Detroit Beer Week: October 11-20, 2012

Detroit Beer Week is scheduled for October 11-20, 2012.  I have never attended the event but am hoping that is an opportunity to savor some local brews.  My friends and I enjoyed a day on the lake this summer sampling Detroit brews.  We were definitely impressed.  

If you have been to the event, please let us know what you think.

Tour de Troit 2012

What is a 30 mile bike around Detroit with 2,500 riders?  Spectacular.   The ride through Mexican Town, Greenwich Village, Belle Isle, New Center and more provided a diverse view of Detroit.  The event was well orchestrated.  A definite must for next year.

About to start our journey

From MacArthur Bridge on way onto Belle Isle

Bikes resting while their rides enjoy the after party

Pausing for a photo

Girls' Day Biking in Detroit

My girlfriends and I met up in Detroit with our bikes and rode the Dequindre Cut from Gratiot to the riverwalk.  We took the opportunity to peek at the jazz fest and then gorge ourselves on some great food at Joe Muer in the Renaissance Center.

Great time!  Two things to note: First, there are not a lot of bike racks downtown. We did locate a few near Cobo.  Second, we went to Joe Muer in our biking clothes mid-afternoon but it is definitely worthy of a special occasion in a nice dress.  The food was excellent.

Bonus:  The parking on Gratiot is free and we snuck in some exercise while catching up.

Cadillac Urban Garden and Scarcyny Park in Mexican Town, Detroit

Business leaders in Detroit are taking an active role in improving Detroit.  From the M-1 light rail project funds to stepping away from the boardroom and into the library to help a child learn to read.  Ideal Group, a privately held company, in southwest Detroit (commonly known as Mexican town) has shown their dedication to the local community in numerous ways.  This week. I had the opportunity to see the results of their dedication first hand.  Members of the Ideal team shared the Cadillac Urban Garden and Scarcyny Park with me.

Cadillac Urban Garden is a community vegetable and flower garden located in an empty lot owned by Ideal and once used by businessmen visiting the GM Cadillac Facility.  GM donated containers from their Lake Orion assembly plant which Ideal repurposed as flower and vegetable beds.  The neighborhood residents are invited to help tend the garden on the weekends and take home vegetables for their families.  The garden adds beauty and nutrition to the community.

Scarcyny Park, once an empty urban lot, is now an active community gathering place.  The community gathers for live music, movies in the park, and even weddings.  Ideal continues to work with the community to improve the park and keep it clean.

Workers take a break in Scarcyny Park

Scarcyny Park

My Experience at Somerset Collection's CityLoft

Entrance to CityLoft

I stopped at Somerset Collection's CityLoft in midtown Detroit yesterday.  I was on my way home from the airport and didn't have much time before my hair appointment.  That didn't stop me from supporting retail in Detroit.  I purchased two bracelets (and even wore one to my hair appointment).  The collection is small and cramped but with a variety of merchandise from various stores and even hors d'oeuves and drinks.  The staff and patrons were full of energy and so was the rest of the city.  Campus Martius had live music, the square across from CityLoft was hosting an art fair, and the Fox Theater was presenting a concert.  Downtown was hopping on Thursday night.

CityLoft on Woodward Avenue

I hope that Somerset is testing the waters in Detroit and finding them to be enjoyable.  I would love to see some year round Somerset style in downtown Detroit.  If you haven't had the opportunity to visit CityLoft yet, check it out today or Saturday.  It will also be open August 16th - 18th.  

The 'dress' outside of CityLoft.  There are other paper dresses throughout downtown.

Somerset Collection's City Loft in downtown Detroit...and a Living Social discount....oh yeah!

Awhile back, I posted a link on the Detroit Expereince Facebook page to the Somerset Collection's City Loft events.  For three weekends this summer, Somerset Collection will be in downtown.  Oh yeah, that's right, our favorite fashions in our downtown Detroit.  Today, I noticed that Living Social has a $10 for $20 to spend at City Loft.  Click the link below to some get some savings through Living Social.  I will be in Detroit shopping at City Loft this weekend.  :-)

https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/408016?ref=conf-jp&rpi=72256652

Date Night: Cliff Bell's Jazz Club

If you are looking for a romantic date night or a way to impress your guests, take a step back into Detroit's glory days at Cliff Bell's Jazz Club.  Cliff Bell's originally opened in 1935 when Detroit was the place to see and be seen.  Like many of Detroit's treasures, it's doors were shuttered in 1985 during Detroit's decline and period of urban flight.  In 2005, the club reopened.  The owners respected much of the original architectural detail.  The curved wood ceilings, stage, and gorgeous bar provide an elegant and sophisticated ambience.  Combine the beautiful surroundings with live jazz and Cliff Bell's is a night to remember.  Oh...did I mention that the food is excellent as well?   

Cliff Bell's is within walking distance of the theater district, Ford Field, Comerica Park, and numerous restaurants and bars.  We actually capped off our night by walking down to Centaur for a martini.