The spot where Detroiters once cheered on the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena is buzzing again, this time with construction cranes and a bold vision for the city’s future. The former Joe Louis Arena site on downtown Detroit’s west riverfront is being reborn as “Water Square,” a new mixed-use development that’s bringing luxury apartments, a high-end hotel, and a revitalized public transit hub to the banks of the Detroit River. In the process, it’s also creating a much-needed pedestrian-friendly corridor reconnecting downtown to the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk. The transformation promises to make this corner of the city a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike, blending Detroit’s rich history with its forward-looking renaissance.

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Detroit is a city that doesn’t just tell stories, it builds them. From the world’s first paved road to a sound that changed global music, every brick and blade of grass in this city has a story behind it. But for all the headlines about cars, comebacks, and championship banners, there are still so many things about Detroit that surprise even lifelong locals.

Behind the murals and music, under the streets and along the riverbanks, are layers of history, invention, folklore, and culture that most people miss. Whether you're new to the city, born-and-raised, or just curious about the soul behind the Motor City, these ten facts reveal a version of Detroit that’s deeper, wilder, and far more fascinating than you’ve ever imagined.

Let’s take a…

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Whether you’re living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, there’s no better way to dive into the region’s rich cultural tapestry than by settling into a timeless diner booth. These beloved neighborhood spots, each decked out in neon accents, checkerboard floors and gleaming chrome, serve heaping plates of all-day breakfasts, signature skillet hashes and perfectly grilled sliders well past the lunch rush. More than just a meal, a visit here offers a genuine taste of Detroit’s storied past, from the welcoming counter service to the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee that’s fueled generations. Embracing both comfort and nostalgia, these classic diners provide an authentic dining experience that feels familiar to locals and exciting to newcomers alike.

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Downtown Detroit’s dining scene has a shiny new pearl, literally. Ostrea Detroit, an upscale seafood restaurant, has quietly been taking shape for years inside the historic Murphy-Telegraph Building, waiting to dazzle locals with caviar, oysters, and champagne. Now that it’s finally open, this posh yet inviting spot is generating a buzz among Metro Detroiters looking for a special night out. With its blend of old-school elegance and warm Midwestern hospitality, Ostrea is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for seafood lovers, celebratory dinners, and anyone curious to experience a bit of classic glamour in the heart of the city.

In true Detroit fashion, Ostrea comes with credentials. It’s the brainchild of the team behind the venerable…

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Lions, tigers, and… giraffes? Not yet, but soon. John Ball Zoo, the beloved West Michigan attraction nestled in the rolling hills just west of downtown Grand Rapids, is preparing for a bold new chapter. Thanks to a record-setting $15 million donation from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, the zoo will welcome giraffes to Grand Rapids for the first time in its 133-year history. This historic gift, the single largest philanthropic contribution John Ball Zoo has ever received, is earmarked to fund a state-of-the-art giraffe habitat and marks a major leap forward in the zoo’s ongoing African expansion project.

For a broader look at Michigan’s unmissable attractions, see our full guide to Michigan Bucket List: Top Destinations You Need to See

John…

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Whether you’re living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, nothing kick-starts the day quite like a perfectly crafted breakfast sandwich. These morning handhelds blend free-range eggs, artisan breads, and chef-driven ingredients into crave-worthy creations that fuel commuters, families, and food lovers alike. From bold, globally inspired riffs to elevated takes on timeless classics, each bite showcases the region’s commitment to quality, innovation, and generous portions. Scattered across urban neighborhoods and burgeoning suburbs, this roundup proves that Detroit’s most important meal is also its most delicious.

For a wider tour of morning favorites, see our full guide to Detroit’s Best Breakfast Spots.

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Lake Michigan’s sheer size and beauty belie its danger. Stretching 300 miles long and 100 miles wide, it behaves more like an ocean than an inland lake. Statistics show Lake Michigan has claimed more lives through drowning than any other lake in the country in recent years. In fact, over the last 15 years, more than 640 people have drowned in Lake Michigan, a grim tally higher than in Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, or Ontario. Nearly half of all drownings in the five Great Lakes happen on Lake Michigan alone. This deadly pattern has earned it titles like “the deadliest” and “most dangerous” lake in America from safety organizations and news outlets.

What makes Lake Michigan so hazardous? Part of the answer lies in its powerful currents and waves. The…

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In a quiet Lenawee County neighborhood about an hour outside Detroit, an unusual greeting has become the norm: “How’s it smelling down by your house?” For residents of Adrian’s east side, this isn’t a joke. It’s a reality born of a persistent “rotten egg” stench that has plagued their town for years. Neighbors swap stories of dashing from car to front door to escape the foul odor, likening the smell to “organic death” or “a dead animal carcass” in the yard. It sounds almost comical, but for families who’ve lived here for generations, the situation is anything but funny.

This long-running odor saga centers on a local factory that turns bad eggs into pet food. Yes, you read that right, powdered eggs destined for Fido’s kibble. The smell has gotten so bad…

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It’s getting harder for Michigan renters to keep a roof overhead. In fact, a new report finds you’d have to earn about $24.46 per hour while working full-time to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment in Michigan. That figure, almost $25 an hour, far outpaces what many Michiganders actually earn. For families and young workers across Metro Detroit and beyond, this growing gap between rent and wages is becoming impossible to ignore.

What does a “$25 housing wage” really mean, and why are so many of our neighbors feeling the squeeze? This article breaks down the numbers and local insights behind Michigan’s rental affordability crunch. Written in the voice of a lifelong Michigander and Metro Detroit real estate expert, it’s a friendly deep-dive into why…

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Metro Detroit’s culinary landscape has quietly become a haven for pasta aficionados, where artisanal craftsmanship meets inventive flavor. Whether one is living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, the region’s restaurants showcase everything from wood-rolled pastas and bronze-die extrusions bathed in rich ragùs to seasonal agnolotti bursting with sweet-corn and local produce. Coastal-inspired bowls pair fresh-caught seafood with hand-cut linguine, while wood-fired kitchens offer pillowy gnocchi and truffle-kissed bucatini alongside naturally leavened pizzas. Intimate family-run trattorias share neighborhood streets with chef-driven hotspots milling their own flours and curating chef’s-table tasting menus. Each spot invites guests to savor classic…

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