Originally Posted By Big-Tex22:
I'm a Texan.

Originally Posted By Big-Tex22:
I'm a Texan

So any input on
-MUST SEE type things in these cities or areas?
-The #1 place to eat for each city for someone that will never be back. I can only give a counter example for this one: London Chop House is overrated and overpriced. In general, avoid BBQ and Mexican food. They have no clue, and they don't even know what they don't know. The Detroit area surprisingly has some interesting and good variations on pizza, though I don't have a specific spot to try. Locals are inexplicably obsessed with "coneys" which are basic chili dogs. They are not bad, but they're certainly not worth going out of your way for. *shrug* ETA: just about every gorram diner in Michigan is called  ____'s Coney Island. It's so ubiquitous as to have no meaning. You can get breakfast, a burger, fish & chips, or a steak at a place called Someone's Coney Island. they're almost all mid-range diners with a full menu. Some are better than others, but I haven't found a remarkable one yet. If you're looking for something interesting, I wouldn't bother with one of those.    

-Navigating customs between Detroit/Windsor and the Niagra Falls/Buffalo borders? (International travel is 100% new for me, still haven't even been to Mexico) Get passports; that makes everything easier. Canadian border guards are humorless bastards. Answer their questions directly and succinctly and keep it professional.
-Bus/Train transportation between cities or rent a car? Cost is a consideration. As well as ubering within the cities? Just rent a car. Public transport is sketchy.
-Any other insight on safety, places to avoid at all costs? I'm planning on going naked as far as firearms, unless someone can convince me it wouldn't be as difficult as I would think. So heavy belt buckle and fists are all I'm packing. Most of Detroit is best avoided, and it's easy to make a wrong turn and end up in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. I go as little as possible and I always carry... and I still feel nervous. The northern suburbs are nice. Find a place to stay in Macomb county (Like Sterling Heights or Utica) and just go to the parts of Detroit you want to see - do NOT wander around the city blindly.
-Also any Canadian unique aspects we need to take into account? How long are you planning to be in Canada?

Originally Posted By Fusemaster:
The #1 place to eat for each city for someone that will never be back. I can only give a counter example for this one: London Chop House is overrated and overpriced. In general, avoid BBQ and Mexican food. They have no clue, and they don't even know what they don't know. The Detroit area surprisingly has some interesting and good variations on pizza, though I don't have a specific spot to try. Locals are inexplicably obsessed with "coneys" which are basic chili dogs. They are not bad, but they're certainly not worth going out of your way for. *shrug* ETA: just about every gorram diner in Michigan is called  ____'s Coney Island. It's so ubiquitous as to have no meaning. You can get breakfast, a burger, fish & chips, or a steak at a place called Someone's Coney Island. they're almost all mid-range diners with a full menu. Some are better than others, but I haven't found a remarkable one yet. If you're looking for something interesting, I wouldn't bother with one of those.    


I disagree with some of the above,   If staying in the Sterling Hts/Utica area, try Buddy’s pizza in Warren, Detroit style pizza is unique, in a good way.
I would try a Coney Island place, there are hundreds of them in SE Michigan, got to be something to them.
You can get a coney dog with chili without beans. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Originally Posted By TheOtherDave:
Nikola's in Southfield for one of your meals-it's owned by Borat here and was rated #2 BBQ in Detroit for a few years. Really good food and easy to get to location.
If you can afford time time and a vehicle, I would very much recommend a trip to Dayton for the Wright-Patterson AFB museum.

Originally Posted By Fusemaster:
To cross the border from Detroit to Windsor, you'll need to have proof of citizenship and identity. U.S. citizens can use a valid:
Passport
Passport card
Enhanced Driver's License (issued by certain states)
Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)

Do not carry any firearms into Canada, check your luggage for any bullets or shell casings.
Do not joke around with Customs agents, in Canada or USA, they have no sense of humor.
Don’t plan on using Bus transportation in SE Michigan, it’s non existent. Uber is ok, I guess. I’d rent a car.
VIA rail travels from Windsor to Toronto
If your Ubering, there is a bus from Detroit to Windsor.
I’d probably stay West of Detroit Metro Airport, Canton/ Plymouth area.
A visit to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn would be worth it.

Hit us up with any other questions.

Originally Posted By Wolfpack:



Going to Detroit in March with my 10 yo son. We dont have passports. Are you saying I can visit Windsor with just an enhanced DL?

Originally Posted By prebans:
@big-tex22

Not saying you or any of your family would, but just in case…

Canada has full access to US records.  Some crimes that are not a big deal in the US (DUI) are felony-level crimes in Canada.  They generally deny entry even to those with the most basic DUI convictions; they’re turned around right at the border.

Supposedly there’s an age where the border agent can use discretion.  There’s also a way where, after some amount of time has passed, you can apply to be considered “rehabilitated,” pay a bunch of money, and be allowed entry.

Seems silly, but a buddy was denied entry with his elderly father just to go fishing up there.  All the prepaid fishing permits, lodge reservations, guide expenses, etc., were totally lost.