I'm From "The D".

this post was ORIGINALLY written January 14, 2010...

I have so much pride in Detroit. My city. My home.

Seriously. 

For the first 18 years of my life, until my freshman year at Michigan State (Go Green!), I was Detroit-born and bred. There is so much character in this city that it’s ridiculous. Outsiders will never understand why there are people like me (my own mother doesn’t understand and she grew up here). We are the “Detroit Die-Hards.” Those of us who rep our city no matter WHERE we are. Besides, when you go out of town, you don’t say “Oh yeah, I live in Ferndale.” You say, “I’m from Detroit” (which is usually accompanied by the “side eye” which can almost be perceived as a look of pity or fear...If it’s fear, good. Make ‘em think you’re tough. Then offer them a Faygo Redpop and some Hot Better Made chips). All people see is the negative. Violence, murder, drugs, failing economy, failing school system, no jobs (or lack thereof)....

I can understand.

However, where there is an abundance of bad....there is an abundance of good not too far behind. I bet people don’t know about the highly intelligent and outstanding world-changers that are products of our public school system (*ahem*), our beautiful homes and communities that have not been affected by the foreclosure crisis or the great opportunities to take part in the blossoming entrepreneurship in the city. Slowly but surely, Detroit is once again taking its place as “the place to be.” 

One website that showcases all of the cool things happening in our city is doDetroit.com. This is one of the websites that real Detroiters are looking for. From dining and nightlife to shopping and visitor attractions, every listing on this website is located in Detroit. It goes to show how the Suburbs of Detroit aren’t the only areas that have something to offer. If you live here or nearby, or are planning to visit, check it out. It is your one-stop-shop for EVERYTHING Detroit. Being the die-hard Detroiter that I am, it’s so exciting to be able to invest my time with doDetroit being that it is working for a cause that is near and dear to me--showcasing what makes me love this place the way that I do and what will make you love this city too.  

Oh yeah, one more thing. There’s this hidden gem right at the cross-section of I-94 and I-75 that is located within the Russell Industrial Center named the Russell Bazaar. We took a tour of this massive warehouse that is the home to this fun, eclectic marketplace. This "world of shops" has a little bit of everything for everybody. From clothing and jewelry to hair salons and collectibles, there is SOMETHING that you will have to have from Russell Bazaar. There is even the opportunity for entrepreneurship to open up your own specialty booth or host your own art showing in one of their 7 galleries. This is a HUMONGOUS space just waiting to be occupied. Get there this weekend to see what you've been missing out on!!

Moral of today’s story: Venture South of 8 mile (and check out doDetroit.com to see what to visit). Get some good food. Have a good time. Shop. Meet some great people. Overall--just don’t believe ALL the hype.


--Lisa