Detroit/West Side

Andrew Jameson

• 8 MileThe historic dividing line between older inner-city neighborhoods and more affluent suburbs makes up the northern border of Detroit. The name comes from the Mile Road System, a method used to delineate east/west roads through the Detroit area. The road was the inspiration for the hit movie also called 8 Mile starring rapper Eminem, who grew up near the road. 8 Mile isn't exactly "touristy", but it is quite an experience for those wishing to experience one of the most famous ghettos in America. However, the area is experiencing much redevelopment.

• Palmer Park

  address: bordered by Woodward Avenue to the east, 7 Mile Road to the north, Fairway Drive to the west, and West McNichols Road to the south
  Most of this historic neighborhood/park was made before World War II. The 1960s brought a large influx of gay male residents to the Palmer Park neighborhood. By the 1970s Palmer Park was the center of gay life in Detroit. The area along West McNichols Road consisted of many gay bars and nightclubs. The number is smaller today.

• Palmer WoodsA private historic neighborhood in the city of Detroit west of Woodward Ave. and north of Palmer Park.

• S.S. Kresge House

  address: 70 W Boston Blvd
  The mansion of the founder of Kmart, now owned by Sears.

• Lee Plaza

  address: 2240 W Grand Blvd
  Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this vacant high-rise apartment building was built in 1928 and designed in the Art Deco architectural style. Located near downtown and midtown, the building rises 15 floors.

• Woodbridge

  address: bounded by Trumbull Street, Calumet Street, Gibson Street, Grand River Avenue, Rosa Parks Boulevard, West Warren Avenue, Wabash Street, Railroad Tracks, and the Edsel Ford Freeway
  Woodbridge is home to many architecturally significant houses, most of which are Victorian-style. The neighborhood was one of the few that were not affected by Detroit's decay a few decades back. Woodbridge was founded in the late 19th century as a neighborhood for the wealthy, and it still is. When visiting the neighborhood, the Eighth Precinct Station is a must-see. The second oldest police building in Detroit, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Theatre

• Redford Theatre

  address: 17360 Lahser Road
  Features classic movies and free supervised parking.

• The Shoppes at Gateway Park

  address: at 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue
  Although still not built, this outdoor mall will be the only one of its kind in the city of Detroit. There is expected to be one anchor store, two secondary stores, and dozens of other smaller stores. It is scheduled to be complete sometime in 2011.

• Iridescence

  address: 2901 Grand River
  If you enjoy things like caviar and Dom Perignon, this place is for you. High-end service and views on top of Motor City Casino.

• Scotty Simpson's Fish and Chips

  phone: +1 313 533-0950
  address: 22200 Fenkell St
  In the historic Brightmoor neighborhood (home to the Redford Theatre), is the diner time forgot. You will step back in time and get old-fashioned service at this quaint restaurant with fried fish and chips. There are other meals on the menu, but if you ask for a menu, they will know you are a tourist.

• Woodbridge Pub

  phone: +1 313 833-2701
  address: 5169 Trumbull Ave
  Reliable menu and bar scene in cool residential Woodbridge.

• U of D Coney Island

  phone: +1 313 862-0160
  address: 16126 Livernois Ave
  Popular among students and professors from next-door's University of Detroit-Mercy, U of D is a solid example of a modern Coney Island.

• Baker's Keyboard Lounge

  phone: +1 313 345-6300
  address: 20510 Livernois Ave
  The world's oldest jazz club.

• GiGi's

  phone: +1 313 584-6525
  address: 16920 W Warren Ave
  Gay bar.

• Hostel Detroit

  phone: +1 313 451-0333
  address: 2700 Vermont St
  Backpackers hostel in the North Corktown neighborhood. Open April through October.

Nearby

• The Westin Southfield Detroit

  address: 1500 Town Center, Southfield
  Green Lodging certified hotel adjacent to the Southfield Town Center.