The New York Times gives love to Detroit, and particularly to the visitor's experience of an uncommon city. While the urban highlights in the article are the usual suspects, some of my all-time favorite places anywhere -- Eastern Market, Cliff Bell's, late Friday nights at the DIA (free for city residents) -- get special attention. So does my pal Emily Doerr's Hostel Detroit, which opened just weeks ago. In the introduction to the Times piece, I appreciate the "in it together" sensibility that's evoked: a sensibility that really isn't mere tourism-bureau-speak, but rather a palpable experience.
Despite recent news stories of a population exodus from Detroit, there are many reasons to make a pilgrimage to this struggling city right now — and not just because Eminem’s slick Super Bowl commercial showcased the inner strength of the Motor City. No video can portray the passion one finds on the streets of Detroit these days, where everyone from the doorman to the D.J. will tell you they believe in this city’s future. While certain areas are indeed eerily empty, other neighborhoods — including midtown, downtown and Corktown — are bustling with new businesses that range from creperies and barbecue joints catering to the young artists and entrepreneurs migrating to Motown, to a just-opened hostel that invites tourists to explore Detroit with the aid of local volunteer guides. In the historic Brush Park district, architecture buffs will find some lovely refurbished houses, and along Woodward Avenue, restored film palaces are a wonderful reminder that this city’s storied past includes not just automobiles, but also the entertainment industry. No urban enthusiast will want to miss the recovery that Detroit is now attempting.
See the photo slideshow of the city here. I'm rather fond of image #7, while #10 is striking...
Thanks to Chris M., who was the first to send me the link.
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