With the opening events of the Rocket Mortgage Classic quickly approaching, it’s time for golf fans to plan their visit to where Time Magazine hailed as one of the world’s greatest places: Detroit.

The tournament runs July 28 through 31 at Detroit Golf Club. The practice round will be held July 26, and a pro-am is scheduled for July 27.

Not sure what to do after the last back nine? PlayMichigan has your six!

Read on for suggestions for adventures, eats, and drinks. For the inexperienced, please note that even before the world-changing pandemic, Detroit venues are known to close or open on whims, so please check ahead before visiting.

The Detroit Golf Club sits on the north side of the city, about 20 minutes by car outside of downtown Detroit (shorter for people who drive like a Detroiter and/or know the area, of course). Nearby is the University of Detroit Mercy and the historic Palmer Park.

Although most of our suggestions will land folks downtown, the following are some of our favorites within five to 15 minutes driving distance of the club.

Location: 17546 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48203, (five minutes from club)

This delicious Italian spot does require a dress code and is closed on Mondays, but it’s worth it. The address says Detroit, though it’s right on the Highland Park border. The hidden delight has been awarded “best patio” and offers a yummy Sunday brunch.

Location: 17324 John R. St., Detroit, 48203, (five minutes from club)

Sorry for the tease, but this authentic German restaurant, normally open Thursdays through Sundays, is closing from July 27 to Aug. 3. We had to include it anyway, for folks coming early or staying late.

Location: 20510 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221, (seven minutes from club)

This classic jazz bar serves food and tunes from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. six days a week and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays. Make sure to visit Baker’s Facebook page and/or call ahead to see what shows are happening. Cash cover may be required.

Location: 22828 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, 48220, (seven minutes from club)

The hopping suburb of Ferndale lies just minutes away from the Golf Club and it’s hard to go wrong at any restaurant there, but we especially love the tacos and beverages served here. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays (kitchen serves until 10:45 p.m.) and noon to midnight Fridays and Saturdays (kitchen serves until 11:45 p.m.)

Location: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, 48067, (10 minutes from club)

A lovely stop for younger and older fans, too. The zoo stays open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. In addition to visiting with animal pals, the zoo offers plenty of dining choices, including from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Buddy’s Pizza branch. Advance online tickets are required for non-members and cost $11 to $22, depending on age. Parking adds $8 to the cost.

Location: 23141 Dequindre Road, Hazel Park, 48030, (13 minutes from club)

One of the best pizza places around. Detroit-style pizza is all the rage these days, and Loui’s tops many a local list for favorite. The restaurant, that also serves drinks, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays; noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Obviously, the entire Great Lakes State offers fun times anywhere one chooses to travel, but my editor only lets me write one book a year, so we will keep it around the downtown area this time. The following are located about 20 to 25 minutes from the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

While this writer believes food should center all plans, there’s a couple (of many) Detroit spots that should land on any visitor’s bucket list as seen below. Don’t forget to check out the Detroit Institute of Arts, Michigan Science Center, and umm, we have a baseball team here, too, kinda, and much more.

Location: Entry bridge is at Jefferson Avenue and East Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48207

We assume you’ve heard about Detroit’s famous 982-acre island, featuring everything from beaches to the Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle Isle Nature Center, James Scott Memorial Fountain, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and more. Bring a lunch and enjoy the multi-national skylines of Detroit and Windsor. The park opens daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but on busy nights, often shuts down to vehicle traffic. Click above to stay informed.

Location: A three-plus mile span stretching from Rosa Parks Blvd. to the Belle Isle Bridge, use 1340 Atwater St., Detroit, 48207

Another now-award-winning element of Detroit, though Detroit originals and transplants have never cared what others thought. Simply walking the waterfront provides a serene experience, though now, activities ranging from yoga meets to dog walks take place. Click the link above to find a specific area or activity, or just show up and take it all in.

Does anybody like celebrating golf on an empty stomach? Of course not, so back to eating suggestions we go.

Our last tips to enjoying Detroit during the Rocket Mortgage Classic again take you closer to and around the downtown area.

We’re including more names and less intel here, so click around to learn more. Just know we vouch for the spots and their cuisines. For anyone who wants to venture beyond the city, folks can’t go wrong seeking food in Dearborn, Hamtramck and Ferndale, too.

Perfect for everyone, well, except for those seeking liquor, Batch has indoor and outdoor seating. Many a delicious pop-up are hosted there, too. Check the calendar ahead of your visit.

It’s a restaurant, it’s a bar, it’s … Everything. For real. This Eastern Market staple features yummy BBQ, drinks and regular entertainment.

Wanna know this writer’s fave part? Dogs are welcome! For the humans, DSC is a beer garden and food hall with multiple offerings served 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. most nights. Opens early on Saturdays and Sundays, closed on Mondays.

Location: 719 Griswold (inside the Chrysler House) Detroit, 48226

Attached to the next-door building that houses the city’s two remaining, competing daily newspapers, Dime Store provides a yummy early start to the day, as it’s open just 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and closed on Wednesdays.

American and Lafayette Coney Islands are great, for sure, but this is the #IYKYK top spot. Don’t get fancy with requests here, just trust it’s gonna taste yummy. Duly’s is open 24 hours on the weekends but note it’s cash only.

Open early and late, Honest John’s provides good vibes, food and drinks, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Location: 2051 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, 48207 (has two more locations in Detroit and Farmington Hills, but we love this one best)

Creoles, gumbos, jambalaya, oh my. There’s not a bad pick on this menu, open every day except Mondays.

Not for the kiddos, really, but this veteran-owned dive bar/music venue provides a perfect, eclectic ambiance that mixes all kinds of crowds and strong drinks for fair prices. The inside is super cool, but our love is definitely the sprawling back yard that often features the secondary bar open, bonfires, a lawn and sometimes, food trucks! (Call ahead to check on food because sometimes there isn’t any).

This establishment offers “contemporary Northern soul food– fresh ingredients prepared with Southern flavors, presented with Detroit Style.” Think catfish and crab cakes. We recommend eating everything on the menu. Just make sure you wear your nicest expandable pants because you will get full and there is a dress code.

Julie has written, edited and designed words at five Michigan newspapers and websites. She’s worked on two sports desks, including at The Oakland Press and most recently at The Detroit News. Julie has contributed to stories on many big sports moments, from the NFL's 100th season to Super Bowls to Justin Verlander’s trade to the closing of the Palace of Auburn Hills.  Julie loves lakes, bonfires, Dachshunds, coaching Little League and carrying on her Dad’s fantasy football legacy that he started in 1987 — before there was an app for that.

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