Detroit's

S

BY ELLYCE FIELD

I

f your relatives hail from the East or West coasts or any
other large metropolitan area in between, then I'm sure
you're used to their comments.
Just mention sightseeing on their next visit to metro
Detroit.
"Oh, we're just coming to spend time with 'you guys,' "
they assure you. "Besides, what would we want to see in Detroit?"
OK. So we're not New York City. Or San Francisco. Or Chicago.
But hold on to your seats. Here's a sampling of hometown sites that
are distinctly Motown.
And trust me, they will impress the family.
Auto Barons and Auto Babies
Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto baron John Dodge, built her
100-room Tudor mansion in the 1920s for approximately $4 million.
Carefully preserved and richly decorated with original furnishings
and art treasures, this home is Michigan's answer to North
Carolina's Biltmore. Tours are offered 1:30 p.m. daily; no reservation
is needed.
Explore the grounds and Knole Cottage, a six-room playhouse
built to three-quarter scale for Matilda and John Wilson's daughter.
The mansion's tearoom offers food service 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday
- Friday, July-Labor Day. On the campus of Oakland University. 370-
3140.
For a pure Made-in-Michigan experience, tour Flint's Buick City
plant and watch a car being born.
Through your protective lucite glasses, you'll watch car doors and
engines merrily chugging along on conveyor belts, witness robotic
arms and welding fireworks and be awed by the overwhelming
sounds and action.
The 1'/2-hour tours are available 9:30 a.m. and noon Tuesday and
Thursday. Call 236-4494 for a reservation several weeks in advance.
Take Me Out to the Old Ball Game
On the corner of Michigan and Trumbull sits one of the Detroit
area's shrines — Tiger Stadium.
Come out and cheer for the home team. This season promises lots
of new surprises, expanded giveaways and special promotions,
including Monday Kids Nights.
After Monday evening games, kids can make a fantasy come true

Journey back in time at Greenfield Village.

Ellyce Field writes for the Detroit News and is a local author.

STYLE • SUMMER 1993.39