PLAY STAY

Motown Museum- Motown Records- home of the Hitsville U.S.A studio, was one the the first, successful Black-owned music labels in the country. Founded by the great talent Berry Gordy, it launched the careers of legendary artists like Diana Ross, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder and the Jackson Five. It is responsible for some of the best Soul, Funk, Jazz and Pop hits of all time. The Motown Museum is a tribute to Black music excellence. Be prepared to sing, dance, laugh and cry.

Charles H Wright Museum- For over half a century, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African- American History has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African-Americans. Its current and past exhibits include, “Think”, a tribute to music legend, activist and fashion icon Aretha Franklin; “And Still We Rise,” documenting Black resilience from Middle Passage through the Civil Rights era and “Detroit Performs”, which celebrates the luminaries of theater, dance and music that transformed the Motor City’s performing arts scene, and with it, the American pop culture landscape.

Hart Plaza- The city’s riverfront destination for concerts and festivals. Not far from the plaza, you will want to click a pic at the iconic “ Fist” , a giant memorial dedicated to Detroit’s legendary heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis. The sculpture was a gift from Sports Illustrated to the people of the city of Detroit in the 1980’s.

Avenue of Fashion-The Avenue of Fashion emerged in the ‘60s as a shopping destination for African-Americans with substantial incomes who moved into the neighborhood. The Avenue was an anti-shopping mall, with stores meant to be walked through down the block, no matter the weather. Independent, African-American-owned boutiques and businesses have been the lifeblood of the neighborhood for over 50 years and the Avenue remains home to local fashion designers, service providers, retailers and restaurateurs who provide unique options that suit the tastes of a discerning crowd.

With so many choices to lay your head, why not go for the unique accommodations of some of these places?

Roberts Riverwalk Hotel- is the only African-American-owned historic boutique hotel located on the banks of the majestic Detroit River. The hotel was recently renovated and many of the guest rooms feature 12-foot high ceilings and spectacular Detroit River and Canadian views.

The Cochrane House- is an art-filled, 19thcentury mansion turned Bed and Breakfast, located in Detroit’s historic Brush Park in the heart of Downtown Detroit. It is Black-owned and the innkeepers are sisters, Roderica & Francina James.

To learn more about all things Detroit Michigan, go online to visitdetroit.com