Six plans (with people) in the ghost town of Detroit
As if you were the protagonist of I am legend. When you're dropped in the middle of Detroit, in the middle of nowhere with huge avenues without cars, giant buildings that are closed and full of graffiti, you feel like the protagonist of a post-apocalyptic movie. That's why your goal is to find people, see where the people who have not left this city after its bankruptcy are hiding and that they proudly defend it for its musical past (from Motown to Eminem, from Rodriguez to Madonna, from gospel to techno) and industrial (it is still Motor City, the motor city).
They go out of their way for their local teams (the Tigers in baseball, the Pistons in basketball...), their hot dogs, Coney Island; his craft beer and his favorite soft drink, Vernors. for the day, We suggest these six plans in which to finally meet people. At night, mingle with Jim Jarmusch's vampires who understand the spirit of this (almost) ghost town so well.
Detroit Central Station
1.**EAT A CONEY ISLAND (WITH EMINEM)**
Well, where Eminem likes to go. And Kid Rock. And to every proud citizen of Detroit. In Lafayette Coney Island, the city's first Coney Island-style restaurant turning 100 right now . A place that doesn't need Instagram filters, yellow and greenish, with a long bar with red stools and waiters grunting how many hotdogs or Coney Islands you want. "Only one?", He will tell you surprised. But at least order it with everything, as it is eaten in Detroit, where it was created: beef sausage, beef chili, onion and mustard . The cheese thing is from Cincinatti. Oh, and of course it is accompanied by Vernors, the most popular non-alcoholic drink. Next door to Lafayette Coney Island is American Coney Island, founded in 1917, but with a larger, renovated lounge…in the 1970s?
This is how you eat in Lafayette Coney Island
two. SING MY GIRL AT MOTOWN'S STUDIO A
Going to Detroit and not going to Motown is sacrilege. The offices and studios of the record label that Berry Gordy founded in 1959 have been for more than two decades a museum with a guided tour where they tell you the story between photos and more photos of the bands and stars that he created (The Temptations, The Supreemes, the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye…), along with all kinds of memorabilia. The most precious objects: the hat and glove with which Michael Jackson danced his moonwalk for the first time . The visit ends at the mythical Studio A where they recorded their greatest hits, such as _My Girl_ by Los Temptations, which you will sing at the top of your voice.
Motown, the temple of the stars
3. GET ON THE PEOPLE MOVE AND SEE NOTHING FROM THE HEIGHTS
Another pride of the people of Detroit, for the intensity with which they recommend it, it's this elevated, automated streetcar from which you see the loneliness of downtown detroit . The closed art deco office buildings, the avenues without cars or people, the empty car parks (the number of car parks is impressive, not to forget the city that was). It circles the financial district, passing the imposing offices of General Motors (whose lobby is an entertaining visit) and above the Greek quarter, greektown , one of the few streets full of open bars and restaurants and with people! Partly because of the new casino hotel that the new savior of the city has opened, Dan Gilbert.
People Mover, a pride for Detroit
Four. A BEACH THAT IS A SQUARE OR A SQUARE THAT IS A BEACH
The Campus Martius Square It is one of the few corners of Downtown where you do not sit on the stage of I am a legend. Especially in summer, when it becomes a beach, with sand, loungers, chairs and umbrellas. and even a beach bar . It is one of the most successful projects in Detroit's downtown revitalization plan. On the other side, in good weather, there are also outdoor cinema.
An urban beach with a beach bar included
5. TRY THE LOCAL BEER
The bars, the dive bars or clubs, are other survivors of the city. Many open day and night, with good music, and a long list of local and craft beers , from factories in the city or state of Michigan, one of those that has taken this trend most seriously. Detroit Beer Company, may be one of the best places to check it out. And if not any bar where you are not afraid to enter.
The best beer in town
6. WALKING AROUND THE RIVER LOOKING AT CANADA LISTENING
The river walk It is one of the areas in which they are putting more effort. A walk along the river, from General Motors to Cobo Center, with shaded areas and music, beer or food festivals, especially now in summer. A walk from which you can hear the thunderous music of the neighbors from the other shore, Canada , and its giant casino and lights that seem to challenge the silence of Detroit.
Riverwalk, a walk with good views
*You may also be interested
- Travel in search of nothing
- Tourism without a soul: abandoned places
- Six photographers of abandoned spaces that you have to know
- All articles by Irene Crespo