A day in Detroit. Washtenaw Voice Files
By Catherine Engstrom-Hadley
Staff Writer
Summer in Detroit is full of fun and exciting things to do. We all know the basics: eat at slows, go to a slow roll, check out the DIA. But we wanted to give a showcase of the things a little bit off the path that might not be on your radar.
AURA AURA
Get your aura photographed! Go in with a friend or head into the geodesic photography dome to see the color of your energy. Make an appointment ahead of time. Portrait sessions are $37.
4200 W Vernor Hwy., Detroit | Appointments online at auraaura.co
DABLS MBAD AFRICAN BEAD MUSEUM
MBAD African Bread Museum occupies almost an entire city block with over 18 outdoor installations along with a bead gallery. Using primarily rock, iron, wood and mirrors, creating visual storytelling about the human condition. Free admission.
6559 Grand River Ave., Detroit | mbad.org
BELLE ISLE AQUARIUM
The oldest aquarium in the country, the belle isle aquarium is small but absolutely stunning. Reopened in 2012, green opiate glass tiles line the walls and mosaics delight almost as much as the different fish and other marine life they display. The aquarium is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located next to the conservancy and down the street from the Belle Isle Nature Zoo, where you can hand feed the fallow deer twice a day. Admission for the aquarium is free but donations are accepted.
3 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit | belleisleconservancy.org
JOHN K. KING USED AND RARE BOOKS
Home to over a million books, John K. King is sure to have something for everyone who enters. Floors of old and rare books can be found, and it’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering around finding your new favorite read.
901 W Lafayette Blvd | johnkingbooksdetroit.com
TRUMBULLPLEX ZINE LIBRARY
The zine library is only open during events, but is still worth checking out. Zines are small-circulation, self-published works of art and writing, with a wide range of topics. Trumbullplex has been hosting shows, potlucks and its zine library for over 25 years. Check out the event calendar or send an email for more information.
4210 Trumbull Ave., Detroit | trumbullplex.org/zine-library
CINEMA LAMONT
Newer to the scene but absolutely worth the drive are the various films from all around the world screened at Cinema Lamont. The cinemas host a series of events around the community, including the Arab Film Festival. Upcoming screenings include Cinetopia Film Festival picks.
4126 3rd Ave., Detroit | cinemalamont.com
