All eyes are on Detroit as the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) kicked off this week. The press preview is now over and has left me salivating for more. The overall feeling I’m getting from what has been covered so far is optimistic.
Big props to Ford! First of all, the new Focus looks fabulous. Also, they won car & truck of the year with the Fusion and the Transit Connect. Let’s not forget about the Fiesta, I mean it had a movement after all. My personal love is the Ford Flex but I haven’t heard much from the show floor about it.
GM is also making headlines with Buick, the GMC Granite, and Cadillac. The GMC Granite won the designers choice for best concept vehicle. I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about Buick and the Cadillac XTS Platinum. Oh, and can I say something about Susan Docherty? She rocks.
Chrysler has been kind of quiet but I hear their models are hot. So they’ve got that going for them.
The press has now departed and we move on to the industry preview, charity preview, and finally the public show.
All of this makes me happy because it means:
- Our Detroit automotive industry looks so much better than last year
- Detroit is receiving positive press
- People are exploring Detroit
Are you going to the NAIAS?
If you are descending on Detroit from afar or if you’re a local who just doesn’t go into Detroit very often I’m going to share a few of my favorite places.
Need a drink? Try the Anchor Bar, the Park Bar, Foran’s, Centaur, or the Town Pump Tavern.
Foran's Grand Trunk
Hungry? I love Roast’s Cocktail Hour, Slows Bar-B-Q, Tom’s Oyster Bar, and many eateries in Greektown.
Speaking of Greektown, most cities have a Little Italy and a China Town. Not in Detroit. We have Greektown and Mexicantown. If you're craving Polish food head to Hamtramck.
Looking to take a gamble? We have 3 casino’s here in Detroit: Greektown, MotorCity, and the MGM Grand.
Oh, someone dragged you to Detroit for the Auto Show and you could care less about cars? No problem! Drop them off at Cobo and make your way to Midtown where most of our cultural institutions call home.
A few last pieces of advice
Take the People Mover, it’s only 50 cents and circles downtown.
Talk to some locals. They are the biggest assets of this community. They have incredible strength and are known for their friendliness.
If you’re looking for more cool places to go in Detroit check out 40 Things to Do in Detroit Before You’re Dead and Detroit Dive Bar Tour with Inside Detroit.
More coverage of the North American International Auto Show coming soon from Detroit Moxie! I’m heading down for a sneak peek tonight and will also be attending the public show.