kelliebellie

Utica is getting pretty far away. I thought Troy would be too far and Utica is farther. The RenCen is sold out for those dates.

CAPH52

Thanks, Kellie and mamaw!

Thanks again for your research, Kellie. And for the heads up on opening day. But they're hoping to have bleacher seats for opening day at Wrigley that Monday! (And they need to be back here so they can pick me up at O'Hare that morning.)

I'm going to check out those two hotels you mentioned.

CAPH52

We decided to go with the Comfort Inn in Taylor. Again, thanks so much, Kelliebellie!

CAPH52

Saw your posts on a couple of lounge threads just now, Cali. It reminded me that I'd meant to mention that your post on this thread explains why, when you were helping me with our North Shore trip last summer, you mentioned driving from Michigan to MN. I'd wondered about that at the time since I knew you lived in California. Now I understand!

Hope all's well with you.

kelliebellie

I think you made a great choice. That hotel is just seconds from the highway and that will take them right downtown. There will be tons of guys with flags waving them into parking lots, so that won't be a problem. And tell them about the free parking at Greektown Casino. It might be filled that day however.

If they like Middle Eastern food they are right next to Dearborn which has wonderful restaurants. They also have a Cheli's Chili in Dearborn and also downtown next to the stadiums which is Chris Chelios' restaurants.

That is cool they are doing Opening Day at Wrigley. Beautiful place to do it. I hope the weather is warm and nice. Cold opening days are no fun. I need to line up a babysitter so I can go downtown and party that day!

CAPH52

Thank you for the restaurant info, Kellie! They love middle eastern food. Sounds like that area will work very well for them.

It probably won't be warm for opening day at Wrigley. But that's okay, they'll enjoy it anyway! I hope you have lots of fun at yours!

And, again, thank you so much! You've been a tremendous help.

dsgmi

CAPH52 - That is a good location for getting downtown. You are right next to I94. They will be closing part of I75 in the next week (for two years) and I94 is one of the detours. They'll have to take it to I75 and go south (just a little bit) to Ford Field.

As recommended, the middle eastern food in Dearborn is some of the best in the US. I like Al Ameer, La Pita and La Shish. Pizza Papalis has good deep dish and is on Michigan Ave along with one location of La Shish.

Your hotel is right near a WalMart in the event you want to pick up snacks/drinks for the room.

CAPH52

Thanks, dsgmi! I'm going to print out this thread for my husband and son to take with them. They'll be very pleased to have this info on the middle eastern restaurants. And thanks for the road info too.

dsgmi

kelliebellie - OT, but we both must live in the area...I'm downriver

Cali

Hi Caph, Yes, my husband is from MI so that's why we go back and forth from there to MN or reverse when in the Midwest. He doesn't have relatives left in Detroit Area but we have many friends there so try to get back there every other year at the very least and sometimes every year. I feel so bad for the people in MI with the economy so bad in their area - they are wonderful people and MI is a beautiful state. Yes, we are fine here in CA. Looking forward to some kind of trip soon that isn't business. Haven't decided where yet. We plan to spend some time in Chicago this spring so that will be fun. Believe it or not, we wish we were back there when you have had blizzards. We do miss that. Have a good rest of the week.

CAPH52

Oh, Cali, believe me, if I could send you this cold weather, I'd do it in a heartbeat! I'm so sick of winter!

But I do understand how people brought up in the midwest would miss having real seasons.

kelliebellie

I live in Troy, but I am typing this from sunny Naples, Florida. We got in (4 hours late!) last night. I'm with Caph, we'll send a blizzard your way anytime you want one!

michigandra

CAPH,

Hope you enjoy the visit here and I'll second the restaurant suggestions--Cheli's Chili is great!

Have fun and even if it's not warm in Michigan then, I hope you get a warm Michigan welcome.

CAPH52

Enjoy your respite from the cold, kelliebellie!

Thanks, Michigandra! I won't actually be there, but I'll pass your good wishes (and your restaurant rec!) on to DH and DS.

I'll be on the Jersey shore. I'm not expecting warmth that time of year. But, right about now, I'd settle for above freezing!

CAPH52

I just quickly went back through the responses here and realized I didn't thank you, mikesmom. I appreciate your input!

Cali

CAPH, I totally understand you being tired of cold weather - my Mom is too, but since we are away from the big change of seasons we do miss them. Hope spring comes early for you.

CAPH52

Thanks, Cali. Me too!

CAPH52

I'm trying to wrap things up as I'm leaving tomorrow for NJ and DH and DS will be leaving Friday morning. And they're going to get to see Wisconsin! DS is on cloud 9!

I looked for this thread so that I can print the restaurant info for them. Then thought I'd pull it up to see if anyone has any recommendations for how they can spend Saturday (assuming DH can tear DS away from watching the games on TV!). Their games are Friday and Sunday.

Thanks again to all of you. I can't begin to tell how much we appreciate your help.

michigandra

Looks like they're staying in Taylor, not far from Dearborn. I'd recommend The Henry Ford (museum), which is in Dearborn, not too far away. Yes, it's a museum, but it's more of a "guy-type" museum, as my husband and son might say! Also, with its high middle-eastern population, Dearborn is a hub of great middle-eastern restaurants; Cheli's Chili is in Dearborn, too.

Not as close, but a visit to the Renaissance Center (the RenCen) downtown is cool, too. How old is your son? If he's old enough, they can check out any one of the casinos downtown, too.

michigandra

A couple of other things I just thought of:

Sadly, one of the best middle-eastern restaurants, La Shish, is no longer open--but there are plenty of others.

Don't know whether everyone will just be talking basketball, but there will likely be lots of talk about Mayor Kilpatrick's situation. If nothing else, it should be a lively discussion!

I just checked the weather forecast: We might get some snow before they arrive, but it looks like your husband and son might just encounter some possible rain. Cold, of course (it's March in Michigan!), but at least no predictions of heavy-duty snow and ice! Thus, should be decent weather, relatively speaking, for our visitors!

Hope they have a great time, no matter who wins!