Crew Cuts

Crew Cuts > Detroit

Each month, one of our AirTran Airways Crew Members talks to us about a place that is close to their heart.

words by > Christina Kallery

Marguerita Price

AirTran Airways customer-service rep Marguerita Price is one of Detroit’s biggest fans. Born and raised in the Motor City, she later moved to LA, where she lived for 30 years before returning to the only place that truly feels like home. “I love the four seasons and the cultural diversity,” she says. “There are a lot of different cultures here—African American, Native American, Hispanic, Arab, Jewish and East Indian. I love the fact that we’re so close to Canada and many other states. And I especially appreciate the city’s rich musical history and the fact that the automotive industry has its roots in this region.” She offers some great suggestions for getting the most out of Detroit, or—as the locals call it—“The D.”

Cultural Destinations

“There are many things one can do here,” Price says, citing an array of festivals in the summer months, plus the annual Motown Winter Blast (www.motownwinterblast.com) in February. But her top destinations are the city’s museums. “I love the Motown Historical Museum (www.motownmuseum.com) and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (www.maahdetroit.org ). As a child, I used to go there every weekend—I couldn’t get enough.” Marguerita also recommends the Detroit Science Museum (www.sciencedetroit. org), Greenfield Village (www.hfmgv.org ), a historical museum and park in nearby Dearborn, and the Holocaust Memorial Center (www.holocaustcenter.org ) in Farmington, about 20 minutes away.

Family Adventure

“There’s a real sense of family in Detroit,” says Marguerita. Her top family destinations include Belle Isle (www.ci.detroit.mi.us/recreation), an island park with a conservatory and zoo, plus live music and other events. She also recommends the Mosaic Youth Theatre (www.mosaicdetroit.org), which hosts theatrical and musical performances. Animal lovers will enjoy an afternoon at the Detroit Zoo (www..detroitzoo.org ), 20 minutes from downtown.

Taste of Detroit

When it comes to dining out, the Motor City offers lots of fantastic choices—from fine cuisine to bar fare. “Sweet Georgia Brown (www.sweetgb.com ) is very good,” says Marguerita. An upscale restaurant in the Greektown district, the stylish eatery features Southern-inspired cuisine and live jazz in a chic, beautifully appointed atmosphere. Sporty types can get their game—and dinner—on at the Hockeytown Café (www.hockeytowncafe.com ). Other dining hotspots include Slows Bar-B-Q (slowsbarbq.com), Andiamo Riverfront (www.andiamoitalia.com ), serving up Italian fare in an ultra-romantic setting, and Detroit’s award-winning Rattlesnake Club (www.rattlesnakeclub.com ).

Motown Music

No guide to Detroit would be complete without a mention of the city’s amazing live music scene. “We love the Motown sound, but we have a lot of jazz, too,” she says. Choice venues include Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (www.bakerskeyboardlounge.com ), the world’s oldest jazz club, and Bert’s Jazz Marketplace (313-567-2030), featuring amazing, authentic live jazz plus great barbecue. If you’d rather rock out, head over to the Majestic Theater Center (www.majesticdetroit.com ). Spanning an entire block, the Majestic rolls two music venues, a bowling alley, pizzeria, five bars and restaurant into one giant rock-scene extravaganza. For big nights out, Marguerita likes to catch performances at the Masonic Temple (www.themasonic.com), the Max M. Fisher Music Center (www.detroitsymphony.com ) and the Detroit Opera House (www.motopera.org ).