2021 is starting to look up. The weather continues to warm by the day, and vaccines are pumping out to Detroiters by the hundreds. Social distancing and mask-wearing are still being strongly encouraged by the CDC. And in the meantime, check some of the best, safe, ways to explore Detroit and enjoy the beautiful spring weather this season.
GRAB A CONE AND ENJOY THE SUNSHINE
This week the weather is supposed to break 80 degrees and one of the best ways to enjoy a hot day is with a cone of ice cream. Treat Dreams in Midtown offers some fun and unusual flavors perfect for the summertime. If you find yourself in the downtown area, Huddle! offers some classic, but delicious soft serve to go. For the vegans out there, Treat Dreams has you covered with delicious vegan and dairy free options.
PHOTO DANIEL TUTTLE / UNSPLASH
EXPLORE DETROIT’S GRAFFITI AND MURAL SCENE
Detroit simply wouldn’t be the same without our extensive and stunning graffiti and mural scene. Take a drive to hunt down some of Detroit’s unique and intricate pieces. I Love Detroit Michigan curated a list of 50 murals throughout the city, some of which have been removed or changed since the list was created, that are great murals to begin your search. What’s your favorite mural or graffiti art you’ve seen in Detroit so far?
CHARCUTERIE IN THE PARK
Eatóri Market is an adorable, affordable, and quality spot to grab some a’ la carte snacks and drinks for a picnic in Capitol Park. The two are located right next to each other, and with the Market’s selection of charcuterie, fresh fruits and vegetables, chips, crackers, wine, beer, soda, and more, it leaves nothing for the “bring from home” list except for maybe a good book or a friend. Capitol Park is complete with pop up food stands, a dog park, and has a welcoming charm due to the overhead string lights.
TAKE A HIKE AT ROUGE PARK
Rouge Park offers beautiful and easy nature trails for us city folk missing canopy cover and wild flowers. Rouge Park also contains a three mile long mountain biking trail. If paved trails are more your speed, the park has seven miles of paved pathways spanning throughout the entire park.
PHOTO CATHERINE HUGHES / UNSPLASH
GRAB A MOGO, BIRD, OR LIME TO EXPLORE THE CITY
Many of are used to seeing Bird and Lime scooters, and the bright orange MoGo bikes dispersed throughout the city, but they are still without a doubt a fun way to explore Detroit and our #1 riverfront in the nation — named by USA Today. If you’re looking for a cool place to stop and watch the water, follow West Jefferson Avenue to Riverside Park and play a game of chess or ping pong on the built-in stone tables. Don’t forget your pieces and paddles!
EXPLORE EASTERN MARKET
Eastern Market is a classic, but classics are that way for a reason. Open on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays the Market offers not only fresh produce, plants, and handmade goods, but also music and intricate mural art wrapping almost every building. Eastern Market does get in the habit of getting quite busy, so make sure to mask up and sanitize while you support the Market’s local and fantastic vendors. For a great summer-y addition to the experience, grab a cold and fresh and made-to-order smoothie or juice from Beyond Juice.
GRAB A COFFEE AT THE CONGREGATION AND ENJOY GORDON PARK
The Congregation only recently celebrated their first anniversary, and for a coffee/cocktail hotspot open only during a pandemic, they quickly found themselves as a neighborhood favorite. They serve Great Lakes Coffee and Good Cakes and Bakes, Terri’s Cakes, and Eat Good Cookies goodies’ to dip ‘n dunk. The Congregation is also located in a beautiful, renovated church, complete with stunning stained glass windows and a historic feel inside.
Gordon Park, right across the street from The Congregation, is located on the corner of Clairmount Ave and Rosa Parks Blvd. It is a perfect spot to chill, complete with a playground for kids, benches, open grass to lay, picnic, and play on, and covered patio space for the hot, steamy days.
