Really enjoyed my work conference trip to Detroit
I had a work conference at the Marriott in the Ren Center Sunday thought today (Tuesday) so had to come to Detroit for the first time. Never visiting before, I used this great subreddit to help guide my trip and wanted to report back my thoughts.
First, Detroit is fun and everyone I encountered was incredibly friendly. It’s weird, vibey kinda city that has a zombie Chicago feel. I don’t mean any of that to be negative.
I flew in Saturday so had some free time before the conference. I went for a long walkabout along the river and greenway (which um turned into a much longer trek due to no exits off it!). Then had dinner at Cork and Gabel. What a cool building and very good food.
Sunday afternoon I had free time so went to the Red Wings v Jets game. The stadium felt newer than a 2017 build - reminded me a bit of the Barclays Center. I’ve been to a looooot of sporting events and never have heard a “sell the team“ chant until Sunday. Hope things improve for your team, hockey fans. Took the People Mover back - it seems to lack execution but I sense it was supposed to be part of a broader rail network that never got built. It is good for tourists, probably worthies for residents.
Sunday late afternoon the conference held a private event at the DIA. As everyone says, this museum is phenomenal. One of the best art museums in the US. The fact the city owns the art is bonkers. A true gem, I wish I could go back as not all exhibits were open. For a late dinner, we came back downtown and hit up Grand Trunk Club. Superb beer list and good pub grub. Loved the space.
Which reminds me. Y’all have architecture that is awe-inspiring. It’s good to see many of the buildings have been restored and repurposed. I hope forward momentum continues and more get reborn. The bones are gorgeous and worth celebrating/saving.
Monday evening a few of us went to dinner at Selden Standard. Excellent meal, great servcie and a nice space. We then went to the Candy Bar in the Siren Hotel; the double Negroni was A+. Then to Jacoby’s Bier Hall or whatever for a late nightcap. Interesting spot! This was a fun night.
Tuesday morning I blew off the Marriott breakfast and went to Hudson Cafe. It was a good choice!
I wish I had more time. I’m a car nerd and didn’t get the opportunity to do anything car-related. The conference was originally a 2021 date but of course canceled so this was the make-up date. I was very sad when I read GM was leaving the Ren Center.
Let’s talk about that. It’s a bizarre building that reminds me in parts of the World Trade Center. It’s confusing as hell to navigate and it is sad it is a) abandoned and b) seemingly was built to segregate the city. Egress is confusing and not pretty.
The tl, dr: vibey city, great people, good food, fun for a long weekend!