Holiday in Detroit

Okay, I've been posting a lot about Detroit lately, I just realized. Whatever, it's what is inspiring to me right now, so I'm going with it. Next up on my Detroit agenda (along with the last post re: checking out new fun places to go) is the 5th Annual Shop Detroit event! Put on by Detroit Synergy, this is an even that takes place over four Saturday's and allows people from all over a chance to peruse and partake in much of what the creative people of Detroit have to offer/sell. Each Saturday, beginning with this upcoming Sat., hosts a new location and new bevy of artists and artisans. Here is the info - I'm straight copying and pasting it from the DS website:

Welcome to Shop Detroit!

Now in it's fifth year, we're planning a bigger event than ever! Previously a one-day event, this year's Shop Detroit will highlight four distinct districts—read on, shoppers!

Shop!

11am to 4pm each day! Check in, grab a bag, take a tour, shop till you drop!

November 29 | Downtown
Check In | Lofts of Merchant's Row

Help bring back the heyday of downtown shopping! From shops that have endured the test of time to the new kids on the block, the Central Business District and it's surrounds have a lot to offer. This area is peppered with an eclectic mix of merch: men's and women's apparel, jewelry, accessories, salons, and spas. And—don't forget to do lunch!

December 6 | Midown/University & Cultural Center
Check In | Willy's Overland Lofts

Shop during the day and stay for Noel Night for one exciting time in Midtown! Check out what's hopping—from museum gift shops to hip boutiques, this neighborhood's retailers will be all decked out with holiday hype. The evening will be filled with fun and sparkle and music and other festivities!

December 13 | Russell Industrial Center
Check In | Food Court

What a little hotbed creativity! The new Russell Bazaar is giving many Detroit entrepreneurs a chance to show off. Discover fine art, handicrafts, and just plain kitsch in this historic warehouse complex. You know you've just been dying to get in!

December 20 | Eastern Market
Check In | Shed 5

You know it and love it! Enjoy the bounty that is Eastern Market. Gifts for all the foodies in your life—from locally made products to goodies from around the globe—there's something for everyone! Looking for just the right ingredients for your holiday dinner? Now's the time to pick it up! Whether you're sticking with tradition or cookin' up something new, Eastern Market's got you covered!

Features & Fun

Watch this space for more details! We'll add more as we continue planning.

SHOPPING BAGS! Get a nifty, reusable tote bag filled with a map and store directory and other good stuff when you check in. This will identify you as a SD participant and be your ticket to great offers. Bring it back on each of the four days, and keep filling it up!

SALES, SPECIAL OFFERS, SURPRISES! Each participating merchant is doing something special! We've left them to their own devices, so even we don't know what they're planning! Will you find 50% discounts, free cookies and cocoa? It's all part of the fun! We'll list some of them here as we get more details! Here's a sneak peek:

• Rowland Cafe or Stella International Cafe1/2 off any regular-sized coffee or latte. Offer valid for all 4 Shop Detroit days. Just show your bag. Limit one per customer.

WALKING TOURS! Sponsored and conducted by our friends at Inside Detroit, each tour will highlight retailers, history, and insider information! Think you know it all? Meet the shop owners and get a behind the scenes look at some real Detroit gems. It's a great way to see the sights and get your holiday shopping done!

• Tours depart from the check in location at Noon and 2pm each event day and last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Limited spots available! Inside Detroit Tours are popular—to guarantee your spot on the tour, send an RSVP email to shopdetroit@detroitsynergy.org with the subject line "RSVP Tour".

To top it off, Noel Night will be happening on the evening of the second Saturday shopping event! Here's the info on that from the UCCA (University Center Cultural Assoc) site:

Noel Night Schedule

Noel Night Map

Noel Night Media Page

Noel Night Sponsors

36th Annual Noel Night

When:	Saturday, December 6, 2008
Time:	5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Where:	Midtown Detroit's University Cultural Center District
Cost:	FREE

The 36th Annual Noel Night will take place on Saturday, December 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center Area. Over 30 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Detroit Public Library, amongst many others, open their doors to the public free of charge during this Cultural Center-wide holiday "open house." Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 70 area music, theatre, and dance groups. The evening’s festivities culminate with a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band — a long-standing Noel Night tradition.

Noel Night activities take place in and around Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center institutions, primarily between Cass and John R and Kirby and Willis. Free shuttle service is offered between participating venues. Convenient parking is available in area lots.

Noel Night is produced by the University Cultural Center Association (UCCA), a nonprofit community development organization that supports economic growth in Detroit's Midtown district.

For more Noel Night information, contact: The UCCA at 313.577.5088
For Digital Photos: detroitmidtown@yahoo.com


So much fun happening all around us! There is no room for "Michigan sucks!" or "Detroit is so boring!" whining now, bitches. It's time to venture out of our warm and cozy homes and dive in to the grit and splendor of the city! Who's coming with me?