Maccabees in Detroit

There's a new unique eatery in Detroit on Woodward across from the DIA. Maccabees is located in an art deco building of the same name with a huge arching window overlooking the avenue. It's a great bar location where you can watch the world pass by in midtown and use their free wifi. We chatted with the owner who informed us that all the beautiful ornate lighting is one-of-a-kind and done by a local artist. The food is good-- very bistro like-- and they are open for lunch and dinner. Sunday's $12 brunch offering includes a mimosa or a bloody mary. Live jazz spices up Thursdays nights. Their $5 valet parking was very much appreciated.

Pontiac's Oakland Towne Center

Whoa! As soon as you enter the historic downtown Pontiac area, you notice this gorgeous art deco building, the Oakland Towne Center. Formerly the Pontiac State Bank Building, it has been Pontiac's tallest building since 1929. Chief Pontiac, the leader of the Ottawa Indians in the early 1700's, is depicted in sculpture. The white terracotta accents at the top make it look very distinctive and gothic, begging one to explore the upper reaches of this unique skyscraper.

Elwood Bar and Grill in Detroit

Sandwiched in between Ford Field and Comerica Park is a uniquely restored art deco bar called the Elwood. Because it was in the way of the construction of our baseball park, it was moved to its present location on Adams and Brush and everyone's glad they saved this gem. It opened in 1936 on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Woodward from which they got the name El and Wood and put them together. The inside has a beautiful polished long wooden bar.  In the summertime, people crowd around the picnic tables on the patio. From here, it's 56 steps to the ballpark to watch Miguel Cabrera hit a homerun. Only 39 days until they toss out the first ball!