By: Amber Ogden
After a successful football season with the Detroit Lions, the city is gearing up to host the highly esteemed NFL Draft. The National Football League’s decision to bring one of its biggest events to Detroit is a major milestone, allowing the city to showcase its revitalization and love for football to a broader audience. As a city with a rich sports history and a passionate fan base, Detroit is ready to take center stage and make the most of this opportunity.
Scheduled to unfold at the city’s heart in Campus Martius, the NFL Draft promises to be a spectacle of unparalleled excitement, drawing football enthusiasts, prospective draftees, and endless media attention nationwide. Local business owners are preparing for a much-awaited event, and the local businesses are leaving no stone unturned to prepare for it. The draft is expected to attract a large number of visitors, and small businesses are ready to seize this opportunity to expand their customer base and revenue.
Westside
Wall Street Ultra Lounge
18458 James Couzens Fwy, Detroit, MI 48235
https://www.wallstreetultralounge.com/
Less than 20 minutes from Campus Martius
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
20510 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
https://www.bakerskeyboardloungedet.com/
20 minutes from Campus Martius
Good Times On The Ave
19416 Livernois Detroit, MI 48221
https://goodtimesontheave.com/
Less than 20 minutes from Campus Martius
Lockeroom Sports Lounge & Food Truck
18290 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
Less than 20 minutes from Campus Martius
Looking for a fun night out in Detroit? Whether you’re in the mood for live music, Techno, Old School Hip Hop, or shopping for some Detroit swag, this dynamic city has got you covered! You can head to Raven Lounge & Restaurant, Michigan’s oldest blues bar, for an intimate night of live music. If you prefer techno and old-school hip-hop, then the TV Lounge is the place to be. And for those who want to take home some Detroit swag, Three Thirteen Store is the perfect spot to shop before heading home.
Midtown
Griot Music Lounge
66 E Forest Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
10 minutes from Campus Martius
Many famous landmarks in the city are worth checking out. For instance, you can stroll along the Avenue of Fashion, known for its trendy boutiques and shops. Alternatively, you could visit Mexicantown, a vibrant cultural hub with a wide range of Mexican restaurants, bars, and shops. If you’re a music lover, the Motown Museum is a must-visit destination, where you can learn about the history of Motown Records and see some of the iconic memorabilia.
Eastside
The Warren Cafe
16314 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48224 https://www.instagram.com/warrencafedet/?hl=en
20 minutes from Campus Martius
IVY Kitchen + Cocktails
9215 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
15 minutes from Campus Martius
Detroit often gets a bad rap from outsiders who have never experienced its unique charm. However, those willing to venture beyond the city’s stereotypes will find many hidden gems and fascinating neighborhoods. Don’t be discouraged by Stephen A. Smith’s take on Detroit, saying we “were on a respirator” as a city.
“The downtown area? Big time. The stadium? Big time. But you go to other outskirts of the Detroit area, and it looks like a damn desert town. I mean, I’m sitting here wondering how the hell people are making money. It looks like a desert town,” Smith said. “I’m looking at it, and I’m like, ‘What the hell is going on in this city?’ And then you see the Detroit Lions and sort of reviving – they were on a respirator, for crying out loud, just as a city.”
Eastern Market
The Shadow Gallery Detroit
1533 Winder St, Detroit, MI 48207
https://www.theshadowgallerydet.com/
Less than 10 minutes from Campus Martius
Detroit is often overlooked for its beauty and charm. However, there is so much to discover beyond the bustling downtown area. From the historic and picturesque streets of Boston Edison to the stunning architecture of Midtown, Detroit is a place full of surprises. Countless hidden gems are waiting to be discovered in Detroit.