw the show on Saturday, you were all amazing! I'm glad I met a few of you after the show, you are all so very nice.

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UPCOMING TOUR SCHEDULE


MILWAUKEE, WI
10/06/09 - 10/11/09
Uihlein Hall Marcus Center For The Performing Arts
929 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI
http://www.broadwayticketscenter.com


KANSAS CITY, MO
10/13/09 - 10/18/09
Music Hall
301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO
Non-subscription tickets on sale Sept 5, 2009 (subj to change)
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/56473
800-982-2787

AUSTIN, TX
10/20/09 - 10/25/09
Bass Hall
23rd St & Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX
http://www.utpac.org/venues/bass_concert_hall
(512) 477-6060

SAN JOSE, CA
10/28/09 - 11/01/09
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts/BroadwaySanJose
http://www.broadwaysanjose.com/springawakening.php
(866)395-2929

SACRAMENTO, CA
Nov 4-15, 2009
Sacramento Community Center,
1301 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
http://www.californiamusicaltheatre.com/index.cfm?page=629856


COSTA MESA, CA
Nov 17-29, 2009
Orange County Performing Arts Center
600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Ticketing number: 714.556.2787
http://www.ocpac.org/home/Events/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=887&NavID=85


DENVER, CO
Dec 1-13, 2009
The Buell Theatre
Denver Performing Arts Complex
14th and Curtis Streets Denver, CO 80204
Non-subscription tickets on sale: Mon, Oct 19, 2009 (web only Oct 18)
Ticketing Number: (800) 641-1222
Groups: 303-446-4829
http://www.denvercenter.org/shows-and-events/Shows/SpringAwakening/Overview.aspx

HERSHEY, PA
Jan 5-10, 2010
Hershey Theatre
15 E. Caracas Ave, PO Box 395 Hershey, PA 17033
Non-Subscription Tickets on sale: Mon Aug 17, 2009
Groups: 717-534-3412
http://www.hersheytheatre.com/performances_events/details.php?id=8952

CINCINNATTI, OH
Jan 12-24, 2010
Aronoff Center
650 Walnut Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
Non-subscription Tickets go on sale: Nov 2009
Ticketing (not avail until 11/9) 800.982.2787
http://www.ticketmaster.com/

FORT MYERS, FL
Jan 26-31, 2010
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
8099 College Parkway, SW Fort Myers, FL 33919
Non-subscription Tickets on sale: Sept 1, 2009 (Tentative)
Ticketing number: 800-440-7469
Groups: 239-489-3033, x 3122
http://www.bbmannpah.com/

CHARLOTTE, NC
Feb 2-Feb 7, 2010
Belk Theatre, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
130 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC
http://www.blumenthalcenter.org/
Group Tickets: (704) 379-1380
Ticketing number: (704) 372-1000

ROCHESTER, NY
Feb 9-14, 2010
Auditorium Theatre, Rochester Broadway League
885 E. Main Street Rochester, NY 14605
Ticketing Number: 800-745-3000

HARTFORD, CT
February 23-28, 2010
Bushnell Performing Arts Center
http://www.bushnell.org/

DURHAM, NC
MARCH 2-7, 2009
DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center
Ticketing: 919-680-2787
Groups: 919-281-0587
http://www.dpacnc.com

ATLANTA, GA
March 9-14, 2010
Fabulous Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Call Ticketmaster at (404) 817-8700
http://www.foxtheatre.org/

GREENVILLE, SC
March 16-21, 2010
The Peace Center
300 S. Main Street Greenville, SC 29601
Ticketing Number: 800-888-7768
Groups: 864-679-9201
http://www.peacecenter.org/

DALLAS, TX
March 23 - April 4, 2010
Dallas Center for the Performing Arts
2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 650 Dallas, Texas 75201
Box Office: 214.880.0202
http://www.dallasperformingarts.org/

DETROIT, MI
April 20-May 9, 2010
3011 W. Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48202
Ticketing number: 800-982-2787
Group Tickets: 313-871-1132
http://www.nederlanderdetroit.com/

MIAMI, FL
May 11-16, 2010
Arsht Center
Box Office: 305.949.6722
http://www.arshtcenter.org/

ORLANDO, FL
May 18-23, 2010
Carr Performing Arts Center
401 West Livingston Street Orlando, FL 32801
http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/Orlando

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