There’s lots of unique design stops in this northwestern Detroit neighborhood. Take in a classic film at the Redford Theatre (which has an original Barton Theatre Pipe Organ) or check out some impressive murals at Artist Village Detroit. If the time is right, attend Sidewalk Detroit, a performance and interactive art festival that takes place on the neighborhood’s streets.

While you’re here, grab a cup of coffee at Motor City Java House or a chess pie at Sweet Potato Sensations.

Though it’s showing signs of age, the original Art Moderne tower to the “largest drive-in theater in the world” is a sight to behold. After you’re done admiring, you then get to see a movie in an old-fashioned way, by sitting in your car.

Take a stroll or drive through this neighborhood to see the dense and unique collection of houses from a variety of eras. Then, cross 7 Mile Road and take a stroll through Palmer Park, where you’ll see an equally eclectic mix of multi-family buildings.

There’s so much to appreciate at “Detroit’s Largest Art Object,” the Art Deco masterpiece designed by Albert Kahn. Take in the grand arcade with its Geza R. Maroti–designed murals and frescoes, the wild chandeliers and fixtures, the gold paneling, and much more. Maybe you can schedule a time to meet your date for a tour of the building or just grab a cup of coffee.

Other design-worthy locations you might want to check out in New Center include Cadillac Place, the Argonaut Building, and the Motown Museum.

Take a stroll through this pedestrian-only path cutting through Wayne State University to get a tour of Minoru Yamasaki’s greatest hits in Detroit (minus One Woodward Avenue). Here you can see the McGregor Conference Center and reflecting pool, the cast concrete wonders of the College of Education and Prentis Building, as well as eye-catching rectangular Helen L. DeRoy Auditorium.

You could also check out the Museum of Contemporary Art nearby.

How well do you know your date? Comfortable enough to wear just a bathing suit (or nothing) and get in a steamy room together? Then you’ll want to spend an afternoon or evening at this North End health club, which now has coed times. Sweat in the old-timey steam room, then relax amongst the wood paneling, paintings, and checkered floors in the redesigned lounge.

The Schvitz now has other programming as well, so be sure to check its website.

For a fancy night out, grab a cocktail or meal at this Romanesque Revival mansion built in 1894. The sumptuous atmosphere is the most enjoyable feature of dining at this historic mansion.

There’s many reasons you should visit “The Wright,” including to see the museum’s soaring glass atrium. But if you want to have a more serious and reflective date, this is one of the best options in town. Few things are more powerful than the “And Still We Rise” permanent exhibition, which features a life-sized replica below deck in a slave ship.

Bowling is always a great option. Bowling in a historic Art Deco building with a Googie-influenced design aesthetic is even better.

One of the most impressive redevelopments in Detroit’s history, the historic skyscraper designed by Daniel H. Burnam & Co. got a $92 million redevelopment in 2014 that restored many of its original details, including the stunning lobby and skylight. Admire the building, then grab a cocktail at the bar.

A classic date option is going to happy hour at Roast, a restaurant in this Neo-Renaissance masterpiece designed by Louis Kamper. Get a deal on drink and food, and feel extra-classy while spending slightly less in this opulent setting.

Another stunning redevelopment, this building came back from the brink in early 2019 after being vacant for 40 years. Check out the impressive design in the lobby, then head to the rooftop cocktail bar to check out all of downtown’s architecture.

There’s so much to do at Eastern Market for design lovers. Walk around and buy some groceries in the historic sheds on a Saturday. Go on a tour of the dozens murals throughout the district. Walk or bike up the Dequindre Cut. Check out contemporary furnituremaker Floyd’s showroom. Grab some coffee at Germack or Cairo or Anthology, get some pizza at Supino’s, get brunch at Trinosophes. There’s endless date options here.

Design lovers will at some point want to check out the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe–designed near downtown. Perfect for a quick stroll through the midcentury modern townhomes and high-rises on your way to Eastern Market.

A perfect date idea is taking an extended walk through the redesigned Riverwalk. Start at the Isamu Noguchi–designed fountain at Hart Plaza, then head towards the towering Renaissance Center, all the while taking in the skylines of Detroit and Windsor.

There’s countless things to do on Belle Isle. Places of noteworthy architecture to visit include the conservatory, aquarium, casino, and James Scott Memorial Fountain. You could drive or bike around the island, enjoying things along the way, then take a dip at the beach and get a great view of downtown’s skyline.