Crew Cuts
Crew Cuts > Flint
Every month, one of our AirTran Airways Crew Members talks to us about a place that is close to their heart.
words by > Christina Kallery
TO NEWCOMERS, Flint, Michigan, might look more industrial big city than cozy little town, but to AirTran Airways customer-service rep Monique Morrison, it’s a refreshingly small—and tight-knit—place to live. “Everyone knows everyone else here, so there’s a defi nite sense of family and community,” she explains. “We take care of each other. We have a lot of community events too, such as carnivals, family socials and outings sponsored by church groups. Flint is a great town.” Morrison should know—she’s been a resident since the age of 7. “I’ve lived here forever, pretty much,” she says, laughing. An AirTran Airways employee of seven and a half years, she is happy to share some of her favorite hometown destinations with Michigan-bound travelers.
Dining Out
“People always talk about how good the food is here,” Morrison says. And there’s a lot to choose from. From steakhouses and soul food to ethnic cuisine and fi ne dining, Flint offers wonderful restaurants to fi t every taste and budget. Her personal favorites include the Beach House Bar & Grill (www.thebeachhousebarandgrill.com), a beach-themed eatery offering everything from burgers and pasta to delectable dishes such as the Caribbean Cajun Tuna and Honey Bourbon Strip. For the ultimate in tasty soul food, Carl’s Best Beans & Greens (810-233-4622) on S Dort Highway lives up to its name. Up for swanky presentation but want to wear casual threads? Red Rooster Makuchs restaurant (810-742-9310) on Davison Road serves French-infl uenced American cuisine at $20 to $30 per entrée. No jacket required.
Fun for the Whole Family
Whether you’re seeking culture or recreation, Flint offers fun, enriching experiences for every family member. Morrison likes the Alfred P. Sloan Museum (www.sloanmuseum.com), located on the Cultural Center campus in downtown Flint and boasting over 100,000 artifacts. “I have a fi ve year old and a two year old, and I take them there a lot. They really enjoy it,” she says. Within the museum’s campus, you’ll discover the Pierson Gallery featuring a display of classic, Flint-built cars. Peruse the museum’s colorful collection of historic gems, then head over to the Robert T. Longway Planetarium (www.longwayplanetarium.com) —Michigan’s largest planetarium—to catch a planetarium show or a laser-light show under an impressive 60-foot dome.
Want to take a ride on a real locomotive? Or go for a pleasure cruise on an old-fashioned paddle-wheel ferry? Take a step back in time at Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad (www.geneseecountyparks.org/huckleberry_railroad. htm). “It’s like a big playground!” Morrison says. “It’s really neat to visit.” This nostalgic family fun park boasts historic buildings, coaches, beaches, fi shing spots and seasonal activities, such as the Halloween train ride.
Shopping, Anyone?
When she’s in the mood to shop, Morrison heads to one of the area’s fi nest outlet destinations—Great Lakes Crossing mall in nearby Auburn Hills (www.shopgreatlakescrossing.com). This über– outlet mall offers over 200 stores in its mammoth 1.4 million-square-foot structure. There’s also Genesee Valley Center mall (www.geneseemall.com) in town, along with the immensely popular Prime Outlets at Birch Run (www.primeretail.com), located about 25 minutes outside the city.
Nightlife
In addition to its family-friendly vibe, Flint also offers plenty of exciting nightlife. Morrison likes the Purple Moon Nightclub (www.purplemoonnightclub.com)—a strobe-lit wonderland where you can dance the night away. “It’s beautiful,” she says about the decked-out interior. She also recommends the Speakeasy Restaurant and Tiki Bar (810-659-7630)—a hip club and eatery in nearby Flushing.