Day Two

Morning Activity: Spend the morning in the Detroit Science Center, 5020 John R. Street. You will want at least two hours to enjoy this hands-on center which includes traveling exhibits, five hands-on exhibit laboratories, two demonstration stages, an IMAX theater and a digital dome planetarium. Exhibit laboratories explore matter and energy; waves and vibration; life sciences; and mechanics and motion. When you arrive, be sure to pick up a Visitors Guide at the Visitor Services desk. It will list a complete schedule of the day’s show times and activities.

 

Lunch: It’s time to experience a Detroit classic – the coney dog. Visit American Coney Island at 114 W. Lafayette. Founded in 1917 by Constantine “Gust” Keros from Greece, the restaurant has stayed in the family and is now owned and operated by one of Gust’s five sons, Charles. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can always come back at midnight tonight if you have not had enough. For a true Coney Island experience, order your dog topped with onions, mustard and chili. As you eat, be sure to notice the specially seasoned natural casing hot dogs, chili sauce prepared using the Keros secret recipe, and the fine mustard and chopped sweet onions. The finishing touch is the warm, steamed bun. Hungry yet?

 

Afternoon Activity: Make your way to Motown Historical Museum at 2648 W. Grand Blvd. When you visit this museum, which is located in an old brick house, you will be standing on the site where the Motown sound of the 1960s began. The exhibits include musical instruments, photographs, and the original world-famous Studio A and control room, where Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, the Temptations, the Supremes and many others got their start in the music business under the direction of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. Guided tours are offered at regular hours. The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays.

 

Dinner and Evening Activity: Assuming you have digested those coney dogs, it’s time for another Detroit classic – Greektown. For dinner, visit the New Hellas Café at 583 Monroe St. The oldest restaurant in Greektown, the New Hellas Café was founded in 1901 and is still in the family. Be sure to order the authentic homemade Greek yogurt, served with a pitcher of warm honey on the side. Other popular menu items include lamb chops and the Hellas trio – moussaka, pastitsio and spinach cheese pie. After dinner, wander around Greektown and see what wonders you discover. Enjoy a Greek pastry at the famous Astoria Bakery on Monroe Street. You can even try your luck in the Greektown Casino at 555 E. Lafayette for the evening. The casino features more than 75,000 square feet of gaming space, including 2,400 slots and more than 80 tables.