As the President & CEO of Catalyst Media Factory, a public relations and social media firm, my love for Detroit runs deep—this city is not just where I chose to headquarter my company; it’s where I was born and have spent most of my life. Detroit’s resilience, creativity, and vibrant culture inspire everything I do, and our company name even pays homage to the city’s hard-working spirit with the word “Factory.” I’m excited to share some of my favorite Downtown hotspots—places that fuel my passion and remind me every day why I’m proud to be part of this incredible community.

This city has a lot to offer! Here’s my take on a few of the coolest spots in Downtown this fall:

• Downtown Detroit Restaurant: Downtown Louie’s: Very demur, very mindful. Can’t go wrong with steak prepared to perfection.

• Downtown Detroit Cocktail Lounge: The Apparatus Room. In addition to great craft cocktails made with seasonal ingredients, you never know who you’ll “accidently” meet.

• Downtown Detroit Cool Spot: Cider in the City in Beacon Park. This is the place to be each fall. Love the yummy cider, donuts and caramel apple treats from Blake’s and the parks are so festively decorated!

• Downtown Detroit Lunch Spot: Lunchtime Global. They make lunch quick. Excellent soup selection to warm you up as the weather begins to cool off.

• Downtown Detroit Retailer: Throwbacks Home. What better way to decorate your home than with reclaimed and salvaged Detroit materials? Brings a touch of warmth inside.

• Downtown Detroit Experience: Riding the People Mover. Visitors and longtime residents alike love to be able to view and photograph the city from above. A ride is a great way to see the changing colors of the trees spread around the city and riverwalk.

• Downtown Detroit Quick Breakfast: Dime Store (you MAKE time for Dime Store!). It’s the breakfast of champions. Get a western omelet. You’ll thank me later.

• Downtown Detroit Bar: Grand Trunk Pub, the second floor is a great place to cozy away for some tasty appetizers, comfort food, and drinks with friends.

• Downtown Detroit Activity: The Rink at Campus Martius Park (literally!) and Cadillac Lodge. One of the best winter activities in town is to take a skate on the rink and then cozy up with some friends over a game in the Lodge. Make sure to grab some hot cocoa while you’re there.

• Downtown Detroit Scenery/Outdoor: Taking in the scenery and a little people watching in Harmony Park– for the small park in the big city feeling surrounded by stunning architecture.