Looking for a long weekend road trip at a SPG (i.e. Sheraton) Hotel for low points (my husband accumulated a lot of points during training for his job), I stumbled across the Four Points by Sheraton near the Detroit Metro Airport. 2,000 to 3,000 points a night is lower than anything I could find! To add to that, my husband has dreamed of going to the North American International Auto Show probably since he was a little boy. So here we are.
This morning we left at around 6:00 a.m. for a 6 hour car ride to Detroit. We stopped for lunch at Joe's Crab Shack in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The food and the service was really good but the best part was when we received the bill. This is one of many locations where Joe's Crab Shack is eliminating tipping. They are paying their workers a decent hourly wage. Credit card slips don't even have a line for tipping.
After checking into our hotel, we went to Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room at their Royal Oak location. This is like visiting 8 local wineries all at once. They have wines from eight Michigan wineries. As I speak, I am enjoying the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from Sandhill Crane Vineyards. I also picked up the 2013 Lemberger from Domaine Berrien Cellars and the 2013 Chardonnay from Peninsula Cellars. They offer a full flight tasting of 2 ounces of 5 different wines with cheese and chocolate or a mini flight tasting of 2 ounces of 3 different wines (with no feed). They also have other local products (sodas, toffee, chocolates, cheese, etc.).
We returned to the hotel and enjoyed a quiet evening in. The hotel is really nice. It is in the middle of a remodel and so the pool and hot tub are currently closed as well as the full restaurant. Although our room isn't fancy, it clearly has been remodeled and is quite comfortable with a lounge chair, desk, fridge, and microwave.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Detroit Trip - Sunday, January 17, 2016
I apologize for the lack of pictures. I left the camera in the hotel room. It was a different experience touring without it.
After exercising and eating breakfast in the room, we headed to the Detroit Institute of Art. This was one of my favorite art museums ever (behind the Prado in Madrid, Spain). The collection was diverse. They had some big artists' work on display. And the building matched the work on display. The work was organized in different themes and with each theme came different flooring, walls, doorways, features, etc. to match the theme. It really added to the experience.
My husband enjoyed British artist John Hoppner and his many works of art on display.
The Diego Rivera mural was amazing. He lived in Detroit for a year from April of 1932 to March of 1933. Diego and his wife, Frida Kahlo lived in the Park Shelton Hotel near the museum. He used the Rouge Plan as his inspiration. It is a 27 panel and the manor in which it was painted (tempura paint on wet plaster) required that a panel be completed in one sitting. If they didn't finish or the paint dried out, they would have to start all over on that panel. This is the same technique used in Italy in places such as the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo so that the paint becomes a part of the wall and thus, stands up to time.
The subject matter of the painting is the auto industry and a political statement. It shows the divide between employer and employee and documents the day in the life of a factory worker. There is an image of a boss sitting at a desk in front of what looks like a giant ear. One of the art museum staff explained that workers were paid by the day and received their pay at the end of each day. This made it easy to let an employee go if they complained or for any other reason. There were so many willing to take their place. There are so many images and details that you can easily get lost in. Read more about it here.
I also really enjoyed three paintings that were inspired by poetry. I will have to spend some time with the poems. The first painting is by Joshua Reynolds titled The Cottages inspired by James Thomposn's poem The Seasons. The second was a painting by William Maw Egley titled Talking Oak inspired by a poem of the same name by Alred Lord Tennyson. And the third was a painting by Samuel Richards titled Evangeline Discovering her Affianced in the Hospital which depicts a scene in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie.
Paintings by some of the most famous artists include:
We enjoyed a lunch/dinner at the Matador Restaurant. Although the chips and salsa were not that good, the food was decent. Just beware they put chili on many of their dishes. As a vegetarian, I was not impressed when my enchiladas came with beef chili poured over them. They were more than willing to fix it and sent us home with the wrong dish for my husband to enjoy later.
After exercising and eating breakfast in the room, we headed to the Detroit Institute of Art. This was one of my favorite art museums ever (behind the Prado in Madrid, Spain). The collection was diverse. They had some big artists' work on display. And the building matched the work on display. The work was organized in different themes and with each theme came different flooring, walls, doorways, features, etc. to match the theme. It really added to the experience.
My husband enjoyed British artist John Hoppner and his many works of art on display.
The Diego Rivera mural was amazing. He lived in Detroit for a year from April of 1932 to March of 1933. Diego and his wife, Frida Kahlo lived in the Park Shelton Hotel near the museum. He used the Rouge Plan as his inspiration. It is a 27 panel and the manor in which it was painted (tempura paint on wet plaster) required that a panel be completed in one sitting. If they didn't finish or the paint dried out, they would have to start all over on that panel. This is the same technique used in Italy in places such as the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo so that the paint becomes a part of the wall and thus, stands up to time.
The subject matter of the painting is the auto industry and a political statement. It shows the divide between employer and employee and documents the day in the life of a factory worker. There is an image of a boss sitting at a desk in front of what looks like a giant ear. One of the art museum staff explained that workers were paid by the day and received their pay at the end of each day. This made it easy to let an employee go if they complained or for any other reason. There were so many willing to take their place. There are so many images and details that you can easily get lost in. Read more about it here.
I also really enjoyed three paintings that were inspired by poetry. I will have to spend some time with the poems. The first painting is by Joshua Reynolds titled The Cottages inspired by James Thomposn's poem The Seasons. The second was a painting by William Maw Egley titled Talking Oak inspired by a poem of the same name by Alred Lord Tennyson. And the third was a painting by Samuel Richards titled Evangeline Discovering her Affianced in the Hospital which depicts a scene in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie.
Paintings by some of the most famous artists include:
- Vincent van Gogh
- The Digger
- Portrait of Postman Roulin
- Still Life with Carnations
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- Graziella
- Clearing the Woods
- The Spanish Guitarist
- Pablo Picasso
- Sylvette
- Fruit, Carafe, and Glass
After a morning at the art museum, we planned to have lunch at a middle eastern restaurant half-way between the art museum and the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant but found that it was closed. So since we weren't all that hungry we just continued on as the snow was swirling around our feet and the wind blew.
I'm going to pass the computer over to my husband to tell you about the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant where we had a really neat tour about the Model T.
Today (1/17/16) we went to the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit. http://www.fordpiquetteavenueplant.org/
The plant/museum is usually closed this time of the year but was open because of the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show). We stood in the rooms where the Model T was designed and built by hand. They had preserved Henry Ford’s office, but it was said that he almost never was at his desk as he was out doing things. The only known picture of him in his office was on display. Right outside his office was a Model T, serial number 220, the oldest model known to exist (sorry about the poor pic, it was a cell phone quick shot as we forgot to bring the camera, the website shows pics inside the plant).
All Model Ts at this plant were built by hand and it took 12 hours to build one car. There were several stations and workers would bring the parts to assemble the car at each station. It was said that the plant once employed about 1,600 workers. Model Ts cost $850 when produced at this plant. Henry Ford wanted everyone to be able to afford his car and was struggling to keep up with demand so Ford built a plant in Highland Park in 1913 where Ford invented the automotive assembly line which ultimately cut the production time for a vehicle from 12 hours to 12 minutes! The lowest price the Model T sold for in the 1920s was $260 per vehicle which was only a couple months wages for most workers. You’ll note that the #220 Model T was Red, when the assembly moved to Highland Park it could only be purchased in black to keep costs down. The plant was idle when Ford vacated until Studebaker moved in and made cars until the Great Depression forced them to close. Since then the plant was vacant and occupied by 3M at one time, but mostly remained unchanged. The plant is owned by a not-for-profit organization who purchased the plant to preserve it and to open it for tours around the year 2000. They didn’t own a lot of cars themselves but they did own a late model Ford GT which was on display as well, amongst the various other vehicles such as Models A, S, etc. along with some of their competitors. They had the frame/shell of a Ford GT I got to lift one end of, I was amazed how light it was! The museum also contained a Mustang that was built for Henry Ford II.
At one point, in the neighborhood of the Piquette Plant there were 22 car makers competing with each other, when the Ford assembly line was invented, most of them went out of business.
It was interesting to hear that the Dodge brothers, Cadillac and Oldsmobile all either worked for Ford or were jointly in business with him at one point early on.
The plant was neat as it was simple and Henry Ford had some neat design touches to help avoid or mitigate the risk of fire, which was one of the biggest threats to businesses back then. Wooden columns were rounded off since fire clings to sharp edges and spreads fire (rounded edges thus slow the fire from spreading)! Also, there was a sprinkler system that used gravity and a water basin on the room and there were large fire doors slanting down and held by rope, so if a fire spread in that room and burned the rope, the doors would automatically close to avoid the spread of fire to the other rooms. There was also fire insulation in the floors and ceilings.
The tour guide was a younger, very knowledgable and enthusiastic person! He was very nice and found us a microwave so Rebecca could warm up her hand warmers as the plant was freezing cold and we had almost a mile walk back to the Art Museum where we parked.
We enjoyed a lunch/dinner at the Matador Restaurant. Although the chips and salsa were not that good, the food was decent. Just beware they put chili on many of their dishes. As a vegetarian, I was not impressed when my enchiladas came with beef chili poured over them. They were more than willing to fix it and sent us home with the wrong dish for my husband to enjoy later.
Detroit Trip - Monday, January 18, 2016
Our goal today was the Henry Ford Museum and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.
We were on the first tour bus to the factory with only five other individuals. At the plant they have two short films, the second being in a theater with special effects that we found a little bit gimmicky. The first film featured Henry Ford and all the good he did for his company and the employees. For example, he doubled wages at one point from around $2.30 a day to $5.00 a day. It was quite the contrast from what Diego Rivera portrayed in his mural at the Detroit Institute of Art.
Following the two films, they take you up to an observation platform above the plant where you can see their green roof, one of the first of its kind, and view the vast expanse of the plant. Here are a few photos:
The next step was a tour of the actual plant from an elevated walkway that circled part of the plant. As it was Martin Luther King Day, the plant was not in operation unfortunately but it was still neat to see.
The final part of the tour is a museum of the transformation of Ford cars through the years.
We took the shuttle bus back to the Henry Ford Museum and realized the craziness of it being a free day. The place was packed with families and so we didn't last as long as we probably would have on a quieter day but there was some cool stuff to see.
Lunch was at the Michigan Cafe at the Museum and it was so good! They also focused on fresh and local ingredients.
My favorite part was the trains. Here are a few photos:
Some other highlights included:
The 2011 Ford Fusion that Trevor Bayne drove to win the 2011 Daytona 500.
Here are the early campers:
The huge crowds tired us out so we didn't spend as much time as we probably otherwise would have but we still spent 5 hours at the Henry Ford Museum and Rouge Plant.
We were on the first tour bus to the factory with only five other individuals. At the plant they have two short films, the second being in a theater with special effects that we found a little bit gimmicky. The first film featured Henry Ford and all the good he did for his company and the employees. For example, he doubled wages at one point from around $2.30 a day to $5.00 a day. It was quite the contrast from what Diego Rivera portrayed in his mural at the Detroit Institute of Art.
Following the two films, they take you up to an observation platform above the plant where you can see their green roof, one of the first of its kind, and view the vast expanse of the plant. Here are a few photos:
The next step was a tour of the actual plant from an elevated walkway that circled part of the plant. As it was Martin Luther King Day, the plant was not in operation unfortunately but it was still neat to see.
The final part of the tour is a museum of the transformation of Ford cars through the years.
We took the shuttle bus back to the Henry Ford Museum and realized the craziness of it being a free day. The place was packed with families and so we didn't last as long as we probably would have on a quieter day but there was some cool stuff to see.
Lunch was at the Michigan Cafe at the Museum and it was so good! They also focused on fresh and local ingredients.
My favorite part was the trains. Here are a few photos:
Last, but not least, the snowplow.
Some other highlights included:
The 2011 Ford Fusion that Trevor Bayne drove to win the 2011 Daytona 500.
Here are the early campers:
The revolution of car seats.
A van from my husband's childhood.
The car Kennedy was assassinated in.
An earlier Northwest Airlines plane.
Wingwalkers
An interactive station (one of many) where kids could test their ability to make a good airplane.
The bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man and thus was arrested. (There was a huge line for the opportunity to board the bus so we didn't bother getting any closer.)
The chair Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated.
And of course a Wienermobile.
The huge crowds tired us out so we didn't spend as much time as we probably otherwise would have but we still spent 5 hours at the Henry Ford Museum and Rouge Plant.
Detroit Trip - Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Today was the day. We set the alarm, getting up early, and headed for downtown Detroit well before the North American International Auto Show began, taking into consideration rush hour traffic. We had about ten minutes to spare and waited in line for the doors to open. When the doors opened, we made a beeline for the other side of the show where the German cars were (stopping at a few highlights on the way, of course), and really enjoyed the part where the crowds are really light.
I'll let my husband share his thoughts before I end with my people-watching photos.
The cars I was most impressed by included the S class Mercedes, BMW M2 and BMW X6M. Maybe another trip to South Carolina to pick up a new M2 may be in order! Either that or a lighter used S class or X6M with a certified warranty for a few years for almost half price of new (new prices are way out of reach at over $100k. The cars I was most disappointed in were the new Honda Civic (very cheap materials) and new Chevy Cruze (I honestly think my 2003 Cavalier was nicer inside, ouch!). I learned to appreciate the Boxster again as many new cars are very cheap inside!
After several hours at the show, we walked over to the Renaissance Center, stopping at the Rice Bowl Asian Kitchen at the Millender Center on the way. The food was really good, fast and fresh.
We took a tour of the Renaissance Center which included a trip up to the 72nd floor of the Center which houses Coach Insignia, a fine dining restaurant with views to die for. It brought back memories of sharing a meal there over 6 years ago while my husband had training in Detroit.
We walked along the Riverwalk and back to our car so that we could head back to the hotel and enjoy some quiet time.
Dinner was at Beirut Restaurant just a half mile walk from our hotel.
I'll let my husband share his thoughts before I end with my people-watching photos.
The cars I was most impressed by included the S class Mercedes, BMW M2 and BMW X6M. Maybe another trip to South Carolina to pick up a new M2 may be in order! Either that or a lighter used S class or X6M with a certified warranty for a few years for almost half price of new (new prices are way out of reach at over $100k. The cars I was most disappointed in were the new Honda Civic (very cheap materials) and new Chevy Cruze (I honestly think my 2003 Cavalier was nicer inside, ouch!). I learned to appreciate the Boxster again as many new cars are very cheap inside!
Cobo Hall
Here are a few photos of the crowds, or lack thereof, and general pictures that first hour.
Acura Precision
Acura NSX
Volvo S90
Porsche Boxster Spyder
Porsche 911s
VW Beetle Convertible Denim Model
VW Beetle Dune Model
BMW M2
BMW X6M
Audi h-tron quattro
(The side mirrors have been replaced by small cameras and the rearview mirror has been replaced with a small screen reflecting to the side and back of the car, supposedly eliminating blind spots.
This Kia may look like a toy in the picture but I assure you that it is life size.
Dodge Charger Hellcat (with car seats in the back!)
Half the fun of the show was the people watching. Here are a few photos for your entertainment.
I've never seen someone so excited about a Smart Car.
People take pictures of everything!
I'm not sure what he was doing so intently. It looks like he must be important.
He's clearly not a happy camper.
She is not only missing the cars, but all the interesting people that walk by or take pictures of her.
Bored so early in the day?
Taking selfies - She was many walking around offering to have people take selfies.
His presence speaks volumes in this photo.
So many photographers!
Some a bit younger than others.
Is this the "Red Hat Club" of men?
Most probably walked right past her, not even seeing her. Who do you expect keeps the cars shining beautiful under the lights?
Peaking in to look at the dash, not realizing the door is unlocked.
Three generations of car lovers.
Radio Station WJR live at the Show
The Crowds as we left two hours later
We took a tour of the Renaissance Center which included a trip up to the 72nd floor of the Center which houses Coach Insignia, a fine dining restaurant with views to die for. It brought back memories of sharing a meal there over 6 years ago while my husband had training in Detroit.
Here are photos of the Renaissance Center
Looking up
The Show Room at the Renaissance Center
Views from the 72nd Floor
Don't look down
Chrysler Factory where they build the Jeep
Windsor, Canada on the left bank, Detroit on the right
Comerica Park where the Tigers play
Cobo Hall
Ford Field where the Lions play
A Range Rover and a Ford Explorer - The one on the left cost twice as much as the one on the right but they look the same.
Food for Thought
We walked along the Riverwalk and back to our car so that we could head back to the hotel and enjoy some quiet time.
Dinner was at Beirut Restaurant just a half mile walk from our hotel.
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