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Thanksgiving Visitor's Guide To Detroit

Whether this Thanksgiving marks your first time traveling in Detroit or you've been to the city several times, it's always nice to have a guide. The questions to ask: what historical sites are important to see, what restaurants serve the best food, are there special events to attend, etc. Get a feel for where you are! Outlined below are several events — the hotel, Thanksgiving Day activities, sports, music, art, history and religious places to see and experience. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Detroit Metro Convention And Visitors Bureau
211 W. Fort St., Suite 1000
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 202-1800
visitdetroit.com
Always check out the Visitors Bureau. The most up-to-date events are found here. Learn how to navigate The D, discover local events, know where to eat a meal and stay for an evening, find out what the locals are up to, and use planning tools to design the perfect out-of-town adventure for you. Everything begins at the Visitors Bureau. The rest of the fun is up to you!

Detroit Marriott At The Renaissance Center -- This is a great hotel for your Detroit visit. Wake up with a concierge breakfast and Starbucks coffee. Get a nice morning workout in their fitness center. Watch the news on your flat-screen television. Then spend the rest of the day touring the city. At this hotel, you are located close to the Detroit River Walk, which leads to the malls, and you are close to the Opera House.

Thanksgiving Day Parade -- The Thanksgiving Day Parade will be on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m.-12 a.m. This is a Michigan tradition. Look for the local bands, dance teams, equestrian units, old-fashioned cars, holiday balloons and much more. The parade will travel south on Woodward Avenue and end at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Congress.

Campus Martius Park -- Many activities happen at Campus Martius Park. This is located in the heart of Downtown Detroit on a two-and-a-half-acre square. Many entertainers and performers come here for live events. The Tree Lighting is on Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. End the evening with ice skating on the community rink.

Ford Field -- A Detroit tradition involves watching the Lions play football on Thanksgiving Day in Motor City. Watch the game with family and friends on the television. If you're lucky enough to get tickets, experience a game at Ford Field. The game will be on Nov. 26 at 12:30 p.m.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra -- A symphony says so much about a community. Why not see amazing talent at a show? On Wednesday, Nov. 23 (10:45 a.m.), enjoy "Popera: Opera's Greatest Hits," featuring intense moments from the heart of opera composed by Mozart, Puccini Rossini and more.  On Nov. 25 (8 p.m.), The Detroit Public Theater performs "Dot" by Colman Domingo. This hilarious and heartbreaking play brings us into the heart of a boisterous, loving, West Philly home as siblings and parents grapple with aging, midlife crises, and the true meaning of family. A variety of performances are taking place Nov. 26, including "World Winter Holiday" with Guy Louis (10 a.m.), "Tubby the Tuba" with DSO Principal Tuba Dennis Nulty (11 a.m.), "Music of Journey" a tribute to 80s rock band (8 p.m.), and "Dot" by Colman Domingo (8 p.m.).

Detroit Institute Of Arts -- The Detroit Art Museum has an art collection that covers prehistoric art through the twenty-first century. Look for pieces such as Animals In Landscape, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, and The Nightmare. Check their schedule for special music and film events, too.

Henry Ford Museum And Greenfield Village -- There are two parts to this museum: the indoor Henry Ford Museum and the outdoor Greenfield Village. At the Henry Ford Museum, you will see all the collections Henry Ford had. There are old-fashioned Ford cars, trains, farming equipment, aviation, paintings and so much more. Henry Ford appreciated art and had various pieces shipped all over the world for his personal collection. Greenfield Village shows over three centuries of life in America. Walk through homes, farms and work buildings to see what it took to make America what it is today.

Historic Trinity Lutheran Church -- This church has been open since 1850. It is operated with a traditional Cathedral Ministry. Thanksgiving Services are held at 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve and 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. There are also three services on Sundays: 8:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 11 a.m. When coming to this church, you will be amazed at the beautiful architectural designs: the high vaulted ceilings, the stain-glass windows, the organ, etc. You will feel welcome, and especially during the holiday season as you look at the gorgeous decorations.

Related: Best Fall Craft Beers In Detroit

Jenn Straka is a feisty and intelligent young woman who resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When she isn't hitting the pavement digging up stories, she enjoys music, sports, animals, and having fun with friends and family. Contact her at jenn.straka@gmail.com, or be bold and read 365withJenn.blogspot.com.
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