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Detroit City Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Detroit City
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Detroit City Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Detroit City - The sprawling industrial city of Detroit, the
oldest city in America's mid-west, began life as a trading post
when French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac landed on the
banks of the Detroit River in 1701 and established a fort. He was
later removed because of bad conduct, but unlike its outpost
commander, the settlement of Detroit was flourishing. In 1796
Detroit became American, and by the early 19th century had already
earned a reputation as a centre for the manufacturing industry,
particularly kitchen ranges. As most people now know, however,
Detroit did not go on to become the stove-making capital of the
world. Today it is renowned as being the automotive centre of the
globe, birthplace of the motorcar and home to some of the nation's
top brands. Originally automobile empires were established by
Detroit families like Ford, Olds, Chevrolet and Dodge, which have
become household names, thanks to the invention and perfection of
the motor vehicle production assembly line, which all began in
Detroit.
It is not only hard work and industrial
enterprise that drives Detroit, however. The city in southeast
Michigan is also famous for the Motown record label, founded by
former autoworker Berry Gordy Jr, which has introduced the world to
stars such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, the Temptations and
Diana Ross, to name but a few. Modern 'Motown'
Detroit is a little decayed and shabby, but efforts are being made
to increase the city's appeal as a tourist destination, and there
are several attractions worth seeing. In the downtown area new
hotels and restaurants are appearing to complement a new sports
stadium, and there is a focus on the arts, particularly in the
city's historic theatre district.
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Detroit City
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn
www.thehenryford.com |
What is it? Henry Ford, son of a farmer, built his first
car in Detroit in 1896. There was nothing too amazing about this
feat, because cars had been around for some time. What was unique
to Ford's invention was the moving assembly line, which enabled him
to literally put the world on wheels. Henry Ford's legacy is found
at every turn in his hometown, Detroit, which is why the city's
most popular and prominent tourist attraction was founded by him in
1929. The Henry Ford is spread over more than 36 hectares (90
acres) in Dearborn just outside of metro-Detroit and encompasses
five different venues. Together they bring the whole American
experience to life, using exhibits, demonstrations, programmes and
re-enactments to showcase American life and its people. Ford
amassed most of the exhibit collection, including tens of thousands
of ordinary objects, items associated with illustrious Americans,
and numerous inventions documenting technological advances. Among
the exhibits is the limousine in which John F. Kennedy was
assassinated, Edgar Allan Poe's writing desk, and George
Washington's camp bed. It is located in Dearborn, Michigan just
west of the Southfield Freeway (M-39) and south of Michigan Avenue
(US-12).
Hours of Operation: Museum open daily 9.30am to 5pm; closed Thanksgiving
and Christmas. Different opening hours apply for other
attractions
Phone:(313) 982 6150 (24-hour recorded
information) |
2. Automotive Hall of Fame
21400 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn
www.automotivehalloffame.org |
What is it? Car buffs from the world over are drawn to
Detroit's Automotive Hall of Fame, close to the Henry Ford Museum
in Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, which is the public program and
exhibition centre for the worldwide motor vehicle industry. The
venue features entertaining and enlightening exhibits about the
people who drive the industry. Visitors can indulge in interactive
events like designing their own car and taking part in safety
demonstrations.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 5pm; closed Mondays from November to
April
Phone:(313) 240 4000 |
3. Henry Ford Estate
4901 Evergreen Road
www.henryfordestate.com |
What is it? Visitors to Detroit can tour the family home
of renowned automotive pioneer Henry Ford and his wife, Clara, in
Dearborn. The estate is a National Historic Landmark that is now
part of the campus of the University of Michigan. The Fords lived
on the estate, designed by Jens Jensen, from 1915 until they died
in 1947 and 1950 respectively. The 56-room stone mansion features
elaborately-carved woodwork and contains many personal artefacts.
Also on site is Ford's personal garage and car collection and
magnificent gardens featuring waterscapes.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 5pm
Phone:(313) 593 5590 |
Detroit City
holidays - Top Events
1. Detroit International Jazz Festival
From 2006-09-01
To 2006-09-04
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What is it? Detroit's annual swinging festival has become
the largest jazz event in North America, now an institution after
being held for a quarter of a century. The event jazzes up downtown
with more than 100 concerts, late-night jam sessions and plenty of
buzz in the area's 20 or so bars and
restaurants.
Where is it? Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park |
2. Comerica TasteFest
From 2007-07-04
To 2006-07-08
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What is it? The food, music and spirit of Detroit are
celebrated in the downtown streets with a mixed bag of eats and
entertainment. More than 35 of the city's restaurants serve up
samples of their specialities to more than 350,000 visitors, who
also enjoy a feast of events from skateboard challenges and movie
shows to a petting zoo and arts and crafts displays. A main
ingredient of the TasteFest is the music, with national and local
talent performing on four stages.
Where is it? New Center on West Grand Boulevard between Woodward Avenue
and the Lodge Freeway |
3. International Freedom Festival
From 2007-06-27
To 2007-06-27
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What is it? This cross-border festival was started in
1959 when Detroit and its Canadian neighbour, the city of Windsor
on the other side of the Detroit River, decided to join forces to
celebrate Independence Day and Canada Day. Today most of the
carnival events take place on the Windsor side of the river, but
Detroit still offers several parties and organises the spectacular
fireworks display, billed as the largest in north America, that is
the centrepiece highlight of the entire festival. Another popular
event is the cross-river tug of war between teams from each
city.
Where is it? Hart Plaza, Detroit and Dieppe Park, Windsor,
Ontario |
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