Happy Birthday, Motor City! 16 Reasons To Love Detroit

I am a Hudsonville Ice Cream brand ambassador. All opinions expressed belong to me.

Today is Detroit’s birthday. Pretty fun right? She is looking mighty fine for being 316 years old!

To celebrate, Michigan-made Hudsonville Ice Cream set-up shop in Cadillac Square this afternoon to hand out FREE ice cream, host raffles, and celebrate the birth of the city many of us love. Despite the cooler July temps, fun was had by all!

Any event where there are hats and party blowers = a good time, according to my kids!

Since the event was to celebrate Detroit, it had me thinking of all the reasons our family loves the city. I brought several family members from out-of-state to Detroit a few weeks ago to show them around the city where our parents grew-up. They loved how clean the city was, the amazing art scene, and the American versus Lafayette coney rivalry. But there’s so much more to love, right?!

Here are my top 16 favorite things I love about the D:

16 Reasons To Love Detroit

It’s an underdog we all want to succeed. If you haven’t been downtown in awhile, GO. Now. The city is looking gorgeous these days, and there is SO much to do for families and couples. It’s hard not to cheer for a city that has come so far.

Cadillac Square. There are so many cool games and sports courts at this little retreat in the center of the city. It’s awesome! My kids enjoyed a giant Connect Four, ping pong, corn hole and more. The game shack even had a band-aid when my daughter scraped her leg 😉 It’s also typically home to food trucks and other fun.

Campus Martius. From free concerts to ice skating and even a beach – this cool park in the heart of the city is a fun spot to spend some time people watching {or grabbing a cocktail at one of the nearby outdoor bars}.

A fantastic food scene. One of my favorite reasons to visit Detroit is for food. So many good restaurants! And don’t even get me started on coneys, Buddy’s pizza, Faygo and Vernors… Or a s’mores whoopie pie from Avalon Bakery. YUM!

Eastern Market. Visit this gem for the ultimate farmers market full of fresh produce, flowers, and Michigan-made goodies.

It’s the home of Motown. ‘Nuff said. Some of the best tunes ever were written here. Make sure to take the Motown Museum tour to experience it all and re-live the memories.

Belle Isle. This nature-filled escape with an amazing history is looking SO fantastic these days!

My grandma remembers posing in front of the Scott Fountain in 1938 with my grandpa.

Awesome architecture. My kids think Detroit is either the set for Sesame Street or Ghostbusters. Looking at the buildings around you in the center of the city is really cool.

Sporty fun. Detroit has mad sports love — and they are {almost} all downtown. This is amazing because of its awesome access to tons of hotels and food options. Heading to a game is a fun experience as the city comes alive.

Art galore. The art scene in Detroit is amazing. I’m a sucker for cool street art, and Detroit has tons. My favorite is The Belt, a really neat alley full of art. And of course, the Detroit Institute of Arts is another great spot to spend time.

Culture. From Authentic Italian and Greektown to the Polish eateries of Hamtramck, there’s something for every palette.

An international border worth photographing. The Detroit River is stunning and the perfect backdrop for a sunset cruise, bike ride, or just a walk.

It’s one of the best towns for going on a date. Seriously. There is always something going on, or a new thing to try.

The People Mover and Q-Line. We may not have the metro of some larger cities, but these two ways to get around town are so fun!

Fun stuff for the kids. Whether travels bring you to the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, Science Center, Historical Museum or more, there are lots of things to do and see!

Its people. You cannot visit Detroit and not hear some kind of story while there. That’s what I love about her so much — she’s gritty at times but NEVER boring.

Honestly, Detroit inspires me. This city teaches me to never quit, and never give up on something I believe in. Detroit IS back, despite years of ups and downs. How can you not cheer her on?

Happy sweet 316th birthday, Detroit!

Make sure to check out Hudsonville’s newest flavor to be released this fall in honor of Detroit — the Comeback Cooler and celebrate National Ice Cream month with this Detroit-loving brand.

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What are your favorite reasons to celebrate Detroit?