Rickinatlanta Member Username: Rickinatlanta
Post Number: 84 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 7:47 pm: | |
We just returned from a long weekend staying downtown and had an absolutely great time! Stayed at the Courtyard Marriott on Jefferson with an outstanding view of the river and Windsor from our room. Thursday night we wandered around Greektown and started hearing carribbean music from somewhere above. Found it to be a band playing on the open air patio on the top of the casino. Went up and listened while looking down over the street below filled with people and other greek music and great food smells! Later went to Fishbone's for good food and another really good band. Friday met my older cousin and his wife at Nemo's for lunch and a lot of talk. That night two high school friends and spouses went with us to hear Eric Burdon & The Animals at the RenCen with the stage right at the edge of the river. Lot of old hippies there, all fun, no problems. Then walked down to Hart Plaza for the bbq and music festival. AGAIN a great time. Saturday went to the DPL and looked at 1930's microfilm as I research my Dad's boxing career in Detroit. Stopped by Lafayette for "3 on 2 heavy onions"! Walked around the Book Cadillac and took pictures as it looks incredible compared to the past few years! Drove down and toured the St. Claire with the admission going to the restoration effort. Took in a Tiger's gane that night in absolutely gorgeous weather. All in all, wonderful to see downtown alive with so many things to do, people all over, downtown living coming back, and old memories still alive with a new "face". A ways to go but sure going in the right direction! Can't wait to come back! |
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize
Post Number: 2113 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 7:48 pm: | |
I'm glad you had a nice time. |
Realitycheck Member Username: Realitycheck
Post Number: 452 Registered: 08-2004
| Posted on Monday, August 06, 2007 - 12:06 pm: | |
Good of you to share those upbeat impressions, Rick. Glad we have an ambassador in Atlanta who can spread the word! |
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 3488 Registered: 02-2005
| Posted on Monday, August 06, 2007 - 12:41 pm: | |
First the Boston visitor who shared his thoughts, and now an Atlanta visitor. Good to hear about your trip. I kind of envy you in that you can come back in a couple years and see what will likely be great changes, whereas from our standpoint here things will creep along and be a little less dramatic as it all unfolds around us. Although, watching progress, even if it seems slow, is cool. |
Rickinatlanta Member Username: Rickinatlanta
Post Number: 86 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Monday, August 06, 2007 - 1:20 pm: | |
My wife and I come up at least once a year, sometimes two and much prefer to stay downtown for the reasons above. You're right in the fact that if you're "up close" to a situation positive changes may not be as recognizable as when you have time away. It's very ironic that when I talk with people living outside of downtown ( at DTW, friends, family, etc.)and talk about our being there, the response is many times very negative. When I ask them the last time they went DT it's usually been several years or more. |
Kenp Member Username: Kenp
Post Number: 669 Registered: 03-2006
| Posted on Monday, August 06, 2007 - 1:34 pm: | |
Maybe next year you can stay at the Book Cadillac. I have stayed at the Courtyard Marriott before, and I agree, the view of the river is great. |
Rickinatlanta Member Username: Rickinatlanta
Post Number: 87 Registered: 07-2006
| Posted on Monday, August 06, 2007 - 3:45 pm: | |
That's my plan to stay at the BC as I remember stories from my mom & dad on how they'd go there and sit in the lobby and watch the visiting ballplayers come and go, Dimaggio, Berra, Mantle, etc. |