Going to Detroit for 10 days - what is fun there?

[Pineapple]

Going on a 10 day business trip to Detroit this coming monday.

I will be in meetings and other work all day. I will have some evenings to play. So far I have found some information on the internet, but there is nothing like personal experience.

Anyone been there? Any small but excellent places to eat that I might miss? Nightlife? Points of interest?

[Kenrick]

Points of interest?

I think #1 on that list has to be "not get killed."  Can anyone back me up on that one?

[Strazos]

If I was going, I'd try to get a tour of the new Ford/Mazda plant and watch the Mustang assembly line. I'd also try to stop by Roush and/or SVT, but that's me.

[Evil Elvis]

It's starting to warm up, so at least you might not have to deal with a foot of snow :)

You just missed the auto-show, which is too bad.  The boat show might be going on now, though.  The Detroit Institute of Arts should be on your short list.  Greektown has some nice restaraunts which you should check out, like the Pegasus or Fishbones.  Opus One is in downtown D if you have the duckets, and feel like some ritzy dining.  

There's a few casinos, if you're into that sort of thing, like Motorcity or Greektown Casino.  You could get tickets to a Wings game... oh, nevermind (*bastards*).

There might be some shows or something at Fox Theatre or the Masonic Temple.  You'll have to check that out yourself.

[Dark Vengeance]

For nightlife, you will probably want to consider getting out of Detroit itself and into the surrounding area. Royal Oak and Ferndale have decent bar scenes, Pontiac has some decent clubs, but is a bit further out. Basically depends on what you're into.

If you want to stay in the downtown area, and you're into rowdier hard-drinkin types of bars, I'd suggest the Cass Corridor. The Majestic is a decent rock bar where you can catch live music. Union Street is a little more classy, and is right across the street (good calamari there too). The Old MIAMI is a vet's bar that I like, and along with Alvin's they cater to the punk rock crowd....but these are definitely of the "dive bar" variety. There's also a goth/darkwave/industrial club called City Club inside an old hotel....they stay open until 4AM (though all bars stop serving at 2AM), so they are a good spot to close out the night if you're looking to just blow it out one night on the town. And you've always got 5th Avenue Billiards in Comerica Park (they also have locations in Novi and Royal Oak), Hockeytown Cafe, and the Hard Rock Cafe right downtown.

On the east side of town, Harpo's is a rock bar that a lot of folks like, but I'm not a big fan (the violent idiot factor is too high for my tastes). The Hayloft and Wild Woody's out in Mount Clemens are decent rock-themed meat markets. The Emerald Ballroom is the big dance spot on that side of town.

And if you want to see some boobs, I suggest crossing into Windsor, Canada. Michigan has a no booze rule in nude bars, and the topless bars are still pretty touchy (no pun) about physical contact. In Canada, nudie bars serve booze, and the rules on lapdances are nowhere near as strict....plus you get the benefit of the exchange rate. It's a time-honored tradition here, commonly referred to as "attending the Windsor ballet".

So if you want to completely destroy your liver, I'm a pretty decent resource.

As for other stuff, you need to keep in mind that Detroit is very much a metro area. We have a good freeway system, so if you can get a decent map, it's pretty easy to get where you're going.

Elvis already touched on casinos, and some of the high-end dining options. The DIA, Fox Theatre, and Masonic Temple are worth checking out....the Detroit Opera House is also downtown.

For pro sports, you're pretty much limited to the Pistons right now...and they play all the way out in Auburn Hills.

As to what Kenrick said, if you mind your business, you won't find trouble unless you go looking for it....like anyplace else, really. High visibility areas like downtown, Woodward, or suburbs like Royal Oak, Ferndale, Mount Clemens, Pontiac, and Novi should be fine.

Parking in downtown Detroit is a big issue to be aware of, and you'll want to make sure you have good cold-weather clothing, including gloves. Public transportation here is shit, and cabs tend to require an actual phone call to get one...I strongly suggest a rental car.

Bring the noise.
Cheers.............

[DarkDryad]

If I was going, I'd try to get a tour of the new Ford/Mazda plant and watch the Mustang assembly line. I'd also try to stop by Roush and/or SVT, but that's me.

SVT is in a closed down state atm NO SVT vehiclles till 06 :(  Livernois is there as well if yer a fast /flashy car freak. Just sayin I run a Mustang performance side business:P

[Pineapple]

I strongly suggest a rental car.

Excellent. Thanks everyone for the great feedback.

I am printing it all out now.

I will have a rental car. I hope the weather is kind during the trip.

[Strazos]

If I was going, I'd try to get a tour of the new Ford/Mazda plant and watch the Mustang assembly line. I'd also try to stop by Roush and/or SVT, but that's me.

SVT is in a closed down state atm NO SVT vehiclles till 06 :(  Livernois is there as well if yer a fast /flashy car freak. Just sayin I run a Mustang performance side business:P

Doh, that means a new Cobra isn't an option....In that case, any word on a release date on the Stage 3 Roush?