Although we’ve been largely focusing on outdoor winter activities lately, sometimes there are days in southeast Michigan that are simply so bitterly cold, it practically knocks the wind right out of you. You all know those days I’m talking about. When the wind chill is seven below and you can’t feel any of your extremities, by all means, you have my permission to move the fun indoors.
Luckily for you, there are plenty of winter activities and lots of indoor entertainment to capture your attention when the elements are unbearable. Grab a friend, your sense of adventure and get going!
Punch Bowl Social, 1331 Broadway, Detroit, just opened a few months ago, and if you haven’t yet had a chance to check it out, now is prime time to do so! Not only is there food, there are more TVs than you can possibly watch at once, as well as bowling, darts, marbles, shuffle board, ping pong, vintage arcade games and more. If you and a group of friends are looking for something to do, what’s better than a little old school fun?
The menu includes bar bites like a Salsa Trio (with charred watermelon salsa, salsa Mexicana and salsa verde), small plates such as Spicy Cilantro Wings and Cheese in a Jar (local goat cheese with garlic, thyme, olive oil, bay leaves and crostini), and dinner items including Chicken and Waffles (panko breaded chicken served with a malted waffle, chipotle pecan maple syrup, strawberries and candied walnuts).
Paint and Pour, which has studio locations in Ann Arbor and Brighton, offers off site events where you can visit your favorite restaurant for some grub, wine and a painting lesson! Tonight, head to Traffic Jam & Snug in Detroit or Dick O’ Dow’s in Birmingham from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participation for both costs $35 per person, and you can order whatever food and drink items your heart desires off the menu. (Note, unlike studio classes, these are not BYOB events, so don’t show up with a six-pack to the restaurant, unless it’s on your abs).
Additional local venues hosting upcoming Paint and Pour events this month include Bailey’s in Canton, George Murphy’s in Livonia, Plymouth Roc in Plymouth and Blackfinn in Royal Oak. You can peruse the event calendar here.
Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, 4316 Baldwin Rd., Auburn Hills, is located inside Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. Although it doesn’t open until Thursday, Jan. 29, I think it’s safe to say this aquarium is one we have all been eagerly anticipating.
As of last week, six sharks moved into their new digs at the aquarium, and once it opens, you’ll be able to see not only them, but stingrays, jellyfish, octopus and more as well. Buy your tickets online before opening day and you’ll receive a discount! The pre-opening price is $17.50 for both children and adults.
When it’s too cold to head to Campus Martius but you still yearn to practice those triple axels, head to an indoor ice rink! Sure, it’ll still be chilly, but nowhere near as cold as the great outdoors. Arctic Edge of Canton, 46615 Michigan Ave., Canton, is a great place for open skating on the weekends. John Lindell Ice Arena, 1403 Lexington Blvd., Royal Oak, is another local rink where you’ll find open skate times, including Friday Night Sk8 Jamz with a live DJ! This weekend, try skating for free at the arena on Sunday, Jan. 18 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:35 p.m.
Use your noodle! I never thought I would go back to school, but enrolling in Wines of Bordeaux, the Loire Valley and Languedoc, a five week wine class at Schoolcraft College, just might change my mind. The class meets on Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is a laid back lecture that includes eight wines per class, along with bread and cheese. The class costs $169, and if you’re looking into going back to school, you’ll earn yourself your very first credit!
No matter the temperature, we will always find fun ways to keep ourselves entertained in Metro Detroit. It would be impossible not to, as we live in a city with so much to offer! Bring it on, Mother Nature.
