Very often, when I mention that I love Detroit, people asked me why. It is well-known that this city, once the epicenter of the American car manufacturer, went into bankruptcy years ago. During the 1950’s, Detroit had almost two million residents and, at that time, was one of the largest cities in the country.
Detroit is not the same way it was 60 years ago. Today, the city’s population is a little over half a million. These days, Detroit is a beacon of hope and a lot of that is in part due to people returning to their city. Others, like me, have been falling in love and coming back every year because of the great spirit and history of this amazing American city.
In the last five years, Detroit is been getting back on track. New businesses and residents are making the city a very hip and interesting place. But its revival is mostly thanks to the people and their love for their city.
Even though there’s still so much to do, the city is a model to others around the country. Here are a few places that make Detroit such an amazing place to know.
Detroit Institute Of Arts:
Did you know that Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo spent a bit over a year in Detroit? In this place, you will find their presence while looking at Detroit Industry— the stunning mural created by Diego Rivera. While Rivera was working on this mural, Frida was developing most of her most important work.
Thanks to the effort of the people of Detroit, all of the Detroit Institute of Arts collection was saved from bankruptcy. The city was about to lose their collection when private donors, foundations, and the state of Michigan created what they called “the grand bargain” and collected the money to save the collection from sale. This place is a must-stop during your visit to Detroit.
The Henry Ford Museum:
This museum was created to document the genius of ordinary people and American innovation and history. It’s a place where our guests will find a piece of American history. There you will be able to step inside the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand by taking a seat. They also have the limousine John F. Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated in 1963 and the rocking chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was shot in 1865. Get ready to explore three centuries of history, culture, invention, and innovation at this amazing museum.
FoodLab Detroit:
This organization is an example of how the people of Detroit are organized and united. FoodLab started in 2011 when food entrepreneurs thought about a way to contribute to Detroit’s good food movement. They support businesses and help local entrepreneurs with training and support. Today, they have 163 active members. A few years ago I was able to do a tour around the city with them and I tasted their sense of community and their enthusiasm to help the city move forward in the right direction.
Give yourself the opportunity to explore Detroit, you’ll be amazed by their people and their resilience. You will want to come back for more. Detroit is one of our Ports of Call for Victory I and Victory II. We are excited to be sailing to and from this amazing city.
See you in Detroit!
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