Jaunted

As a lifelong Metro Detroiter, I am used to getting negative reactions when telling people where I live. The media stereotype of riots and burning police cars is so ingrained in everyone's mind, they are surprised when anyone is positive about Detroit Is Detroit perfect? Far from it. But having been to NYC, LA and other big cities across the country, I have yet to see a big city that is perfect. Over eight thousand volunteers have signed up to try to change visitors' perceptions of Detroit during the Super Bowl Week.  I am one of them--I will be greeting people in the airport as they arrive and handing out information about how to get to the big events. The host committee has worked really hard to come up with fun events for the Super Bowl, including the Motown Winter Blast, which is a winter celebration with a 200 foot snow slide and Model T car rides. For those who have never been to Detroit, here is my list of the Top 10 things to do--not specifically for the Super Bowl:

1. Go to a sporting event: Detroiters are rabid about sports, and we have lots to be proud of in this area. The Detroit Pistons, Red Wings and Lions consistently sell out. The Tigers rarely sell out, but Comerica Park is a great place to watch a game and fireworks after the game make up for the Tiger losses.

2. Greektown: Several Greek restaurants and bakeries all in one area. Try the saganaki (flaming cheese) with the Greek bread.

3. Detroit Institute of Arts: The Diego Rivera murals alone are worth a visit.

4. Belle Isle: The only island park in a big city. The Conservatory is over 100 years old and has huge palm trees.

5. The Henry Ford: The new name for Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum. The Village has Edison's Menlo Park lab, the Wright Brothers home and bicycle shop and lots of other famous homes from the past.

6. Ride the People Mover

7. See a show at the Fox Theatre: Detroit has a vibrant theatre community and the Fox is the crown jewel--beautifully restored

8. Renaissance Center/GM World Headquarters: Newly restored since GM took it over--with a glass Wintergarden overlooking the Detroit River

9. Casinos: Motor City has a non-smoking floor and is my personal favorite.

10. Motown Museum: t is amazing that such a big enterprise was launched in just a normal house. Lots of memorabilia from the artists.

That is just scratching the surface--there are so many more cool things to do. Just give us a chance--and please, stop with the burning police car jokes. That was 22 years ago. Kids can drink who weren't born when that happened.