Detroit Tree Lighting: Campus Martius

The last event to kick off the Christmas season is the annual Detroit Tree Lighting. This past weekend the 60 foot Christmas tree covered in 19,000 lights lite up on Friday night at 7:45p.m.  This exciting event brings thousands of people into the city and puts a smile on my face to get me in the mood for Christmas. The event also has entertainment and other activities as well. One in particular I like is where kids can go and shop in Santa workshop for Christmas gifts. This brings back memories for me when I was a child, shopping at school for Christmas gifts for my parents and siblings. In addition Campus Martius has carriage rides starting on Sundays from Noon till 6 p.m. for $10 or $40 for a private ride. If you have not done this already it is exciting to take a ride around town and see all that Detroit has to offer.

If you missed this event over the weekend there is another opportunity to take part in the city with dropping of the “D”. Instead of the ball dropping a letter D is dropped on top of a building on New Year’s Eve. I think this is a fantastic way to represent the city and look forward to it again this year. If you have not already been, I strongly encourage one to come out this year.  

Detroit State Park: Belle Isle

Belle Isle is truly a gem in the city of Detroit.  Over the years the park has languished in disrepair.  The State of Michigan leased the property from the City of Detroit and now operates it as a state park.  Since that time, many wonderful things have been done to the park to restore its condition.  Before becoming a state park, a lot of the buildings were run down and the grounds needed a lot of attention.  They even have the James Scott Memorial Fountain running again and it is beautiful.  Belle Isle offers so many different things to see.  For instance the aquarium has been partially restored and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.   A small zoo operates from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  A conservatory is open Wednesday to Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The best part about having all these different attractions is the price; free!  Vehicles can still access Belle Isle for free until February 2015.  Vehicles will have to obtain am $11.00 recreation passport which is available at the Secretary of State office.

One thing I enjoy the most about Belle Isle is the scenery.  I like riding my bike around the island and seeing Canada across the river and the sky scrapers of Detroit in the distance.  The Department of Natural Resources has certainly left a mark in the short time since taking over as stewards.  This community gem is well on its way to being restored for Detroiters to enjoy.   The landscaping and debris has been cleaned and the lawns have been mowed.   One summer event in particular that I look forward to every year is the Detroit Grand Prix which is hosted at Belle Isle.  I like that it brings in business to the Detroit community as well as attracting a crowd of people that may just be discovering Belle Isle for the first time.  If you haven’t ever visited, or maybe it’s been a while, I hope you will check out this gem of a park on your next visit to Detroit.

Campus Martius Rink Preview

I love this time of year, especially in Detroit due to all the different winter activities available.  One in particular is the ice rink located in Campus Martius opening next week.  A preview starts November 14-16 from 5p.m. until Midnight.  The official opening is November 21, and will remain open until March.  The cost is for adults is $8; children (12 & under) $7; seniors (50 & older) $7 and skate rentals are $3.  Check the website (http://www.campusmartiuspark.org/) to see hours open during the week and weekends.

What I enjoy about the rink most is that it is a family friendly activity, bringing in many families from the surrounding area.  One can make an all-day event beginning with ice skating, warming up in one of the hospitality tents, then taking in one of the many restaurants downtown.  The rink helps bring people downtown even in the winter which is great for the city.  Many times at the winter events a lot of sponsors come out and provide entertainment for adults and kids.  They also provide food and warm beverages for everyone to enjoy.  I look forward to the rink opening up every year and bringing my friends down for a night in the city! 

Detroit Sunday Eastern Market

One event I like to participate in on Saturday morning is going to Eastern Market.  A benefit to living in downtown Detroit is being so close to Eastern Market that I can go every week to get my fruits and vegetables.  I enjoy seeing all the people come out and support the local community of farmers.  The vendors have a lot of passion about their products and most of them will let you sample their food before you buy.  I also like that the food is reasonably priced and most of the time less than the grocery store.  The market is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. till 4 p.m. and on Tuesdays only from July- October 9 a.m. till 3 p.m.  One day that generates a lot of attendance is flower day, which is held in May.  I love going that day because it is absolutely beautiful to see all the flowers and so reasonably priced.  Flowers are never cheap and there you are able to get more for your money.  The market has been such a success they even started one on Sunday this year.

The Sunday street market day is only for a short time during the year; June until the end of September. However this year for the holidays they decided to open on Sundays beginning November 30^th and will run for the next two Sundays after that.  It will include Christmas trees, Santa Claus, food and beverages along with gifts for the holiday season.  I am super excited to be able to check this out in the next couple of weeks and I hope it’s a huge success for the community.  Hopefully the event will be a success and the tradition will continue next year at Eastern Market.  If you have never visited, I hope you will take the time to visit Eastern Market.