Travel Tips

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January: North American International Auto Show

The automotive world was watching as Detroit opened the 14th annual NAIAS with a roar. This year, 53 exhibitors used one million square feet of space to strut their stuff. Last year, 6,800 media from 59 countries flew into Detroit for the event. This year, 759,907 people attended during the public days from Jaunary 12-21. One of the big draws is always a look at the concept cars that included nine North American entries and 21 global designs this year. Here's a look at the Pontiac Solstice Roadster (concept car), a two-seater that has a 2.2-liter engine and 220 horsepower.

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October: Cider Mill season

October is the best time to visit one of the local cider mills throughout metro Detroit as the leaves turn to a beautiful palette of burnt gold, crisp sienna and deep red. My special spot is the Franklin Cider Mill located about thirty minutes north of downtown Detroit. The mill has been operating since 1834 and sell fresh-pressed apple cider and homemade donuts, homestyle apple pies, local produce, sweets, meats and cheeses. Watch the antique apple press churn the latest batch of cider or relax with a few ducks next to the stream behind the mill. Some cider mills also have hayrides or petting zoos.

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November: Detroit Thanksgiving Parade

Once upon a time, the entire country could watch the annual Thanksgiving Parade. Although Detroit lost its television coverage, the colorful floats, marching bands and a special appearance from Santa Claus at the end still welcomes the Christmas season to Detroit. Many years ago, my high school marching band was part of the parade. I played the flute.

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February: Black History Month

Rosa Parks, one of Detroit's favorite residents, is not a great black hero. She is simply a great hero. In December 1955, she showed the world that one person could change the course of history when she refused to give her seat to a white person while she rode the bus home from work in Montgomery, Alabama. She was arrested and this incident helped to jump start the civil rights movement in the US.

Although Black History Month is celebrated throughout the US, there's a strong feeling in Detroit as close to ninety percent of our residents are African-American. There are often special exhibits and events, celebrations, lectures, etc.

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March: St. Patrick's Day

Everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day and this is a good time to have a pint.

Looking for something brewed locally? There are several choices in the metro Detroit area including the Woodward Avenue Brewers (WAB) in the nearby suburb of Ferndale. They've been serving Nine Mile Custom Blonde, Raspberry Blonde, Custom Bronze and other locally brewed beers since 1997. If you're the designated driver, try the homemade cream soda. Or, drive another ten minutes north to the suburb of Royal Oak to the Royal Oak Brewing Company for a pint of Fourth Street Wheat or Royal Oak Red.

Looking for the real deal? Many of Detroit's Irish residents have moved on, but there's still a chapter of the Gaelic League on Michigan Avenue. A little card on the door will remind visitors about paying dues, but just walk in anyway and order a pint of Ireland's best.

Take this month to recover from St. Patrick's Day until I find a fun event or festival for this month.

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May: Detroit Electronic Music Festival

From May 25 to 27 this year, more than one million people from around the globe will gather for this free Detroit-based techno festival in the city of its birth from noon to midnight each day. There were about 70 acts last year including Derrick May, Innercity, De La Soul and Laurent Garnier. For more information, call 313. 392. 9200 or visit www.demf.org.

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July: International Freedom Festival and the Mich

Canada celebrates Dominion Day on July 1 and we celebrate Independence Day on July 4. We are only separated by the narrow Detroit River, so Detroit celebrates a joint party with our neighbor during the week-long International Freedom Festival. The crowning event is a huge fireworks display from several barges parked in the middle of the river. In conjunction with the festival, the New Center Area of Detroit hosts a huge Taste Fest with outside stalls from many of Detroit's best restaurants serving samples of their signature dishes, tons of entertainment and free concerts.

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August: Michigan Renaissance Festival

The Michigan Renaissance Festival is about one hour north of Detroit, but take a day trip to wander around this hilariously recreated 16th century English village with hundreds of costumed performers and plenty of lighthearted entertainments complete with royal pageantry, jousting, period music and dance, theatrical performances, venders, food and special events.

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Here's another Ren Fest photo of my pal, actor Calvin Simmons, who was a member of the royal court. He was the official guard of the African Princess on the right last year, but I think he made the royal court this year.