Day Trip in the D: CulturalConnections Route
Dearborn. Southwest Detroit. The Henry Ford. This cross section of Detroit exposes you to the wealth of diverse cultural institutions, industries and communities coexisting in southwest Detroit and Dearborn.CulturalConnections
Detroit's cultural scene is vibrant and varied. Take Hamtramck for example. A community with deep Polish roots, attracting families from around the world. Or Dearborn and Southwest Detroit, an awesome fusion of Middle Eastern, African American, Latino and East European communities. From Hart Plaza's ethnic festivals to Troy's thriving Southeast Asian population, the Detroit region celebrates its diversity. The CulturalConnections Day Trip provides an itinerary highlighting this diversity and energy.
New Yasmeen Bakery
the route.
The southwest side of the region is growing. Therefore, construction is everywhere. Hopefully, this route will direct you around the vast majority of it.
Once you're at Wyoming and Warren, take Warren west to Schaeffer to explore East Dearborn's Arab community.
Then take Schaeffer south to Michigan Ave. to access the Arab American National Museum. The Museum is on the north side of Michigan Ave, west of Schaeffer.
From the Museum, take Michigan Ave. west to Southfield Fwy. Take Southfield Fwy. south through Allen Park and to I-75. Take I-75 East to Detroit.
Take the Clark Street North exit to get to Mexicantown. Go north on Clark for three blocks, until you hit Vernor. Vernor is the heart of Mexicantown.
why not try?
The carnitas at Taqueria Mi Pueblo (7278 Dix). Carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish, made with pork, cilantro, cumin, and onion -- all deep fried and served with corntortillas. And the carnitas at Taqueria Mi Pueblo are quite possibly the best north of the Rio Grande.
- The Point of Departure - Begin the day at Warren and Wyoming Avenues (7300 Wyoming Street). Cruise west on Warren. Check out the awesome variety of Middle Eastern shops. Note the billboards and signage in Arabic and English.
- Arab District Breakout - Warren, west of Schaeffer. Middle Eastern shops and restaurants await your exploration. Drive the Warren business district, from Wyoming to Maple (14633 W. Warren). Break out and have a mid-morning snack on some baklava from the district's bakeries and eateries. Pick up some fresh roasted coffee and tea from a local grocer. Parallel parking is free along Warren. Many businesses also provide surface parking. Cost: $4.00/person for pastries and coffee. Suggested exploration time: 1 hour.
- Arab American National Museum Breakout - Michigan at Schaefer (13624 Michigan Ave). From Schaeffer, take a right on Michigan Ave. Park in a free parking spot along Michigan Ave., or park in the large lot on the north side of Michigan Ave. This is America's first and largest museum celebrating Arab culture and the Arab American community. Four exhibits detail the history of Arab civilization, the history of Arab immigration to America, Arab life in America and contributions of individuals and community organizations to the community and world. Cost: $6.00 adult, $3.00 senior/student, kids 5 and under free for admission. Suggested exploration time: 2 hours.
- The Mexicantown Breakout - Vernor at Clark Street (4430 Vernor Hwy). Mexicantown was established in the early 1940's by immigrant families that came form Mexico to work in the auto and steel industries. Today this community is home to thousands of people from more than 30 different ethnic groups. Cruise along Vernor to Livernois, check out the many small shops and specialty grocery stores, bakeries and well-known restaurants. And don't miss E & L Market, home to some of Southeast Michigan's best meats.
Head to
Armandos (4242 W. Vernor Hwy) for a late lunch. In the mood for some authentic cuisine, head to
Taqueria Mi Pueblo (7278 Dix). After lunch, head east on Vernor to W. Grand Blvd. Take the Blvd. one block south to Bagley. Take Bagley east and to the Mexican Village area. Enjoy a margarita in the cool shade at one of the strip's many restaurants. Stop in
La Gloria Bakery (3345 Bagley) for some tasty baked goods. Be sure to check out some of the shops. Cost: $13.00/person for lunch. Time: 2.5 hours.
- X-Tra Time? D'Jenne Beads and Art - African artwork, traditional African dress, beads, oils, candles and more grace this elegant space in Downtown Detroit's International Center. Check it out at 508 Monroe Street. It's a taste of Africa in the heart of Greektown. Cost: Free. Time: .5 hours.
- Add-a-Day: The Henry Ford Breakout - This is what it's all about. The world's largest history attraction. One could spend days exploring its numerous exhibits and attractions.
- It's all about us. The World is Coming. Get in the Game.
Middle Eastern Restaurant | Dearborn
Arabica Cafe | Dearborn
Arab American National Museum | Dearborn
W. Vernor | Mexicantown
Bagley St. | Mexicantown
the inside scoop.
Southwest Detroit achieved worldwide notoriety as the home of Jack White, the legendary garage rocker from Detroit's own White Stripes. Though he no longer lives in the neighborhood, rumor has it that White lived with his two dogs in a home with red walls.
Bagley St. | Mexicantown