NJrunr3

I was looking at the map and it seems that the market is outside. Is that the case? We've been to one in Cleveland and Philadelphia and both were indoors and we were wondering if Detroit is similar. Thanks for any info!

kelliebellie

I've been to the Cleveland one and the Detroit one is a bit different. There are buildings that you walk through, but it is really more spread out than those. It is less touristy and a really working restaurant market. All the stores around the main area are all very cool. There is a lot outdoors. It is really more of a summer thing.

NewbE

It was dead as a doornail around noon on a weekday in January. It's not what I pictured it to be, b/c as kelliebellie says, it's really a collection of warehouse-like buildings and not a unified market. I could see that it would be cool on a busy day in the summer.

ruwithme

If my memory is correct, I believe Eastern Market is open every Saturday from 6-4.

Citylghts

Most of Eastern Market proper is outdoors and the biggest day is Saturday.

The Gratiot Central Market, south of the freeway, is enclosed and similar to the markets in Cleveland and Philadelphia.

The market is open daily and if you go around 6 am during the week, you'll meet the chefs from many of the city's top restaurants who are selecting produce. However, as earlier posts mention activity dries up pretty early. The exception is Shed 3, between Division and Adelaide, which is enclosed and tends to have more traffic later in the day.

NJrunr3

We were in Detroit today and went to check out the market. Didn't even get out of the car. I have to say, I think I found my least favorite US city...But we loved Cleveland. The food in Cleveland was surprisingly one of the best out of all our travels. And the people are extremely friendly. Definitely much, much better than we expected and we will defintely be going back.

Cassidy1974

Yes, I can't imagine that maneuvering around downtown Detroit on opening day would be much fun.

The weather was also not that appealing as it was grey and drizzly pretty much all day.

I would hope; however, you wouldn't write off a whole city based on a drive by of one location.

Citylghts

I agree with the above post. The market is home to one of the best restaurants in Detroit, The Roma Cafe. It's been at the corner of Riopelle & Erskine since 1890.

NJrunr3

It has nothing to do with opening day or one location. We were there since Sunday, when there was no stadium traffic and still didn't like it. We stayed at the Marriott in the Ren Center, which was a very nice hotel but with some very sketchy individuals roaming the halls and fitness center. I have never seen so many cops at a hotel before. First time I ever felt unsafe in a hotel.

NewbE

The presence of cops made you feel unsafe? Okaayyy...

Citylghts

Were they police or GM security and were they in the hotel or the lobbies of the office towers?

I've stayed at RenCen several times and never encountered security in the hotel, only in the office towers to keep people in the public areas and out of the office elevators after business hours.

I also can't imagine how someone "sketchy" would get into the fitness center if he/she didn't belong since the fitness center is on the forty-something floor.

Cassidy1974

I know Newb! As far as whatever "sketchy" individuals might have been around, like I said, it was opening day (for the Tigers) yesterday & it was the largest ever at the new ballpark! I am sure that there were a few "overserved" folks that could have looked rough & might have gotten rooms at the Ren Cen. Who knows. Either way, the presence of cops should have made you feel better I would think.

Anyway, I know Detroit is not on anyone's "ideal destination" list, but it does have merit & I get so sick of Detroit bashing. Especially when the only negative thing that was initially listed was a visit to a place that they OP did not even bother to get out of the car at & was told that this really wans't the time of the year to visit.

Sorry to rant. I just get irritated by it as I love my city, such as it is!

NJrunr3

The only thing that was open on Sunday was the hotel. There were cops walking all around our floor, as if looking for something. Yes, normally the presence of cops makes you feel safe, but the fact that they needed so many of them was a concern. We travel constantly and have never experienced that.

The opening day had nothing to do with us not liking the city. For an opening day, we couldn't believe how unpacked the streets were. The Yankees draw huge crowd for every game, and opening day is mayhem in the Bronx. So we are very much used to that.

As far as the sketchy individuals, they were escorted by hotel security out of the fitness center. Apparently their friends who work at the hotel gave them access to the fitness center. They were fully clothed, with hats and jackets, which is kind of strange for a fitness center, and that was a red flag for some of the people in there who called security because they felt uncomfortable.

If you like Detroit, fine. I personally hate it and will never go back. We are each entitled to our opinions. There is nothing there that would make me want to come back. Except maybe the tunnel to Canada.

Cassidy1974

Yup agree to disagree.

michigandra

Cassidy,

I'm with you. I work in Detroit and don't like to see Detroit bashed. That said, Detroit definitely has its problems and has aspects or neighborhoods that may be off-putting. I go to Eastern Market and numerous events/neighborhoods in the city, but that doesn't mean I always find all of its neighborhoods or inhabitants appealing. I've felt a bit uncomfortable in other major cities in various neighborhoods or environments, too, and not just in the US. Not every major city is a destination city, nor should they all be. To each their own.

Cassidy1974

Michigandra,

Agreed! I am not an ostrich & know that Detroit isn't the greatest place to visit & I could see where some areas might make a traveler feel trepidatious (sp?).

I guess my issue is that the only sight that was mentioned was the Eastern Market & that seemed to be the determination on Detroit. Where else did they go? What else did they see? Well, besides the hotel, which does indeed sound shady & suprises me for that hotel.

I hope that makes sense. And yes, to each their own. I am just sorry that the OP did not enjoy their stay....another tourist lost!

NJrunr3

We had a car and drove around all over the city. We went to each of the stadiums, had lunch in Greektown, and just drove around downtown as well as the residential neighborhoods. We always rent a car and try to see as much of a city as we can when we travel. The woman at the tourist stop told us not to go to the residential areas, but we wanted to see it ourselves. I see her point. We saw the casinos, but living fairly close to Atlantic City, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, casinos don't excite us much anymore.

NewbE

Your loss, NJ. I'm sorry you couldn't appreciate the world-class DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts), the vibrant Midtown neighborhood, the art and history of Pewabic Pottery, the amazing collections at the Ford Museum, or any of the other wonderful things about Detroit and its people that may be difficult to see from the inside of a rental car.

shaz60

I never like to see places bashed. Everywhere that I have been has had places that I liked and places that I didn't like. That includes Detroit. Since I live in a city that has a sort of bad reputation, I'm sensitive about the subject. Certainly to each his own but I hope that posters give different places a fair shot.

Cali

Detroit is like most other large cities - it has its good and bad. We always enjoy our visits there but are careful in some areas just like we would be in any other big city.