Detroit: Holiday Special - Small Business Saturday
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with Fun, Family and Food . . . most of all food! We all know that today is a famous shopping day, known as Black Friday. However, something that is often overlooked, Small Business Saturday, is happening tomorrow. There is so much happening in downtown Detroit in general, but the holidays are extra special. If you haven’t been to downtown Detroit recently, and/or its surrounding areas (Eastern Market, Corktown, Midtown etc.), you are really missing out!!! This is “not your grandparent’s Detroit”. There is so much going on, and so many things to see and do. Not just the people, or the stores or the restaurants, but the decorations, lights, beauty, history, and most of all THE ENERGY. We refer to it as BIG “D” ENERGY.
Eastern Market
We go downtown A LOT (on average twice a week) for many different reasons. You all know we love Eastern Market, which is known for its Saturday Market with flowers and vegetables over the summer. This time of year, the market is transformed into a holiday extravaganza. There are many amazing local entrepreneurs, with booths set up with the most unique and interesting items for sale that you would never find on-line or in any “big box stores”. You could literally spend an entire day here (and we have) having fun while getting your holiday shopping done. You will almost feel guilty about all the fun you had, when you were supposed to be “hating” holiday shopping. There are way too many vendors to list, but check out the pictures we took.
There are also many food trucks, and other food and beverage options, within the market, like People’s Pierogi or The French Cow, as well as the following restaurants in the surrounding area: Vivio’s (featured below!), Farmer Franks, Sunday’s Best Detroit – The Brunch Spot, Supino Pizzeria, Zeff’s Coney Island, Bert’s Marketplace, Amore Da Roma (formerly Roma Café), Louie’s Ham & Corned Beef, Frank’s Deli & Grill, Motown Bistro, Soo Fraiche Grill. Also, these places are great for a quick “adult beverage” and you don’t have to wait in line for a table because they don’t serve food: Eastern Market Brewing Company, Detroit City Distillery, Lager House Number 5 and Thomas Magee’s Sporting House and Whiskey Bar.
While Eastern Market is open on Saturdays, The Sunday Market is open:
Sunday, November 27th thru Sunday December 18th (10:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m.)
Saturday, December 24th for last minute gifts & food (6:00 a.m. thru 1:00 p.m.)
Tree vendors in the parking lot outside Shed 5 seven days a week starting after thanksgiving
** There is plenty of parking surrounding Eastern Market that is free! There are lots that will charge you but don’t fall for it…. they are no closer than the free lots.
Now, let’s talk about other areas . . .
Downtown
Cadillac Lodge is a great location for any occasion, from date night to family night to girls’ night out. It’s a great place to stop in to warm up. They’ve got all the great winter staples: hot cocoa, cider, coffee….they also have grown-up cider, if you want, plus there’s a full bar, fireplaces, comfy sofas & chairs, picnic tables and high tops. There’s also a DJ playing music. On your way in, you can check out the many holiday shops in cute little glass huts, with the cutest unique gift ideas. This is a popular destination since it is right across from Campus Martius so it does get crowded on the weekends.
GM Ren Cen Holiday Headquarters (30 different vendors, most of them local, and all of them hand made) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays
Fun Activities - Ice Skating, at Campus Martius’ outdoor ice skating rink is a low-cost, family friendly ice rink that is open daily…with varying hours running thru early March
Monroe Street Midway has fun activities including winter bumper cars, “puck” putt (like putt-putt golf, but with a hockey stick and hockey puck) video arcade tent, visit with Santa tent, a 20 foot high arctic slide. The Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge will remain open through New Year’s Day.
Midtown
Noel Night, in midtown, December 3rd. Hundreds of local businesses come together to host an event including carriage rides, shopping, food, music and hundreds of live FREE performances.
The Detroit Urban Craft Fair - December 2nd – 4th at Detroit’s Masonic Temple. This is Michigan’s longest running indie craft fair featuring a variety of local entrepreneurs showcasing their goods. This is not a free event but it is not expensive either. Admission is $10 on Friday (6-9 PM), $5 Saturday (10AM-12PM) $2 (2PM-7PM) and Sunday $5 (11AM-12PM) and $2 (2PM-6PM) a small price to pay to support our local community. More information can be found at
Corktown
Blitzen’s On Bagley is a seasonal holiday “pop up” brought to you by InLaws Hospitality. They also own Green Dot Stables, Johnny Noodle King, Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts and Goblin Sushi. Its located at Bagley and 18th street kitty-corner from the Mexican Village Restaurant. This is a 2 month temporary gathering place for the holidays and will be open through mid-January. It is a great place to stop and have a quick holiday cocktail or bite to eat from neighbors Shell Shock’d Tacos and Goblin Sushi…they also have Christmas cookies baked by Anna Bolz former baker at Warda Patisserie. This place is cute and over the top with decorations and holiday music. It only seats about 40 people, so we suggest getting there early or being patient and you will get a seat. Parking is available behind the building or on the street. However…if you arrive by reindeer you are welcome to park on the roof.
Parking
Last this is parking. There is plenty of affordable parking available in Detroit. There are structures and lots in the downtown area that are super affordable (usually $10ish unless there is a Lions game). The Z Structures are centrally located and a 5-10 minute walk to just about anywhere. There are also structures where you can pre-pay and reserve your spot using the Parkwhiz app and Zoned street parking throughout the city. Zoned parking is $1 an hour and FREE from 10PM on Saturday to 7AM on Monday making parking totally free on Sundays. Using the zone parking is easy, you park and pay at the box OR you can download the ParkDetroit app and pay through the app which is super convenient. Zoned parking usually has a 2 to 4 hour limit so be aware of that if you plan on being down there for an extended period of time.
Also, we discovered that Classic Christmas Movies are being shown at the Redford Theatre. The movie schedule includes: White Christmas, The Grinch, Die Hard (don’t get me started on how this is NOT a Christmas movie!) and It’s a Wonderful Life. The perfect way to get into the Holiday Spirit!
Now, more than ever, we need to shop local, and support small businesses. MAKE A DAY OF IT! Dine at a food truck, fun restaurant, or grab a warm cocktail . . . There is literally something for everyone! By the end of the day you will feel like you are part of a Hallmark Channel movie. You can also bring your 4 legged friends. Detroit has become such a dog friendly town!
Eat well, shop local and enjoy life!
- Keith & Teresa Becker