Step into the Spirit of Luxury: 313 Day in Detroit

Let’s celebrate the grandeur Spirit of Detroit’s abundant luxury on offer this 313 Day.

Luxury is defined as the state of great comfort and extravagant living.

Two things we do supremely well here in Detroit. It’s time the world knows the truth about this, so let’s shine the light bright on our Sunny Side Up hidden in plain sight here in The Motor City - Motown - Detroit Rock City - just in time to celebrate 313 Day!

Starting with a spectacular brunch

Parc is located in the ever-buzzing, downtown city central spot of Campus Martius Park. This simply posh and divine dining experience completely shifts in menu from brunch, to lunch, and again anew for dinner. Best bet is to experience all three for optimal measure. Why not?

As per Google, Parc offers: “Sophisticated New American fare & a vast wine list offered in a chic, modern space in an urban park.” It most truly is - but even evermore as the large water fountain dances out front. Find more to love about Detroit’s Premier Dining Experience at Parc.

Take a slow, full-bellied stroll around Campus Martius to enjoy the festive surroundings. As your delicious meal settles, make your way to the only historic bathhouse left in the City of Detroit.

Bathe in Detroit’s iconic, old-world oasis

Open to members and guests since 1930, The Schvitz is Detroit’s original urban health club. The storied landmark and cultural institution is coming up on 100 years as an old-world oasis still offering the best of ancient heat therapies and holistic healing.

Originally built so observant Jews could purify for the sabbath, most goers still treat The Schvitz as a weekly ritual to date. They stay for hours to enjoy a fully immersive, spiritual boost of a total soul cleansing for weekly rejuvenation. (*Unanimous: yes, please!)

The most unique service on offer at The Schvitz is the traditional platza, a heated oak leaf massage inside the banya, or sauna. It’s been the signature Schvitz experience since 1930.

As one Google reviewer eloquently expressed: “There isn’t a greater experience in Detroit than The Schvitz. Relaxing and inviting are just two words to describe this magical place. Is it old? Yes. Can the thought of going be intimidating? Sure. But push those anxious thoughts aside and just do it! It’s truly addictive. The staff and management are fantastic. Friendly and a family-like feel. Make this place a healthy habit your body and spirit can’t live without!”

Discovery of Detroit

Before becoming Governor of Louisiana in 1710, a French explorer and adventurer in New France, stretching from Eastern Canada to Louisiana on the Gulf of Mexico,

Antoine Laumet de La Mothe Cadillac founded Detroit on July 24, 1701.

Antoine de la Mothe, sieur de Cadillac was born Antoine Laumet on March 5, 1658 in Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave, France. He died on October 16, 1730 in Castelsarrasin, France.

He is still best known for being Founder of Detroit.

The city is named after the Detroit River. The word “Detroit” is French for “strait.”

The French called the river “le détroit du Lac Érié," meaning “the strait of Lake Erie.”

One centuries-old road runs parallel to the Detroit River. Originally named Main Street in 1807, Jefferson Avenue has been Detroit’s river road since its renaming for the third President, Founding Father Thomas Jefferson.

Jefferson is among Detroit’s five major avenues (along with Woodward, Michigan, Grand River, and Gratiot) first planned by Augustus Brevoort Woodward in 1805.

As the first Chief Justice of the Michigan Territory, Woodward played a prominent role in the reconstruction of Detroit following a devastating fire in 1805. He promoted an urban design based on radial avenues, as in Washington, DC and Paris.

Paris of the Midwest

Perhaps you’ve heard Detroit referred to as Paris of the Midwest.

Detroit has been historically dubbed "Paris of the Midwest" for its French heritage, architecture and streets designed as Parisian Boulevards by Augustus B. Woodward.

Where the original avenues of Woodward and Jefferson intersect, the Spirit of Detroit is found.

In 1955, Marshall Fredericks was commissioned by the Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority to create a sculpture for the city to represent hope, progress, and the “spirit of man.”

The bronze was cast in Oslo, Norway. It was covered with acid to oxidize the metal, giving a green hue to the Spirit of Detroit.

The nine-ton bronze monument sits on a 60-ton marble base parked in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in the heart of downtown Detroit. The 26-foot Spirit of Detroit was the largest cast statue made anywhere in the world since the Renaissance.

The 8,000-pound Punch

In the median of Jefferson at Woodward in downtown Detroit, The Fist of Joe Louis sits somewhat diagonal to the Spirit of Detroit.

The Fist is a monument dedicated to the world-famous, iconic boxer Joe Louis.

The statue pays tribute to famed boxer Joe Louis, who defeated German boxer Max Schmeling in 1938. Joe Louis' victory was an American win during World War II. The Joe Louis Fist was a gift from Sports Illustrated Magazine, dedicated on Oct. 16, 1986.

Commissioned by Sports Illustrated from the Mexican-American sculptor Robert Graham (1938–2008), and poured by the legendary bronze artist, Rolf Kriken, is a 24-foot-long (7.3 m) arm with a fisted hand suspended by a 24-foot-high (7.3 m) pyramidal framework. The sculpture weighs 5,000 pounds, and the total weight - including the framework - is 8,000 pounds.

The inscription on the back of the arm of The Fist reads:

MONUMENT

JOE LOUIS

ROBERT GRAHAM

A GIFT FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF

DETROIT. THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF

ARTS AND ITS FOUNDERS SOCIETY

ON THE OCCASION OF THE MUSEUM'S

CENTENNIAL. 1885-1985.

The Fist represents Joe Louis’ powerful punch beyond the boxing ring, intended as a symbolic statement against racism. Sculptor Robert Graham referred to The Fist as a "battering ram.”

Step into Detroit’s Starting Point

On the riverside of Jefferson at Woodward, facing The Fist head on, is Hart Plaza. The 14-acre space marks Detroit’s starting point of original discovery as a popular city riverfront destination for summer festivals, concerts, and other spectacles.

Named for the late U.S. Senator Philip Hart, it is located where Antoine Laumet landed in 1701 when he founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, the original settlement that became Detroit.

At the center of Hart Plaza is the famed Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1978.

In addition to being the largest city in the state of Michigan and a busy port city on the Detroit River, Detroit is known as the world’s traditional automobile center.

Detroit played a major role in the growth of the American automobile industry. For that, we earned the rightful nickname, The Motor City.

One person who stands out when Detroit’s automotive industry is mentioned is Horace Dodge. The Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain was built to recognize his contributions to the origin of the auto industry. The request for construction of the fountain was made by then Mayor of Detroit, Jerome Cavanaugh, and Detroit News Editor, Martin Hayden.

Speaking of rich history, there’s plenty more to be found alive and well right here in Detroit.

Explore Eastern Market

The Eastern Market is named for the 19th-century market operating with vendors selling everything from tasty tacos to vibrant, local produce every Saturday.

Spend Sunday at the Eastern Market to see the space packed with local vendors and artists alike surrounded by trendy juice bars and hip cafes. Cozy places still serve classic coney dogs in the creative district revitalized with magnificent murals on buildings in picturesque alleyways.

Live music lovers can find live jazz and the Motown sound, a signature style of rhythm and blues founded here in Detroit, at Bert’s Warehouse Theatre, a most-definite destination for fans of lively music and good company in an electric atmosphere.

Motown Records is an American record label now owned by the Universal Music Group. Motown Records was founded in Detroit by Berry Gordy, father of LMFAO’s Redfoo. (Hello fellow millennials who reminisce of college days spent getting down to “Party Rock Anthem.”)

Berry Gordy, age 93, is a retired record executive, record producer, songwriter, film producer and television producer. He is best known as the founder of the Motown record label and its subsidiaries, which was the highest-earning African-American business for decades.

Eastern Market Partnership is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managing Eastern Market with a mission to nourish a healthier, wealthier, happier Detroit since 1891.

Speaking of nourishing a healthier, wealthier, happier Detroit, Amore Da Roma still sits pretty as the oldest standing Italian restaurant serving Eastern Market with truly divine, fine dining since it was built in 1888. That’s a long time spent mastering the art of dreamy, decadent pasta, and no one in Detroit does pasta as decadently as Amore Da Roma.

Sprinkle of Cinnamon & Synonyms to Luxury

Some other words that are synonyms to Luxury include: Opulence, Richness, Grandeur, Splendor, Magnificence, Bed of Roses, Milk and Honey, Lap of Luxury, Comfort, Security, Affluence, Wealth, Prosperity, Plenty.

Richness: The quality of being pleasingly deep or strong.

The state of existing in or containing plentiful quantities of something desirable.

The quality of having a lot of something that is valuable or interesting.

Plenty and Abundant.

When I think of richness by the definition of pleasingly deep or strong, my mind goes straight to coffee. And chocolate. But first, coffee.

I enjoy coffee best piping hot, bold and black with a spoonful of honey and a dash of cinnamon.

Coffee in Detroit is a cultural experience at The Congregation. Born in the walls of what was once (and many) a Church on Rosa Parks Boulevard. Come to taste the velvety lavender latte; stay for the stained glass and spirited ambiance. Per the website:

“While the interior of the building has remained structurally the same, The Congregation has put focus on preserving the integrity, historical detail, and finishes of the space.”

Impressive efforts were taken to restore all original stained glass double-hung windows, original maple flooring, and the spectacle of a 150-year-old organ, all to ensure the interior maintains its original feel of a church.

The existing structure was built in 1924 after a small chapel for the congregation of St. Luke’s Evangelical Church had a fire and burnt to the ground in 1917.

The church was home to a few different congregations, including St. Mark's Presbyterian, and most recently, New St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church also served as a homebase for many Civil Rights Warriors.

Richness of Life: “The true richness lies from what is in your soul, and how you live.”

“To live richer is to follow the inner path to Wealth and Abundance. This includes the progressive realization of worthy goals, to Love and have Compassion and, most importantly, to Always Be in touch with your Creative Consciousness, which is the Source of all riches.” - Deepak Chopra

City of Champions

Grandeur: Splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style.

High-rank or social importance. Glory. Majesty. Greatness.

Detroit is the only U.S. city ever to win three major sports championships in one year, dubbed the "City of Champions" in 1936: The Tigers beat the Cubs in October 1935; the Lions beat the Giants that December and the Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs in April 1936. (I bet some bright grandparents today may still remember this!)

That’s not Detroit’s only honorable three-peat. For the third year in a row, the beautiful, dreamy Detroit Riverwalk has just been named the best riverfront in America by USA Today.

This win comes as the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy celebrates two decades spent dedicated to transforming the Detroit Riverfront.

“We are thrilled to be named America’s Best Riverwalk once again,” said Matt Cullen, Chairman of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “The transformation of our riverfront over these past two decades has been tremendous. To go from a blighted and underused riverfront to one that is recognized as the best in the country three years in a row is a testament to how much people love the riverfront and to what our community can achieve when we all work together.”

In celebration of the Detroit Riverfront's 20-year transformation, the riverfront conservancy is hosting a year-long celebration that includes free programs, special events, and grand openings along the Detroit Riverfront. (We truly could not have picked a better time to move here!)

“This is a big year for the Detroit Riverfront,” said Mark Wallace, President & CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “People from throughout the community have helped shape this riverfront from the very beginning, and now 20 years into the project, we can all celebrate our many successes. We have a lot of fun plans for this year and are looking forward to celebrating this milestone all year long.”

Detroit Bedrock of Roses

Bed of Roses: Used in reference to a situation or activity that is comfortable or easy.

“A situation of agreeable ease.”

With a portfolio of more than 100 properties totaling over 19 million square feet, Bedrock is a full-service commercial real estate partner based in downtown Detroit.

Bedrock offers a full range of services with in-house teams for each area of expertise from Leasing, Acquisition, Finance, and Construction, to Architecture, Historic Rehab, and Property Management.

“Current Bedrock tenants include leading technology companies and startups, world-renowned restaurants and national retailers, as well as Detroit locals who love the city as much as we do.”

Milk and Honey: Prosperity and Abundance

In the Lap of Luxury: Conditions of great comfort and wealth. Want for nothing.

Taste of Great Comfort

Comfort: A state of ease and freedom from pain or constraint.

Prosperity and the pleasant lifestyle secured by it.

The easing or alleviation of feelings of grief or distress.

A person or thing that helps to alleviate a difficult situation.

A warm quilt.

To ease the grief or distress of; console.

Improve the mood of or restore a sense of well-being to.

The pleasant and satisfying feeling of being physically or mentally free from pain and suffering, or something that provides this feeling.

Nothing soothes winter blues quite like the comfort of phenomenal ramen at Johnny Noodle King. Everyone knows the taste of comfort is a big bowl of broth filled with Japanese noodles swimming in a rainbow of hot, fresh delight.

Johnny Noodle King does it right - best ramen we’ve yet to find here in Detroit. Luckily, we live right up the street! Best place to frequent on frigid, gray, sunless days spent waiting for warmth to return (as it will again so soon now! Yes, I am counting down!).

As seasons change, the good news is Johnny Noodle King remains the perfect place to spend rainy spring days and cool summer nights alike. Ramen is the taste of comfort all year round.

Security: the state of being or feeling secure;

freedom from fear, anxiety, danger, doubt;

state or sense of safety or certainty.

2. something that gives or assures safety

tranquility

Wealth: Well-being; Prosperity.

Relax in a luxurious cabana alongside the 3,500-square-foot, heated saltwater infinity edge pool at Immerse Spa, the hidden gem of divine luxury located inside MGM Grand Detroit.

Immerse Spa is a sanctuary where guests can discover a new level of relaxation. The spa is designed as a place of personal rejuvenation, creating a departure from everyday stress.

“We have a wonderful staff at Immerse Spa that creates an atmosphere of Zen, serenity, and a place of comfort,” said Julie Webster, Director of Hotel Operations at MGM Grand Detroit. “Tranquility literally washes over our guests the moment they enter the spa doors.”

Guests of Immerse Spa are welcome to enjoy complimentary amenities on offer, from a fitness center with state-of-the-art cardio machines to the steam room and whirlpool.

“Guests can take advantage of all the property has to offer without ever going outside, including dinner at MGM Grand Detroit’s signature steakhouse and lounge, D.PRIME, or hanging out at the BetMGM Sports Lounge to catch a sporting event,” said Webster.

Plenty: More than enough.

A great deal of.

Sufficient. Prosperity. Wealth. Opulence.

Comfort. Well-being. Luxury. Abundance.