How to Spend 18 Hours in Detroit

I made a quick trip to downtown Detroit last weekend and had less than 24 hours in the city and I hoped to make the most of it, despite a migraine. Here’s what I did (and a few things I had planned that I ended up skipping for an early bedtime):

Stay

I stayed at MGM my last two trips to Las Vegas and happily obliged when MGM Grand Detroit invited me to stay overnight and spend some time in downtown Detroit. I ended up spending the entire evening in the hotel/casino since I was sick, but I appreciated everything on-site and not needing to leave to have fun (or stray too far from migraine meds and an inviting bed.)

Dinner & Drinks

After checking in at MGM Grand Detroit, we headed straight to dinner at Wolfgang Puck Steak inside the casino. After a crazy day (and not feeling well), it was convenient to simply head downstairs to dinner for filet mignon and lamb chops! We spent three hours eating and drinking and it was just what I needed after a crazy boat day on Cass Lake. Even though I sat motionless in a boat for hours, the sun made me so tired and the low light atmosphere at Wolfgang started to heal me!

Once we were seated, I spotted semi private dining spaces for two that I wish I could have snagged. I’m all about a more intimate dining experience. Mental note: Request that for next time.

After dinner, the plans were to check out Corktown’s Two James Spirits and possibly Sugar House for a couple cocktails, but turned in early to sleep off the headache. I was really hoping to explore Detroit’s nightlife this summer, but will make another trip back soon. If you’re interested in drinks in Midtown, try Selden Standard or Chartreuse. I haven’t tried the Royce, a cozy wine bar downtown yet, but it’s another one I researched and wanted to check out.

Brunch

Sundays are for slow mornings and long brunches, especially at Dime Store. You’ll inevitably spend time waiting for a table at Dime Store, which is always a sign of good food, even though my patience gets the best of me. It’s located inside the Chrysler House which is what I wish all restaurants had for waiting: cozy, cute furniture in a large, breezy lobby, makes the wait a little easier! We sat at the bar at a great vantage point for people watching and I ate a bacon omelette and the most delicious english muffin my tastebuds have ever experienced.

Shopping & Coffee

My go-to coffee in Detroit is Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. The coffee is great and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Even though I was fully caffeinated from Dime Store coffee, I knew I’d regret not stopping by Great Lakes in Midtown.

I love sniffing and touching apothecary products which is why I can spend so much time inside Mills Pharmacy and Apothecary. City Bird and Nest are a couple more favorites–I regularly find great stationary and candles to bring home. And of course, Shinola is another great stop. I love trying on watches (I have one, but want another, bigger one!) and eyeing all of the leather goods.

And that about takes up 18 hours! What are your favorite Detroit spots?

Dress by Free People (45% off, extra 20% off too!) | shoes by Superga | bag by Gucci | Quay sunglasses from Retail Therapy

Photography by Matt Thompson