Rekindle Romance Detroit — A place to escape close to home by Sarah Gray
Feeling a little wrung-out after the craziness of the holiday season? Don’t want to look at one more glass of eggnog, one more decorated sugar cookie, or sing one more Christmas carol? Then take a much needed and much deserved break away from it all, reconnect with the love of your life, and head east to Detroit. There are many places to visit, delicious dining to be had, and entertainment to enjoy in Detroit. However, there are many places you can go to just relax, unwind and be pampered as well. Visit one of Detroit’s three casinos to enjoy all this in one convenient location. Drive into the bustling city and then have all the stress and noise melt away. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool or hot tub, unwind with a relaxing couples massage, or just take an enjoyable nap in one of the many spacious and luxurious hotel rooms. Feeling ready to add back a little excitement? Try your turn with lady luck in the casino or have romantic dinner for two in one of the many wonderful restaurants. Speaking of food, Detroit culinary fare is among in the best in the state, offer-
ing delicious choices for any taste on any budget. Michigan.org has listed many of the best and most romantic places to dine in Detroit including The Whitney. Located in the heart of Midtown in an historic 1890s mansion, The Whitney offers classic American cuisine and an extensive wine list. For those looking for just a drink, head upstairs to the third floor Ghost Bar. Well-known Chef Michael Symons’s restaurant Roast is a fantastic atmosphere for date night. “The Chew” host’s menu features meat, poultry, and seafood cooked over an open flame. Once a hotspot for important business deals, the historic London Chop House recently reopened and many of the nostalgic fixtures are intact, making it the perfect spot to cozy up to your loved in a red leather booth and reminisce. While you could travel to Detroit just for the food, spending a weekend away in Detroit can also give you a chance to explore some great culture. The Detroit Institute of Art is 600,000 square feet of exquisite and priceless works of art. Since its founding in 1885, it has been a trademark of Detroit featuring pieces including Vincent van Gogh’s “Self Portrait” and the masterpiece sculpture “Nail Figure” from Zaire. Art in all forms is can be seen and heard in Detroit including the Motown Historical Museum. The modest twostory home on West Grand Boulevard,
dubbed “Hitsville U.S.A.,” became the largest independent record company in the mid-70s. The museum has displays of the dozens of famous artists signed to the label over the years including such Motown greats at Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and the Jackson Five. Though the weather may be cold, nautical lovers can see and explore Michigan’s maritime past at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle in the Detroit River. The museum allows visitors to take the helm of a Great Lakes freighter or view an early passenger steamer’s grand salon. Enjoy Detroit in the outdoors at Meridian Winter Blast 2018. The three-day event kicks off January 26 and features winter activities such as the winter slide, live entertainment, and food for every palate. Free ice skating will be available on the Campus Martius rink, there will be marshmallow roasting, 50 entertainment acts will perform, and warming stations will help you snuggle up to your loved one when the air gets too cold. For more information, visit www.winterblast.com. Whether it’s for a weekend or a day, a time for relaxation or a time to play, Detroit has everything to see and do with someone special to you! 73