The Rust Belt Hosts an 11 Day Holiday Market to Help You Shop Local

Hanukkah has come and gone and Christmas is less than 15 days away.  You are running out of time to get everyone on your list a gift, but you are not out of luck. We have been visiting some of Metro Detroit's best local shops over the last two months to share all the cool things that they have. So, if you need an idea or two, check out all the exploring we have been doing. Or, you can skip the running around and hit up The Rust Belt Market this weekend to try to find everything in one place!

The Rust Belt Market is home to over 40 local vendors who sell everything from taxidermy to one of a kind apparel. They also have a full bar that has a great coffee selection and a cookie stand that features everything you can dream of, including vegan options. You can actually grab a beer and walk around while you shop if you want to! It is always a great place to find a gift, but they are stepping it up even more for the last two weekends of the holiday season.

For the last 11 days leading up to Christmas, The Rust Belt will host a pop up holiday market that will feature 20 more vendors!  They will also have extended hours to cater to your needs. This procrastinator's paradise is the perfect place to find something meaningful that makes it look like you put a lot of thought into your search.  

For a full list of the Market's regular vendors, you can click here. You can also check out the full list of pop up vendors below. The Market will have over 60 shops for you to try to find the right gift. So there is no excuse, SHOP LOCAL this holiday!

Audra Olivia's Attic- Original artwork and prints

Awanya- Textiles

Coney City- Street Apparel

East Works Detroit- Lamps

ELO- Ceramics

Kama-Jomi- Custom Wood Burned Art 

Kept- Jewelry

Letters to Sarah- Metalsmithing

Motor City Barrels- Furniture and signs

Paper Honey Bee- Handmade paper flowers

Nifty Gifty- Gift wrapping

NWSH Art- Art and photography

Paisley Paper Company- Cards and paper goods

Spike Art - Metalwork

The Brave Wimp- Pins and more

Two Stix 5 Stones- Knitted Apparel 

Well Done Goods- Clothing and more

~S

Win Tickets to See Parker Gispert of The Whigs

Since 2002, Parker Gispert has been rocking out as the front man for The Whigs. Over the last 16 years, The Whigs have released five studio full lengths, played pretty much every late night show on television, and toured with bands like The Black Keys and Kings of Leon. Now, Gispert is venturing off on his own for a bit to pursue a solo project. He released his debut solo album Sunlight Tonight last month. Give it a listen below.

Parker Gispert will be making his way to Detroit to play UFO Factory this Friday, December 14th. Tickets for the show are only $5 and can be purchased in advance here. Thanks to our friends at Party Store Productions, we are also giving away a pair of tickets to the show. To enter to win, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #parker in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner on Friday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

18+ are welcome to attend this show and things will kick off at 9 p.m. Cover will be $10 the night of the show, so pick up those pre-sale tickets or get your name in the drawing and save yourself a few bucks! 

~C

Fort Street Galley Mixes High Brow Food with Low Brow Mess Hall Seating

Detroit has always been known for its cars and music, but over the last decade we have also made a name for ourselves within the food community. Our dining scene has exploded and all sorts of new cuisines and ideas are being embraced by Detroiters. One of the latest trends to come to the Motor City is the concept of a restaurant accelerator. Basically, it's a shared space where a small start up idea can either blossom or fail.

After a careful selection process, four businesses were given the chance to launch their restaurants inside the Fort Street Galley incubator to see if they can make it work. The goal for each businesses is to work out their kinks and perfect what they do so that they can open their own brick and mortar space after their time with the galley. This gives diners opportunity to try a lot of new things in one space without breaking the bank. The food is high quality and interesting, but it served up inside what is essentially a modern mess hall that includes a full bar complete with its own menu of creative one of a kind cocktails that were curated by Detroit drink creator Marlowe.

The dining hall like space seats around 250 people at a time and the room features art from local creators like Camera Jesus. The first four restaurants care called Allenby, Isla, Lucky's BBQ, and Pursue. You can sample their menus and learn more about each concept by using the links below. 

The restaurants are open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday. The bar is open a bit later on the weekends. The restaurants are supposed to switch out every 12 to 14 months. So, if you don't like what you find this time, come back in a year and you might find something completely different! We love that you can pop in, grab some food and grab a seat, no lines, no waiting, no hassles.  

Restaurants: 

Pursue: Seafood

Allenby: Sandwiches

Isla: Filipino Inspired Food

Lucky's: BBQ

~S

Win Tickets to See The Internet LIVE at St. Andrew's Hall

This Wednesday night, St. Andrew's Hall will welcome The Internet to its stage. No, not the internet, also known as the World Wide Web. The Internet is a five piece band based out of LA. They blend hip-hop with electronic music and funk to create a sound that is all their own, a sound that earned them a Grammy Nomination for their 2015 album Ego Death. Now, The Internet is out on tour in support of their new album, Hive Mind, that was released this summer. Joining them on the road is Moonchild, who played horns with The Internet on that new album. Give it a listen for yourself below.

If you would like to see The Internet LIVE at St. Andrew's Hall, we are giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader courtesy of Live Nation Detroit. To enter to win, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #internet in the subject line. We will draw one lucky winner the morning of the show and will email them details on how to claim their prize.

Doors are set to open at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and all ages are welcome. For more info on this show and to purchase tickets, click here.

~C

Antihero is the Unique Space We've Been Hoping For Without All the Bullshit

Photo from Antihero's Facebook page

Six years ago, the Working Class Outlaws brought So-Cal style tacos and well mixed margaritas to Ferndale with Imperial. A few years later, they expanded their empire and opened Public House, a comfort food restaurant with a twist. Now, after a long rocky four year road with a lot of obstacles, they opened up a third restaurant last week called Antihero. This laid back or Izakaya style space features Japanese and Korean comfort food with an eclectic menu that showcases a variety of options, including those that cater to raw, vegan, and vegetarian diets. With the opening of their third location, the Outlaws have proven that they can flawlessly execute any concept that they take on.

Antihero cooks up unique Asian inspired cuisine that's somehow more approachable then many of the spaces that have tried to take on this type of concept in the past. They push things to the limit and mix a lot of interesting flavors together, but they do it in a way that welcomes every palette to give it a try. Their menu features noodles, dumplings, and rice buns, alongside single order skewers that you can cook over a personal hibachi right at your table. Everything on their menu is meant to be shared and the portions and prices line up very nicely. It is easy to get enough food to feed any size group without breaking the bank!

 

The head chef, Nick Erven, recently relocated to Detroit to help create the menu and open the space. His influence and talent was vital to getting this project off the ground. His background in vegan cooking and Koren BBQ helped him create a unique dining experience that is just as cool for plant based eaters as it is for more traditional diets. In fact, we would argue that the "chicken fried" tofu is the best thing on the menu, whether you're plant based or not. We liked it so much that we had to order it twice! 

Antihero is open from 4 p.m. daily. The layout is simple and the walls feature art from local artists like Glenn Barr. This is the most interesting restaurant to open in the Detroit area in a long time. The atmosphere is cool, the experience is awesome, and the food is on point. At the end of the day, you can have the hippest place in town, but if you can't make a good meal you won't last. Fortunately, Antihero is a lot more than a pretty space, it's a one of a kind food based experience that we think everyone should try. Watch your hands on that hibachi stone! 

~S

Go On a Shopping Adventure at Leon & Lulu

It's true, you can go to Leon & Lulu to purchase an amazing new couch or armchair for your home. But, you can also go to Leon & Lulu to purchase some of the coolest gifts around! Located in Downtown Clawson, this shop is housed in the previous home of the historic Ambassador Roller Rink. To stay true to its roots, the store is adorned with old school roller skates throughout the shop. Leon & Lulu is named after an adorable cat and dog team, and although the namesakes have passed on, it is not uncommon to see canine employees greeting customers at the store.

A trip to Leon & Lulu is always an adventure and sort of a treasure hunt. Throughout the outer edge of the store, there are several areas set up as rooms featuring the store's furniture and home decor items. Spread throughout these areas, you will also find great books on coffee tables, knick knacks, artwork, and home items. Then, in the center of the store, you can shop a great assortment of books, fun gadgets and gifts, clothing, jewelry, and even toys. This shop truly has items for all ages, and a ton of fun items to discover. Their toy section features great stuffed animals and vintage inspired toys that you aren't going to find in the big box stores. Plus there are toys for adults too! Everywhere you look, you will find something fun and new, and it is all set in a store that on its own is like a fun work of art. The stock is ever changing, too! So if you visit during the holidays, make sure you go back in the spring because there will be a whole new selection of items to choose from.

Leon & Lulu is located at 96 W. 14 Mile in Clawson. The shop is open Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m 'til 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 until 5. Make sure you follow Leon & Lulu on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop on their ever changing inventory and in-store events!

 

~C

24 Hour Giveaway: Zeds Dead @ The Masonic Temple

Toronto based electronic duo, Zeds Dead, is headed to Detroit to perform live at The Masonic Temple this weekend. The show is part of the Deadbeats Tour that was supposed to make its way to Detroit earlier this fall. The date was rescheduled to this Saturday, December 8th, and fans are ready for this party to finally come to town.

Joining Zeds Dead for Saturday's show are Space Jesus, Joker, and Jaenga. Tickets for the show are $36.50 and can be purchased in advance here. Thanks to our friends at AEG Presents, you also have a chance to win a pair of tickets to this show. To enter to win, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #zed in the subject line. We will draw our winner on Saturday morning and will email them details on how to claim their prize.

16+ are welcome to attend this show and doors are set to open at 8 p.m. with things kicking off at 9:15. For more info, click here.

~C

Ancient Language Releases "In A Different Light" at The Loving Touch

It's not always easy to keep a band going. Some make it 20+ years, while others fizzle out after a year or two. As important as it is for fans to stay loyal, it is just as important for bands grow as musicians and keep putting out great music. Sometimes that means switching things up a little bit, and that's one thing that Ancient Language has done over the years. What started out as a solo act, then became a duo, has now become a full band that has grown both literally and musically.

For over a year now, Ancient Language has been playing as a full band. Earlier this year, they released their first full length together, entitled HYGGE. Now, Ancient Language has created more new music and they are getting ready to release it to the world. This Saturday, they will be celebrating the release of their latest 7"In A Different Light on Jett Plastic Recordings. The release show will take place at The Loving Touch in Ferndale, where they will be joined by Radio Wire Empire, Asklepius, and The Wayburns. Tickets to see these four great acts live are only $7 and can be purchased in advance here.

We are also giving two lucky readers a chance to get into this show with a friend for free! To enter to win a pair of tickets, send your name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with #AL in the subject line. We will draw two winners on Saturday morning and will send them details on how to claim their prize.

Doors will open at 8 p.m. on Saturday and the music will start promptly at 8:30. So don't get there late! For more info on this show, click here.

~C

Find Something Special for The Holidays at Lost & Found Vintage

Do you like to get dressed up for the holidays? I am super Italian so I love getting all dolled up for all of the family parties that I attend throughout the season. I used to be the kind of person that had to buy a new dress for every event, but last year, when I went vegan, my approach to everything changed. I realized how much waste I was creating and started to curb my appetite to buy things. I started to find ways to only shop local and stopped buying things that I knew I would only wear one time. I began to look for "staple" items that I would be able to mix and match and wear more than once and I spent a little more money on those items so that I knew that they would last. I am simply sick of filling up bags of clothing to drop off to Good Will that still has tags on it. I was creating more waste then I needed to and hurting my bottom line

My new approach to shopping has paid off. I have found more things that I love over the last year than ever before and I have found new ways to mix and match my wardrobe to accommodate my looks. I also realized how great it can be to move your closet around. By getting rid of all the stuff I wasn't wearing, I was able to start wearing all the beautiful things that I couldn't see or get to anymore. I also rekindled my love for vintage and resale shopping. The second hand retail market has become a great place to find things that you can't find anywhere else.

After months of looking for "good dresses" for this winter, I stopped into Lost and Found Vintage and was blown away by their selection. They had so many great dresses in my size that were affordable. Plus, all of the dresses were properly labeled with brand names and eras, so you knew exactly what you were getting. Second hand shopping is also a cool way to get things that you wouldn't want to buy new, but might still want to experience. I try to stay away from buying leather, but if you need to get your fix, you can get a perfectly good bag that is already broken in for you. They also had a large selection of plus size clothing and a nice variety of jewelry and accessories. I even picked up a 1980's cape dress that I plan to wear all over town this holiday season! It was not only exactly what I was looking for, but it fit perfectly and I didn't have to create anymore waste! So, instead of buying more shit you don't need, consider buying someone else's shit that they didn't need anymore and rocking it this holiday season. It's fun to shop with a purpose when you are able to do so! 

~S

Head to Ant Hall for Punk, Paint & Panties this Weekend!

This Saturday, the ladies are taking over Ant Hall in Hamtramck! The event is called Punk, Paint & Panties, and it is a celebration of women in art, music, and performance. The event will feature over a dozen local artists and vendors selling their goods and creations, live music, artwork on display, and burlesque performers. This will be an awesome event full of women supporting women, something that we are very passionate about!

Cover for this great event is only $10 and tickets can be purchased in advance here. Tart and Ladyship Warship will be playing live on the Ant Hall Stage. There will also be performances by the Detroit Dizzy Dames, including May Blush, Kitty Page, Sadie Tate, and Loulou L Roxy. Check out the list of artists and vendors that will be featured on the walls and for you to shop at Saturday's event.

A Special Christmas Market w/ Local Vendors

Beth Amber - Multimedia Collage

Elizabeth Kemp

Eve Noir

Frozen Tree

Lushes LaMoans Moaning Glories hair accessories

Cookies by Lynn Totsky

Jasmine's Woods

Katy Genevive Rosebuds and Posies baked goods

Gwen Joy

Lena's Legacy Jewelry

Gemineye Tarot

Laurel Shada Bad Company Art

Monster Foods

Natasha Beste

Spectacular Wall Art

Wy Blue

Stacey MacLeod

Laura Hemmingsen 

Kat Kennedy

Ashlee Lori Will

Beth Wirick

Blue Collar Moxie

Emily Small

Doors for this event will open at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Ghost Light Bar (next door) will open at 7 p.m. For more info, click here. 

Rail and Anchor is All That and a Cup of Tea

Let's be honest, holiday shopping is a pain in the ass. First of all it's cold out. Second, it can be hard to park, and then once you get inside, the stores are a mess and the lines are insane. Running all over town to get gifts can really suck the fun out of the season. So we suggest skipping the whole hectic thing and shopping local this season instead. 

We have been stopping into some of our favorite local stores to see what they have for the season and they have all been delivering. In fact, when we stopped by Royal Oak's Rail and Anchor this week, we found two gifts that we needed and got to enjoy a fresh cup of tea as we walked around. When we walked in we were pleasantly greeted and offered a drink to warm up. They checked on us while we shopped and offered to gift wrap our items at the end for FREE. Why would you want to bother with the mall or a big box store when you can have a nice experience and get something that no one else is going to get them? We were especially pleased with the selection of male grooming items and cool candles at this shop. There truly is something for everyone in every price point.

Rail and Anchor is open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. You can see more of what they sell by following them on Instagram here. We also recommend stopping into Scout, Lost and Found Vintage, and UHF Records when you visit Rail and Anchor, they are all in walking distance of the shop.

  

~S

Drink and Design your own 3D Vinyl Figure at The Cranbrook Museum this Friday

The Cranbrook Art Museum is one of the most underrated spaces in Metro Detroit. They celebrate local and national artists and continuously bring new and interesting things to their space. This year alone, they hosted shows featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat and Shepard Fairey. Every time we visit, we have a great time and enjoy looking at all of the art, not just the stuff that we came for. At any given time they can have anywhere from three to six shows on display! The best part is that it is super affordable to get in and walk around. The most it's going to cost you is $10, but they have discounts for seniors, children, and students, including free admission for those 12 and under.

Right now the museum has five different shows taking place. This includes True to Form: Selections from the Permanent Collection, Annabeth Rosen: Fired, Broken, Gathered, Heaped, Danielle Dean: A Portrait of True Red, Binion/Saarinen: A McArthur Binion Project, and Wild Vinyl: Designer Art Toys. Generally, the museum is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., but every once in awhile they host special late night events where attendees can buy a drink to enjoy while they browse the galleries. They also have fun activities that you can participate in during their late night parties.

Their next late night party is this Friday and they have a very interesting way for you to interact with their art while you are there. They will be having a DIY Vinyl Art Figure class at the late night event where attendees will be able to purchase and draw on their own vinyl figure after taking a look at what the newest show "Designer Art Toys" has to offer. Wine and art is a really fun way to experience the museum and seeing everything late at night during a private event is a little bit more lux then going during the day. 

This Friday's after hours event will run from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and it is only $10 to get in. Make sure you bring a few extra dollars for the cash bar and to purchase a figure to design! 

To find out more about the museum click here. We highly recommend going by for a visit as soon as you can! 

~S 

Win Tickets to See A Not So Silent Night Featuring Michael Franti and More at The Fillmore

The holiday season is in full swing and local station 96.3 WDVD is bringing a musical celebration of the holidays to the stage to celebrate this Wednesday, December 5th. Michael Franti, Ben Rector and Brynn Elliott will all be performing live sets inside the newly renovated Fillmore Detroit. It will be a night of music and holiday cheer and a chance to check out all the renovations up close and in person.
Tickets to attend the show range from $10 to $50 a piece and they can be purchased here. You can also win a pair of tickets to see the show courtesy of Live Nation Detroit. If you would like to enter to attend for free, please email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #silentnight. We will draw one lucky person the morning of the show and they will get to attend the show with a friend for free.

~S

Detroit's Windows Get Spruced Up for the Holidays

Some of your favorite shops and restaurants in Detroit have some extra flair in their storefront windows! The Detroit Center for Design + Technology has teamed up with local artists and designers for the "Holiday Window Walk". Designers were given the task of decorating windows, using the holidays as their inspiration. Displays can be seen throughout the city at the following businesses:

• Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters designed by Davey LaFave
• Eatori Market designed by Mike O’Reilly of Brightwire Designs
• Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery designed by Joshua Tad Mulligan
• La Lanterna designed by Nicole Tischler
• Pure Barre Detroit designed by Gjergji Prendi of Createur Studio
• RUNDetroit designed by Leah Strayhorn
• Sy Thai – Midtown designed by Jennifer Bueso of Mcintosh Poris Associates
• Third Man Records – Cass Corridor – last year’s winner - now designed by Elise DeChard and Fernando Bales of CAMPO Collective

Patrons are encouraged to visit these shops throughout the holiday season to see the displays. However, if you visit before December 3rd, you are also encouraged to vote for your favorite display. You can vote by adding a photo of your favorite display to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and tagging it with @detdesigntech and using #HolidayWindowWalk18. The winning designer and business will each win $500, while the first runner up business and design team will earn $250 each. 

So get out there are support these great local businesses and check out some cool art while you're at it!

~C