Cork and Gabel was where we had our second date! It has a fantastic brunch and is in Corktown, a great place to grab a bite to eat before seeing the recently restored Detroit Train Station. Bring sunglasses in honor of Sam wearing them throughout the date because of the large windows and strong natural light. If you have a taste for spice, ask them for their house made hot sauce- or grab the chorizo for breakfast like Kevin!

A regular favorite of ours, Hudson Cafe is only a block away from the Element! There tends to be a line out the door (though they've recently expanded!)- so grabbing reservation can be necessary. You cannot go wrong with what you order- but we recommend subbing out toast for one of their specialty pancakes- Kevin's favorite is the Cinnabun and Sam's are the Oreo!

A block away from the hotel is one of our favorite pizza places: Mootz Pizzeria. You can grab by the slice in the front or sit down and enjoy a whole pie. Our favorites are the Juliet (Sam) and the Buffalo Chicken (Kevin). When you're done, you can head out through the alley and take in the multiple art installations from locals, grab a quick cocktail at the Skip or a fancy one at the Standby.

Need a quick bite for lunch? Frita's is a great place to grab a cuban sandwich (Fritas) and a shake (Batidos). Their fries are to die for. The restaurant originated in Ann Arbor and was a college staple for Sam and recently opened a Detroit location. Across the alley is an MDen, so you can gear up in Maize and Blue and fit right into Sam's college life.

Definitely on the pricier side, but if you'd like a nice dinner out in Detroit SheWolf is our favorite. Italian cuisine inspired by Rome, there is not a bad dish you can get. It is our favorite place to celebrate life's big (and sometimes small) moments. And be sure to save room for dessert: the chocolate gelato is to die for.

Michigan Central Train Station has been restored over the past few years, between pumping out football fields worth of water to using 3D printing to bring back the original artistic architecture, this is a great place to explore and learn the history of Detroit, if you have time Saturday or before you head home on Sunday.

If you're in the mood for a sweet treat, look no further than Bon Bon Bon! There's multiple locations (including one right next to the Element in Parkers Alley). These chocolate confections are a favorite in our house, and we get the seasonal collections regularly- get the Bumpy Cake or Creme Brulee for the most decadent one bite. If you do venture to Canfield Street, be sure to check out City Bird and Nest- two of Sam's favorite stores. They're filled with unique finds from stationary to plants and everything in between. Shinola has a storefront as well, and it's always a treat to window shop locally made watches and leather goods with a coffee. You can also check out Jack White's Third Man Records. Depending on the day you can see the pressing of vinyls, and pick up some classics or explore smaller artists within this vast collection.

If you're willing to risk the cold, Detroit has a path bordering the Detroit River with art installments and great views. Whether you start in downtown or near Atwater, you can wave across the river to Canada! And if you do end up near Atwater- check out Atwater Brewery- it's Kevin's volleyball team's favorite stop, home to great local beer and delicious craft cocktails. If you happen there for lunch, Kevin insists you get the chicken fingers.

Our engagement location! Kevin scoped out Belle Isle-first the conservatory and second the fountain- to tie Detroit heavily into our love story. Even in the winter the beauty of this island park is visible. You can also commiserate with Sam at the cold temperatures as Kevin decided to propose outdoors in February.

Have an hour or a day to get lost? The DIA is the perfect place to do so! Whether looking at historical artifacts or taking in Diego Riveria's massive Detroit Industry Mural there is so much to see here. Special exhibitions include a highlight of Detroit art and street style through the 7mile and Livernois collection and Painting with Silk- which focuses on the art of embrodiery.

If you have your Saturday morning free- check out Eastern Market! You can catch us here on any odd weekend with our wagon and a coffee. It's been operating for over 150 years and has a wide variety of goods- from fresh meat and vegetables to teas and flowers. Most vendors take credit cards but it doesn't hurt to keep some cash on hand - and a few totes for any purchases (it's a bagless market). Don't forget to stop at DeVries on the corner of the market- beyond it's first floor of delicious cheese and international wonders, the third floor is home to Michigan home goods from local artists- and has the first operational elevator still in use! There's also a brewery and distillery close if you feel up to a drink!

A fantastic place to experience American History, and only 25 minutes away. Whether 4th grade field trip mainstay Greenfield Village and walk through Abraham Lincoln's Log Cabin, or exploring the museum and seeing the bus Rosa Parks held her seat, there's so much to learn and take in.

Our first date location, Valentine's Distillery will forever hold a special place in our hearts and our story. Our first time there we easily enjoyed conversations and fantastic drinks for five hours until they closed. And Kevin made the memory even sweeter by planning a surprise engagement party here as well. The Floradora and the Dark Chocolate Cherry Coke are never wrong choices.

Our almost venue! The Highlands boasts gorgeous 360 degree views of Detroit from the top of the Ren Cen. If you're in the mood for a late night cocktail and the city in lights, the Highlands is where it is at.

Our favorite cocktail bar (in the city), Sugar House has an everchanging menu and more cocktail options than you could imagine. It's cozy vibes in Corktown make this a wonderful date night for us, or possibly a great way to cap off the first night in town.