Inside Detroit Looking for Paid Part-Time Tour Guide/Detroit Ambassador!

Energetic, enthusiastic Tour Guide/ Detroit Ambassador wanted for part-time position with growing non profit. Must have a passion for the city of Detroit, public speaking experience and strong interpersonal skills. Applicants must be able to retain historical facts, dates and anecdotes and be able to relate that information to visitors in an interesting, informative way. A flexible schedule is a plus. Detroit resident preferred.

Job Tasks

• Lead walking, bus and Segway tours
• Give presentations about Detroit to large groups
• Be a spokesperson for Inside Detroit throughout the community

Please email info@insidedetroit.org with your resume and why you think you would be an outstanding Detroit Tour Guide and Ambassador.

World’s Largest Group Hug Coming to Detroit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      CONTACT: Maureen Kearns

(313) 962-4590

‘I HUG STRANGERS IN THE D’ BUTTON DESIGN CONTEST SEEKS support for GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS DETROIT HUG ATTEMPT

Local artists invited to submit design ideas by November 12, 2010 in a show of love for the City

DETROIT, November 1, 2010  — Inside Detroit, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote Detroit as a preferred destination to live, work and play is leading the charge to attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Group Hug right here in Detroit.

The record-breaking hug attempt will be made Saturday, February 12, 2011 during Detroit’s annual WinterBlast celebration. Inside Detroit wants to get Detroiters and Detroiters-at-heart involved now to bolster excitement for, and participation in, the attempt.

Active and aspiring artists of all ages are asked to design a three-inch button by November 12, 2010.  The button must incorporate the slogan “I Hug Strangers in the D” and the Inside Detroit logo. Contact info@insidedetroit.org for a high-resolution logo and to submit final designs. All entries are due by close of business on November 12, 2010.

A panel of judges will select a winning design. The buttons will then be sold for $1 each as a fundraiser for Inside Detroit beginning on Noel Night, Detroit’s Cultural Center-wide holiday “open house” held December 4, 2010.

During Detroit’s annual WinterBlast celebration, February 11 – 13, 2011, supporters of Detroit will be asked to gather around Campus Martius Park in an attempt to break the record set in Transylvania in 2009 for the most hugs at one time. More than 10,000 people will need to “hug” Detroit to take the record.

During the WinterBlast all of the design entries submitted to the contest will be displayed in the Inside Detroit Welcome Center just north of Campus Martius at 1253 Woodward Avenue.

For more information, or to learn how to become involved in the record attempt, call 313.962.4590, email info@insidedetroit.org, or visit us on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/IHugStrangersInTheD.

ABOUT INSIDE DETROIT

Inside Detroit is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote Detroit as a preferred destination to live, work and play by educating the public about Detroit’s history, culture, community and livability. For more information, call 313-962-4590, or visit the Welcome Center at 1253 Woodward Avenue or InsideDetroit.org.

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Corktown Bar Tour and Inside Eastern Market Tour

Corktown Bar Tour and Inside Eastern Market Tour this Weekend! Yes, it’s already August! We can’t believe it either! So for those that have been saying, “You know, we should really do one of those tours this summer,” now is the time to do it, because like it or not, summer is almost over AND we have some fabulous tours this weekend. We’ll be going Inside Eastern Market to meet the people that are making the market thrive then hitting historic Corktown to explore some of the oldest bars in the oldest neighborhood in the city. Also, don’t forget about our Segway Tours every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday! We have 10 spots open on each tour so sign up now for the most unique group outing ever! If you can’t make one of our scheduled tours, email us at info@insidedetroit.org to book a private tour just for your friends, family or colleagues! You only need 8 people to put together a personalized Detroit experience from strolling suppers to scavenger hunts to history tours.     Bar Tours Corktown Bar Tour        August 14th                   $10 in advance/$15 day of tour Corktown isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day. With some of the oldest bars and best musicians calling Corktown home there’s never a dull moment. Channel your inner Irish and your inner creative as we hit four Michigan Avenue institutions.  as we continue crossing off bars on our Checklist of Downtown Bars and Restaurants. As always you’ll meet owners and staff, get free stuff and learn about this great Detroit neighborhood. Saturday, August 14th  8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.  Start at Casey’s Know Before You Go to Jazzfest Bar Tour        August 26th                $10 Jazzfest takes over Downtown Labor Day weekend and on this bar tour we’ll give you the inside scoop on where to go for great music and where to go to stay ahead of the crowds. Thursday, August 26th 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Meet at Harbor House,  440 Clinton (at Beaubien)          Public Tour Schedule (May 1- Oct 31)   Downtown Highlights Walking Tours              $10 See all the major landmarks, the new development and some of the great historical gems too, in this fun-filled 2-hour walking tour. Saturdays, 1:00PM – 3:00PM(Except 4th Saturdays) Tuesdays, 11:00AM – 1:00PM Inside Eastern Market Tour – THIS SATURDAY!             $10 On this two hour tour of Eastern Market we will take you behind the scenes of the largest historic public market in the country. We’ll talk about the history, culture and new development as we step inside lofts, shops, restaurants and more all the while hearing from the Insiders that help the market thrive. 2nd Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Meet at Eastern Market Welcome Center, 1445 Adelaide Greater Downtown Community Bus Tour     $20/$25 The themes that are shaping the new Detroit are community, collaboration and opportunity and on this tour you’ll see how those themes are woven throughout a world class city. The route includes all the major landmarks as well as Earthworks Garden, the Heidelberg Project, Rivard Plaza/Dequindre Cut, Belle Isle, the Guardian Building and much more. By the end of this tour you’ll have an insider’s perspective of Detroit’s rich history, current Renaissance and limitless future. 4th Saturdays, 1:00PM – 3:00PM Segway Tours                                                  $65 This Segway Tour will show you what makes Detroit shine, including major landmarks, new developments and historical gems. You’ll zoom along the beautiful Riverwalk, get up close and personal with the Stadiums and Fox Theater and even stop and go into the gorgeous Guardian Building, all while enjoying the amazing speed and mobility of the revolutionary Segway!  Thursdays  4:00PM – 6:00PM Saturdays   11:00AM – 1:00PM Saturdays   2:00PM – 4:00PM Sundays     2:00PM – 4:00PM Segway Tours sold out last year.  Click here to book now! Private Group Tours Available See website for rider requirements All public tours (Except Eastern Market Tour) start at Welcome Center, 1253 Woodward     Pierogi Festival at Sweetest Heart of Mary this Weekend The Pierogi Festival is August 14 and 15.  Along with pierogi dinners, we are featuring grilled chicken dinners, stuffed cabbage, city chicken and snack bar items.  It is an old fashioned church festival with games for adults and children, a doll booth, Vegas and prize wheels, church items to buy, “Got Pierogi” tshirts, Polka Dancing, Polish bands, beer tent, 50/50 raffles and a grand raffle where the 1st prize is $3000.  Guarded parking is behind the church.  Sweetest Heart of Mary is at 4440 Russell, Detroit, 48207. Go to www.sweetestheartofmary.org for more information  Final Fourth Fridays – August 27th The Detroit 300 Conservancy and Campus Martius Park announce the return of the hugely popular 4th Fridays in the Park Summer Entertainment Series for 2010. Scheduled for June 25, July 23 and Aug. 27, this year’s line-up of events is sure to build on the success of previous years to offer city and metro Detroit residents free, quality entertainment in the heart of downtown Detroit. 4th Fridays in the Park has received summer’s highest “best of events” rating from the Detroit Free Press and boasts national and Detroit music stages that showcase a wide variety of music and entertainers, as well as movies for all ages to enjoy. Also this Summer, the popular “Lunchtime Arts” series will be expanded and will feature Detroit-area musicians and a variety of performances on the Park’s main stage. Park visitors will have the chance to sample the delicious fare at the new Fountain Bistro at Campus Martius Park, a dining destination that offers exceptional food options at reasonable prices, blending the charm of a classic European café with modern American style.     Culinary Escapes Tours Culinary Escapes Tours offer three guided restaurant tasting tours, Royal Oak, Birmignham and Detroit.  The tours will immerse you in the area’s rich history as you stroll from eatery to eatery meeting and interacting with local food experts, all while sampling delicious local cuisines. Saturdays, April 10th thru October 16th See their website for details and sign up now!   Want to Shop Local?  Check out the Welcome Center’s Retail! Stop. Shop. Learn. at the Downtown Welcome Center.  We’ve got Detroit Manufacturing and Detroit Shirt Company apparel, City Bird clocks, glassware, pins and magnets. There’s fantastic photos of the D, hand made purses, pottery shot glasses and more!  All made by Detroiters. Now we also have music from local bands! We’ve got Gift Certificates, too!!

We hope to see you soon out and about in Detroit! Maureen Kearns and Jeanette Pierce Co-Founders, Inside Detroit

Inside Detroit Partners with Free Press to Offer Tours of Marathon Course!

Cruise the Marathon Course
“Cruise the Course” before you run it!
Inside Detroit and The Night Move are offering “Cruise the Course,” a guided bus tour that will breeze you through approximately 20 miles of the 26.2-mile run in under an hour!

Pre-regisiter for this $5 per person tour NOW to guarantee your spot. Tickets will be sold at the Health & Fitness Expo for $10 on a first come-first serve, space available basis.

Get the insider’s perspective of Detroit’s rich history, current renaissance and limitless future, including the Riverwalk, Belle Isle, Indian Village and Corktown. By the end of this tour, you’ll have better understanding of what you’re leaving in the dust as you run by.

Not just for runners! Friends and family can see what the runner will see as well as find the best vantage point to watch the race.

Saturday, October 16
Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
meet at Health & Fitness Expo at Cobo Hall (1 Washington Blvd.)

Click here to purchase

For more information on the Free Press Marathon and all the great events going on Marathon Weekend head to www.freepmarathon.com!

Bar Tour Schedule Posted for Next 12 Months!

Downtown Detroit has over 125 bars and restaurants, more than 13,000 theater seats, 3 sports stadiums and multiple public parks. It’s pretty easy to have a good time, but these tours will make you feel like an insider by taking you to 3 or 4 of the locals’ favorite places.
Each tour includes:

• Drink specials at each location
• No cover charges
• Introductions to owners, bartenders and others
• Tour between locations
• Bonus stuff along the way like free shots, beer tastings, snacks or other goodies
• Personal guide who leads the group and makes sure everyone has an amazing time!
  

Bar Tour Schedule

7/24/10 – 8:00 PM- 12:00AM – Patio Bar Tour – $15
8/14/10 – 8:00 PM- 12:00AM – Corktown Bar Tour – $15
8/26/10 – 5:30PM – 8:30PM – Know Before You Go to Jazzfest Bar Tour – $10
9/10/10 – 8:00 PM- 12:00AM – Know Before You Go to the Dally Bar Tour -$15
9/22/10 – 5:30PM – 8:30PM – Sports Bar Happy Hour Bar Tour – $10
10/6/10 – 5:30 PM- 8:30PM – Oktoberfest Bar Tour – $10
10/23/10 – 8:00 PM- 12:00AM – Know Before You Go to Halloween Bar Tour – $15
11/6/10 – 8:00 PM- 12:00AM – Martini’s & Jazz Bar Tour – $15
11/19/10 – 5:30PM-8:30PM – Tree Lighting Bar Tour – $10
12/4/10 -8:00 PM- 12:00AM – Noel Night Bar Tour -$15
12/16/10 – 5:30PM-8:30PM – Holiday Happy Hour Bar Tour – $10
1/15/11 – 8:00 PM- 12:00AM – Auto Show Bar Tour – $15
1/27/11 – 5:30PM-8:30PM – Historic Hotel Happy Hour Bar Tour – $10
2/12/11 – 8:00 PM- 12:00AM – WinterBlast Bar Tour – $15
2/24/11 – 5:30PM-8:30PM – Black History Month Bar Tour – $10
3/11/11 – 8:00PM- 12:00AM – Know Before You Go to St. Paddy’s Bar Tour – $15
3/15/11 – 5:30PM-8:30PM – March Madness Bar Tour – $10
4/8/11 – 9:30 AM- 12:30PM – Opening Day Breakfast Bar Tour – $20
4/13/11 – 5:30PM-8:30PM – Restaurant Week Bar Tour – $10
5/7/11 – 8:00 PM- 12:00AM – Summer Kick-off Bar Tour  – $15
5/21/11 – 6:00PM – 10:00PM – Eastern Market Bar Tour – $15
6/9/11 – 5:30PM-8:30PM – Rivertown Bar Tour – $10
6/18/11 – 8:00 PM- 12:00AM  – Riverdays Bar Tour – $15

Join us on one of these, or email us at info@insidedetroit.org to schedule your own for special occasions!

Groupon customers: please email your reservation to Info@insidedetroit.org and bring your Groupon coupon to the event.

The Best Dates are in the City

So my boyfriend and I recently acquired his 21 year old son who moved back from Sweden. We’ve been showing him everything! He’s loving it so far but we noticed we don’t have so much alone time anymore. In response, we created ‘Date Night”. One night a week we’re going to go out and do some activity. Our first venture was so fabulous I decided to blog about it.

Date No. 1: Belle Isle
Now I’ve been going to Belle Isle regularly ever since I moved to Indian Village 18 years ago. I rollerblade and bike it regularly…by myself. The other night we decided to take the motorcycle over there. The sun was just setting and the sky changed from orange to blue-gray and there were some purple clouds hanging around. The green of the grass made me notice how well manicured the lawns were. People were everywhere enjoying the island.

We first cruised around the western tip which boasts the Scott Fountain designed by Cass Gilbert. It so lovely at dusk. Then we headed east past the Casino with it grounds where Cricket is played, past the deep-water fish habitat and Flynn Pavilion which is a great party rental location. When we got to the south pier, he asked if I wanted to stop! I was so excited. I hadn’t been on a pier in a while and quickly said yes. We walked just about all the way out to the end where another couple was watching the sunset but we left them their privacy. As we headed back in after taking in the views, a couple was fishing. As we said hello, the line pulled and we waited to see how good that first catch was. It came up empty but we wished them good luck for the rest of their evening.

We jumped back on the bike and worked our way past the Coast Guard, the driving range, the beach, waterslide and numerous picnic shelters with barbecues going. It was so exciting to see the island taken advantage of. There is a little traffic most summer nights now and the police do kick you off about 10PM but that keeps the island from getting trashed overnight.

Try Belle Isle on your next date night. Or on a date day – you could also take in the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, ride the giant slide (it’s more painful as an adult- but still fun) and soak up the Botanical Gardens. Sundays you can play kick-ball with pick-up teams on the baseball fields. The city is sponsoring movie nights in the band shell, too.

Its so worth it. Go.

Inside Detroit covers the 2010 Imagine Fashion Show

Click here to see the video!
2010 Imagine Fashion Show

Music, Cars, Sports, The first Street Light in the world, Art, Design, and now Fashion…Detroit’s ain’t nothing to mess with.

My love for this city has no bounds, her citizens are chock full of talent, ambition, dreams, innovation, pride. They are humble beings that are hard working, with ethics and principals; they believe in what they do. We all have what we love about this place. Personally, I have always leaned toward the music and the arts here. I’ve remained loyal for the past 15 years because there is plenty of room to flourish with my own music and art. Everyone you meet has a familiar gleam in his or her eye. With our strong DIY standard of living we are kindred spirits in a nationally underestimated environment. Each and every day is viewed as a new page upon which to write. We don’t have to look far to find something to revitalize our interests and passions.

One example of this transpired Wednesday, April 28th. I had the pleasure of being Inside Detroit’s Event Correspondent to the 2010 Image Fashion Show. The high profile event was hosted by the International School of Academy and Design and emceed by Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh with legendary musical guest The Contours!

With the show being set with the awe inspiring Fox Theater as the backdrop, there was no place I would have rather been that night. The Fox, architecturally, is my hands-down favourite historical venue in the city. This palace of theaters was built in 1929 by famed architect C. Howard Crane. With room for 5,000 comfortable rumps it comes second in size only to Radio City Music Hall in New York City and has the added appeal of being the very first theater in the world to be built with the capabilities to play film with sound. All of this and its in my own backyard. There’s something very exciting about that to me. And to be able to see some of our area’s top future clothing designers show their works at such a venue was heartwarming.

Here’s a bit of foreshadowing for you, I was floored. The pride and admiration that arises whilst catching some of Detroit’s musical greats such as the Henchmen or Misty, or brilliant area artists like Andy Krieger and Gerome Ferretti, was re-awakened. I was like “well, well, what do we have here?”

After a year of laborious work, more than 30 of the Academies top students showcased works ranging from their takes on the little black dress, street wear, wearable art, children’s wear, men’s wear, after 5 a Detroit inspired theme. Being one who adores fashion, I walked in a bit cynical about what was about to transpire. All doubts faded however, soon to be replaced by a swell of Detroit pride’ as one by one, an array of catchy and innovative clothing compositions caught and held the eye of the viewer while embracing their senses. The number of pieces alone was outstanding. The necessary skill was on a whole other level. The innovative garments were illuminated by flashes of stage light and camera, the movement of the pieces further emphasized by some of the areas most interesting and graceful models. Kudos to the hair and make up crew, as well as to the lighting team, everyone looked just fabulous.

The highlight of the evening was the intro to the after 5 line. A Las Vegas themed, no holds barred performance, with some of the areas most talented drag artists paying homage to glamorous women of the ages. It was jaw dropping; no one could deny the brilliant little quirks of the show. This line was beyond luxurious. With rich colours and unforgettable textures, these timeless treasures stroked my senses and the theatrics left an impression that will not soon fade. The classic wedding dress finale with a twist – it was made of paper! Absolutely stunning.

All in all, the judges definitely had their work cut out for them. They included Bessie Sneed from Saks, artist and designer Cynthia LaMaide, Natalie Robinson, shoe designer Tom Carbone, and Detroit’s very own men’s suit designer William Malcolm. Obvious to us all, was the love put into these pieces. And the pride on the artist’s faces engaged us as their models of all shapes, sizes, walks of life, attitudes, and passion decorated the catwalk with an excitable vibrance. The crowds ooohs and ahhhs added a nice tickle to the ear, and a tight performance by the legendary Contours, featuring Sylvester Potts, wraps the evening up, leaving all with smiles. Another layer of respect from me for what Michigan has to offer the world, and a lasting memory of getting to soak all of this in luxury at the Fox.

I’m proud to say that just as in music, art, sports and cinema, our designers are a force to be reckoned with my friends. A very stylish force.

I can’t wait till I see what they have up their sleeve next year.

A portion of the proceeds went to The Ronald McDonald House of Southeast Michigan If you would like to read more about this years finalists and winners or how to sign up for classes, please visit The International Academy of Design and Technology Online at: http://www.iadtdetroit.com/

Sandy Hopkins

WELCOME CENTER OPEN HOUSE THIS WEDNESDAY, MAY 26th!

>WELCOME CENTER OPEN HOUSE THIS WEDNESDAY!
Inside Detroit Music Center Launches

You’ve read about it in the in this newsletter and in papers, now is your chance to actually come experience the wonderment of the Inside Detroit Welcome Center! This Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. we are hosting an Open House at the Welcome Center that will include appetizers provided by Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine, beverages provided by Pulse Lounge, Segway Demonstrations and the launch of our Inside Detroit Music Center.

Detroit’s music genius did not die when Motown left for California. It’s alive and kicking all over the city and in all genres. Now the Welcome Center will be the place where you can find CD’s, vinyl, t-shirts, posters and more from Detroit musicians.

The Welcome Center already sells merchandise from over 25 local designers and artists, now we have musical artists from the Detroit Cobras to Sean Blackman, and we’re adding bands everyday.

The Open House is free but please RSVP HERE if you plan on attending.

Eastern Market Bar Tour – This Saturday, May 22nd!

You’ve been to the market for veggies and quaint shops but have you been for beer and historic bars? This tour will show you the Market after the shopping is done. Drink specials, free shots, insider information and introductions to the owners will make you a true Eastern Market insider in no time!
Saturday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m
Meet at Vivio’s, 2460 Market St
$15 advance/$20 door.

Green Bar Tour for Earth Week this Wednesday, April 21st!

Discover awesome bars that are awesome to the planet. We’ll be partnering with Green Drinks, taking the bio-diesel Night Move Shuttle and stopping for a pint at the Recycle Here Headquarters in between bars. Celebrate Earth Week by supporting green businesses. As always, meet the owners, enjoy drink specials, some shots and mix and mingle with other green-conscious folks.

We’ll be at the Traffic Jam & Snug from 5pm – 6pm, then Night Move it over to Recycle Here for some Atwater Beer from 6:15pm – 6:45 then end at Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub from 7pm – 8pm.

Cost is $15 and includes all transport, amazing tour from Inside Detroit, drink specials at the bars, and a micro brewed local beer at Recycle Here!
Space is limited so please click HERE to purchase tickets.

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