Published in the Battle Creek Enquirer Today, this historically important riverfront, on one of the busiest waterways in the world, is also one of the clearest symbols of the city’s resurgence. While there are nearly 14 miles of frontage, the action today is centered on a 5 ½ mile strip that includes the iconic Renaissance Center — seven interconnected, round glass skyscrapers that include the General Motors world headquarters. The RenCen is also home to a nice Marriott Hotel

Published in the Battle Creek Enquirer As I’ve gotten to know Detroit, I’ve come to understand that just when you find some wonderful part of the city, you cross the next street and find another treasure. Detroit covers approximately 143 square miles, about 100 more than the city of Battle Creek. With 92 different neighborhoods in Detroit, I’m going to have to accelerate my exploration of the city if I want to visit all of them. I’ve spent time downtown and midtown where most

Published in the Battle Creek Enquirer, Feb. 1, 2014 Given the recent arctic temperatures, it seems ironic to suggest people attend Detroit’s Winter Blast at Campus Martius Park downtown. However, if you can’t beat the weather, you might as well have some fun joining it. Now named the Meridian Motown Winter Blast (after a new sponsor), the event started as a way to showcase Detroit’s downtown to travelers attending Super Bowl XL. Nine years later, the Winter Blast will draw b

Published in the Battle Creek Enquirer November 24, 2013 If you want to start a new Thanksgiving tradition, kick-off the holiday season by attending a wonderful parade in downtown Detroit. The parade, called “America’s Thanksgiving Parade,” is one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated. It’s now in its 87th year. It starts Thursday morning at 8:45 a.m. on Woodward Avenue and Kirby and ends at Woodward Avenue and Congress. Jim Leyland, the former manager of the Detroit Ti

Published in the Battle Creek Enquirer, September 27, 2013 Children, of course, love the animals most, but today’s zoos offer so much more on the state of the natural world and the conservation of animals in their habitats. Our own Binder Park Zoo has been around for 33 years, and hosts more than 30,000 children and their families every year. What’s not to like about a local zoo with one of the largest giraffe herds in the country? I think they do an especially wonderful job