Detroit, MI
Despite spending WAY TOO MUCH on a ticket for The Eras Tour, I enjoyed my weekend exploring Detroit with Rita. I discovered this is a very dog-friendly city; in fact on my first morning I got chatting to a resident who commented “it’s strange if places don’t let dogs in”. She also gave us some recommendations - thanks, Carly!
The Siren Hotel I picked this hotel as it is right next to the Ford Field, and small (<35lb) dogs stay for free! As per typical downtown boutique hotel standards, it’s pretty compact yet expensive. The lobby and corridors are also very dark, supposedly to add to the allure, but it wasn’t just me who couldn’t see the elevator! However, we enjoyed our stay in a charmingly decorated room with shower views over the baseball stadium. The Siren Cafe is a convenient spot to grab a morning coffee and Grand Circus Park, a couple of minutes’ walk away, boasts a well-maintained dog park, great for early morning game of fetch. There was even a pool for Rita to cool down in.
Dooped Donuts was on the same block as the hotel. Rita was allowed inside with me to eat. Although not much of a donut fan, they stated they welcomed Swifties on their door so I felt like it was a must-do! I chose a Lavender Lemonade in the spirit of the occasion, alongside a drip coffee from ASHE Coffee Co. The customers were all very friendly and chatty and the donut was pretty delicious!
The Mall at Partridge Creek We stopped here on our drive into Detroit. This open-air mall is very dog-welcoming. There are multiple comfort spots through the “streets” and those stores allowing dogs indicate this clearly on their windows. I found the majority of the non-food stores welcomed dogs. My favourite was Inspire Marketplace, with many local Detroit gifts and souvenirs, where Rita was rewarded with treats at the counter. Nevertheless, Rita’s favourite was Three Dog Bakery. She had a hard time choosing between the pick ‘n’ mix or the fresh cakes, but ended up trying a Dogo Taco and Boxer Brownie. We then enjoyed Bobcat Bonnie’s patio. Again, Rita was made a fuss of and given some water. In collaboration with Bobcat Bonnie’s and Three Dog Bakery, the Mall hosts regular events for dogs and their owners. Coming up are Yappy Hours throughout the summer and Dog’s Night Out - dinner with your dog!.
Belle Isle Rita and I spent a few hours on this 982-acre island in the Detroit River. It’s the ideal place for recreation in the city, whether that be walking, picnicking, golfing, water-sports, cycling or bird-watching. On that note, we saw tons of Canadian geese, herons and a swan. We even spotted a deer off one of the trails! The inland lagoons and wetlands create the feeling of a mini oasis. You can take in great views of downtown from the island, explore the formal gardens or visit the conservatory (which unfortunately is closed at the moment for renovations). Rita and I walked along the eastern shore and checked out the Peace Tower, and at the northern tip, the Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse. Rita had a dip in the water at Cocker Beach to cool off. We also ventured along the hiking trails, which are off-road paths through woodland. There are picnic areas throughout the park with a few food trucks in the centre next to the children’s playground and aquarium. There was also a Giant Slide here but when I checked the Google reviews, they said things like “ I’m surprised my child wasn’t concussed” so I’m not too sure about giving that a go.
Other stops Bow Wow Baketique is a short drive out of town, but certainly worth the trip! Rita received tons of cuddles and admiration from the owner and of course got some home baked cookies. We also purchased some “Good Girl” beer and frozen yoghurt. They have trinkets and homewares for humans too, and host ad-hoc paint-your-dog nights and ice cream socials!
We stopped at two iconic sights: firstly, Motown Records Studios. There is a clear “no dogs” sign at the front plaza but we were still able to see it from the street. Next we visited the Uniroyal Giant Tire, which originated as a ferris wheel at New York World’s Fair. This is awkward to get to as it’s on the side of the highway and the land on which it sits is private property. We pulled over on the hard shoulder in front of the tire, which sits alongside a slip lane so there was some distance from the traffic, for a photo.
Eastern Market This weekly market takes place every Saturday from 6am to 4pm. The market consists of multiple “sheds” - dogs aren’t allowed inside, but there is an outdoor covered area with plenty of stalls for you to browse with your pooch. The vendors are mostly selling fresh produce, flowers and the usual cheap sunglasses and tie-dye shirts you find at most markets! There’s also an Eastern Market souvenir store if you want to remember your visit. An absolute must is J & M Farm’s stand. Carly told me Rita would love their “dog crack” - remnants of meat freeze-dried into doggy treats. And she did indeed!
Next to Eastern Market is 3 Dogs 1 Cat, but unfortunately it’s closing down at the end of June 2023. Rita was warmly welcomed by both the shop assistant and her dog Elroy, and received more treats! We got a doggy crown for upcoming photoshoots and a Detroit Lions bandana to make her feel like a proper Detroit Dog!
Heidelberg Project The Heidelberg Project is a one-of-a-kind outdoor community art project created by Tyree Guyton in 1986, in an attempt to revive his childhood neighbourhood after the 1967 Detroit Riots. It’s still being added to today despite multiple arson attacks and dismantling by the government. On first glance, it’s a space filled with piled up trash; on closer inspection, it’s art. Messages point towards our time-centred society, the institutionalisation of media and a juxtaposition of childhood joy and modern entrapment. We had an interesting wander around the compelling constructions.
Detroit Riverfront and Dequindre Cut For the best views of Detroit, head to Milliken State Park and take the steps up “Ze Mound” . Afterwards, visit the lighthouse and admire the fancy yachts. Rita and enjoyed looking over to Canada. We wandered along the Detroit Riverfront walk, and then up Dequindre Cut, a former Grand Trunks Railroad which runs for 2 miles into the Eastern Market area. The path is clearly separated into walking and cycling lanes. We didn’t do the full length, but took some time admiring the urban art and graffiti. There were also some “Grand Trunks” (tree trunks) to chill out at, where we took advantage of the shade and an opportunity to have a rest and a drink.
Cass Corridor Detroit Shipping Co. was a funky and interesting experience. The facility is constructed of shipping containers and houses several food vendors in a cafeteria style setting. Rita and I nabbed a seat on the Sassy Cat Patio and I ordered from Coop Caribbean, going in to order at their kiosk and receiving a buzzer to indicate when it was ready to collect. The food was scrumptious and Rita felt pretty content.
The Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery was recently listed as a Top 7 dog-friendly patio in the Detroit area, so we made a point of visiting. And we ended up discovering a lot more along the street! Firstly, the truffle pizza is a non-negotiable! With a QR code on the tables to order and pay from your seat, this was a very convenient spot for a solo dog traveller. However, to let me order a coffee from the Avalon counter inside, a waitress offered to keep an eye on Rita. I opted for their June special - Iced Confetti Latte. And I couldn’t not get some Karma water, given the occasion.
Next door is Bon Bon Bon chocolate shop, who offer individual truffles for sale. They welcome dogs inside, and have a bowl of water ready for such visitors. And don’t forget to purchase some Bone-Eat-O: truffles just for dogs! They also have some excellent gifts, like chocolate floppy discs labelled “nudes” and a chocolate mix-tape for your date!
Across the road are two sister gift shops: Nest, which specialises in quirky gifts, stationery and tasteful souvenirs, and City Bird, where you can indulge in plants and conserves. Rita was welcome in both stores. Also on this street is the famous Shinola Detroit (which do have a pet range for high-end pooches) and dog-friendly Motor City Brewing Co.
Finally, Detroit’s best dog park (probably) is on the corner of Canfield and Cass. There’s even some fun agility-style equipment and a padding pool. Rita enjoyed taking a dip in-between catching the ball. This was a busy spot on a Saturday afternoon!
Maybury State Park After a weekend of city trekking, we were craving a taste of wilderness. Maybury State Park offered just this, with trails for horses, bikes, hikers and paved paths for more sedentary strolling. Luckily for us, it was the annual free entry day. Rita and I took the out and back trail east, looping around the pond. We enjoyed the lush vegetation and multitude of birds, including swans. We finished with a loop around Bluebird Meadow. Interestingly, the area is a former sanitarium, until the rise of antibiotics to fight tuberculosis triggered its closure in 1969.
Further ideas There was lots more to do which we couldn’t fit in! Canine to Five seems to be the go-to doggy daycare of the city, and they also host socials like riverfront walks and Drinking With Dogs nights. Next door is K9 Supplies which we popped into for some pet food. South of the city is River Raisin National Battlefield Park to soak up some history whilst enjoying the trails and afterwards stop off at Bubble Puppy Poolhouse where your dog can have a cooldown swim session! If you’re prepared for longer drive out of the city, Grizzly Peak Brewing offers a scrumptious sounding pup menu! We were planning to go on our last day but unfortunately it rained, closing the patio!
