Duane

On July 3, we have an 8 hour layover at DTW. Figure we'd have about 5 clear hours to do something, maybe a bit longer since our luggage will already be checked.

What would you suggest? I can rent a car through Priceline pretty cheaply so that is not a concern. A concern would be traffic and to make sure we got back in time.

How about the casino's? Are they very close? I know my wife would like to go. Someone mentioned to me Ann Arbor, not sure how close that is. I checked the hotel at the airport for a day room and they want $199. That's just crazy talk!

So, any ideas for about 5 free hours in Detroit or the suburbs? Thanks,
Duane

Citylghts

The casinos are in downtown Detroit, about 15-20 miles east of the airport. There are 3, but I can't recommend one over the others. Ann Arbor is about 20 miles west. There's a small art museum on campus as well of lots of places to walk and restaurants.

The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village are about 5 miles from the airport in Dearborn. You could easily spend a day in either. The village has the Wright Brothers' home and cycle shop, Thomas Edison's lab and the Logan County Court House where Abraham Lincoln tried cases among other historic buildings. The museum has collections of machinery, decorative arts and a great transportation collection that includes all the presidental limos. Not sure what special activities they'll have for the holiday, but check their site at www.hfmgv.org.

There are also some great Arabic restaurants in Dearborn.

Mamaw

You could always cruise on down to Greektown and have some Greekfood and there is a Casino right there. Laikon's is my favorite restaurant there in Greektown. You can jump on the people mover and check out the stations, hop off at the Ren Cen and take a walk on the River. Have a cup of coffee on the patio there facing the river. The Detroit Star is a boat that cruises the Detroit River too. But really 8 hours isn't that much time. The new airport here in DTW has wi-fi, lots of restaurants and shopping. The Westin Hotel is very nice, but 199. well that's just crazy talk. BTW, there is no Mass Transit here in detroit. So you'd have to rent a car or hire a driver.

Duane

Thanks. We are still debating on what to do. We'll have a couple of 8 - 9 hour flights in front of us (going to Kenya) so we didn't want to sit around all day.
Thanks for the input. I was hoping for mass transit, guess not.
Duane

dsgmi

You didn't say what times your layover encompasses, but the previous suggestions are good. You could do the Ford Factory Tour at The Henry Ford. 5 hours would be enough time for a visit Fair Lane, Henry Ford's Estate, also in Dearborn and either have lunch there, at one of the many Middle Eastern restaurants nearby or at the Dearborn Inn (right across the street from The Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village). The Inn has several cottages on its grounds with historical signifigance (e.g. Edgar Allen Poe's) and makes for a nice stroll. As Mamaw stated, there's no public transit and a car will be more economical than taxis or a driver. Ann Arbor is nice to walk around, especially if it's a nice day. There's both the campus and downtown areas. The U of M Art Museum is in a temporary location due to remodeling, but there are several others.

Cali

I would go to Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village. We have gone there several times and have enjoyed it very much. Also not that far from the airport. Unless you are big on Casinos I would skip them. The Henry Ford Estate is also fun to tour. Don't think I would go too much farther away from the airport. Ann Arbor is nice on a nice day but if I had the cboice I would go to Greenfield Village. Have fun!!

Duane

Thanks again.
Looks like we'll get a car, I can get a compact pretty cheaply.

You are right, I can hit a casino almost anytime, I'd like to see some of the Ford Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. I assume this is a pretty much walking tour which will be nice.

We will be landing around 9:30am and leave right about 5:30 pm. FF tickets, can't be choosy.

Thanks again everyone.
Duane

Keith

If you are museum person at all, you won't be sorry. The homes and businesses which Henry Ford brought to Dearborn from around the world at Greenfield Village are fascinating. And if the weather is bad (you will be outside a lot at the Village), you still have the Henry Ford Museum - in its areas, it is comparable to the Smithsonian.

Keith