Metro Detroit Winter Activities: 6 Local Influencers Share Their Faves

Kim DeGuilio, Local 4 News Reporter

Local news reporter, huge University of Michigan fan, and Detroit lover, Kim DeGuilio doesn’t let the cold winter weather stop her from a good time!

She particularly likes to stroll through The Shops at Cadillac Square. She feels that the little huts are “full of unique, locally made gifts” which would be perfect to shop for gifts or a personal treat! While exploring the shops, she then likes to stop at the nearby Cadillac Lodge or Central Kitchen for a drink and a bite to eat.

 

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The Shops at Cadillac Square was an addition to the downtown area for wintertime a few years back. Comprised of many local retailers, it is a great way to experience Detroit-based companies all in one amazing setting. Whether as a date night or day trip, it is a great spot to experience winter in Detroit and warm up in the Cadillac Lodge with a nice drink.

On Saturday’s Kim spends her time at Eastern Market to shop for groceries but ends up coming home with much more than just the weekly necessities! She and her husband “can’t go there without also stopping at Germack Coffee, Supinos Pizza, and Eastern Market Brewing Co.”

A more uncommon recommendation for winter in Detroit is the Riverwalk. It is an extremely popular destination during the warmer months, but Kim recommends visiting it year-round. It is relatively uncrowded during winter so bundle up and take a stroll along the riving, taking in the gorgeous views of the Detroit River, Canada, and Ambassador Bridge.

Photos courtesy of Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Charles Falsetti

Nikki LaVallee Mattison, Owner, Madison Boutique

If you haven’t checked out Madison Boutique in downtown Plymouth or seen the pink fashion truck around town, you are missing out! Founded in 2012, Nikki Mattison used her passion for fashion as a hobby to create the first fashion truck in Michigan. Her taste is impeccable and so naturally, her winter recommendations for the metro Detroit area were something to be desired.

 

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To get a little of the outdoors in a warmer indoor setting, Nikki and her family enjoy going to the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit and Oasis Golf Dome in Plymouth.

If you are looking for a great place for food and entertainment, another favorite Detroit spot of Nikki’s is Cliff Bell’s, where you can enjoy great food amongst live music.

As a local Plymouth business owner, it’s no surprise that Nikki loves partaking in some of the city’s best entertainment options. She especially loves the Plymouth Ice Festival, taking place in February of this year. In addition, to warm up during those cold winter months, Nikki and her family head over to the Inn at St. John’s to take advantage of a warm, indoor pool.

Photos courtesy of Cliff Bells, Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center and The Inn at St. John’s

Scarlett Longstreet, I’m That Wife Blog

If you have ever seen a friend share a funny, real-life post about motherhood or everyday life, it likely was the words of Scarlett Longstreet. She manages to take some of the most relatable daily occurrences and turn them into comedic gold. As a mom to twin girls, she’s a great source for what to do during those cold months stuck indoors.

 

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First, she recommends heading to the mall nearest you. She spends her time at Twelve Oaks Mall, where if you park near Macy’s lower level, you can easily get right to the Petland located just outside of the department store. She and her children enjoy looking at the cute puppies then taking the short walk over to the children’s play area. If you are looking to avoid larger crowds, she recommends going during a weekday.

A second indoor recommendation from Scarlett is obtaining a Lifetime Gym membership. The high-quality aquatic services and family facilities have Scarlett believing it is “one of the best investments” her family decided to obtain. If you don’t have a Lifetime Gym near you, she recommends looking for a local rec center or YMCA to take advantage of family swimming.

Heading outdoors, her final recommendation is Heritage Park in Farmington Hills. With many age-appropriate options to choose from, Heritage Park offers a wide variety of fun activities to keep those kids busy year-round. There is an awesome sledding hill with a smaller slope located near it for those little ones. Additionally, the park offers many trails, a play structure, and hands-on activities and animals in the nature center.

Photos courtesy of Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Heritage Park and Twelve Oaks Mall.

Dante & Kenzie Williams, More of Kenzie Blog

As a fun and wholesome local couple to follow, Dante and Kenzie Williams create social media content that is both entertaining and relatable. Checking out some of their favorite metro Detroit winter activities is a necessity.

 

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A well-known and common destination during winter in Detroit, and a favorite of Dante and Kenzie, is Campus Martius ice skating. Whether before or after the holidays, the ice rink is perfect for date night, a family outing, or just a nice break from the workday.

The couple loves to check out holiday lights all over metro Detroit. Notably, they love heading to the Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall and Wayne County Lightfest along the Rouge River.

Photos courtesy of The Detroit Downtown Partnership

Kendra, Wardrobe Stylist, the_blondemom

Ever wonder where the local news anchors get their fashion from? Well, one of those inspirations is Kendra over at the_blondemom. She has been working with news anchors and other notable women to help them feel great and look stylish.

 

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Her initial reaction to things to do in winter around metro Detroit, bring back summer. I’m sure there are quite a few fellow Detroiters that are counting down the days until the warmer days return. However, she said if she must go out in the frigid air, she likes to enjoy a date night at Coriander Kitchen on the Detroit canals. After dinner, she likes to warm up with a Spanish coffee from The Charlevoix.

Photos courtesy of Bedrock Detroit, Coriander Kitchen and Farm and Stella Good Coffee

Jeeyoung, Simply Every Blog

As a longtime Michigan blogger and content creator, Jeeyoung, owner of Simply Every, curates information for moms, women, kids, travelers, shoppers, and everything in between. Her recommendations for winter activities in Metro Detroit are a necessity.

If you are looking to spend your time outdoors, she recommends checking out the following local parks: Stoney Metro Park, Kensington Metro Park, Innovation Park in Rochester, Rochester Municipal Park, Downtown Campus Martius, and Blake Farms Outdoor Ice Rink. Each location has its own unique attributes to enjoy and experience during winter.

 

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However, if you are looking for great indoor activities to ensure the family stays nice and warm, she highly recommends Rochester Play!, Rara Recreation, Detroit Kid City, Jungle Java, Troy Recreation Center, Troy Gymnastics Open Gym, Troy Sports Center, and Suburban Ice Rochester. These locations are fun and family friendly.

Each of the many recommendations these local influencers have provided would deliver a great night out on the town or something to keep the kids busy on a cold, winter day.

Photos courtesy of Camera Jesus and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks