Best Day Trips For Under $100 In The Detroit Area
The best kind of day is one where fun is had and the wallet stays thick. Detroit, with its rich history and famous architecture, is certainly a city that offers variety with day trips for the budget-conscious traveler. Museums, entertainment and stellar eateries are among the things that Metro Detroit can assist in making your day off a day well spent.
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Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
www.dia.org
For over a century, the Detroit Institute of Arts has existed as a means to educate and inform visitors at their leisure. With over 400 different exhibit items and a dining hall and additional cafe, an individual or family could easily spend several hours inside the historic place. The DIA stays open late every Friday night for an evening offering drawing in the galleries, art-making workshops, guided tours and much more. Activities take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and are free with museum admission.
Corktown & Michigan Central Station
Corner of 15th St. & Lancombe Drive
Detroit, MI 48216
Corktown is the oldest neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan and within it are must-sees like the old train depot and today's residential homes of Detroiters. Here you'll find the Michigan Central Station which is considered Detroit's Ellis Island as it was the only port where people could depart from and arrive to all the world's great destinations of the time. Spend the day exploring and taking pictures of the three-story train depot and an 18-story office tower, and when you get tired, stop by Macomb Park to have a picnic. If you're in Corktown during March, you may even catch the Corktown Race and Irish parade, another all-day attraction.
Guardian Building
500 Griswold Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 963-4567
www.guardianbuilding.com
This monumental building is all about panoramic views, retail shops and wireless and broadband technology which easily means you could spend the entire day lounging about the Guardian Building in downtown Detroit. You can delight in stores like Dunn Blue graphics, Motor City sweets, Andy's Sundries and even get your shoes shined at Motor Sole Shoe Shine. An added bonus is that there is shuttle service and ample parking for visitors.
Comerica Park
2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 962-4000
www.tigers.com
It's a ballpark but so much more. At any given time, Comerica Park could offer ferris wheel rides, a water feature in center field, music and dance choreography and almost anything you can think of that may be enjoyed outdoors. You won't want to miss the Brushfire Grill behind third base and the Big Cat Food Court behind first base. The park is historical and has much to offer to the young, the old and the in-betweeners. And, obviously, it's the home of the Detroit Tigers.
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Detroit Historical Society
5401 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-1805
www.detroithistorical.org
You'll certainly gain a good understanding of how Detroit came to be at this specialty history museum. The Kid Rock Music Lab, Streets of Detroit, Arsenal of Democracy and Trains at the Underground Railroad are all stimulating and educational exhibits. The assembly line exhibit, where you'll see a Cadillac built from scratch, might be the best place to start. Admission is free for Wayne County residents. Exhibits are changed every so often which makes it a great spot to keep revisiting.
Pewabic Pottery
10125 E. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 626-2000
www.pewabic.org
Enjoy wonderful handmade pottery at this artistic treasure in downtown Detroit. Look and purchase or design and gift your own pottery creations. If you are redecorating your home or want to develop your design-making skills, Pewabic is a great place to do just that. Bring a countertop tile or fabric swatch for your appointment with a Pewabic professional designer or sign up for any of the classes which are offered to adults and youth of all levels. While your artwork is drying, there are a variety of different grills and cafes within walking distance where you and a friend may satisfy your appetites.
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Head to CBS Detroit's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food,culture and more!
Sakina Al-Amin writes regularly for an accumulating number of online publications, but has dreams of one day being a spokesperson. She resides in the metro Detroit area with her husband. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
