Corktown

Brunch is big in Corktown. Savor made-from-scratch comfort food at Folk, creative dishes at Brooklyn Street Local or several vegetarian options and a bloody mary and mimosa bar at Bobcat Bonnie’s. Bagel fan? Detroit Institute of Bagels is affectionately called the “best bagel place ever” by locals, and Thrillist.com agreed, naming it one of the top 12 bagel stores in the United States (outside New York City) in 2018. Lucky Detroit Coffee & Espresso is on the second floor of Detroit Barbers. After you sip a cup of java in the company of a mounted moose head, treat yourself to a haircut or hot shave.

Explore The Corner Ballpark on the site of old Tiger Stadium, and then pick up an Old English D baseball cap from Detroit Athletic Co. If handcrafted spirits are your passion, taste away and take a tour at distillery Two James Spirits. As your next stop, search out Eldorado General Store, stocked with vintage clothing and other treasures.

There’s a cornucopia of enticing dining options, many with charming outdoor patios. Mudgie’s Deli & Wine Shop is where sandwiches like The Barrett, The Ivey and The Brooklyn are served and 100+ different beers are poured. Pair bocce ball and brick-oven pizza at Ottava Via, play board games at Batch Brewing Company, share a plate (or four) at Takoi or cuddle around the community courtyard campfire at Trumbull & Porter.

Energizing Investment

Ford Motor Co.’s landmark 2018 purchase of the century-old, shuttered Michigan Central Station has accelerated this area’s makeover. Ford is transforming the 18-story train station to create an autonomous and electric vehicle campus. Completion is set for around 2022.