Blog

Image via Pixabay. Located within the Detroit metropolitan area, the city of Highland Park, MI, is not far from some of the most popular tourist attractions and local landmarks that this region has to offer. Whether you are a local or a visitor, if you are searching for fun activities and new places to discover with your loved ones, here are three free things to do in and around Highland Park. more 1. Go Picnicking at Belle Isle Park Covering nearly 1,000 acres on an island in the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Detroit and the best place to have a picnic with your friends and family. Managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, this local landmark is located about 13 miles southeast of Highland Park and can be reached in less than 20 minutes by car. Open every day between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm, Belle Isle Park can be visited free of charge, although visitors who want to drive into the island must purchase a recreation passport in advance. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, Belle Isle Park features an aquarium, a conservatory, plenty of picnic areas, canoe and kayak rental shops, and a maritime museum. 2. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Detroit Home to some of the city's most famous buildings, monuments, and tourist attractions, downtown Detroit is the perfect destination to spend a day walking around and learning more about the city. Located just seven miles south of Highland Park, this area can be reached in just 10 minutes by car via route MS-10. A great place to start a walking tour around downtown Detroit is the Detroit River Walk, a pedestrian promenade that offers excellent views of the neighboring Canadian city of Windsor. Some of the well-known local landmarks you will pass by while exploring downtown Detroit include Hart Plaza, the Guardian Building, Spirit of Detroit Plaza, Campus Martius Park, and Grand Circus Park. 3. Check out the Eastern Market With more than 150 years of history, Detroit's Eastern Market is a true symbol of the city and a popular tourist attraction you can visit without spending a dime. Located just six miles south of Highland Park, this famous local landmark can be reached in less than a 10-minute drive via route I-75. The best time to check out this market is on Saturdays between 6:00 am and 4:00 pm. If you are searching for a vehicle that combines power, style, comfort, and technology to hit the road and discover new destinations, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice. Text us at Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, visit our showroom, and explore the features of this and other models in our inventory.

Image via Pixabay. As one of the largest cities in the Midwest, Detroit, MI is a haven for foodies. Every type of food you can imagine can be found on the streets of this huge city, and, despite being a landlocked state, the city is home to dozens of incredible seafood restaurants. If you're out in town this weekend and are looking for some decadent seafood, here are some of the area's finest spots that you need to check out. more Fishbones If you love Southern-style seafood, get yourself down to 400 Monroe Street, where you'll find this beautiful little gem. At Fishbones, the talented chefs serve New Orleans favorites such as shrimp & grits, crawfish etouffee, gumbo, and jambalaya, in a charming, relaxed atmosphere. On top of the Cajun and Creole classics, Fishbones also serves other American seafood dishes, such as crab cakes and lobster mac and cheese. Harbor House Detroit Located at 440 Clinton Street, Harbor House Detroit is one of the best seafood spots in the area. The establishment is set in a beautiful old building dating back to 1905, giving a touch of class to the place. Regarding food, the menu covers all the American classics such as snow crab, fried catfish, and shrimp. What's more, if you're dining with someone who doesn't eat seafood then this spot is perfect, as Harbor House Detroit also serves incredible steaks, pasta, and sandwiches. Joe Muer Seafood Situated at 400 Renaissance Center #1404, Joe Muer Seafood has been an icon of Detroit's food scene for nearly a century. This incredible, upscale joint has won Detroit's Best Seafood Restaurant of the Year 10 years in a row, and once you start eating it's easy to see why. The menu includes loads of high-end seafood, including scallops, lobster, barramundi, and swordfish, and everything is perfectly cooked by professional chefs. Boasting a refined atmosphere, upmarket grub, and spectacular views, Joe Muer Seafood is a perfect choice for a date night. And, if you want to make your night extra special, make sure you bring your other half to this elegant establishment in a classy car; your spouse will definitely appreciate it. With all these excellent spots serving delicious seafood, it can be difficult to decide which one to go for first. Do you go for refined plates of high-end seafood at Joe Muer Seafood, or is a bucket of shrimp at Harbor House more your thing? Whichever one of these incredible places you choose, drop by and visit us at Bill Snethkamp CDJR before you go, and we can get your car looking its best for your night out.

There are loads of exciting activities for kids in and around Highland Park that will keep them entertained for hours on end. So grab the kids and have some fun at one of these fantastic kid-friendly venues! more 1. Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center Have fun in the sun at Turtle Cove in Lower Huron Metropark. There are loads of activities for the kids to beat the heat. They can run around in the splash pads and slip down the two waterslides. They can even get drenched under the 300-gallon dumping bucket at the Sprayscape. And when their tummies start rumbling, a variety of snacks are available at The Grille. 2. Operation City Quest Walking Scavenger Hunts This is the perfect family activity for the kids to enjoy with you, and children under 12 can experience the hunt for free. Grab your iOs or Android phone, make sure you have plenty of data, and put on a pair of comfortable shoes to go and hunt for treasure in downtown Detroit. 3. Safari Playground At this indoor jungle play center, kids can have a blast and run wild in the safari-themed playground with animal characters all over the place. The playground has a challenging course, slides, and colorful balls. There is also an arcade with classic and high tech games, with fun prizes for everyone to enjoy. If that's not enough, there is skeeball and mini bowling, and for the little ones, a separate toddler area of their own. 4. Detroit Zoo Take the kids on one of the fantastic tours at the Detroit Zoo. The Seal the Deal Tour will take them behind the scenes in the Arctic Ring of Life to meet the seals, or they can feed the more than 80 penguins on the Mingle with the Macaronis Tour. If you are looking for more educational fun, go on a private tour of the Holden Reptile House and have a look at the 180 reptiles. The highlight is watching a python and a crocodile devour a meal. 5. Legoland Discovery Center Here the kids come first, and it's all about Lego, getting creative, and learning through play while they have loads of fun and excitement. There is a lot of activities to keep your kids entertained for hours. On the Lego Factory Tour, they can see how Lego is made. You can enjoy the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride with your kids and save a princess from the clutches of skeletons and trolls. At Duplo Farm, toddlers can build and create in their own safe area. 6. Paradise Park Who can not have extreme fun on 1,4-miles of Go-Kart tracks? The Slick Track has five hairpin turns, bends, and an awesome straight to really get a kid going. There is even a safe and slow F1 kiddies track for the little ones. The park also has a trampoline center, soccer cages, climbing walls, interactive laser tag, and mini-golf. If the kids have energy left after all that, the family-friendly arcade is jam-packed with exciting gaming adventures. With so many different activities, entertaining the kids is a breeze. So get out there and go and experience the fun and excitement right on your doorstep. Contact Bill Snethkamp CDJR today. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to help you.

Are you visiting Detroit and looking to experience as much of its well-loved food as possible? Or, maybe you're a Detroit resident and you're ready to take your love of the Motor City's great grub up a notch. If so, here are three delicious Detroit dishes you have to try. more The Coney Dog Most people associate the Coney dog with Coney Island, New York, but have you ever tried an authentic Detroit Coney dog? If not, you need to put this dish on your list. Just keep in mind that the Detroit Coney dog may look slightly different than those in New York. Detroit-based Coney dogs are hot dogs on regular buns bathed in chili, raw onions, and mustard. The best places to grab a Coney dog in Detroit are American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island, two hot dog diners that offer simple menus and delicious food. American Coney Island boasts its offering of "Detroit's original Coney." This restaurant uses a specially seasoned natural skin casing hot dog and its own secret chili recipe for a truly unique Coney dog experience. Lafayette Coney Island is also known for its famous Coney dogs, which are loaded with chili, cheese sauce, and fresh raw onions. Order a dog (or two) with a side of chili fries for a meal you'll never forget. Detroit-Style Pizza You haven't had pizza until you've had Detroit-style deep dish pizza. First introduced by Buddy's Pizza in 1946, this special kind of pizza boasts a thick, fluffy texture, a square appearance, and crispy edges. Detroit-style pizzas are cooked in blue steel pans so that the cheese caramelizes along the edges. The best place to grab a slice of Detroit-style pizza is at the place that started it all: Buddy's Pizza. Buddy's has several locations throughout the Detroit metropolitan area, and their pizza has ranked as one of the best in the nation. In addition to traditional Detroit-style pizza, Buddy's also offers gluten-free and thin-crust pizzas, appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and desserts, so you're sure to find something you'll love. Paczki Paczki are traditional Polish pastries filled with a sweet filling like jelly and frosted or dusted with powdered sugar, and they have become a well-loved Detroit treat that you have to try before you leave the Motor City. These delectable donuts were primarily celebrated and eaten on Fat Tuesday. This is because, many years ago, Christians celebrating Lent had to get rid of all of the sugar, fruit, eggs, and lard in their homes, so they used those ingredients to make paczki. Several bakeries throughout Detroit offer paczki as a regular staple on their menus. A few bakeries you should check out include Dutch Girl Donuts, New Palace Bakery, New Martha Washington Bakery, and the Apple Fritter Donut Shop. While you can stop by any location for some delicious paczki, New Place Bakery is a local favorite because of its wide variety of flavors. Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, you're sure to be satisfied with any of these iconic Detroit dishes. Photo by Robin Stickel from Pexels

Want to ride in something with a little more oomph? Check out the limited edition models in the 2020 Jeep lineup. Each vehicle in the lineup comes with at least one limited edition, but most come with at least two or three models. Keep reading to learn about a few of the limited edition models that are sure to help you stand out in a crowd. more 2020 Jeep Wrangler Willys Limited Edition If you're looking for a modern spin on an original off-road vehicle, check out the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Willys. This limited edition Jeep Wrangler based its exterior styling off the original Willys Overland CJ-3A and added heavy-duty components to create an excellent off-road vehicle. The Jeep Willys is equipped with all-terrain features, such as 17-inch gloss black five-spoke wheels, high-performance shock absorbers, and heavy-duty rocks rails with skid plates. Signature exterior features on this Wrangler include gloss black exterior detailing, available sport LED lighting with fog lamps and reflector headlamps, and an exclusive Willys decal on the hood. 2020 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Limited Edition Another Wrangler limited edition you should check out is the 2020 Wrangler Freedom. The Freedom was designed as a salute to our faithful military members in service, and Jeep has also committed to make a donation to military charities for every Freedom edition built. Notable exterior features on the Wrangler Freedom include decals and badging that hark to the military — such as a five-pointed star on the hood — and 17-inch satin carbon aluminum painted wheels. Interior features include a military-inspired Oscar Mike logo embroidered on the front passenger and driver seats and leather trim around the cloth seats. 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Limited Edition If you're looking for a larger vehicle to fit the whole family, check out the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The High Altitude limited edition boasts several interior and exterior features that make for a comfortable and stylish ride. On the interior, you can luxuriate in black nappa perforated leather-trimmed seats and enjoy the sights in the CommandView dual-pane panoramic sunroof. Exterior features on the Grand Cherokee High Altitude include 20-inch low-gloss granite crystal aluminum wheels and low-gloss granite crystal accents found on the badging, grille bezels, taillamps, and step pad. 2020 Jeep North Edition Don't forget to take a look at the Jeep North Edition if you plan on adventuring in cold conditions. The North Edition is available in all Jeep models, so you can choose the vehicle that best meets your driving needs and preferences. The most notable feature on the North Edition that makes it qualified to travel in the winter weather is its four-wheel-drive system. Other winter driving features include black front tow hooks, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and all-weather floor mats. The Wrangler and Gladiator North Editions are equipped with the black three-piece FreedomTop hardtop. Come appreciate the interior and exterior styling of a Jeep limited edition from up close and get behind the wheel. Check out a Jeep limited edition today.

Detroit is a city rich with history, and you can learn more about this history at a number of local historical sites and museums. The city became the fourth-largest in the U.S. in the early 20th century, thanks to the major influence of the auto industry, which was booming at this time. As the industry continued to expand, Detroit's role in the production and manufacture of new models was a major part of its history. Additionally, several types of music and various cultures influenced the atmosphere of Detroit. more Motown Museum The founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy, lived in Detroit and established his groundbreaking label in the city. The record label became extremely prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, featuring music from Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & the Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, and many other famous musicians. Motown played a major role in the vibe of Detroit, and its influence is on display at Motown Museum. The name of the label and the musical movement actually plays on Detroit's main nickname, Motor City. At the museum, you can view the exhibits, which feature a variety of artifacts on display that bring this musical movement to life. a tour of this museum to learn more about the fascinating beginning of the record label that would influence many musicians in the future. David Whitney House Between 1890 and 1894, construction took place on a home for one of the wealthiest residents of the state of Michigan. This resident, David Whitney, descended from early settlers of Massachusetts and relocated to Detroit to operate East Coast-based lumber firms. Whitney invested in land in Michigan and Wisconsin, after which he became involved in maritime transportation. These investments allowed him to become extremely prosperous. He hired Gordon W. Lloyd to build his home, which still stands in Detroit. The David Whitney House is a historic treasure built in the Romanesque Revival architectural style. It features 42 rooms, 218 lead-glass and stained glass windows installed by Tiffany's of New York, and 20 elegant fireplaces. When completed, the local newspaper described the David Whitney House as an American palace, one of the state's most pretentious houses, and one of the West's most elaborate homes. Today, the building houses a restaurant and is open to the public. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Ford Motor Company also plays a major role in Detroit's rich history. You can take a tour of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, which was the birthplace of the Model T, to learn more about this early automotive company and how it influenced the growth of the industry. This location is also the world's oldest auto plant that is open to the public and housed within a three-story mill building that is built in the New England architectural style. The original metal fire doors, Henry Ford's “no smoking” stenciled signs, and plank floors are all still within the structure, allowing visitors to feel like they've taken a step back in time. Whether you're an auto enthusiast or just interested in learning more about Detroit, you'll enjoy a visit to these historic spots in Motor City. Photo by Anon from Pexels

If you're a movie buff, Highland Park is a great place to be. It has acted as a backdrop to many well-known and important movies. If you want to take a tour of the many filming locations in the Highland Park area, choose any of these movies and start planning your trip. more "Gran Torino" Clint Eastwood's 2008 "Gran Torino" was mainly shot in the Highland Park area. The main character, played by Eastwood, lived on a house on Rhode Island Street, between Oakland Parkway and Brush Street. A scene in the movie was also filmed on Highland Park's Pilgrim Street. There's also a scene shot at the St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Park, which is open to the public. If you're taking a "Gran Torino" tour, stop by the Pointe Hardware Store while you're in Grosse Pointe Park. "Real Steel" The 2011 film "Real Steel" uses the Highland Park Ford Plant — where the old Model T was built — for one of the scenes in the movie. In fact, the entire movie is filmed in the Detroit area, though it's set in a futuristic Texas. You'll also be able to continue your "Real Steel" tour at the Detroit Fire Department HQ on Washington Boulevard in downtown Detroit. There's also a scene filmed at the old Detroit Lions' home, the Silverdome. There are plenty more locations in and around Detroit if you're up for the driving tour. "8 Mile" One scene in "8 Mile" was filmed in Highland Park, but its location may be difficult to visit. It was at 122 Beresford Street, where a group of characters from the movie burned down a house. Though, plenty of other scenes from the movie were filmed in Detroit locations. The main character Rabbit lived at a trailer park on Schultes Avenue in Warren. On Clifford & Griswalk Streets, you'll find the venue where Rabbit had his rap battle. You could easily spend the whole day traveling from location to location for this movie. "True Romance" Though there weren't any Highland Park proper locations in the movie, Quentin Tarantino's "True Romance" was filmed in the Detroit area. A notable location worth checking out is the Wayne County Building at 640 Temple St. The film was written by Tarantino and starred some big Hollywood names at the time, arguably helping launch his career to where it is today. "61*" Another Detroit-based movie was "61*," which gave Tiger Stadium a lot of screen time. The 2001 movie recounted the Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle race to top Babe Ruth's home run record in a single season. If you love sports dramas, this film is worth visiting, as is the location it was filmed in Detroit. Highland Park has been immortalized in these movies, and we're sure to see more in the future. The Detroit area as a whole has been a place that inspires stories to be told, and visiting the spots in the city that inspired them is a fun way to spend a day. Photo by Nathan Engel from Pexels

In winter, your vehicle's tire pressure could drop as the air gets colder. Underinflated tires can make controlling your car on slippery roads difficult. If your car has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), the warning light on the dashboard could come on. Here's some more information about why winter tire pressure matters and how you can keep your vehicle working well. more The Effects of Cold Weather on Tire Pressure The air inside your tires contracts as it cools, lowering your tire pressure. In most situations, your tires will lose about one psi of air pressure for every 10 degrees that the temperature drops. A sudden temperature swing could cause a major change in your tire pressure. If there's a big change in the weather, you should check your tire pressure. You should also take a look at your tire pressure at least once a month in the winter. Even if your car's TPMS light isn't on, your tire pressure could be low. The Hazards of Underinflated Tires Low tire pressure makes stopping distances longer, no matter how fast you drive. It also makes steering and handling your car more difficult. Underinflation often leads to irregular wear, shortening your tires' lives, and costing you money. It can even lead to a flat tire or a dangerous blowout on the road. How to Maintain Your Tire Pressure Making sure your air pressure is corect can extend your tires' lives and make you and your passengers safer. It can also improve your gas mileage. Using a tire gauge is important because it's difficult to spot low tires quickly just by looking at them or relying on your TPMS. Fortunately, tire gauges are inexpensive, compact, and easy to use. Before you check your tire pressure, don't drive your car for a few hours. This ensures that the air inside the tires will be the same temperature as the air outside, giving you a more accurate reading. You can get started by removing the cap from one of your tires' valve stems. Press the end of your tire gauge into it to read your tire pressure, then replace the cap for the valve stem when you have finished. You can find the best tire pressure for your vehicle in your owner's manual or on a small sticker on the inside of the driver's side door. If needed, you can inflate your tires with a portable air compressor or you can use the compressor at a gas station. Some gas stations have devices that let you set the desired psi. They stop automatically when your tire reaches that air pressure, making adding air without a separate tire gauge much easier. You can also keep your tires in good condition by having them checked by a professional and rotated regularly. Having the right tire pressure could prevent an accident on icy winter roads. Spending just a few dollars on a tire gauge now could help you avoid thousands in repair costs later. You should also keep your vehicle in great shape and drive slowly. Photo by Radu Andrei Razvan from Pexels

The Detroit-style pizza is growing in popularity all over the country. With its lighter dough, rectangular shape, cheese crusted corners, and the red sauce on top, the tasty treat can be eaten casually by hand or more formally with cutlery. Here are four of the best places to eat pizza in Detroit, Michigan. more 1. Buddy's Pizza Head for Buddy's Pizza on Conant Street and you'll find a slice of history as well as pizza. The Detroit-style pizza was born at Buddy's in 1946 and it's as good today as it ever was. Historic pictures of Detroit and red and white checkered tablecloths give the restaurant an old neighborhood tavern vibe. Appetizers include chicken tenders, Buddy rolls, oven-baked cheese and bacon fries, and a veggie sampler. The pizzas are hand crafted with double stretched dough for a light, crunchy crust. The menu also features a selection of homestyle pasta dishes and burgers. You can wash your meal down with one of the craft beers specially brewed for Buddy's. 2. Amar Pizza Buddy's might have created the Detroit-style pizza, but Amar Pizza on Joseph Campau Avenue has taken its innovation to another level. A fusion of Bangladeshi, Italian, and American flavors makes for a unique pizza experience. Amar is an unpretentious carry out restaurant that also delivers. The menu features burgers, hotdogs, wings, and biryanis but it's the specialty pizzas that steal the show. You can get Chicago- and Detroit-style, deep dish and thin crust pizzas with names like the Naga, Ghost, Tandoori, seafood, Mediterranean, and the Gyro Pizza. You can order a range of tasty and spicy sauces on the side. 3. Z's Villa Located in an old Victorian house that's over 100 years old, Z's Villa on Piquette Street has a small interior with a cozy neighborhood bar ambience. However, the outdoor patio is huge and offers sand volleyball, giant Jenga, horseshoes, and cornhole toss. If you're headed to the theater or a sporting event, Z's provides a shuttle service for customers. Be ready for lots of Zs on the menu such as the “Starterz” that include chicken strips, roasted veggies, and a combo platter. For “Entreez” you could have ribs, marinated skillet fajita, breaded clam strips, catfish, and much more. The Detroit-style pizzas include Z's Super 6, the Zuper Vegetarian Delight, and the Godfather's Favorite. Alternatively, you can choose your own toppings. 4. Shield's Originally founded in Detroit in 1937, Shield's location on Woodward Avenue is a full service restaurant with quirky decor and sporting memorabilia that give it a nice casual atmosphere. They specialize in Detroit-style pizza and serve you with a smile. For those in a hurry, the Express Lunch offers the Pizza Plus or the Shieldslice. Sharable appetizers include loaded nachos, jumbo wings, Quesadilla, and the hummus and veggie plate. Specialty pizzas include the Meat Lover's, vegetarian, the spicy Gold Medal, and the grilled chicken Parmesan. Whether you're eating on the run or having a leisurely meal, these locations offer the best Detroit-style pizza. You're sure not to be left feeling hungry. Photo by Eneida Nieves from Pexels Photo by Kue Lee from Pexels

Art transcends life. If you find yourself exploring art in every city you visit, Detroit has a few gems waiting for you. These locations highlight different types of art for everyone. more Public Art Pieces Art is not just indoors in Detroit. The city is full of public art pieces that make you think and entertain you at the same time. Art enthusiasts can explore the city while taking in fascinating pieces. The Diamond II installation catches your eye over by the Conners Creek Power Plant. The diamond reflects off of water to give it even more depth. Visit the Ella Fitzgerald park to enjoy a large mural mosaic. A stunning Stevie Wonder mural now adorns the outside wall of the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. The painting was created by Richard Wilson, who is also responsible for the mural of a woman browsing records in the Eastern Market. Beyond all of the murals, Detroit is home to the world-famous Heidelberg Project. It houses a variety of outdoor public art spaces. The location is free and open for the public to visit daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. It changes regularly so that each visit is different. Bring your camera as pictures are allowed as long as they are for personal and not commercial use. To protect their privacy, you can't photograph the people, just the art. Detroit Artists Market Located at 4719 Woodward Avenue, the Detroit Artists Market is a non-profit that focuses on contemporary art. It is three blocks south of the Detroit Institute of Art. Free parking is available beyond the market, and there is also plenty of parking around the location. The space focuses on connecting artists with art collectors and the community. The space holds juried shows as well as curated exhibitions and market-style shows. Art lovers enjoy a variety of pieces while chatting with the artists to learn more about their work. Playground Detroit Art meets the future at Playground Detroit. This intriguing gallery doubles as a talent agency for up and coming artists. It is located at 2845 Gratiot Avenue and open for exploring from Wednesdays to Saturdays every week. You can also rent the space for private events or make a private appointment to see the work on display. The exhibitions rotate regularly for guests to enjoy new works. The gallery does not have a single focus, but showcases different styles of work, including photography, sculpture, painting, and multi-media art. Library Street Collective The Library Street Collective is at 1260 Library Street. Its focus is on contemporary fine arts. Stop by from Wednesdays to Saturdays to enjoy the art. The exhibitions change all the time as the gallery focuses on different mediums and artists. Bring friends and family with you as you explore these locations. Not only does it make the experience enjoyable, but it also gives you a chance to explain different art forms to your children. Don't forget to dress for the weather as you explore outdoor locations. Photo by JULIO NERY from Pexels

If you're touring Detroit, be sure not to miss out on some of these exciting tours and cruises. There's lots to see and do in and around the city, so take advantage of these luxurious treats and do it right. more Detroit Princess Riverboat Imagine a five-story boat with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and an absolutely unbelievable view. The Detroit Princess is an elegant cruise to take advantage of in the Detroit area and is located right between the Cobo Center and the GM Renaissance Center. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, plenty of live entertainment, and valet parking. Opt for one of the relaxed lunches held between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. or a dinner cruise from 6 to 10 p.m. There is also a Sunday 3-7 p.m. cruise to enjoy. See the website for more options. Diamond Jack's River Tours Diamond Jack's River Tours are a fantastic way to take in the view of the city, all while having a memorable time with friends and family. The business has been owned and operated by the family for over 20 years. It leaves from Rivard Plaza between the months of June and September and from Thursday to Sunday between 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The boat has three meeting rooms, along with a banquet and reception capacity of 150. There are sightseeing tours, as well as private group tours available. On the tours, you can learn about the interesting history of the city, while private dinner parties, weddings, and other such celebrations are available as well. Show Me Detroit Tours For a great tour of Detroit, look no further than the fun Show Me Detroit Tours. These are two-hour narrated deluxe van tours that show off the amazing downtown districts and attractions. Tours run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day. Try the downtown tour, for example, where you might learn about such exciting sites as Campus Martius Park, Greektown, the Eastern Market, Belle Isle, and more. You can also opt for a private tour that meets your specific interests. Antique Touring For an approach that is a little bit different and exciting, try Antique Touring. It is the only history tour that is offered in Detroit every day and takes you along on antique cars. Located at the Piquette Plant where Henry Ford developed his cars, this touring company offers a tour steeped in history. Your guide will discuss historical changes to buildings and architecture and discuss the evolution of the automobile industry. A new tour being offered, called Tinkerers to Titans in the Auto Age, will discover the early history of cars in the Milwaukee area and visit production facilities where it all took place. It will also discuss local estates and the buildings built by greats in the industry. From learning about Detroit's vast history and industrial promise to engaging in city-wide tours and relaxing dockside on a beautiful boat, there are plenty of tours and cruises available. Come to Detroit, learn, and enjoy all this great city has to offer. Image via Flickr by PDru2014 used under CC BY 2.0