Take 5 | Meryl Davis

Story by Jennifer LaForce | Photos by Bill Bowen

Famous Metro Detroiters share five minutes, fun ideas. When you spend a day in Metro Detroit with out-of-towners, where do you take them? Why?

Meryl Davis, Olympic figure skating champion and the 2019 GEICO U.S. Figure Skating Championships’ honorary co-chair

“I love that there’s such a vivacious foodie scene in Detroit now and consider the experience of visiting new restaurants in the city to be very special. As a metro Detroiter, to see — and taste — the growth and innovation in the local food and restaurant industry is incredibly exciting. For me, Selden Standard is my new favorite spot, and I often take out-of-town guests there to dine.

I also like Bad Luck Bar. In the middle of an unassuming alley in Detroit is an unmarked door behind which is tucked this cozy, well-designed bar that evokes a modern speakeasy vibe. Bad Luck Bar feels like an epic discovery every time. I love taking friends and family there to experience this side of Detroit. It feels new and exciting, but it also has timelessness about it. It’s so much fun to sip on one of the craft cocktails and catch up with old friends.

Skating on The Rink in Campus Martius Park is one of the most festive wintertime activities in metro Detroit. The Rink is a comfortable spot where visitors and locals can gather together, experience the city and then warm up rinkside while soaking in the ambience with a cup of hot chocolate.

When I’m home, The Belt is another one of my favorites to visit. For me, it’s such a beautiful representation of what the revitalization of the city is all about. With several great options for food and drinks, this spot is made even more special because of its accessibility and focus on public art. One doesn’t need to be a customer of a particular establishment in order to enjoy all the character of The Belt. Strolling through the alley, it’s incredible to see and experience a celebration of artists and their vision of and for the city.

I’ve also always liked going to shows and events at the Fox. It’s such a beautiful venue. One of my fondest memories is seeing Swan Lake performed by the Barcelona Ballet at the Fox Theatre several years ago.”

Figure Skating in Detroit

Detroit natives Meryl Davis and skating partner Charlie White have been involved with Figure Skating in Harlem for nearly a decade. So when the 20-year-old youth organization — the only one of its kind that helps girls of color connect education, leadership and the artistic discipline of figure skating — decided on Detroit as its first national expansion city a few years back, the two Olympic champions were eager to lend their support. “Empowering young women to believe in their own strength and possibility through the power of sport is something very special,” said Davis. “It feels like the perfect moment to have a program like this in the city of Detroit.”

Today, Figure Skating in Detroit provides more than 300 students educational, leadership and confidence-building programs, along with opportunities to appear in on-ice performances each year. “I’m very passionate about helping young people understand that we must always pick ourselves back up after a fall — a concept that is as true in life as it is on the ice,” said Davis. “This understanding is the main theme the Figure Skating in Detroit team hopes young participants take away from their experience.”

Davis is proud to have a hand in teaching other young women the lessons she has learned throughout her figure skating career. “Looking back on my time as a competitive athlete, the lessons I’ve learned are some of the aspects of my career I’m most grateful for. To have a hand in helping to teach the young ladies of Detroit these same lessons is what I find most rewarding and inspiring about being a part of the Figure Skating in Detroit team.”

Go to 2019uschampionships.com to find out how Figure Skating in Detroit students will be participating in the 2019 GEICO U.S. Figure Skating Championships taking place in Detroit on Jan. 18-27.

figureskatingindetroit.org

You May Also Like