Motown Museum

 2648 West Grand Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan 48208
(313) 875-2264

http://www.motownmuseum.org/

 My '01 Bullitt and Arkansas Mike's '67 Bullitt Replica

These two houses were the home to the Motown Sound from 1959 to 1972.  Berry Gordy ran Motown like a automotive production line and subsequently created a steady stream of hits through the '60's and '70's.  Between 1961 and 1971, Motown had 110 Top 10 hit records.

Visiting this museum, one will appreciate the effort that the Motown group put forth to generate their vast succession of hits.  The infamous 'Garage Band' label from the '90's does not hold water in Detroit.  Motown was recording in the garage of the house on the right since 1959.

If one wanted a Motown audition, you had to work the front office of Motown Records first and acts were subjected to a 'Finishing' school.

The museum is open from Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The Motown Museum is a nice visit on a Saturday afternoon.  One will appreciate what Motown did to generate their hit's in the '60's and early '70's.

Nancy Whiskey Pub

2644 Harrison Street

Detroit, MI

313-962-4247

http://www.nancywhiskeydetroit.com/

Nancy Whiskey's is located on the far North side of Corktown.  It's North of I-75 which one would think that it is not in the Corktown area, but apparently it is.

Nancy Whiskey was first open as a bar in 1902.  It was also was a Speakeasy during Prohibition and had a significant fire in 2009.  

I have visited NW twice over the last 9 months; just for drinks.  It is a classic neighborhood bar albeit it's patrons are not local but from around the Detroit area.  They have a good selection of domestic and local microbrews as well as a Guinness tap which is a requirement for an Irish Pub.  I have found that the bartenders and waitstaff are outstanding.

I have not sampled their Fish Fry on Friday's yet, but they are significant enough to be featured in a Long John Silver's commercial :).  On Saturday's they feature live music.  I have not had the opportunity to witness the music, but I imagine the bands feature a mouth organ or a sax or both.

Since Whiskey Nancy is North of the central Corktown area of Detroit, I was told it was a good place to hang out during the St. Patrick's Day Parade festivities; crowded, but manageable.

Whiskey Nancy's is yet another Detroit bar that has well over a 100 year history.  Give it a try, just be aware that it is located on a residential street and subsequently there are not any other commercial establishments in the general area.

Ste. Anne de Detroit

Catholic Church

1000 Ste. Anne Street

Detroit, MI  48216

 313-496-1701

http://www.ste-anne.org/

Located on the southern edge of Mexicantown near the Ambassador Bridge, Ste. Anne de Detroit is the oldest Catholic parish east of the Mississippi and the second oldest Catholic parish in the United States.  Ste Anne was the first structure built in Detroit with construction starting on July 26, 1701 on Ste. Annes Feast Day by the first Detroit settlers led by Antoine Cadillac.  The current church is the 8th Ste. Anne's and was built in 1886. 

Like most Detroit church's built during the 1880's, Ste. Anne's has a very elaborate interior.  The stained glass windows feature several saints.  Each stain glass has a plaque which identifies the donator.  Famous Detroit names like Beaubian and Vernor are featured.

St. Guillaume with his foot on Satan's neck - One Tough Dude

Ste. Anne has a 5:00 PM Mass on Saturday as well as two masses on Sunday; 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM.  The 10:00 AM Mass is in Spanish.  Like most historic Catholic churches in Detroit, the Saturday masses are lightly attended.  Don't be surprised if Ste. Anne's priest gives you a warm welcome.

 

If you are in Mexicantown to enjoy the various Mexican restaurants and bakeries, cruise over to Ste. Anne's and check out the early history of Detroit.