Friday, August 28, 2020

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “MIDWEST” MICHIGAN


MICHIGAN: THE Great Lakes STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

The preparation for a vacation is almost as exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my destination. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!


DETROIT, “THE MOTOR CITY”
Detroit History
Detroit has been around since 1701, when the French founded a fort and missionary outpost here. One of the Midwest's oldest cities, Detroit has been overseen by three powers: France, Great Britain and the United States. It grew quickly and by the early 20th century was one of the largest cities in the country.
It almost wasn't to be, though, and in 1805 a huge fire caused untold damage and nearly ended the city's existence. The fire allowed for a complete city redesign and planners implemented a baroque-style layout, with boulevards and a number of impressive parks.
Up to the time of the American Civil War, the city's proximity to the Canadian border made it a key location, and a central part of the Underground Railroad system.
After the Civil War, it was ripe for expansion and it became a huge center for commercial ventures and a hub for global trade. Many wealthy industrialists moved to the city and affluent neighborhoods grew up around town.
The carriage trade thrived here and provided the perfect backdrop for Henry Ford, founder of the Model T, to build his first ever car factory in 1899.
As Ford spawned competitors such as General Motors and Chrysler, they too set up in Detroit and the city became the head of the world's automobile industry. But more cars meant more jobs and between 1900 and 1930, the city's population increased from 265,000 to over 1.5 million.
Wartime was a time of transition for the city, as factories changed from producing cars to military vehicles and bombers. The city became known as ‘The Arsenal of Democracy'.
The decline in motor manufacturing in the US and the subsequent global economic situation eventually meant hard times for the city, and its profile briefly became one of urban decay and poverty.
However, recent redevelopment projects are breathing new life into a city, particularly around the downtown and midtown areas of the city, as well as the riverfront.
Did you know? 
- Built in 1909, Detroit was the first place in the world to have a concrete road.
- Opening its doors in 1977, the Marriott hotel at the Renaissance Center was the world's tallest hotel. Today it is still the tallest in the US.
- The Donovan Building, home to Motown Records from 1968 to 1972, was demolished in 2006 and used as car parking for the Super Bowl.



Things to do in Detroit

Activities

Fishing
A tranquil respite from the bustle of the city, Belleville Lake is perfect for fishing. The most common prey are the local catfish. The lake is over six miles long, covering approximately 494 hectares (1,220 acres).
Biking
Perhaps surprisingly, Detroit is one of the world's best biking cities. It has extensive cycling networks together with greenways and trails. In fact, the city's biking history stretches back to the late 19th century. Many of the best bike rental companies are by the riverfront and there are many escorted bike tours.
Kayaking
You don't necessarily have to go out to the Great Lakes to take to the waters. Kayak tours of the East River are available, taking you along the network of Creekside canals. Most tours, such as those provided by Riverside Kayak Connection, leave from Maheras Gentry Park.
Tel: (734) 285 2925.
Website: www.riversidekayak.com
Wine tasting
Michigan has a thriving wine industry, and there is no shortage of places to try some of the local varietals. Most of the region's 60 wineries offer free wine tastings - the best way to see them without drinking and driving is via a party bus.
Golfing
Michigan has over 800 public golf courses, so you're never too far away from a green. There are some high end courses, including clubs such as The Orchards, to more populist places such as Northville or Greystone.
Skydiving
You can see the city from an unusual viewpoint just 45 minutes outside Detroit. First timers can freefall with a professional and see the skyline in the most exciting way possible, with Motor City Sky Diving.
Tel: (517) 347 3251.
Website: www.motorcityskydiving.com

City Attractions in Detroit

Automotive Hall of Fame

No trip to the 'Motor City' would be complete without a visit to this museum. Opened in 1997, the strikingly designed Automotive Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements and innovations of the leading figures of the world's auto industry. Interactive exhibits and displays recount the history of the automobile, especially as shaped by the individuals who brought it to the world - Ferdinand Porsche, Soichiro Honda and many others.
Telephone (313) 240 4000.
Website http://www.automotivehalloffame.org

Belle Isle

Once known as Hog Island, the now more aptly named Belle Isle is a picturesque island in the Detroit River connected to the city by a small bridge. It is designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed New York's Central Park. Albert Kahn, a well-known turn-of-the-century architect, designed the Belle Isle's Whitcomb Conservatory ( ), which contains regional flora from all over the country. Year-round features include a nature centre, beaches, waterslide, tennis courts and playgrounds. The island hosts the Detroit Grand Prix every June.
Telephone (313) 628 2081.
Website http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/RecreationDepartment/BelleIsle.aspx

Charles H Wright Museum of African-American History

The Charles H Wright Museum of African-American History was the vision of a black doctor who wanted a center to document and preserve black history, life and culture. Once a travelling museum housed in a mobile home, it has grown into the world's largest museum dedicated to African-American history. Its exhibits focus on many aspects of black history, from the initial journey from Africa to the Underground Railroad, jazz, Malcolm X, Dr Martin Luther King, and the Harlem Renaissance.
Telephone (313) 494 5800.
Website http://www.maah-detroit.org

Detroit Institute of Arts

The surprisingly low-key Detroit Institute of Arts houses one of the largest fine arts collections in the USA. The museum is dominated by a number of murals by Diego Rivera, who was commissioned to produce frescos on the Detroit motor industry. The collection encompasses a wide diversity of genres and includes works by Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas and Francis Bacon.
Telephone (313) 833 7900.
Website http://www.dia.org

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

The brainchild of Walter Dossin, a power-boat racing magnate, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum chronicles the flavorful history of Great Lakes boating and shipping through models, exhibits, paintings and memorabilia. One of its most enticing attractions is the Gothic Room, which features 7.5 tons of carved gothic oak removed from the elegant turn-of-the-century river luxury liner City of Detroit III.
Telephone (313) 852 4051.
Website http://detroithistorical.org/main/dossin

Motown Historical Museum

Motown (short for Motor Town) was born in Detroit in these two simple houses that now form the Motown Historical Museum. See the recording studio (complete with worn floor from toe-tapping) where legendary musicians like The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson developed the unique sound. Also on display are a number of personal items like the US$800 loan given to founder Berry Gordy to produce his first record.
Telephone (313) 875 2264.
Website http://www.motownmuseum.com/mtmpages

The New Detroit Science Center

The stars at this planetarium are even bigger than the ones at Motown Records. The Digital Dome Planetarium has Digistar technology and Sky-Skan automation, which allows the audience to take a virtual trip through the rings of Saturn or any other universe destination. This is the main attraction, although the center also has a variety of hands-on exhibits, demystifying subjects like matter and energy, waves and vibrations, life sciences, ecosystems and motion.
Telephone (313) 577 8400.
Website http://www.sciencedetroit.org



 REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

There is a gentleness in Michigan that you just can't replicate.
Jennifer Granholm
  

Experience life by traveling with friends and family
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