Detroit is more than just a city — it’s a symbol of community and creativity, a living, breathing love letter expressing the hopes and dreams of all those who have inhabited it for generations. From its deep-rooted history to its thriving arts scene, stunning architecture and vibrant cultural spaces, there is so much to love about “The D”. Whether it’s strolling along the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk in the summertime or indulging in the city’s diverse food scene, Detroit, and the people who call it home, never fail to inspire and amaze me.

As we celebrate “313 Day,” the annual celebration of Detroit held each year on March 13 in honor of the city’s iconic 313 area code, here are just a few reasons why this city holds a special place in my heart:

The art scene: A city transformed by creativity

Detroit presents endless opportunities to take in beautiful art, from large-scale murals to contemporary galleries, from the eastside to the west…creativity thrives in every corner of the city. Detroit is home to renowned creatives and muralists who have made significant contributions to the city’s artistic identity.

Sydney G. James, a 2017 Kresge Artist Fellow, is known for her powerful murals that celebrate Black culture and history, such as The Girl with the D Earring. Hubert Massey, a master of public art and a 2011 Kresge Artist Fellow, has created murals that narrate Detroit’s historical and cultural evolution, and 2021 Gilda Awardee Bakpak Durden uses hyperrealistic and thought-provoking imagery to explore themes of mental health and social justice. Desiree Kelly blends fine art and street art to depict Detroit legends and historical figures.

These artists, among many others representing various disciplines, play a crucial role in shaping Detroit’s visual and cultural landscape. 

Beyond the individual artists, institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and others house an impressive collection of masterpieces, including the iconic Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera, which tell the story of the city’s industrial past.

A more recent installation by Tiff Massey, Tiff Massey: 7 Mile + Livernois, sees the metalist scale up her jewelry to the size of architecture, creating sculptures that celebrate Detroit’s evolving neighborhoods and the history of West African and Black American culture and style. Walking through the museum installation feels like being seen, boldly and beautifully.

Street art, especially in places like the Murals in Islandview, has transformed the urban landscape, turning once-blighted walls into stunning works of expression. Creative expression in Detroit isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a means for revitalization, sparking rich community dialogue and aspirations for the city’s future.

Third Spaces: Where community comes together

Detroit is home to numerous third spaces — places where people gather outside of home and work. These spaces play a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging. Spots like The Commons, part laundromat and part café, provide a unique environment where residents can connect. Coffee shops, like Rosa, The Congregation, In Harmony Café Sweets & More, foster creativity and collaboration, while bookstores like Source Booksellers serve as a space for residents to gather and community hubs for literature lovers.

Third spaces contribute to Detroit’s magic by creating space for human connection and offering safe, welcoming environments for us to come together.

Another jewel of the city is Campus Martius. Located in the heart of downtown, Campus Martius Park is the city’s official gathering place for residents and visitors. The park opened in 2003 and has won numerous awards for public space design, placemaking and programming. The venue features beautiful gardens, performance stages, food trucks, an urban beach in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. The annual holiday tree lighting ceremony attracts thousands and attending is a family tradition for many across southeast Michigan. The park was even home to the 2024 National Football League (NFL) Draft. According to the NF, the 775,000 visitors broke previous records as the most-attended Draft in its history.

Belle Isle: An urban oasis

Few places in Detroit capture the city’s beauty quite like Belle Isle. This 982-acre island park in the Detroit River offers breathtaking views of both downtown Detroit and Windsor, Canada.

Whether it’s a relaxing picnic, a visit to the Belle Isle Aquarium, exploring the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory or putting at the Belle Isle Golf, Belle Isle provides an escape from the city hustle and bustle. The island’s parks, beaches, trails and green spaces make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and families to enjoy.

Growing up, our family would pack sandwiches and spend the entire day on Belle Isle. I fondly remember climbing up what felt like a mountain of steps to get to the top of the Giant Slide, sitting on a burlap sack and sliding down to the bottom screaming and laughing. I’d only stop sliding to participate in games of freeze tag and red-light, green light with other kids enjoying the island.

Music: The heartbeat of the city

To say Detroit is a musical powerhouse is an understatement —  and not just because of the legacy that has shaped genres worldwide. People know the city as the birthplace of Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, which introduced the world to legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye.

But the city’s music culture extends far beyond Motown, with a strong presence in jazz, hip-hop  and techno — the latter of which originated right here in Detroit. I think about some of the great musicians that have called Detroit home. Legends like Wendell Harrison, Marcus Belgrave and Marion Hayden come to mind. All Kresge Eminent Artist and significant contributors to the world of jazz.

Another pivotal figure in Detroit’s music scene is J Dilla (James Dewitt Yancey), one of the most influential producers in hip-hop history. Known for his groundbreaking drum programming and soulful sampling, J Dilla’s work with Slum Village, A Tribe Called Quest, Common and Erykah Badu helped define the sound of alternative hip-hop and neo-soul. His masterpiece, Donuts, released just days before his passing in 2006, remains one of hip-hop’s most celebrated instrumental albums. J Dilla’s legacy continues to inspire producers and musicians worldwide, making him an essential part of Detroit’s rich musical heritage.

Live music venues like Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Cliff Bells and Willis Show Bar keep the city’s vibrant music culture alive, ensuring that Detroit remains a hub for musical innovation.

A culinary haven: The tastiest of Detroit’s food scene

Detroit’s food scene is as diverse as its people, offering something for every palate. The city is famous for its Detroit-style pizza, with its thick, cheesy crust that has become a national sensation. Sharing a border with Dearborn means easy access to authentic Middle Eastern cuisine offering incredible dishes like shawarma, tabbouli and kibbeh. The city’s food culture embraces international flavors, from tacos at Taqueria El Rey in Southwest Detroit to soul food at eateries throughout the city. Eating in Detroit is an experience, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the city.

And if you want to break the ice (or start an argument) with any Detroiter, ask about their favorite coney island. Personally, I’m a Hollywood Coney fan, they always put just the right amount of cheese on the chili cheese fries as not to make the fries too soggy. Getting the right chili cheese to fry ratio really is an underappreciated culinary skill and Hollywood always gets it right.

Babo Detroit (babo is slang for “dad” in Albania) is a must for weekend brunch. Brunch at Babo feels like sitting in a close friend’s kitchen. The Diego skillet will make you do a little happy dance, it’s so good. The honorable mention for a brunch recommendation is Dime Store, where the biscuits are made in-house and delicious. For quick comfort food, I love Green Dot Stables. Their sliders hit the spot every time.

Summertime in the city: The magic of the Detroit Riverwalk

Surviving the winter months in Detroit means the joy of summertime in Detroit, which is nothing short of magical. The award-winning Detroit Riverwalk is the crown jewel of the season. Stretching along the Detroit River, this scenic three-mile walkway is perfect for biking, jogging, or simply taking in the view. If you are visiting with young people, there are multiple parks and pavilions to stop and enjoy. The Great Lakes schooner-themed water feature with water cascades and “kid activated” water cannons at Mt. Elliott Park is always a hit after a long bike ride.

The Dequindre Cut, a former railway turned pedestrian path, connects the Riverwalk to Eastern Market, making it easy to explore the city on foot. In the summer, the Riverwalk comes alive with festivals, concerts and outdoor activities, bringing together people from all walks of life.

If you venture beyond downtown, you will find another gem in The Joe Louis Greenway (JLG). Once completed, the 27.5-mile greenway will create a beautiful pathway for residents to travel safely from McNichols to the riverfront—all without a car—through a combination of new trails, on-street protected bike lanes and links to existing trails like the Dequindre Cut and even the RiverWalk. Named after famed boxer, Joe Louis, the JLG provides equitable spaces through arts, programming, and economic opportunities for all.

Historical neighborhoods: A living museum of Detroit’s past

Detroit’s neighborhoods each have a distinct personality and history. There are the more well-known neighborhoods, like the city’s oldest neighborhood Corktown, which is filled with charming brick homes and a thriving food scene. Brush Park, once home to some of Detroit’s wealthiest residents, showcases beautifully restored Victorian mansions. Indian Village is a hidden gem, boasting early 20th-century homes with stunning architecture.

But there are also lesser-known neighborhoods that offer a deep sense of community, like Russell Woods, Bagley, Morningside, Eliza Howell… every district presents an opportunity to discover something different and unique.

I grew up not far from the Avenue of Fashion, located along Livernois Avenue between 7 Mile and 8 Mile in Detroit. The Avenue is a historic and vibrant shopping district known for its deep cultural roots, Black-owned businesses and thriving arts scene. It’s home to multiple galleries, restaurants, retail shops and my personal favorite bakery, Good Cakes and Bakes (the banana pudding cupcake is divine).

Kresge has worked thoughtfully in collaboration with partners and residents in the Livernois-6 Mile neighborhood as part of the Detroit Program’s neighborhood strategy. The area is a hub of activity and anchor supporting five neighborhoods that surround it: Palmer Park, Martin Park, University District, Bagley and Fitzgerald-Marygrove.

These neighborhoods tell a story, reflecting Detroit’s evolving identity and deep historical roots.

Detroit is a place of endless discovery. The city’s resilience and community spirit shine through in every mural, every song, every historic building and every gathering space. Whether you’re admiring the skyline from Belle Isle, listening to live music, or enjoying the flavors of the city’s diverse cuisine, Detroit has a way of making you feel at home.

That’s why I love Detroit — it’s a city that embraces its past while continuously reinventing its future. Happy 313 Day!

Tracey Person is a communications officer for The Kresge Foundation, where she supports the Arts & Culture and Detroit Programs.