Make it a Maker Weekend

To quote Golden Girl Sophia, “Picture it: Detroit 2010.” It’s sounding like lots of folks are gearing up to head to the greater Detroit area for Maker Faire and I couldn’t be prouder. As I found out when I went to Maker Faire in San Mateo, this isn’t a one-hour activity. You’ll most likely spend your whole day at the faire. But if you decided to make it a Maker Weekend, here are some of my favorite spots in the area to eat, pick up a goodie, and get inspired. It’s hard to pick just a few!

FOOD
Motor City Brewing Works: Detroit
This will be a great place to hang out this weekend. We’ve got some good weather in store for us, so why not grab a pint of Ghettoblaster, order a four-cheese pizza (or the “Godfather,” if you’re a meat eater) and hang out on the roof deck and talk about the great stuff you saw at the Henry Ford?
Astoria Pastry Shop: Royal Oak
Trust me, even if you aren’t hungry at all, you’ll find yourself leaving with a box of goodies for the road.
CRAFTY
Naka: Ferndale
Owner Kelly is not only one hip business lady, she’s a crafter herself. You’ll find some well-known crafty names inside, as well as the best from local makers.
City Bird: Detroit
Andy and Emily Linn will be setting up shop inside Handmade Detroit’s Craft Faire tent, but swing by the store (especially if you’re at MCBW, as they’re next door) to get a peek at this great shop packed with the best crafters in the Midwest.
Bureau of Urban Living: Detroit
City Bird’s next-door neighbor, the shop offers more designers focusing on creating a hip home.
Guildcrafters Quilt Shop: Berkley
Some of my favorite fabric and notions come from this small shop.
DRINKS (All that wandering around Maker Faire will make you thirsty)
The Loving Touch: Ferndale
Don’t let the name fool you, this is a pool hall with some gorgeous handmade furniture inside.
Cliff Bell’s: Detroit
Showing off all its Art Deco luster, Cliff Bell’s is a gem right off of Woodward that makes you wish you lived in the ’30s.
INSPIRATION
Detroit Institute of Arts: Detroit
I love this museum. Recently renovated, the collections have never looked better.
Pewabic Pottery: Detroit
Many handmade tiles from the pottery are on proud display inside my home. Check out the gift shop for numerous Detroit- and Michigan-inspired delights.
Cranbrook: Bloomfield Hills
Ray and Charles Eames met each other at the school decades ago. From the gardens to the museums, Cranbrook is the place to spend some time simply wandering around.