Third Man Records

441 West Canfield

Detroit, MI  48201

(313)-209-5205

http://thirdmanrecords.com/about/detroit-storefront/

Third Man Records is a record store and vinyl record production facility (sometime in 2016) located in Midtown Detroit on West Canfield.  It is owned by Jack White of White Stripes, Raconteurs & The Dead Weather fame.  It is his second Third Man Record facility, the first was opened in Nashville in 2009.  

This facility sells vinyl records of artists produced by White's Third Man record label.  Artists include, besides all of Jack White's bands, Olivia Jean, Rory Scovel,  Seasick Steve, Pokey LaFarge among others.  

Besides LPs, Third Man also sells re-pressings of original Sun Studio and Tamala (Berry Gordy's record label prior to Motown) 45s.   

In addition to vinyl records (note that Third Man does not sell any other music format), there are a large variety of Third Man logo'd items like t-shirts, label pins, turntable pads, mugs, tumblers, etc.  

I was very impressed with Third Man's audio system.  Can't go wrong with McIntosh amps.

Third Man Records is a cool place just to hang out.  Besides '40's/'50's era listening booths (with turntables and headphones), there also is a small stage for bands to play.  Third Man also makes available a selection of electric guitars and amps if one wants to lay down some riffs.   

This block of Canfield is becoming an interesting place to visit.  Besides Third Man, there is the Traffic Jam, Motor City Brewery, Jolly Pumpkin, Willy's and Shinola.  

One thing to note, if you looking to buy some vinyl at Third Man and are not familiar with the artists, I would suggest that you visit the Third Man website and review the music that is available.  

Huron Room

2547 Bagley Ave.

Detroit, MI  48216

(313)-265-3325

http://huronroom.com/

The Huron Room opened in the November of 2015 and is run by the same group that also runs Johnny's Noodle King and the Green Dot Stables.

The Huron Room is located at the intersection of Bagley and 18th Street, diagonally from the Mexican Village restaurant and down the street from the Honey Bee Market.  Although the lines between Mexicantown and Corktown are not very well defined, I believe the Huron Room is located in Mexicantown since it is west of Rosa Parks.

The Huron Room specialty is fresh water fish from the Great Lakes area although they do offer a few beef and poultry entrees.  The fish is prepared in three different ways, Fish & Chips, Fried Fish Sandwich or Grilled Fish Tacos.  The Huron Room also has an interesting variety of appetizers like U.P. Pierogis (beef filled), Fresh Water Hush Puppies (I sampled these and they were great) and Great Lakes Chowder.  Also on their menu are skewers (frog legs, chicken wings, mushrooms and venison) as well as salads.

When we visited, we ordered the Walleye Fish & Chips and really enjoyed them.  We washed this fine meal down with a couple of pints from the Huron's extensive variety of Michigan produced beer.  

The waitstaff was very friendly and the food was served promptly.  Overall we were very satisfied with our experience and will be visiting the Huron Room again in the near future.  I believe the owners of this establishment have another hit on their hands. 

Michigan Central Station
Corktown

Detroit, MI

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Central_Station

The Michigan Central Station is located just off of Michigan Avenue in the Corktown area of Detroit.  When traveling into Downtown Detroit from the West, especially via the Jefferies, it is one of the first structures one sees along with the Ambassador Bridge.

Michigan Central Station was built and placed into service in 1913 and remained in service until 1988.  This structure represents the Beaux-Arts architecture and was designed by the same company that also designed New York's Grand Central Station.  

From 1988 to date, it has been in a state of decay as it turned into an icon of the state of the City of Detroit.  In the heyday of the railroads, it was the first stop for an untold number of visitors and future Detroit residents.

Since 1988, it has been featured in Hollywood movies (Transformers), TV shows (Detroit 187), music videos (Beautiful by Eminem) and a site for urban explorers.  Back in the late '80's/early '90's, it was also a popular location for Detroit Techno Music parties.  

Nowadays it is a popular photo op location for both amateur and professional photographers.  Roosevelt Park, located in front of the station, is the focal point for several events & festivals during the year, including the Tour de Troit bike ride.  http://www.tour-de-troit.org/tourdetroitride

After several years of inactivity and being used as a political pawn by its billionaire owner, it is now undergoing a window replacement project.  What will happen to this structure in the future remains to be seen.  It does appear that it has received a stay of destruction and possibly due to the redevelopment of the local Corktown area, may finally see a usage plan.

The Michigan Central Station is not open for tours but if one is visiting one of the several social/entertainment establishments in Corktown, cruise by and visit a part of the City of Detroit history.