The morning of “the most epic wedding of all time” I explored Detroit. After exploring DC, and spending a few days in Pennsylvania once upon a time, I have come to a conclusion. East coast architecture is waayyy different than west coast architecture. I’ve also realized I have a slight fascination with buildings, and I like to take photos of them.
Detroit has a bizarre vibe to it. Among some of the most rundown buildings, are the most beautiful cathedrals/churches I have ever seen (until I make my way to Ireland!)
One building in particular that I couldn’t get enough of was this one…
Absolutely stunning.
Wandering Detroit didn’t last long once Megan and I realized we were the only two people walking the streets in search of adventure. Everyone else was either waiting for a bus (or God knows what else..) or hustling to work. We stuck out like a buck tooth.
I couldn’t leave Detroit empty handed though. Along with exploring on foot I had to experience the city in one of two ways – food, or coffee. I chose the latter.
Let me just say, I have never been so intellectually stimulated when it comes to coffee. The sleeve says it all – the art and science of coffee. The Roasting Plant is a hidden gem right in the heart of downtown Detroit. I enjoyed a freshly brewed cup of coffee, just for me.
Found on IG
Walking in to see the above contraption was a bit overwhelming, but after identifying myself as a newbie to the barista behind the counter, I was given full step by step instructions. I’m a devout drip coffee drinker so my instructions were easy – choose which beans you want from the selections in the tubes, and watch the magic happen.
I tend to enjoy smooth, full bodied, medium roast coffees so I chose, “Sulawesi Tana Toraja.” I placed my order, and the beans flew above my head (Willy Wonka Style) to be ground, brewed, and poured into my own personal cup. I was geeking out so hard.
Found on IG
My brew – the closest looking thing to a beer you’ll see me drinking.
This was the coolest coffee experience I’ve had probably…ever. I was so enthralled by my coffee. It was smooth and full bodied, just like this guy below…envision this is me with coffee in one hand and a cookie in the other. OR two cookies…definitely two.
Like a boss.
This post wraps up the recap of my week long vacation. Coming back to work was a bit rough, but how can you be bummed being surrounded by the smells of coffee all day?
Q(s):
- Have you ever been to Detroit?
- Who else would geek out over this coffee experience? Anyone..anyone…Bueller…
Blissfulbritt 
46 thoughts on “Exploring Detroit”
aliceinwonder88
as a native of southeastern michigan (ann arbor) i’m glad you enjoyed the dirty d! detroit gets a bad rap, for legitimate reasons, but it’s a really cool city and it makes me sad whenever i think about it’s wasted potential, although i’m hopeful there will be some sort of revival in the next decade.
jessiebearwhat
Those churches are really cool, but oh yeah, wait till you make your way to Ireland! Crazy beautiful there. Also I feel you on the building obsession- I’ve lived in Chicago forever and I still snap tons of pics. Oh and thank you for the coffee!! Just got your package and it seriously made my week 🙂
Brittany
YAY, so glad you got it! ❤
Meghan
Dang those buildings are stunning! I never would expect that in Detroit, either… Haha your nerdgasms must have been outta control in that coffee shop! It’s like your wet dream come true! 🙂 Welcome back to reality – totally sucks, right?
Amy @ A Desert Girl
I have never visited Detroit. I bet that it is a far different experience to visit today versus back when it was a manufacturing capital. Probably kind of sad to see the transformation.
That coffee shop looks amazing! Love the Willy Wonka style bean set-up!
Lauren
Wow, what a hidden gem, I never knew this existed. Was this near Greektown? I want to go!
Brittany
Yes! Just a few blocks away, GOOGLE IT AND GO!
jessielovestorun
You should have your own tv show – the blissful adventures of coffee w/ Britt 🙂
Brittany
How legit would that be!? With some vegan baking thrown in to go WITH the coffee adventures..YES. I need this show..
kathy@vodka and soda
just going by those pictures, it’s hard to believe that detroit filed for bankruptcy! the place looks gorgeous.
Brittany
There were plenty of examples as to why this town filed for bankruptcy…I just chose not to photograph those. HA. IT was a bizarre feel to the town I tell ya!
di @ life of di.
I am pretty close to Detroit but I’ve never been there. I’ve heard wonderful things about Michigan though. I’ve been to a winter camp there; however, I didn’t get to explore very much! I’m hoping to get to upper Michigan at some point. I’ve heard Mackanac Island is stunning (and there are no cars on the island – only bikes and horses!) 🙂
Jason
I’ve never been to Detroit but it looks freakishly similar to where I live now! I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing…
Emily
Yes! Detroit is pretty RIGHT downtown, near the stadiums and theaters and such.. but… if you go even half a block further than that it’s just abandoned warehouses.. and other not so wonderful things… I don’t doubt you were the only ones wandering the streets! It’s usually only when there is an event going on that there is anyone walking around down there. It’s just plain not safe, aside from those few streets that it looks like you were around. High crime rates to begin with and due to a lot of government and financial issues, there isn’t enough public safety or police around to help, making it even more dangerous. It’s sad because it’s our largest city but my city (Grand Rapids – on the West side) is growing immensely and starting to make up for the lackluster of the dirty-D. If you ever come back to MI I’ll gladly take you on a tour! 🙂
Brittany
AH, I’m glad we didn’t find any super sketch areas haha. I’ll be sure to take you up on that tour offer if I’m back in the area! 😉
Catherine @ A Two Storey Home
Beautiful! I went to Detroit a few summers ago with a group of the youth I work with through church. We did a community/urban gardening service trip, and it was so cool. The city has so much character and such a story to tell!
brittanylesser
Looks gorgeous!!! I’ve never been, but I want to travel everywhere haha. I would EASILY get excited over many coffee experiences;)
Matt
Great post, and awesome photos! I’m glad you took the time to explore some of Detroit’s architecture. 🙂 We locals know about it, but rarely, if ever, seems to be publicized outside of SE Michigan. I’m also glad you found a cool coffee shop!
Laura
I love exploring the towns I visit – and these show how unique Detroit is! Thanks for sharing!
Change of Pace
The buildings are gorgeous! I love east coast architecture and history, too. It certainly stands out.
If you haven’t been to New Orleans, you’d find that city fascinating too 🙂
That coffee shop must have been a dream for you!
Brittany
New Orleans is DEFINITELY on my bucket list!
Lou
I would TOTALLY geek out over this coffee extravaganza!!! Amaziiiiiiiing!
Brittany
LOUUUUUUU!!!! Your comment has made my day!!! Miss you. ❤
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I have cousins in Detroit!! It’s an interesting city to be sure. I’m so glad you had a fabulous vacation and got up see all the sights, sounds, and smells. Because coffee obviously has a smell, a like a boss smell. 😉
sincerelylily
ahhhh yay!!! i can’t wait for you to see the pics we took with the photographer, we went to two art-deco styled buildings and OMGEEE. I’m so glad you loved exploring and that coffee place I have heard of- I meant to suggest it b/c I know you are obsessed. so happy you enjoyed yourself! NEXT TIME YOU VISIT, we are totally going to Greek Town (that is kind of famous in detroit) and then Pirate is taking us on the lake. So don’t visit in the winter.
YAYAYYAYAYAYY I’m so honored you called the wedding most epic. It was a blast but far too short!!!! BUT NOW WE CAN PLAN MORE TRIPS OF VISITS 🙂
did you see the Detroit Library ? That is one of my favorite buildings everrrrrrr. Also, you are brave to explore. I am glad you and Meg stayed in the safer areas and didn’t end up in a burnt out building, dealing coffee beans.
Brittany
OMGGG I want to see your pics nowwww!! I didn’t see the library..SAD!!
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
Loving all those pictures. Those buildings are so pretty.
I’ve not been to Detroit but when I do a US trip I’d definitely want to visit.
Britta
Wow, I have never been to Detroit but I didn’t imagine it to look like that at all. Not that I thought it wasn’t a beautiful city but man, these buildings are incredible!! For some reason I was expecting more industrial-looking buildings.. weird. Mmmm, I would have chosen coffee too. That place you went to looks so cool and ugh, coffee just makes my world go round.
ps, I ran out of coffee and forgot to buy more so right now I am drinking a match almond milk latte (I made it) but I would KILL for a cup of the black stuff right meow!
Olive to Run
I’ve never been but this post makes me want to. Beautiful buildings!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
I’ve been to Detroit and loved it! The Roasting Plant looks like the bomb dot com! What an awesome experience and cup of coffee! I seriously can’t wait until your first trip to Rome or London or Paris… you are going to die of amazement with the architecture and beauty of the buildings!
Brittany
I cannot wait for that travel adventure omggg.
Rach @ This Italian Family
That coffee place looks crazy! Christopher would be in heaven there! And isn’t it crazy how different parts of the US have completely different architecture?!
Amalia
You do realize that now I have to go to Detroit to geek out on coffee right? Thanks for that!
Also, sometimes I really miss East Coast architecture.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
Did you find my future hubby in Detroit? YOU know what I am talking about. LMFAO. Or maybe you have no idea what I am talking about! #MYSTERY
Choc Chip Uru
Detroit is so not run down like everyone thinks of it, stunning architecture!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Melanie
I love all of your building pictures. They are so beautiful! I’ve never been to Detroit, but it looks like an awesome place!
Hannah
I would totally geek out over that coffee experience! That’s amazing, and I would never expect it in Detroit. Just goes to show!
Christina Does It All
Eeeee I love love love Detroit! You definitely did it justice with these awesome photos!
Amy
That coffee shop is so totally you!! As a chemistry nerd, I’d be having a blast too. And yes, that East Coast architecture… As much as I love the West Coast weather, the East Coast will always have my heart with its gorgeous old-fashioned buildings. Brick and stone are my favorites! 🙂 I’ve only been in Detroit a couple of hours for a Tigers baseball game during high school, but it’d be fun to go back someday!
Life After Swimming
Love some of the old buildings on this side of the country! Some are so stunning!
Food, Booze, & Baggage
My husband would totally flip over that coffee shop!! Did you see my post on the pour-over method?…all from the husband, very geek-ed out coffee brewing description 🙂 Beautiful pictures and love the theme for the wedding…very cool.
apartmentwife
coffee beans flying over your head willy wonka style? this sounds like of a like a dream come true. gorgeous pictures 🙂
Rachel G
I’ve never been in Downtown Detroit–just driven past it or gone to the Henry Ford Museum or the Zoo outside the city–the pictures look intriguing.
Megan
That coffee shop was awesome! Your pictures came out great!
Elizabeth
loved this post! what a neat way to explore and that coffee brewery. holy cow so neat!
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