fordtech1 Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Hey everyone, I am working on going to Detroit autoshow in a couple of weeks. I have never been to Detroit. Any recomendations or input would be great. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackManta Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 Hey everyone, I am working on going to Detroit autoshow in a couple of weeks. I have never been to Detroit. Any recomendations or input would be great. Thanks If you're planning to stay a couple of days, try Romulus near the Detroit Metro Airport. The Fairfield Inn is great. There's a greek restaurant near there that has really great food at reasonable prices. Any place closer and you'll have a tough time finding something... Good luck! I'll be there on the 12th for Industry Day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackinaw Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 (edited) As for lodging, you could stay at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, on Michigan Avenue, which is about a 1/2 mile from the Ford World Headquarters and about ten miles from Cobo Hall. There are all kind of good restaurants in the Detroit area so eating won't be a problem. If you have a few days to spend, also consider visiting the Henry Ford Museum (about a mile from the Hyatt Regency) and the Rouge Plant. The Rouge plant tour by itself is worth a visit to Dearborn. I'm sure others will chime in with more suggestions. Edited January 3, 2012 by mackinaw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 As for lodging, you could stay at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn (on Michigan Avenue) which is about a 1/2 mile from the Ford World Headquarters. There are all kind of good restaurants in the Detroit area so eating won't be a problem. If you have a few days to spend, also consider visiting the Henry Ford Museum (about a mile from the Hyatt Regency) and the Rouge Plant. The Rouge plant tour by itself is worth a visit to Dearborn. I'm sure others will chime in with more suggestions. If the weather is good and you have time, you may want to head up East Jefferson as two blocks east of Cobo is GM World Headquarters that has nice auto display on bottom level and some good restaurants. Going further East on Jefferson, you will run into the Grosse Pte.'s as Jefferson turns into Lakeshore Drive that runs along Lake St. Clair for miles and on right in Grosse Pt. Shores is Edsel Ford Mansion on Gaukler Pt. that is open most days and worth a visit. Henry Ford's Fairlane Mansion in Dearborn is close for couple years undergoing complete restoration. And don't forget to park on top of Cobo Hall as it's short walk from parking space to exhibition halls. Once there, you can use People Mover station inside Cobo to visit Downtown Detroit as it circles all of downtown area with stations every couple blocks to get on and off of. Greektown and GM stations are two stations to check out. Also three Gambling Casinos Downtown....MGM, Greektown, and Motor City. That should keep you pretty busy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbalek Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 (edited) I went to NAIAS in 2006 and 2008, both times, stayed 2 nights at the Marriott Renaissance Center. It is a great hotel with reasonable rates considering how close it is to Cobo Hall and Greektown Casino, riverfront, etc. I had an amazing time. There are some of the best Greek restaurants near the casino and Jacoby's Biergarten is the place to go for authentic German beer and food. We also ventured out to Roma Cafe, Detroit's oldest Italian restaurant. Allow at least 6 hours to see the entire auto show. It is quite an impressive, large exhibition. My only negative experience was the distance and expensive transportation to and from the airport! Edited January 3, 2012 by hbalek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkisler Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 For the show itself.... 1. Parking is available on the roof of Cobo; it's a bit more expensive but very convenient. Otherwise, there are a multitude of surface lots within a two-block walk; look on Fort Street or Layafette Blvd. You can also consider parking in Greektown (Monroe and St. Antoine) and taking the people mover to Cobo which would enable you to travel to good food easily when you are done. 2. Tickets are available at the door with automated machines, and coat check is available for a nominal fee. 3. I always start first thing in the morning and try to get out by mid-afternoon. The crowds are a bit thin first thing, but build up rapidly. That amount of time will enable you to see all of the main exhibits, but won't allow a lot of time to play with all of the interactive stuff and read in detail all of the exhibits technical details. There is some food there if you need something to hold you over. You can get your hand stamped for same day reentry if you want to take a break and go get lunch. In terms of foot traffic, the weekend is busiest, MLK day is busy, and the weekday days are a bit less busy but still very full. 4. Do a bit of planning. By the time the show opens to the public, you should be able to get details online from publications like R&T, Automobile, NYTimes, etc. of the important new vehicles and show cars that are "do not miss." Make a list to make sure you see them all; sometimes I've had to reverse course because of vehicles tucked away in corners. 5. In addition to the major manufacturers, the suppliers have exhibits that can sometimes be very interesting. Last year, I got hung up for 1/2 hour looking at carbon fiber suspension components and structural pieces with a knowledgeable and very nice rep. He was very open on technical feasibility, cost, production readiness, so it was a highlight for me. 6. For Ford lovers, you can't miss the exhibit. It has the prime spot right inside the door. As for other things... 1. The others have mentioned things that certainly would be worth your time including the drive along the lake, and most especially a visit to the Henry Ford museum with a tour of the Rouge Plant (that would be my first choice). A visit to the Henry Ford with the Rouge tour will take the better part of a day; there is so much to see. Be aware, however, they are redoing their car collection exhibit for a March finish, so I don't know what state it's in. If you're interested in history with a slant toward technology, this is the place for you. 2. I know this is probably a tough sell for guys that like cars, but the collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the finest in the country (the time when Detroit was filthy rich was a good time to buy art). And particularly not to be missed is the 1932 Diego Rivera Mural depicting the Rouge factory. I only have one "car/motorcycle guy" friend who will go to the DIA with me -- the rest of them look at me and scratch their heads and take the conversation elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 A visit to the Henry Ford is probably more entertaining than a visit to the Betty Ford? Please advise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkisler Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 is probably more entertaining than a visit to the Betty Ford? Please advise. When I first came to MI, the museum was called "The Edison Institute" for the indoor museum, and "Greenfield Village" for the outdoor part. Then smart marketeers repackaged it under the umbrella brand name "The Henry Ford" in part because the scope was expanded to include the I-Max Theater and the Rouge tour. Still seems a bit awkward to me ("I'm goin' to the Henry Ford" just sounds strange). I'm thinking some of the events leading up to a visit to "The Betty Ford" might be as entertaining as "The Henry Ford", but not the clinic itself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 For those interested in more than just Ford and its vehicles, I would highly recommend a trip up I-75 to Auburn Hills and the Chrysler Museum along with Chrysler Headquarters. The museum itself is worth the trip and for a nominal $7 charge, you can enjoy some significant vehicles like the 1934 Chrysler Airflow and the 1947 Chrysler Town And Country Woodie wagon. The museum is very interactive and a learning experience as you discover all the Chrysler automotive innovations throughout the decades. In the way it's presented in chronological order, you can really see in concrete way the nadir of design and then the downfall of automotive design and cheapness of materials also, especially in the 70's and much of the 80's. The history of Waler P. Chrysler is an interesting one, right up there with Henry Ford and Durant. If you are really an adventure seeking soul, you may want to venture up Woodward to W. Grand Blvd, make a right and as you go under I-75 overpass you will be entering Milwaukee Junction where once upon a time about 13 automotive companies existed. The old Packard plant is still there along with other massive buildings that are still rotting. Also in there is the Henry Ford Piquette plant that is totall restored and open most weekends where early Model T's were built before being built up Woodward in Highland Park. The old Russel Industries plant is still there now turned into a marketing bazzar and full of interesting history. A truly massive building and lots of automotive history. For that matter, the old Highland Park Model T plant is still there in all its massiveness along with Chrysler's former hedquarters and campus. It's now a learning institute and auto supplier park. Ford has its archive division in the old Model T plant and about 20 employees in a small corner of massive plant. I've driven around it many times in awe. Also, the old GM headquarters on W. Grand Blvd. is still there and open as it's now a State of Michigan building. The Fisher Bldg. is right across the street and open and magnificent. Both are well kept up and Center of Creative Studies bought the Agronaut Bldg behind old GM Bldg. that used to be GM's real estate division. Just make a left off Woodward instead of right and it's right there on South side of Blvd. Three towers built by famed architect Albert Kahn along with Fisher Bldg. Worth the visit for anyone interested in automotive history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark B. Morrow Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 is probably more entertaining than a visit to the Betty Ford? Please advise. That depends on whether or not Lindsey Lohan is at the Betty Ford at the time of your visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordtech1 Posted January 3, 2012 Author Share Posted January 3, 2012 Thanks for all the good info. I will let you know how it goes. I am looking forward to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weiweishen Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 As for lodging, you could stay at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, on Michigan Avenue, which is about a 1/2 mile from the Ford World Headquarters and about ten miles from Cobo Hall. There are all kind of good restaurants in the Detroit area so eating won't be a problem. If you have a few days to spend, also consider visiting the Henry Ford Museum (about a mile from the Hyatt Regency) and the Rouge Plant. The Rouge plant tour by itself is worth a visit to Dearborn. I'm sure others will chime in with more suggestions. I think many rooms in Hyatte Regency in Dearborn have already been reserved by local, national and international journalists. There are many other hotel in Dearborn, such as the Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel; Double tree near Ford road. There will be no snow in next few days, so it is really worth to visit Dearborn. Beside Rouge Plant tour and Henry Ford Museum, you can also visit Ford Estate, where you can see the only in house hydro-electric generators, very cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixt9coug Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 I'll be in Plymouth from the 15-19 for work. I should have the evening of the 18th off before I have to travel. What time does it all shut down over there? I will leave work probably around 4:30ish in Plymouth and I can probably head straight down. Is that enough time to get a decent shot at the show? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackinaw Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 (edited) .........you can also visit Ford Estate, where you can see the only in house hydro-electric generators, very cool. While I agree that the Henry Ford Estate is another Dearborn must-see, note that the Henry Ford mansion is closed to the public for the next year or so. The University of Michigan recently transferred ownership of the "Ford Estate" to the "Edsel and Eleanor Ford House" last July and the mansion is now undertaking restoration work. They're looking to reopen to the public in 2013. I imagine you can walk the Estate grounds which in itself is worth a few hour visit. I used to swim in the man-made lake Henry Ford had constructed back in the early1900's when I was in high school back in the 1960's (illegally I may add.) Edited January 3, 2012 by mackinaw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 While I agree that the Henry Ford Estate is another Dearborn must-see, note that the Henry Ford mansion is closed to the public for the next year or so. The University of Michigan recently transferred ownership of the "Ford Estate" to the "Edsel and Eleanor Ford House" last July and the mansion is now undertaking restoration work. They're looking to reopen to the public in 2013. I imagine you can walk the Estate grounds which in itself is worth a few hour visit. I used to swim in the man-made lake Henry Ford had constructed back in the early1900's when I was in high school (illegally I may add.) I also believe the Village is closed for winter right after Holiday Nights ended a few days ago. However, the museum is open all winter. As to leaving Plmouth for auto show, it takes about 40 minutes to get to Cobo from there and the Auto Show is open until 10 PM every night except for last day when it closes at I believe 6 PM. Plymouth is close to al the freeways that you need to get there. It's about 25-30 miles from Downtown Detroit. I would highly recommend St. John's Hotel in Plymouth....historic Catholic Monastery that hosts the Concour D'Elegance in August. Wonderful facility/campus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noah Harbinger Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Just out of curiosity (I'm not going or anything), does Detroit have any rail-based public transportation? Or would that be blasphemy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbalek Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Just out of curiosity (I'm not going or anything), does Detroit have any rail-based public transportation? Or would that be blasphemy? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_People_Mover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BORG Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 When I visit the AutoShow, I park at the Greektown Casino and take the people mover to Cobo. And for me you can't go downtown without eating in Greektown and ordering the Saganaki! Ooooooopa!!!! I love Downtown! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbalek Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 When I visit the AutoShow, I park at the Greektown Casino and take the people mover to Cobo. And for me you can't go downtown without eating in Greektown and ordering the Saganaki! Ooooooopa!!!! I love Downtown! YESSS, Saganaki!!! I'm sure the restaurants there are still great, but I read that the oldest one and my favorite, New Hellas, was sold and torn down 4 years ago. Astoria Bakery has delicious Greek pastries too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GapBoyPCS Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 YESSS, Saganaki!!! I'm sure the restaurants there are still great, but I read that the oldest one and my favorite, New Hellas, was sold and torn down 4 years ago. Astoria Bakery has delicious Greek pastries too! I usually go to the New Parthenon restaurant in Greektown. I had my first flaming saganaki there If I went to lunch, I'd slip out of the show around 12:30-ish, and the People Mover isn't that bad. Eat. Then come back, which the People Mover can be packed but people tended to get off at Greektown (so you'd basically be in the masses to load it back up). Head back to Cobo, finish the rest of the show (or go for Round 2). I've stayed at both the Dearborn Inn (on Ford's dime) and the Detroit Marriot at the Ren Center (part of a wedding party). Both were good places. Speaking of the People Mover, all repairs are done, right? I think it was a few years ago where one section was taken out, and it wasn't a steady loop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BORG Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I usually go to the New Parthenon restaurant in Greektown. I had my first flaming saganaki there If I went to lunch, I'd slip out of the show around 12:30-ish, and the People Mover isn't that bad. Eat. Then come back, which the People Mover can be packed but people tended to get off at Greektown (so you'd basically be in the masses to load it back up). Head back to Cobo, finish the rest of the show (or go for Round 2). I've stayed at both the Dearborn Inn (on Ford's dime) and the Detroit Marriot at the Ren Center (part of a wedding party). Both were good places. Speaking of the People Mover, all repairs are done, right? I think it was a few years ago where one section was taken out, and it wasn't a steady loop. Are you recalling the repairs following the Hudson Building implosion? Oh yeah, that's ancient history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GapBoyPCS Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Are you recalling the repairs following the Hudson Building implosion? Oh yeah, that's ancient history. Not that far back. I don't think it was anything like that. For some reason, I'm remembering the Ren Center being involved -- maybe it had to do with track repairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordBuyer Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Not that far back. I don't think it was anything like that. For some reason, I'm remembering the Ren Center being involved -- maybe it had to do with track repairs. It's running fine. Price went up to .75, but other than that everything else is the same. It's pretty popular with Auto Show goers. You will hear it running up above your head in Cobo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordtech1 Posted January 6, 2012 Author Share Posted January 6, 2012 I know nothing about Dearborn/Detroit. I have a good friend who is getting me a awesome deal on a hotel. Its the Comfort inn at Greenfield Village on Michigan Ave. Does anyone know if thats an ok place to stay. A co-worker of mine was trying to tell me how dangerous Detroit is and "don't go out a night" etc.... Like every city I am sure it has some rough areas. He recommends the Rennisance Center, but this is such a good deal through a Choice hotel employee and the Rennisance center is 4 times the money. Any thoughts? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkisler Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 I know nothing about Dearborn/Detroit. I have a good friend who is getting me a awesome deal on a hotel. Its the Comfort inn at Greenfield Village on Michigan Ave. Does anyone know if thats an ok place to stay. A co-worker of mine was trying to tell me how dangerous Detroit is and "don't go out a night" etc.... Like every city I am sure it has some rough areas. He recommends the Rennisance Center, but this is such a good deal through a Choice hotel employee and the Rennisance center is 4 times the money. Any thoughts? Thanks I'm not personally familair with this hotel, but reviews on line are generally positive, particularly considering price. If you stay in Dearborn, you'll be only about 12 miles from COBO Hall which would be approx. 20 minutes to 1/2 hour or so. You also would be very close to the Henry Ford museum and to Ford's R&D Center and WHQ. There are plenty of places to eat here also. Personally I would go for the good deal and spend my money elsewhere, but that's just me. From my perspective, Detroit has some interesting highlights, but it is very rough around the edges, and I'm not there after dark. But other more adventerous souls might have a different opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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