Detroit Day 16: Riding Around and Getting It
I am just over the hallway point of my Detroit exploration and I have enjoyed every minute of it, though going out to discover new things everyday and subsequently blogging about it has become a bit exhausting. Yesterday was a super fun day though and after a few low key days, I am back on the #30daysinDetroit bandwagon.
First Stop: MAD Fitness
In the three weeks that I have been back from Uganda, I have gained around 15 pounds. Ridiculous right!? As a result I have signed up for six sessions with Deion Washington of MAD Fitness. Today was our first session and after initial measurements we did a full body workout. I almost passed out mostly because of the sun and partially because I needed to consume a few more calories before I started. Deion was great and ran to the store to get me an orange juice which brought me back to life. I am looking forward to more sessions and will of course keep you posted on my progress.
Second Stop: Biking Detroit
After a quick shower I met up with Takara and Anke to do a bit of biking around the city. We met in Campus Martius and went a little North on Woodward to D:Hive and chatted with Quinn and Andy, who are two very awesome staff members. We met a tenant of Rachel, the owner of Rachel’s Place and we decided to go check it out. We rode south on Woodward back to Michigan Avenue, the west on Michigan to Trumbell then to Pine. The ride on Michigan is always great, offering views of the old train station and the Ambassador. Biking in Detroit truly gives me a better appreciation for the city.
Third Stop: Rachel’s Place Vintage Store
I was told about Rachel’s Place last summer by Piper Carter of 5e Gallery, but I never got a chance to check it out so this was the perfect opportunity. Housed in a cute house in Corktown, this cute shop which has been open for five years has a lot to offer those looking for vintage threads.
When we arrived we were all sweating profusely from biking to miles in
the mid-afternoon sun. Rachel was sitting on the porch and immediately
greeted us before pointing us in the direction of the bike racks. She
was even kind enough to get us ice for our drinks. Since I am not really
shopping much in these days, I did not explore the store very much. I
opted to sit on the stairs and chat with Rachel while the girls looked
around. There were clothes not only on the first floor of the house but
also on the second floor and in the attic, so there is surely something
for everyone. So definitely stop by Rachel’s Place and tell her I sent
you!
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| Rachel and I |
Rachel’s Place Vintage Shop
2124 Pine St
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 964-9008
https://www.facebook.com/pages/RACHELS-VINTAGE-CLOTHING-ACCESSORIES/150015046104
Fourth Stop: Midtown Shangri La
After Rachel’s Place I biked over to 5e Gallery and met up with the owner, Piper Carter, for a late lunch. We went across the street to Shangri La which offers a variety of Asian cuisine. It is nothing fancy but the food is good. She opted for Thai and I opted for Japanese.
After we finished, my friend Will and his sister Paige arrived so we had drinks with them at the bar. I also had the pleasure of meeting Victor and Bankole who were two very interesting men who continued to solidify reasons why I would love to move back to the city.
Shangri La
4710 Cass Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 974-7669
Fifth Stop: Quick Photoshoot
It is rare that I do photoshoots, but when friends ask, sometimes I oblige. This was one such instance. Will and his sister are launching a business and they needed some photos. The weather did not agree with us unfortunately so there was no natural light, but we were able to still get a few good shots.
Sixth Stop: Bronx Bar
It was 10pm and Will and I were looking for a place to eat. So with the help of Yelp and the ability to filter restaurant lists by “Open Now” we had a list of places to choose from. We opted for Bronx Bar. I had heard good things about their food and my friend Monique said that I had to try the fried pickles. The fried pickles were great though I am pretty sure I got third degree burns on my fingers and legs from the juice. Be sure to give them time to cool down. I also had the black bean burger which was good, but they forgot to add the avocado. The fries were also quite delicious.
Bronx Bar
4476 2nd Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-8464
