Detroit's Mason-Dixon Line

As we got on the tour bus in Detroit, I heard a familiar accent.  There was an Englishman aboard and it wasn’t my husband.  

“Please keep an open mind,” I pleaded. I explained that I lived in the UK for 5 years and that their press wasn’t very nice to our Detroit. He replied that the press around the world wasn’t kind to the Motor City either.

Touché, Mr. Englishman, touché.

Last week, I embarked on a two-day whirlwind of tours, panels, cocktails, and even a lunch with the Detroit Economic Club and Mayor Bing. The Detroit Regional News Hub, in an initiative called Transformation Detroit, gathered local, national, and international journalists to give them the information to report a balanced picture of Detroit.

How did I get invited? I’m not sure but I’m not complaining. Yes, for most of the ride they were preaching to the choir with me. I love Detroit. I know that this city and its people have tons to offer. Now, the rest of the world needs to know.

Mayor Dave Bing speaking with Carol Goss & Timothy Leuliette before the presentation at the Detroit Economic Club.

At the Detroit Economic Club presentation, Mayor Bing said, “This is a great time to be in the city of Detroit because we can redefine who this city is to the rest of the world.”

Over the two days we were shown different ways that Detroit is redefining itself, from small businesses to urban farming to alternative energy. Mayor Bing told us that we’ll have an 8-10% increase in the health care industry and that Midtown will grow faster than the rest of Detroit.

We talked about urban revitalization and education. The overwhelming answer to our greatest asset was the people of Detroit; we are strong and resilient. The Mayor called us gritty and said that we will fight.

Let’s be sure to pick the right fight, Detroit. We need to fight for our city and region, not against it.

Addressing the out of town journalists, the Mayor said, “We don’t need people from outside of the city defining who we are.” And to be clear, he wasn’t speaking about the divide between the city and suburbs.

Shall we talk about that, though?

Suburbanites are “afraid” to go downtown. Unless a sporting event is going on, apparently, nothing bad happens while bats are being swung and skaters are taking each other to the boards. I won’t mention football; it’s best that way.

Parents warn their children about a city that they haven’t stepped foot in for ages.

It goes the other way too.

Urban dwellers, people who live in the city limits, look at you like you can’t possibly know or love Detroit because you live north of 8 mile. I’ve personally been snubbed because I live in the suburbs.

Eight Mile Road is Detroit’s own Mason-Dixon Line.

We’re our own worst enemy. What’s the saying, no one will love you until you love yourself? Yep, we have that problem here in Detroit.

This time the Englishman leaned over to me and asked if the tour was glossing over the bad. “Honestly,” I said, “they’re highlighting the good but we just drove by a burnt out house that you took a picture of; we can’t hide our problems here in Detroit.”

Mayor Bing had it right when he said, “The State goes as the city goes." Do you disagree? Are you so settled in your suburban or urban lives that you don’t see that we are part of our own problem?

The time is now, my friends. Our lives and livelihoods, our children and their education, our reputation as an innovative city (we were once called the Paris of the Midwest and were the hub of the industrial world), it’s all at stake.

     “Detroit allowed me to be the best I could be.”

      “This is the city I choose to live in.”

Those are the words of Phil Cooley, part owner of Slows Bar B Q and a General Contractor with O’Connor Development.

They could easily be my words.

So, can we get over our damn selves and come together? Right now?

All in all, I think the Englishman, and the journalists from Canada, Chicago, and elsewhere were impressed. They saw parts of Detroit that they had never knew existed. That goes for the local press, as well.

And I learned a few things too.

Most notably, we visited the Earthworks Urban Farm and Green Garage Detroit.

Darryl Howar, a trainee at Earthworks Urban Farm.

The Green Alley between Green Garage Detroit and Motor City Brew Works.
We listened to Asenath Andrews, the principal of the Catherine Ferguson Academy, an institute for middle and high school students who are pregnant or are parents, talk about the journey of her school and students.

Michael Score, a fantastic speaker and the president of Hantz Farms, told us about building a global center for urban agriculture here in Detroit.

Detroit is a city where anyone can come and be a part of something and change things, Cooley told us.

So, did the Englishman keep an open mind?

I think so. I left the Englishman and the other journalists from Toronto, Windsor, and Chicago feeling confident that they won’t pull a Dateline. We raised a pint and had dinner together; we discussed Detroit’s problems and the incredibly exciting things that are happening here.

And then it dawned on me. Maybe we’re trying too hard to get outsiders to like us. The Detroit love needs to start at home. In the city, in the suburbs, and in the state of Michigan.

After finishing the two-day Transformation Detroit media briefing my love for Detroit has grown but, as always, I feel the need to do more.

But really, Detroit? Is my love for you defined by a mile marker? Can we abolish this antiquated barrier? Please? It’s getting us nowhere.

It's Time to Dig Downtown!

Dig Downtown is a new initiative by the Downtown Detroit Partnership to unite 5 Detroit districts, Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, Eastern Market, and New Center, into one greater downtown area. When people say they are going “downtown” it usually means to one of these 5 areas.

The website is a resource that includes events, restaurants, maps, and itineraries for families, groups, and individuals of all ages.

Dig Downtown Week began yesterday and runs through October 24^th. All metro Detroiters are encouraged to visit downtown and take part in a variety of events and activities happening during Dig Downtown Week.

Highlights of the events during Dig Downtown Week:

• Sunday, October 17^th – Conquered –The Detroit Free Press Marathon Afterparty

• Monday, October 18^th – Auto-Tune karaoke at the Garden Bowl

• Tuesday, October 19^th – Drake at the Fox Theatre

• Wednesday, October 20^th – The Mikado at Michigan Opera Theatre

• Thursday, October 21^st – Social Distortion at The Fillmore

• Friday, October 22^nd – Of Mice and Men at WSU Hillberry Theatre

• Saturday, October 23^rd – Halloween Bar Tour with Inside Detroit

• Sunday, October 24^th – Howl-O-Ween Party at Canine to Five

See all events at digdowntown.com.

Ann Lang, president & CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, and other area leaders and ambassadors were present on Friday in Shed 3 at Eastern Market to kick off the event. “You don’t need a sporting event to come down, “ encouraged Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.

They are also having a Dig Downtown Week Photo Contest and encourage you to take a photo of what you “dig” about downtown Detroit. Winners will have their photos featured on DigDowntown.com and will receive $100-$250 gift certificates.

Do you dig downtown Detroit? What are your favorite stomping grounds?

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

I’ve spent the last two days exploring Detroit with the Transformation Detroit initiative presented by The Detroit Regional News Hub. They brought in local, national and international journalists to better inform them about our city.

I’ll tell you more about it in the next few days but I wanted to share this little gem from Phil Cooley, the owner of Slows Bar-B-Q who is playing a major part in revitalizing the Corktown neighborhood.

Detroit allowed me to be the best I could be. ~ Phil Cooley

With that, enjoy your weekend in Detroit!  

Weekend Roundup

1. Evil Dead - The Musical - Sam Raimi's 80's cult classic takes the stage in musical fashion with all the blood and gore you'd expect. Through October 31st.

2. Thunderdrome - The velodrome in Dorais Park has been unearthed and all sorts of bikes and scooters will ride on it again in an all out wheel to wheel race. October 16th.

3. Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village - Travel back to a turn-of-the-20th century halloween. Carved pumpkins, a headless horseman, and trick-or-treating. Through October 24th.

4. British Television Advertising Awards - The cutting edge and offbeat humor of the British is showcased in a night of commercials at the Detroit Institute of Arts. October 15-17.

5. Another Detroit is Happening - The Detroit Summer Live Arts Media Project are set to unveil 3 multimedia community murals in a tour and celebration. October 16th.

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

41 More Things to do in Detroit Before You're Dead

Last year for my 40^th birthday I gave you 40 Things to Do in Detroit Before You’re Dead. There are so many cool things to do in Detroit and more and more pop up every day. I can barely keep up!

So, I put together another list of cool and interesting Detroit places and added an extra one for my new age. As I said last year, this list isn’t exhaustive or definitive. Some of these places are Detroit institutions and others sprang up recently.

1. The Old Miami - This isn't South Beach, The Old Miami is a dive bar that is uniquely Detroit. "Miami" is actually an acronym for Missing in Action Michigan and the bar was originally a veterans hangout. Inside you'll find comfy sofas & armchairs, outside is an amazing back garden complete with a porch swing and koi pond, friendly bartenders greet you from behind the bar, and live music takes over the stage.

2. Detroit Artists Market - Founded during the Great Depression, the DAM not only fosters local talent by showcasing their work it also aims to educate the public about art.

3. Wheelhouse Detroit - Located on the RiverWalk, the full service bike shop offers retail, service and bike rentals as well as tours of Detroit neighborhoods and attractions. You can even rent a tandem!

4. Detroit Derby Girls - Check out our hometown flat track roller derby team which is all-female owned and operated. Catch a bout and brew while watching these tough girls skate the track.

5. Urban Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor - Next time you're in A2 bring your imagination, look down and see how many fairy doors you can find. These enchanting little entry ways are quite magical for both children and adults.

6. Avalon International Breads - Yes, the bread is very good and their pastries rock. But you must try the sea salt chocolate chip cookie. Seriously good.

7. Detroit Science Center - Roll up your sleeves and have fun at this hands-on museum that explores engineering, technology, and science.

8. The Scarab Club - Founded in 1907 by artists and art lovers, The Scarab Clubs' goal is to educate the public about the arts while providing artists with a space to further their work.

9. Doc Sweets' Candy Company - This is the largest candy store in Michigan and the go-to place for candy of all kind. Nostalgic candy? Check. Chocolate covered insects? Check. Bulk? Absolutely.

10. Kensington Metro Park - Enjoy the great outdoors at one of the best parks in the area! There's so much to do here for active sporty types and families that you'll never get bored.

11. The Burton Theatre - An independent film theatre that shows art house, independent, foreign and cult films in an old school in Detroit? Yep! Check out the men's bathroom while your there, word on the street is that there is a pool table mixed in with the urinals. Being a woman, I wouldn't know for sure.

12. The Plymouth Whalers - The Detroit Red Wings aren't the only game in town! Watch the Whalers face-off at Compuware Arena for as little as $11 a ticket.

13. Historic Fort Wayne - The first of Detroit's forts built by Americans, it saw Michigan troops from every U.S. battle from the Civil War to Viet Nam. The National Museum of Tuskegee Airmen is also located here.

14. The Dakota Inn Rathskeller - The authentic German bar opened in 1933 and is still going strong. It's always a good time to visit The Dakota but do try and get there during Oktoberfest.

15. Honey Bee La Colmena - A grocery store in Detroit? Yes, it exists and it is fabulous. Specializing in Latin American fare and known for its chorizo, it also has a carry out menu.

16. The Detroit Public Library (main branch) - Besides being a fountain of knowledge and learning, the DPL is also a work of art itself. Walk up the staircase off the front entrance, look up, and be amazed by the beauty on the ceiling. Be sure to check out the Ernie Harwell Room too.

17. Roma Café - Located in Eastern Market, this is Detroit's oldest restaurant. Walk through the doors and travel back in time a few decades and enjoy fine Italian cuisine.

18. Detroit Party Marching Band - To see this guerrilla marching band you're just going to have to get lucky! They crash events and play for the love of playing. I haven't seen them but I love their spirit. (Read the story about the Detroit Party Marching Band in the Detroit News.)

19. Lafayette Coney Island - I have no idea how this Detroit institution didn't make the list last year in 40 Things to do in Detroit Before You're Dead. My love for Lafayette is deep and wonderful. Go grab a coney!

20. John K. King Used & Rare Books - You don’t see many used bookstores anymore but we have one of the largest ones in the country here in Detroit. Whether you’re looking for some chick lit or a rare book you must step into this cavernous haven for books and the people who love them.

21. The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In - Put on your pajamas, pack some snacks, and head out to metro Detroit's last surviving "real" drive-in theater. It's open all year so don't forget the blankets if you go in the winter.

22. Dorothy Turkel House - Frank Lloyd Wright designed this house that shines when it's lit up. Located on Seven Mile Road between Livernois and Woodward, the new owners are lovingly restoring this beautiful wonder. (See more pictures of the Turkel House.)

23. Detroit Soup - A micro-funding community event that happens the first Sunday of every month. $5 gets you a bowl of soup and the power to grant $300-$500 to a creative endeavor in Detroit. Awesome! Also check out Soup at Spaulding which is similar but meets weekly in Corktown.

24. Liberty Street Robot Supply and Repair - This is THE place to go to get parts for your robot. You have a robot, right? The cool storefront in Ann Arbor is the retail arm of 826 Michigan.

25. The Redford Theatre - This movie house, which opened in 1928, shows old movies such as The Philadelphia Story, Christmas Vacation, and the recent Three Stooges Film Festival. Each movie begins with a concert featuring their historic pipe organ.

26. Detroit Fowling League - Bowling + Football = Fowling. What could be better than that? Beer must be involved, right? During the warm months they play at The Stone House Bar in Detroit and have plans to move inside when the cold weather hits.

27. The Moth StorySLAM - Everyone has a story to tell and this is a great place to get onstage and share it with the world. The StorySLAMS take place the first Thursday of every month at Cliff Bell's and each evening has a theme that the story must fit.

28. Jacques' Tacos - Catch the areas newest taco truck while he tools around metro Detroit bringing tacos to your neighborhood. I haven't been able to catch up with him yet, we tried on Saturday and it turns out he was kicked out of his spot for the day. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter to find out his location.

29. City Bird - Part retail shop and part gallery, the shop carries Detroit-themed goods as well as other work by 75 artists and designers. Owned by the brother and sister team of Andy and Emily Linn.

30. Museum of New Art - Pontiac is the home of this innovative gallery that showcases the present state of art and isn't afraid to break the rules.

31. Detroit Flyhouse Circus School - Run away and join the circus right here in Detroit! Classes and workshops are available for adults and children in circus arts such as the trapeze and arial skills plus arial yoga.

32. Henry the Hatter - When you need a jaunty chapeau, you head to Henry. Detroit's exclusive hatter since 1893. Everyone needs a stylish hat, right?

33. Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum - Don't let the strip mall location fool you, this place is unique and full of joy. Oddities sit beside pinball machines, gypsy fortune telling machines, and even a mini carousel. Bring plenty of quarters!

34. Neighborhood Noodle - This upstart noodle shop offers a basic menu that you order in advance via their website and then pick up on a Monday in Midtown. Note: The website states clearly that it's "some" Mondays, not all.

35. 5E Gallery - The visual and hip hop culture gallery, located in Corktown, offers gallery and performance space and holds weekly open mic nights. I was super impressed with the space and community on my visit this past weekend.

36. People's Pierogi Collective - They're bringing pierogi to the people with their cart at Eastern Market. And we're not talking just your normal pierogi; they have breakfast pierogi and blueberry pierogi! I'm 100% Polish and I approve.

37. i3 Detroit Hackerspace - The membership driven community of crafters, coders, makers, and tinkerers offer classes ranging from welding techniques and papercraft to lock picking for fun.

38. William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor - The first urban state park in Michigan is nestled right on the Detroit River. Sit by the docks and enjoy the view of the lighthouse and river or have a picnic.

39. Salle d'Etroit - Looking for a different way to get in shape or want to learn an ancient sport? This full service fencing academy can get you on your way in no time. En guard!

40. The Bucharest Grill and The Park Bar - This is a marriage made in heaven! Grab your chicken shawarma from the grill and then saddle over to the bar and order a fine Michigan craft beer to go with it. Heaven, I tell ya!

41. Supino Pizzeria - I've raved about this place and their pizza before and I certainly couldn't leave them off my list. If you have yet to try this Italian style thin crust pizza, go now! Seriously, what are you waiting for.

Get out there and enjoy Detroit!

Be sure to check out 40 Things to do in Detroit Before You're Dead and 43 More Things to do in Detroit Before You're Dead.

A Beautiful Weekend in Detroit

The weather was gorgeous here in Detroit this weekend and I had a fabulous time checking out a few events. And the Detroit Lions won! Seriously.

Saturday night we hit the Street Culture Mash launch at the 5E Gallery. It was great to see Mike Han and his Street Culture Mash brand in their element. I’m a huge Keith Haring fan so I loved seeing his influence in icons work. The new Street Culture Mash t-shirts are very cool, be sure to grab one.

The 5E Gallery is such a little gem on the north end of Corktown in Detroit. What they have done with the space in such a short period of time is pretty incredible. They also have an open mic night called The Foundation every Tuesday night.

Next, we headed to Detroit Harmonie at the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Arts Center in Harmonie Park. The multi-cultural event showcased the food and entertainment of different cultures that are prevalent in the Detroit area. We ran into some friends and tasted our way around the globe while taking in the entertainment.

The Virgil H. Carr Cultural Center, originally The Harmonie Club, is a Beaux Arts style building with amazing spaces. I can’t wait to delve in and explore it.

Sunday began with brunch at La Dolce Vita. If you haven’t been here on a Sunday afternoon you’re missing out.

The Old Miami was our last stop of the weekend. The Detroit Moxie Reader Appreciation Party was a huge success and I want to thank everyone that came out to join us. 

Photo courtesy of Angela Watts.

Photo courtesy of Angela Watts.

Photo courtesy of Angela Watts.

Photo courtesy of Angela Watts.

Thanks again to The Henry Ford, Gift Baskets from Michigan, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the People's Pierogi Collective, Better Made, and the Westin Book Cadillac.

All in all, it was a beautiful weekend in Detroit!