Five Reasons To Visit Detroit For Spring Break

Right after one of the coldest Michigan winters in some time, your first inclination might not be to grab your spring gear and head out into the streets of Motown. But in reality, Detroit has so much more to offer folks when it comes to spring break activities, including a number of events that will not only maximize your fun, but help give something back to the community, as well.

Volunteer Over Spring Break in Detroit
Detroit, MI 48202
(415) 241-6868
www.volunteermatch.org

There's really nothing like sharing the gift of knowledge with a child. Unfortunately, so many children within the Detroit area need assistance in being brought up to speed on many basic skills, one of which is needed so imperatively: reading. Many young people within the city lack the basic skills needed in order to flourish in schools and in life. This opportunity, sponsored by volunteermatch.org, is specifically centered on looking for teenage to young adults that are willing to volunteer their time during spring breaks to help teach inner city children how to read and write, so that they can try to earn a slice of the American Dream, too.

Gleaners Community Food Bank Spring Break Volunteers
2131 Beaufait St.
Detroit, MI 48207
(866) 453-2637
www.gcfb.org

Since 1977, Gleaners Community Food Bank has been helping to combat another ailment plaguing the heart of Detroit: hunger. Instead of wasting money on a self-indulgent, hedonistic spring break down in the tropics that will empty your wallet and your soul (as tempting as that may sound to you), Gleaners offers the chance for "redemption" in the form of asking you to volunteer your time and efforts to help the organization ready some of its biggest programs of the year. Whether you're interested in sorting and packing food, helping with office work or staffing a special event or program, these folks offer many volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, schools, corporate groups and other organizations. It's perfect for your group of friends looking for cheap fun on a spring break that's equally rewarding.

Detroit Tigers Opening Day
2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 962-4000
www.detroit.tigers.mlb.com

Date: March 31, 2014

There is absolutely no bigger party in the city of Detroit than on opening day of the Detroit Tigers. This year, opening day will fall in March on the 31st with a game against division rival Kansas City Royals. Every single bar, pub, and restaurant in downtown Detroit and all throughout the metro areas will be partying. Many of those off from school and work for spring break will be there to join in the festivities. Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, makes sure that all fans have an incredible opening day experience and offer a bevy of massive giveaways and prizes for those in attendance.

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Detroit and automotive machines are synonymous. The Motor City is the birthplace of American automation and cars are the concepts and creations that put Detroit on the map and into the history books over the course of this city's history. To celebrate the wonderful world of cars and creation, the 62nd Annual Detroit Autorama Show will be held at Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit from March 7th through the 9th. A cast of great celebrities, athletes and television personalities will be on hand to host contests, talks about cars and hand out prizes for any number of things - all while keeping the focus on cars and their spotlight in Motown.

The Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade
Michigan Ave. Between 6th St. and 14th St.
Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 475-4675
www.detroitstpatricksparade.com

Date: March 16, 2014 at 12 p.m.

While we may not dye the Detroit River green on St. Patrick's Day, Detroit is home to one of the country's oldest groups of Irish ancestry dating back hundreds of years to when the first boatloads of Irish settled in Detroit to find work in the fledgling city. These days, Detroit hosts a grand parade, which will be on March 16th this year, joined by the the Metro Detroit Police & Firefighters Pipes and Drums. Every single bar and restaurant in each of the city's historic Irish neighborhoods, and beyond, will be open bright and early for spring breakers looking to whet their whistles and share in the festivities while great food and good times are shared in the Irish tradition of St. Patrick. There's no need to leave the city if drinking and having a good time is on your agenda for this day.

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Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.