Morning, Afternoon, & Evening Date Ideas – Detroit, Michigan

Summer is the best time to be in love, because you feel invigorated to go out, explore new places, and have late nights. As a native Detroiter, I wanted to share some of my favorite date ideas for new loves, established couples, locals, and visitors to my favorite city.

 

 

“Paris might be the city of love, but in my opinion, Detroit is a close second.”

 

Maybe I’m biased because Detroit and the metro area is where Matt and I fell in love, but this city seems so romantic to me. Paris might be the city of love, but in my opinion, Detroit is a close second. Below you’ll find a wide range of date ideas for this magical Motor City. Don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know if you try any of these suggestions!

 

Morning Date ($-$$)

 

One of my favorite places in Detroit is Eastern Market. Matt and I love to visit here early on weekend mornings and just spend some time wandering and perusing all the vendors with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s also where I’ve gotten so many of my plant babies from. It is the perfect place for a first or second date since all the different vendors and things to see are great conversation starters. It is free entry so how much it costs depends solely on what you buy. There are flower vendors, farmers, candle makers, seamstresses, bakers, gardeners, and so much more inside! They’re open year round on Saturday mornings from 7am-4pm. From June through September they’re open from 10am-4pm on Sundays and 9am-3pm on Tuesdays.

If you haven’t already eaten too many snacks and treats at Eastern Market, head on over to the Parks and Rec Diner. Sorry to mislead you, but no. This diner is not Pawnee, Indiana, or Leslie Knope themed. But it is still amazing and delicious! My favorite thing on the menu is their Vanilla Custard Pancakes. Yum. Plus, you get to eat inside a castle so it’s basically the most romantic diner you’ll ever go to in your whole entire life.

 

 

Afternoon Date ($$)

 

This wouldn’t be a blog post about Detroit if it didn’t include Buddy’s Pizza, now would it? I don’t think any glowing review I can give of this place will be better than anything that’s already been said by so many others, but Buddy’s is literally some of the best pizza ever. My brother-in-law who is a Chicago native even said so. And if a native Chicagoan says the pizza is as good as Chicago pizza, you know it’s good. My favorite thing to get here is the Lake Superior, but you really can’t go wrong with any option. Head to the Conant Street location because you’re heading to one of my all time favorite places next.

 

 

Now that you’ve got a very full stomach it’s time to do some walking and strolling at Belle Isle. There is so many things to see and do here, but one of my favorites is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. It is the oldest continually-running conservatory in the U.S. and is the perfect afternoon date spot. There are five sections: the Palm House, the Tropical House, the Cactus House, a sunken Fernery, and the Show House. Explore them all or just wander through a few. Admission and parking are free.

 

 

After all that walking around, head to Sister Pie for some dessert. As you might know, I’m number five in a family of six girls so I’m a huge fan of sisters. Coincidentally, I’m also a huge fan of pie so this place is a win-win for me. This adorable little shop has the cutest interior, delicious pies, and amazing gluten-free + vegan brownies and cookies. They even have beet pie which sounds so strange, but tastes so good.

 

 

If your date is going amazingly well and you’re not quite ready to say goodbye just yet, swing by Great Lakes Coffee Company for a drink. This is one of Matt and I’s all time favorite spots. Their chai latte is truly the best one I have ever had.

Nighttime Date ($$-$$$)

 

As you can probably tell by the amount of photoshoots I have here, the Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the best places in the whole city. On Friday nights, this spectacular museum is open until 10pm making it the perfect date night idea. Not only are they open late, but they frequently have nighttime weekend events of performances, screenings, and live music so be sure to check their event calendar.

 

 

After a magical night at the museum, head over to the Grey Ghost for a nice dinner. The wait here can sometimes be a little long (it’s worth it), so try making a reservation beforehand. If you can’t get a reservation they usually have seats at the counter open where you can sip on something while you wait. The ambiance here is so romantic and their food is amazing. I recommend the fried poussin, but you really can’t go wrong with any choice!

 

There you have some of my best date suggestions to wrap up your summer. If you try any of these ideas and end up getting engaged you have to book me as your photographer, sorry I don’t make the rules.

 

Have an amazing, love-filled, romantic season everyone!

 

Liv