I am beyond excited to share a new feature I will have on here: Date Night Destinations. This is my answer to the thousands of searches that are brought to my site from people looking for places to go on dates in Michigan. I hear you loud and clear! Please reach out if you have a fabulous place you think we should go.

* This post is sponsored by MotorCity Casino Hotel.

No matter where I go, a piece of my heart is in Detroit. From the moment we drive into the city, with the RenCen and Fisher buildings dotting the skyline, my pulse begins to quicken; almost like running into an old friend you haven’t seen in years. The moment I arrive, I feel happy.

For that reason alone, I knew when I started my date night destinations feature, Detroit would be one of the first stops.

A place my husband and I have been wanting to stay is MotorCity Casino Hotel. I had been to events there, but never actually have stayed in a room. I love the layout and beautiful features, so knew it would be the perfect romantic getaway in Detroit.

We were not disappointed, and MotorCity lived up to its luxurious name. We slept like kings and absolutely LOVED the view!

After checking in and enjoying our room {the double-headed shower and a TV inside the bathroom mirror were awesome features}, we headed to dinner at the absolutely gorgeous Iridescence, which is on the 16th floor and dubbed “Five star view, 4-diamond dining.”

It’s true — the view was stunning, with the Ambassador Bridge on one side of us and the Renaissance Center on the other. We enjoyed looking through the tablet menu to select our meal. We especially loved that we could see pictures of the food we were ordering. Totally helpful!

The view at Iridescence

So let’s talk about the evening’s star: Our food. This definitely ranks as one of the best meals I’ve EVER had. Everything from the service to the food presentation was top-notch. The chef was trying some new menu items and so we were able to have some tastes. Trust me when I say if they put the wedge salad topped with smoked lobster on the menu, it’s a MUST. We also enjoyed our crab cake as an appetizer. It was perfection. {middle right photo below}.

I ordered the Cioppino Thai-Style {shown in the bottom left corner}, which included scallops, nishiki risotto, shrimp, watercress, Prince Edward Island mussels and treviso. It was bursting with flavor and had tons of seafood in it, which I loved. I would order it again in a heartbeat!

My husband ordered the Filet of Black Angus Beef {top right photo} with asparagus, shallot potato cake, gruyère, tomato confit, mustard-red wine demi-glace. It was cooked to perfection, and sliced like butter. Can’t beat a great steak during a fine dining experience!

Then dessert came {bottom right photo}. When the words chocolate, peanut butter and banana are together, you can’t go wrong. It was amazing. Shoot, I would go back just to have this with a bottle of wine so we could enjoy the view!

There’s a reason Iridescence is a 4-diamond restaurant. I highly suggest it if you have a date night or anniversary to celebrate.

After we ate, we walked the game floor. This is one of my favorite reasons to stay at a casino. We aren’t big gamblers, but we are big people watchers. Plus, it’s always fun to throw a couple of bucks in the slots and see what happens. We had fun playing and I was beyond excited to win $15. It’s the little things 😉

Additionally, MotorCity has free bands every night at the Chromatics Lounge, so we decided to check that out versus venturing out. I’m glad we did because we had a blast! The bands played top 40 hits so I sang along to every song. My husband isn’t a huge dancer, but I couldn’t help myself – I had to get up.

While there, I met a regular named John, who is 79-years young and loves dancing. People like John are the prime example of why I love Detroit. There are interesting people everywhere!

Saturday morning we woke up {without a child alarm clock}, ate a continental breakfast at the hotel and got ready to do some urban exploring. We brought our bikes, so we rode the entire Detroit RiverWalk and beyond. We both worked in the Renaissance Center a few years back, so it was fun seeing all the updates. It’s the perfect chill workout on a sunny day.

{If you don’t bring bikes, you can rent one from Wheelhouse Detroit}.

Parking was a cinch {and free!} at Rivard Plaza. I especially loved admiring all the public art along the river, including special exhibits from Inside Out from the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Another favorite spot to admire was the lighthouse at Milliken State Park. Did you know Detroit has a lighthouse? So cool! {Learn more about this neat spot from my friend Midwest Guest}

After our adventure, we were famished and hit up one of our all-time favorite spots: Slows Bar BQ. So delicious! There are so many other great spots we missed, too, but our bodies needed their oh-so-delicious mac n’ cheese.

Overall, we had a fantastic date night in Detroit…AWAY from the kids. It was fun to go somewhere and only have to hold each other’s hands and not have to juggle 10 other items! We can’t wait to visit again soon.

Where are your favorite spots to stay and play in Detroit?

Visit MotorCity Casino Hotel on Facebook and Twitter for updates, discounted room rates and more! Also, be sure to check out the D.Tour Spa for romance in a luxurious setting!

See my big list of date night ideas for Southeast Michigan here.