Month: February 2022

Are you eager to experience all the joys of Detroit, but don’t have much time to spend in the city? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re seeking a history lesson, an outdoor adventure with scenic elements, delicious local fare, or some combination of these, our one-day Detroit road trip will take you to some of the most iconic and beloved sites in the Motor City. Round up a few adventurous pals, hop in the car, and get ready to fall in love with Detroit.

For an adjustable map of our Detroit road trip route, click here.

1. Belle Isle

You might not have time to fully immerse yourself in Belle Isle’s countless attractions during a one-day road trip, but you’ll certainly have time to drive the perimeter of this amazing island park. If you’re able to budget a bit of time outside the car, there’s nothing better than wandering through Whitcomb Conservatory or even entering the long-standing Belle Isle Aquarium. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a walk along the lovely Blue Heron Lagoon Trail, which gives way to wonderful riverfront views. Even if you’re merely passing through, Belle Isle will capture your heart.

2. Milliken State Park and Harbor

Next, venture to the banks of the Detroit River and explore Milliken State Park and Harbor, a bonafide state park right here within city limits. This unique space operates within the bounds of the beloved Detroit RiverWalk, offering visitors the chance to enjoy fresh air and admire a gorgeous lighthouse while taking in skyline views. You’ll surely want to snap a few photos of the park, which is especially scenic during springtime. No matter when you’re here, though, you’ll be delighted by this one-of-a-kind outdoor space.

3. Campus Martius Park

Continue your adventure in the heart of downtown with a visit to Campus Martius Park, which proudly hosts an assortment of activities and community-oriented events throughout the year. During the wintertime, you’ll find holiday lights and ice skating here. When the weather is warmer, relax atop a man-made beach while sipping beverages from nearby eateries. In every season, you’ll enjoy the towering Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, which adds a sense of history and reverence to this long-standing space.

4. American Coney Island

After all this exploration, you might need a quick pit stop to load up on calories – and any true Detroiter knows that a coney dog always hits the spot. American Coney Island is one of the city’s most classic dining establishments, first opening its doors back in 1917. When you drop by this family-owned joint, you’ll enjoy eclectic and colorful interior decor alongside some of the tastiest coneys you’ve ever had. Don’t forget to round out your order with french fries and a refreshing pop.

5. Michigan Central Station

It’s impossible to visit Detroit without acknowledging its ups and downs throughout the generations, and few buildings illustrate the rise, fall, and rebirth of the Motor City quite like Michigan Central Station. This towering structure opened its doors in 1914 and was once a bustling transportation hub for railroad travelers to and from Detroit. While it fell into disrepair following closure in the late 1980s, it remains a reminder of what Detroit once was – and renovation projects offer an extra dash of hope for the future. When you drive by, you’ll find yourself fascinated by the many facets of this time-worn structure.

6. Mexicantown

Detroit is lucky to offer a diverse environment complete with folks from all walks of life and various cultural backgrounds. If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine and culture, a visit to Mexicantown is an absolute must. In addition to a vast array of authentic eateries such as Taqueria Lupitas and Evie’s Tamales, the neighborhood features welcoming bakeries, street murals, and even a cultural museum called El Museo del Norte.

7. Motown Museum

Whether you’ve got the time to stop in for a full-blown tour or you’re simply driving by as your road trip continues, you’ll be excited to see the Motown Museum. It’s no secret that Detroit boasts a wondrous past with the music industry, helping produce hits from artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and countless others. The Motown Museum and Hitsville, U.S.A. house the former studio of Motown mogul Berry Gordy – and you’ll feel a sense of history as soon as you arrive in the neighborhood.

8. Greektown

We recommend rounding out your Detroit day trip with a drive through Greektown, which comes to life with lights and activity when night falls. After visually appreciating this history-rich area, named for its Greek immigrant roots, park the car and head into Greektown Casino for a bit of grownup fun or snag a few baked goods from the beloved Astoria Pastry Shop. No matter how you spend your time here, you’ll find a wonderful way to unwind after lots of city driving.

So, there you have it: our one-day road trip through Detroit, complete with a variety of attractions for every member of the family. Have you visited any of the stops on our Motor City road trip during previous visits to the area? Share your favorites with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another must-see destination in Detroit by filling out our nomination form here.

If you prefer outdoor adventure, you’ll want to read about these underrated state parks around Detroit.

The post This 18-Mile Road Trip Is the Best Way To Experience Detroit In One Day appeared first on Only In Your State.

If you were thinking about buying a home this year, but already pressed pause on your plans due to rising home prices and increasing mortgage rates, there’s something you should consider. According to the latest report from ATTOM Data, owning a home is more affordable than renting in the majority of the country. The 2022 Rental Affordability Report says:

“. . . Owning a median-priced home is more affordable than the average rent on a three-bedroom property in 666, or 58 percent, of the 1,154 U.S. counties analyzed for the report. That means major home ownership expenses consume a smaller portion of average local wages than renting.”

Other experts in the industry offer additional perspectives on renting today. In the latest Single-Family Rent Index from CoreLogic, single-family rent saw the fastest year-over-year growth in over 16 years when comparing data for November each year (see graph below):

Molly Boesel, Principal Economist at CoreLogic, stresses the importance of what the data shows:

“Single-family rent growth hit its sixth consecutive record high. . . . Annual rent growth . . . was more than three times that of a year earlier. Rent growth should continue to be robust in the near term, especially as the labor market continues to improve.”

What Does This Mean for You?

While it’s true home prices and mortgage rates are rising, so are monthly rents. As a prospective buyer, rising rates and prices shouldn’t be enough to keep you on the sideline, though. As the chart above shows, rents are skyrocketing. The big difference is, when you rent, that rising cost benefits your landlord’s investment strategy, but it doesn’t deliver any sort of return for you.

In contrast, when you buy a home, your monthly mortgage payment serves as a form of forced savings. Over time, as you pay down your loan and as home values rise, you’re building equity (and by extension, your own net worth). Not to mention, you’ll lock in your mortgage payment for the duration of your loan (typically 15 to 30 years) and give yourself a stable and reliable monthly payment.

When asking yourself if you should keep renting or if it’s time to buy, think about what Todd Teta, Chief Product Officer at ATTOM Data, says:

“. . . Home ownership still remains the more affordable option for average workers in a majority of the country because it still takes up a smaller portion of their pay.”  

If buying takes up a smaller portion of your pay and has benefits renting can’t provide, the question really becomes: is renting really worth it?

Bottom Line

If you’re weighing your options between renting and buying, it’s important to look at the full picture. While buying a home can feel like a daunting process, having a trusted advisor on your side is key. Work with an agent to explore your options so you can learn more about the benefits of homeownership today.

It’s no secret that many cities in Michigan, Detroit in particular, are home to abandoned buildings. After all, history doesn’t treat every destination with kindness – and some of the most stunning constructions ultimately fall into disrepair. One such spot here in the Great Lakes State is especially fascinating, as it once served as a popular site for live music, dancing, and other performances. This abandoned ballroom in Michigan will absolutely intrigue you.

The Grande Ballroom sits along Grand River Avenue in Detroit, Michigan’s largest city.

The history of this unique spot is truly rich, dating back to 1928. It was during this period that the building was designed by local engineer and architect Charles N. Agee, who crafted a stunning gathering spot.

In its earliest years, the two-story building served multiple purposes. On the first floor, visitors could find an array of retail shops and other attractions, while the second floor was home to a gorgeous dance hall.

Throughout the generations, many opulent parties and other gatherings took place within the ballroom, which was lauded for its beautiful wood floor. The Art Deco style must have wowed in its heyday.

As music and entertainment progressed, so did the life of the Grande Ballroom. In 1966, the building was purchased by local radio DJ Russ Gibb and transformed into a venue for emerging rock band concerts.

Over the years, the Grande became a meeting place for those who engaged in the era’s counterculture and ultimately hosted acts such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, the MC5, Alice Cooper, and countless others.

Despite its success, the ballroom’s life as a rock club was short-lived and its doors closed in 1972. In the decades that have followed, the Grande has fallen into a state of decay and thorough disrepair.

While entry into the building is not condoned, some urban explorers have captured eerie images of its now crumbling interior. Despite its present appearance, the ballroom’s former magic can still be sensed.

Did you have the opportunity to attend a show or two at the Grande Ballroom during its years as a rock venue? Were any of your ancestors known to visit the spot in its earliest years? Share your memories and stories of this abandoned ballroom in Michigan with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another history-rich destination in the state by completing our nomination form here.

Searching for more history-rich spots? You’ll want to follow our Michigan landmarks road trip.

The post A Ballroom Was Built And Left To Decay In The Middle Of Michigan’s Largest City appeared first on Only In Your State.

You’ve heard of New York’s iconic Brooklyn, but did you know that Michigan is home to its very own Brooklyn – and it’s easily accessible from the Motor City? When you’re in the mood for an adventure that brings together history, nature, and true small-town charm, this spot will surely impress. Round up a few loved ones, hop in the car, and get ready to explore the most unique village near Detroit.

The delightful village of Brooklyn, Michigan is located in the heart of Jackson County. This underrated and oft-overlooked destination can be reached by car from Detroit in approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

With a year-round population of approximately 1,200 residents, Brooklyn is classified as a village. Don’t let its tiny size fool you, though: there’s something in this welcoming community to impress each and every visitor.

One of the most original elements of Brooklyn is its location in the Irish Hills region. As its name implies, this pretty area was named for the influx of Irish immigrants who called it home between 1830 and 1850.

In later years, the community continued to play a role in history, as Henry Ford opened a small parts factory here in 1938. As you stroll through town, you might just feel like you’ve stepped into a simpler time.

If this sense of history weren’t enough, Brooklyn is also rich with natural beauty. You’ll find that the village sits among all sorts of lovely lakes – in fact, there are upwards of 50 lakes within 10 miles of town.

When you arrive from Detroit, you’ll find plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy. Kick off your visit with a trip to the charming Cherry Creek Winery or attend an event at the Michigan International Speedway.

Stretch your legs and check out this historic Walker Tavern at Cambridge Junction State Historic Park, which features 80 acres of educational and natural fun. Brooklyn truly offers a point of interest for everyone.

The next time you’re seeking a fascinating experience within convenient driving distance of the city, make your way to the village of Brooklyn. No matter how many times you’ve visited, you’ll find lots to love.

For additional information about this unique village near Detroit and the many facets that set it apart, click here. Have you and your loved ones strolled through downtown, visited a nearby lake, or simply appreciated the quaint and quiet atmosphere of Brooklyn? Share your memories with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another great day trip by filling out our nomination form here.

Looking for another great place to explore with family? Read about these seven sleepy small towns near Detroit.

The post Most People Have No Idea Just How Unique This Village Near Detroit Truly Is appeared first on Only In Your State.