Labor Day in Metro Detroit is abounding with events to entertain visitors of all types. The premier events downtown are the Belle Isle Detroit Grand Prix and the Detroit International Jazz Festival, but other exciting happenings are also going on around town. Book your hotel reservations at the Somerset Inn hotel, and make sure your Labor Day is one you’re sure to enjoy.
The Detroit Grand Prix
The Belle Isle Detroit Grand Prix is back in full force as auto racing returns to the Motor City on Labor Day weekend in 2007. The return of the annual Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is a 3-day event that will feature a motorsports double-header. Friday is a free day for spectators, and then on Saturday, September 1st, 2007 the glamorous sports cars of the American Le Mans Series will make their debut in Michigan. On Sunday, fans will be treated to the sights, sounds and excitement of Indy cars racing on the streets.
In Saturday’s American Le Mans Series, the cars are the main attraction. High performance manufacturers Audi, Porsche, Acura, Chevrolet and Mazda compete for bragging rights among four different competitive classes.
The Grand Prix’s Indy car race features the same stars as the Indianapolis 500. In the past it showcased legendary drivers like AJ Foyt, Al Unser Jr, Michael and Mario Andretti, and Rick Mears. This year you’ll see current stars such as Helio Castroneves (who won the race in 2000 and 2001), Sam Hornish, Marco Andretti, and Danica Patrick.
The Detroit Grand Prix first moved to Belle Isle in 1992 after ten years of racing on the streets of downtown Detroit. The 2001 Grand Prix was the last race on Belle Isle before a five year hiatus. The eagerly anticipated return of Indy cars to the Motor City is just around the corner.
Access will remain open to the Belle Isle golf course, beach, zoo and picnic areas during the weekend. Only the western end of the island will be used for the racing activities
The Detroit International Jazz Festival
For music lovers (and those who just like a good outdoor party), the Detroit International Jazz Festival takes over downtown Detroit with well-known international musicians performing at Hart Plaza, along Jefferson Avenue, and up Woodward Avenue to Campus Martius. Jazz is the draw, but there will be blues, gospel, R&B and Motown at the Jazz Festival along with Saturday night fireworks.
Arts, Beats and Eats
Just outside the city of Detroit, the gigantic Chrysler Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival in Downtown Pontiac is super-charged with excitement on Labor Day weekend as crowds enjoy live music on several stages, food from area restaurants, kid-themed attractions, and an impressive art fair. Arts, Beats, and Eats is Michigan’s largest four-day festival.
Franklin’s Art in the Village
Also on Labor Day is Franklin’s Art in the Village. If the events in Downtown Detroit or in Pontiac are a little too much excitement for you, the juried art fair in Franklin, Michigan (just 15 miles from Detroit) features glass, pottery, photography, paintings, furniture, sculptures, and jewelry and might be more your speed. Franklin Village is a quaint historic village that is beautiful to see in the fall and is home to the working Franklin Cider Mill (opened in 1837) which sells delicious cider, doughnuts, pies and cheeses every fall. The Franklin Cider Mill opens annually on the Saturday before Labor Day.
Michigan Renaissance Fair
The Michigan Renaissance Fair is also ongoing in the Detroit area on Labor Day weekend. The town of “Hollygrove” is transformed annually to celebrate the medieval times through costumes, dance, food, drink, humor, and games.
The full service Somerset Inn is a preferred hotel for visitors to the metropolitan Detroit area Labor Day festivities. The hotel’s location at the Somerset Collection shopping complex just fifteen miles north of Detroit with easy access on I-75 is desirable. It’s just minutes from Chrysler Arts, Beats and Eats in Pontiac and is very convenient to the Michigan Renaissance Festival.
Truly experience happily ever after at the Somerset Inn...To make your reservation at one of southeast Michigan romatic hotels, please click here.
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