Detroit Charmed the Pants Off Me!

My long-awaited yearning to experience Detroit finally came to an end. I recently spent five memorable days there, intending to take side trips to Ann Arbor and Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo. Detroit had such a fierce hold on me that I didn't make either one of those outings.

"Nice Outfit" Art Installation at Paradise Valley Park

Hello autumn

Millennium Bell

The Motor City is attractive, quirky, full of character, and artistic. Excellent restaurants, craft beer, architecture, and street art opportunities are endless. People are friendly and helpful, especially when asking for directions. 

The Greening of Detroit (http://bit.ly/1M5d7rk)

I had a pleasurable stay at Hostel Detroit in Corktown, which is the oldest neighborhood in the city. Corktown is amiable and full of eateries, bars, funky shops, and charming homes.

I highly recommend starting at the Detroit Experience Factory Welcome Center. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are waiting to fill your head with information and guide you in the right direction. A big shout-out to Sue Krause for her wonderful personality and assistance. I took advantage of their free art and architecture tour, which was fun and enlightening. Check these Detroiters out at www.weknowdetroit.org.
 

I walked more miles than I can count during my holiday, becoming acquainted with at least five different neighborhoods. Exploring on foot allows you to make delightful discoveries like Woodbridge.

Here is what I did, saw, ate and drank in this fine city:
Food and Drink
Batch Brewing Co.
Brooklyn Street Local
"Delectabowl" and "Beignets 2 Go" food trucks at Eastern Market
Green Dot Stables
PJ's Lager House
Wasabi
MotorCity Wine

Pretzels, Fattoush Romaine Salad and Butternut Squash Arancini. Beer - Weizenbock, Dicksmasher & Antwerps Placebo

Kielbasa Bowl with black beans instead of kielbasa, topped w/spicy feta sauce

No need to go to NOLA

Green Dot Stables - go for the ambience and sliders (I had the Quinoa, Tempeh and Black Bean).

Tofu Bahn Mi at PJ's Lager House

PJ's posed as a furniture store during Prohibition and this is the secret password slot. 

Arts and Attractions
Belt Alley and Z Lot Parking Garage
Campus Martius Park
Comerica Park and Ford Field
Fox Theatre
Millennium Bell
Library Street Collective Gallery
Eastern Market Tuesday Market
Street Art in Eastern Market
Lincoln Street Art Park (http://bit.ly/20DfgSE)
Motown Museum
Guardian Building
Quicken Loans Headquarters

Two of many impressive murals in the Belt Alley

Peekaboo General Motors

Views from the rooftop of the Madison Building

Wait until you see the inside of the Guardian Building

Quicken Loans Headquarters at Campus Martius Park

Shops
Savvy Chic Trends
Hello Records
El Dorado General Store
Honeybee Market

The photo opportunities were so great that it isn't possible to share them all here. If you would like to see more of the gallery, please check out my Instagram feed, particularly if you enjoy street art. I will be publishing a separate post on all these showpieces soon.

Stay cool Detroit and I look forward to our next rendezvous.
http://visitdetroit.com/

Take a trip to the Paoli Schoolhouse Cafe!

Upon my return to Madison, several people told me to eat at the Paoli Schoolhouse Cafe.  I don't even know where Paoli is except that it's out in the country somewhere and riding my bike didn't seem realistic.

I was invited to the cafe today for lunch and what an exceptional treat this place is!  In fact, it's such a hidden gem that it's worthy of multiple bike rides.

The minute I stepped through the door I felt like I was in someone's fancy home.  Envision stunning chandeliers, unique wallpaper, and beautiful furniture in a vintage setting.  I forgot that I was there to eat, because all I wanted to do was look around and take photos (the one day I don't have my good camera).

My companion and I were seated in one of the smaller rooms with views of the patio and river.  I can't wait to return and sit outside on the patio to take in the lovely, peaceful surroundings.  

The lunch menu consists of salads, sandwiches, soup, burgers and schoolhouse favorites.  I chose the robust and mouthwatering Harvest Salad that comes with adorable mini baguettes and chive & honey butter.  The cafe offers a separate dinner menu and a full bar with 25+ wine and champagne choices.

Don't even get me started on the shop, which sells dreamy gifts, jewelry, and home accessories.  As if I needed another reason to visit this wonderful place, the cafe offers a free music series on Saturday nights.  

With warm weather finally approaching, I suspect I will be putting some serious mileage on my bike.  I highly recommend finding your way to Paoli, and if you need assistance, I would be happy to hitch a ride.

 http://paolischoolhouseshops.com/

A DAY IN THE COUNTRY

My little venture into the country started with lunch at the quaint Spring Green General Store.  This renovated cheese warehouse is a true hidden gem!  I felt like I had taken a step back in time.

I was famished, so the first order of business was to get some nourishment.  You get to take a cute little country flag back to your table to identify your order.  I was disappointed that I didn't get Kenya, as the party in front of me got it (I have already been to Ireland).

It should say Kenya

I quickly got over it after my food arrived, because it was delicious!  The red lentil dal was seasoned perfectly, and who knew a simple hummus sandwich could be this tasty.  I really liked it on the multi-grain baguette.

Serious yum

I couldn't wait to hit the wooden floors and explore the general store.  It was a playground full of unique and fun items.  My companion and I were having so much fun reading the fridge magnets that we caused a bit of a ruckus.

I want to learn how to do this

My only purchase was these awesome bandages, because where would I find them again?!  This design is one of many clever packages (you will have to see the rest for yourself). 

Great conversation piece, right?

http://springgreengeneralstore.com


Time to stop stalking the general store and move on to Peck's Farm, where feeding the goats was at the top of my list.  Bring some quarters for the gumball-style machines filled with corn to feed these cute little beggars.

But we are still hungry

While I enjoyed seeing lots of animals on the farm, I think my favorite has to be these adorable ducklings following mama across the dirt road.

Don't you agree?

There is so much happening at Peck's Farm, especially now that autumn is here and Halloween is approaching.  Do beware - there are some spooky entities on the grounds, including Hannibal Lecter.  I didn't mind getting close for a photo op, because he's in a straitjacket.

So creepy!

Lunch anyone?

How did he get in there?

Once you are done playing outdoors, you can step inside the store to find fruits, veggies, cheese, candy, baked goods and a whole lot more.  You can also find some pretty cool Halloween baubles and pick your own pumpkin.

I couldn't leave without these

These guys can hook you up

Whether you live in the area or are just visiting, at least one trip to Peck's Farm should be on your calendar.

Beautiful color!

No better place to get a pumpkin

http://www.pecksfarmmarketeast.com/seasons-attractions