Detroit Impressions

Extremely interesting article on the "Detroit Brand". Makes me even more proud to say "I live in in Detroit"!

The Detroit Brand

Detroit Makes the list of America's Top 10 Downtowns

Detroit Downtown Ranked Among America's Top 10 Downtowns!

We love Detroit! 

What is your favorite thing(s) about downtown Detroit? 

What is your best Detroit memory?

The Spiral Collective

4201 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI 48208

 

 

 

     I came across the Spiral Collective about a year and a half ago on one of my many trips to Avalon bakery (here!). A large group had gotten in line just before my friend and I so we decided to wander the few shops surrounding the bakery. Quite often, I had noticed the Spiral Collective on my trips down Cass and frequently wondered what it was. With a significant line continuing to form at Avalon, I decided to check it out. 

     Spiral Collective was NOT what I expected at all. I was expecting a small, lack-luster gift-shop-esque type of shop, not 4 equally diverse shops sharing a common space. The Spiral Collective is composed of: Source Booksellers, Tualni Rose gift shop, Textures by Nefertiti, and the Del Pryor art gallery. While I don't like to play favorites (okay, that's a lie, I love playing favorites) the Del Pryor art gallery blew me away. Never in my life at the young age of 21 have I ever felt even remotely persuaded to buy an $800 piece of art off the wall of a gallery. All of the art was absolutely gorgeous and made a lasting impression on me. Source Booksellers provided books on everything from zen gardens to the history of Detroit. Tualni Rose and Textures while both being a bit pricey, sold some typical Detroit "staples" like t-shirts, but also a numerous amount of goods like candles and bags made by local Detroiters. The owners are extremely knowledgeable not to mention friendly. I could barely go a few steps before I would find myself locked in another conversation with one of them about anything from Detroit's current economic state, to what is the best yoga position to open up your lungs before running, to what kind of oil combination was used in that candle.

    While the 4 shops are definitely the main focus of the Spiral Collective, what really draws me to this place are the free classes they have on Saturday mornings. Based on the number of the week classes vary between things such as Tai-Chi and yoga. Belly-dancing is offered on the months with a 5th Saturday! The classes are about an hour long and fit for all ages and fitness levels. My advice? Go for the art, stay for the Tai-Chi, leave when the line at Avalon is gone. 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT

-Amy 

The Heidelberg Project

approx. 3600 Heidelberg St.

http://www.heidelberg.org/

The Heidelberg Project is definitely one of my favorite "stumble-upon" places in Detroit. Every time I go, I feel like I'm stuck wandering around the neighboring area for just a bit too long and then bam! I find that I'm right in the middle of it. 

The Heidelberg Project was started in 1986 (Happy 25th Birthday!) by Tyree Guyton. Named the Heidelberg Project after the street it began on, Tyree began the project as a way to draw attention to his street that people were scared to walk on, even in the daylight. Tyree believed that by turning the street into a kind of art exhibit, some positive attention could be brought to the street thus decreasing the amount crime.

The project is ever expanding and new installments continuously being added. Heidelberg is a bit of a sensory overload. There is so much to look at and you have to be willing to look around a bit to see all that there is. Everything from the Time is Money house (a house covered in change) to the Dotty Wotty house (the house completely covered in polka dots) is something new and makes you stop and stare. 

Tyree is cool guy too. Often times you can catch him around the project, fixing things up or giving a tour. He's very humble and truly wants to see what Detroit can become. Do yourself a favor and check out the Heidelberg. 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT.

-Amy

Lafayette Coney Island

Lafayette Coney Island

118 W Lafayette 

Happy New Year all!

 

     In Detroit, there are two choices for places for coney dogs, Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island. This Detroiter however refuses to set foot in American. Call it a superstition, but I believe my beloved Lafayette may or may not burn to the ground if I step inside the neighboring American Coney Island-it's a chance I'm not willing to take.

     The first word that comes to mind when I think of Lafayette is charm. Every time I step in Lafayette I feel overwhelmed with history. One of my closest friend's grandparents met here over 50 years ago. Lafayette has remained pretty much the same since it opened in 1917, while American has changed and expanded (goLafayette!). I love hearing the guys behind the counter yell at each other in Greek. 

     The menu is short and simple: coney dogs, loose burgers, fries and chili. What the menu lacks in variety however, it makes up for in taste. Everything is absolutely delicious. You can't beat Lafayette's hours either. 7:30am-4:30am. So whether it's for a fast lunch or a snack after a night at the bar Lafayette is a wonderful choice. 

PEACE.LOVE.DETROIT

-Amy