DETROIT RATED TOP WORLD TRAVEL DESTINATION FOR 2008



By HB Meeks
Editor-in-Chief
Tell Us Detroit



Is Detroit on your travel itinerary in the new year? The New York Times has placed our city on the list of 53 top world destinations. From new luxury hotels to a breath taking  view of an international riverfront  and beyond the D beats out other cities that one would think are natural "shoe-in" destinations. You know, NYC, Chicago, Toronto, DC, Atlanta, LA, Boston, Las Vegas, San Diego, London,   you get the point.

Historically Detroit may not spring to mind as a hot tourist spot, but don’t tell that to the city’s bullish hoteliers. Newcomers include the MGM Grand Detroit, the MotorCity Casino Hotel and the historic Book Cadillac Hotel. Plus, the Detroit Institute of Arts just reopened after a $158 million renovation. The newly opened Riverwalk along the Detroit River continues to expand to reach from the McArthur Belle Isle Bridge to the Ambassador Bridge. Downtown, Campus Martius area is booming with new businesses moving in from around the state, the nation and the world.

Already named the best sports town in the country, the Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings offer up winning seasons each year. We're still waiting on the Lions. Foxtown Theatre District brings the top shows to town. And let's not forget the North American International Auto Show, America's Thanksgiving Parade, Detroit International River Days, Woodward Dream Cruise, Belle Isle Grand Prix, Detroit International Jazz Festival, The MotorCity Bowl, top restaurants, night clubs and shopping. The Charles Wright African American Historical Museum, Detroit Science Center, The Henry Ford just to name a few.

Photos by Pat Haller