Rust Belt! Yes!

October 7, 2009 10:28 AM

Rust Belt Boogaloo: What to do in Detroit, Indianapolis, and/or Cleveland this week?

We're heading up North for a wedding and will be visiting each of those cities: Detroit Thursday and Saturday; Indianapolis Friday; Cleveland Sunday. (My college roommate lives in Indianapolis and I went to school in Cleveland. It's been years since I've been up this way and I want to make the most of it, rental car mileage be damned.)

We already have some ideas, but your suggestions for things to do or see while we're up there would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

posted by gerryblog to travel & transportation (10 comments total)

The CLEVE -
A couple obvious: Rock Hall (awesome), Botanical Gardens (wonderful).

Even better: Cuyahoga Valley National Park (stunning this time of year - just south of town).

Tons of really good food options: Tremont (west of downtown) has Lucky's & Lolita. Ohio City (between Tremont & Downtown) has Bar Cento & Great Lakes Brewery (do a tasting - a must).

Here is a cool Cleveland event site for this weekend.

Have fun!
posted by smelvis at 10:39 AM on October 7

When will you be in Indy? And what do you like to do? If you're going to be here during the day, I'd suggest a trip out to the IMA.

A Friday night in Indy? I think your best bet might be to head down to the Slippery Noodle for some good live music.

This Friday night should also be the First Friday Art Walk along Massachusetts Ave. Basically all the galleries and shops along Mass Ave. stay open late. There are several good restaurants along Mass Ave, as well. And, as long as you're on Mass Ave. you might as well hang at the Chatterbox.
posted by Thorzdad at 11:08 AM on October 7

If you love used books...don't miss John King in Detroit. It has 5-7 warehouse floors (I forget exactly) of used books. It is truly amazing.
posted by Wink Ricketts at 11:09 AM on October 7

Not to self-promote too much, but if you want to keep with the used/independent bookstore theme in Indianapolis check out my store. I'm sure I can work out a Mefi discount!

Also, I definitely recommend the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.
posted by highfidelity at 12:51 PM on October 7

Oh, and Luna Music if you're going to be on Mass Ave in Indy and enjoy independent record stores.
posted by highfidelity at 12:52 PM on October 7

I used to go to Detroit a lot for baseball games and food. Since the Tigers couldn't hang on, how about some motor city food.

New Yasmeen Bakery has great middleeastern food.

The Henry Ford Muesem, which has lots of old cars and a little village of old houses including Edison's workshop is worth a visit.


In Cleveland, I like little Italy and The Great Lakes Brewery.
posted by akabobo at 3:58 PM on October 7

detroit... greenfield village or the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn...

or a trip to Ann Arbor...
posted by HuronBob at 5:19 PM on October 7

CLEVELAND!!!!!!!!

Brunch at Lucky's is a MUST.
The Rock Hall is great. (Check your mefi mail!)
Coventry is super fun and there are great restaurants like Tommy's and then there's Big Fun.
Tremont has fabulous bars and whatnot like the Taphouse, Prosperity, and Lava Lounge.
Don't forget about Visible Voice Books in Tremont.
And the Botanical Gardens are indeed gorgeous. And right next door to the FREE Cleveland Museum of Art.


posted by cachondeo45 at 5:56 PM on October 7 [1 favorite]

Yeah, I could make some Indianapolis suggestions, but it would help to know what kind of thing you're interested in. Music? Museums? Outdoorsy stuff? Restaurants (what type, price range)?

For now, I'll just recommend what I consider the holy trinity of good, cheap, local restaurants in Indy: Yats, Bazbeaux, Shapiro's.

Nuvo is our local alt-weekly so you can scan the calendar there for goings-on that might interest you.

(Oh, and it's a borderline case, but I think most Indianapolis residents would not consider the city part of the rust belt).
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 8:42 AM on October 8

FWIW, Friday in Indy is going to be wet and chilly-ish. Plan accordingly.
posted by Thorzdad at 12:41 PM on October 8