Jacob & GideonJacob & Gideon
Things To DoThings To Do
Detroit Institute of ArtsDetroit Institute of Arts
If you’ve ever thought art museums are just for “fancy people,” think again. The Detroit Institute of Arts is a masterpiece in itself, with more than 65,000 works that will make you question your entire existence. From Diego Rivera’s epic murals to ancient Egyptian statues with knights in shining armor, you’ll leave feeling either profoundly cultured or like you need a nap… maybe both. Elise, Gideon's mom, has been a tour guide here for years and can give you the scoop. It is a must-visit!
Detroit Riverfront ConservancyDetroit Riverfront Conservancy
Stretching 5.5 miles along the Detroit River, the Detroit Riverwalk is a beautifully landscaped path perfect for walking, jogging, or relaxing by the water. You can enjoy stunning views of the Detroit skyline, Canada across the river, and beautiful parks and plazas. It's a wonderful place to soak in the beauty of the city, with recreational areas, public art, and eateries along the way. Get pristine views of the only place in the US that is north of Canada. See 'The Fist', Hart Plaza & The Renaissance Center (the second tallest hotel building in the Western Hemisphere). Ooooh aaaah.
Belle Isle Park & ConservatoryBelle Isle Park & Conservatory
Detroit’s version of “let’s escape the city” is Belle Isle Park—an island oasis right in the middle of the river. There are 982 acres where you can explore the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Conservatory, the Detroit Yacht Club, and walking trails. It's a peaceful retreat from the city and a perfect spot for picnics, bird and deer watching, or enjoying the waterfront. Bring a bathing suit! A visit to Detroit isn't complete without some time on Belle Isle.
Campus Martius ParkCampus Martius Park
Detroit Jazz Fest Campus Martius Park is Detroit’s vibrant urban oasis where the city comes alive! A 10 minute walk from The Cambria, this bustling park in the heart of downtown is the go-to spot for everything from summer concerts and ice skating in the winter to grabbing a coffee and people-watching on sunny days. With its stunning skyline views, beautiful green space, and year-round events, Campus Martius is where locals and tourists gather to soak up the energy of Detroit. Enjoy the food trucks and Jazz Fest concerts starting during the wedding weekend.
Eastern MarketEastern Market
Open every Saturday! A true slice of Detroit that’s as lively as the city itself, this historic district, one of the largest and oldest year-round public markets in the U.S., is a food lover's paradise, offering everything from fresh produce and meats to quirky artisan goods and street food that will have your taste buds exploding. Whether it’s the Saturday market bustling with locals or a weekday visit to check out the unique shops, Eastern Market is where you can shop, eat, and soak in the creative spirit of Detroit—all while marveling at the colorful murals that make the area feel like an open-air gallery.
Detroit ZooDetroit Zoo
Located 2 blocks from the Levinson home, we've spent more time at the zoo than anywhere on this list. ture! Home to over 2,000 animals, including the popular penguin exhibit, peacocks meandering around, an arctic polar bear adventure, and an immersive groundhog exhibit - it’s the perfect spot for both kids and adults. The Detroit Zoo offers an animal-packed escape that’s just a short trip from downtown. And don’t forget to check out the steam locomotive, beautiful butterfly garden, and the 4D theater for some extra fun!
Henry Ford Museum of American InnovationHenry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Step right up and prepare to be amazed by the ultimate shrine to American ingenuity! Yes, he was a raging antisemite, but this is one of our favorite museums around. The Henry Ford Museum is packed with jaw-dropping exhibits, including the actual bus Rosa Parks sat on, Abraham Lincoln’s rocking chair, JFK's limo (RIP), a giant collection of classic cars, the Wright brothers' first airplane, Thomas Edison’s workshop, or a real locomotive and Model T you can climb aboard? There's also an IMAX theater, Greenfield Village, and the Rouge Ford Factory Plant Tour if you love cars as much as the Best Men. Car connoisseur Josh Levinson gives this museum 5 BIG BOOMS!
GreektownGreektown
Greektown offers a vibrant slice of Detroit’s cultural diversity, with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and shops in a lively, walkable area. It’s a great place to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, colorful street art, baklava galore, and hit the casinos. Our favorite restaurants are Greek Isles and Pegasus. With its rich history dating back to the early 20th century, Greektown is one of Detroit’s most beloved districts for both locals and visitors.
Motown MuseumMotown Museum
The Motown Museum is where legends were made, and yes, that includes Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and iconic voices that changed pop culture forever. Tour the legendary “Hitsville U.S.A.” and see where some of the best songs ever were born in a small house on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard. Warning: you will leave humming, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” for at least 24 hours.
Detroit Historical MuseumDetroit Historical Museum
Want to learn how Detroit went from a French fur trading post to the motor capital of the world? The Detroit Historical Museum is your chance to catch up on all the city’s colorful history. Go back in time on cobblestone streets and you’ll find everything from the history of the automobile to Detroit’s vital role in the civil rights movement. And you can see some exhibits that Best Man Noah Levinson worked on.
Michigan Science CenterMichigan Science Center
Located in the heart of downtown, the Michigan Science Center is perfect for visitors of all ages with its interactive exhibits on space, technology, and biology. Whether it's exploring the wonders of science through hands-on activities or catching a planetarium show, it’s an engaging stop, especially for kiddos. Gideon had 2 birthday parties here in elementary school and was a counselor at their summer inventors camp.
CasinosCasinos
Detroit and Windsor are full of casinos. We've never been but our friends' favorites include: MGM Grand Detroit MotorCity Casino Hotel Ceasers Windsor Greektown Casino-Hotel Treetop Lounge at Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Restaurant & Bar RecommendationsRestaurant & Bar Recommendations
Detroit’s food scene has exploded in recent years, offering everything from high-end dining to delicious local comfort food. *page is brought it you by chatGPT, mostly Selden Standard The Whitney, a historical landmark Grey Ghost Buddy's Pizza Lafayette Coney Island, not American Coney Island. The rivalry between Lafayette and American is as much a part of Detroit’s food culture as the coney itself. Try them both and watch a man at Lafayette carry 25 plated hot dogs like its nothing. Red Coat Tavern Zingerman's (in Ann Arbor) Joe Muer Seafood Lelli's Restaurant Supino Pizza The Apparatus Room Townhouse Frita Batidos Highlands (at the top of the Ren Cen) Andiamo Pegasus Taverna Leo's Coney Island, a classic Detroit Bear Company Motor City Wine The Sugar House The Foundry Cliff Bell's