Detroit: underrated weekend getaway destination

Detroit sign - downtown core

Did you know Detroit is only about four hours from Toronto (by car)? That’s closer than Montreal! I’ve been to Montreal many times, but Detroit? Never crossed my mind until recently. Like many people, I’d always associated Detroit with crime, gun violence, you name it. So when my friends asked me to join them at Afro Nation, a music festival in Detroit, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. But, since I hadn’t traveled much this summer, I figured, why not give it a try?

Detroit

Turns out, Detroit was great! The downtown area is surprisingly charming. There’s this cozy little parkette nestled among the office buildings, filled with chairs and tables. If I worked around there, I’d totally head there for lunch every day. It’s also where the iconic Detroit sign is, so of course, I had to snap a few pics. The Central University of Michigan campus is nearby too, with a beautiful library and lots of great restaurants around.

We love det sign

A few steps away, we stumbled upon a big plaza with grassy areas and a fountain that kept the air nice and cool. When we were there, the city was hosting a lively event with a DJ, activities for kids, and a crowd of people soaking it all in. The downtown core really gives off a friendly, family vibe.

I spotted two more Detroit signs while we wandered—one was a simple arch, and the other was an arch with a digital screen. They were using it to showcase Detroit’s athletes heading to the Olympics in Paris and, of course, to promote Afro Nation!

Detroit sign - Digital arch

Overall, Detroit gave me a great first impression. It’s a modern, vibrant city with electric streetcars, electrical bike rentals, and tons of spots to just sit and relax. The lakeshore promenade is currently under renovation, and once it’s done, the city will be even more dynamic.

Since it was a short weekend trip mostly spent at the festival, I didn’t have much time to explore beyond the downtown area. But I’m already planning to go back next spring to get a more complete feel of the city!

For more videos of Detroit's downtown, go to my IG!