Idling at a café, you overhear conversations about the surviving automotive industry and their ecosystem of machine tool accessories, internal combustion engines, iron and steel forging, plumbing fittings, metal cutting tools and financial institutions. That kind of buzz means Detroit, particularly Downtown is alive with business activity, culture, and entertainment. The GM World exhibit gives an auto-show look at many of the company's new and classic vehicles and renovation at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. The new Center Court Café features 17 restaurants and more shops. The Automotive and Motor Sports Halls of Fame is first rate.

    An elevated people mover system conveniently integrates downtown districts. Greektown, with its special cultural attractions, features all manner of restaurants and nightclubs - but of course their specialty is Greek cuisine. The MGM Grand (new venue), MotorCity, and Greektown casinos are always abuzz with entertainment, buffets and fine dining. Visit the Fox Theatre, Fisher Music Center, Detroit Repertory Theatre, Majestic Theatre and Masonic Temple Theatre on any given night and you’ll see why Detroit has the 5th best-patronized Theatre District in the nation.
   
    The Sports District consists of the Detroit Tigers' family-friendly baseball park Comerica Park and joined by the Detroit Lions spectacular Ford Field football stadium. Detroit is also known as Hockeytown USA for its multi-year champion Detroit Red Wings. Yes, some brothers go to the games and in case you didn't know, some also play pro hockey. The Detroit Pistons play basketball in neighboring Auburn Hills. Other major family attractions include the Detroit Science Center, Detroit Zoo and many exhibits at the Henry Ford Museum - which is one of America's great museums.

    Close to Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, recreational opportunities are limitless. Shoppers can also get their fix at 18 malls in the region districts, . Aside from downtown, there are many general attractions including the Detroit Historical Museum, Children’s Museum, and Cranbrook Academy of Art Museums and a rebounding Detroit Zoo.

    Black historic, cultural and entrepreneurial contributions are well represented in Detroit. One national attraction is the Motown Historical Museum, which includes the original Hitsville USA building housing its first recording studio. The recently built Museum of African American History is one of the world’s largest museums of African American history. The permanent exhibit chronicles over 800 years of the African Diaspora on its way to the Americas and Europe. Residents and visitors also enjoy the African Heritage Cultural Center. A center of Black business, Detroit can also be proud of numerous Black restaurants, clubs and shops.
 
    Downtown Detroit still kicks as an urban center for resident and visitor alike. The less stout, the city confidently expresses itself with numerous ethnic and art festivals. Maybe you should visit one soon.