Adventure Detroit Goes International

Oh Canada, our neighbors to the north. Wait, it is the north correct? Hold on a second let me figure this out. So I go south down I-75 until I reach either Canada or Florida.  That makes sense, let me start over. 

Oh Canada, our neighbors to the north/south. The last time I was in Canada I was more concerned with how much I could drink and still get through border patrol, than what Windsor had to offer. This time I decided to take a drastically different approach and visit during the day. Not only visit during the day, but not visit a single bar. I know what you are thinking and no I don’t know why I decided to do this.

Let’s start with security. As always it was a breeze getting into Canada. They checked passports, asked a couple of questions, and sent us on our way. The security on the way back was quite different but I will get to that later.

My first stop was back to my old party spot, Ouellette Ave. I remember Ouellette being filled with bars, bars, and more bars. I was not at all prepared for the changes that took place. Yes, the street still has many bars and clubs. The difference is that shops and new high rise building dominate the landscape.

The first stop was BB Sneaker Boutique. I don’t know how many sneaker heads read this blog but I will make this perfectly clear to all of you. Spend the money on tolls, deal with security, do whatever you have to do, just go to BB Sneaker Boutique. This place makes Burn Rubber in Royal Oak look like Payless. Imad Saddy runs a top notch store full of unique sneakers and accessories. Check out all of Imad’s contact information at the end of the blog. You need to go and I need to go back.

As I was leaving the sneaker shop, something dawned on me. Certain things are legal in Canada that are not legal in the US. No, I am not about to talk about prostitution or weed. Calm down people. However, I am going to talk about Cuban cigars! That’s right people. Cuban cigars are legal. So we decided to take a stroll over to Habanos. Habanos isn’t the largest cigar shop, but they do have a very nice selection of Cuban’s. Habanos also provides a very nice seating area on Ouellette. If you are into cigars, I highly recommend Habanos. Just remember, don’t bring back the cigars! I think you would be violating some sort of embargo which probably isn’t good.

After indulging on some Cuban nicotine, the next logical stop had to be coffee. I mean what goes better with nicotine than caffeine? Now I did spot a Starbucks within ½ a block from Habanos but this is an adventure blog. As much as I wanted my usual, I decided to stroll over to The Coffee Exchange. I admit that I am a coffee snob and that I am pretty lame as a result. That being said, I am also pretty damn knowledgeable when it comes to good coffee. I will tell you this right now, The Coffee Exchange does not have good coffee. Plain and simple it isn’t good. The Coffee Exchange has the best coffee I have ever had in my life. Without a doubt, the best iced coffee ever. I would spend the $10 in tolls, and deal with security just to have another one. This coffee is haunting me…like night terrors…cold sweats.

The Coffee Exchange

Last thing on the agenda was checking out the recently developed river front. I will say that this would be an excellent date spot. It really would. They have sculptures, picnic areas, and bike paths. On the other hand, this was not a place for a couple of dudes reviewing stuff for an adventure blog. It was a little awkward and I did accidentally lock myself in the bathroom. This resulted in a nice cut on my hand trying to break my way out. Yes, I also wish I had a YouTube clip.

Penguin Sculpture on the river front

Finally it was time to return to the homeland. As expected, security sucked on the way back.  Every car was getting trunk searched and the lines were pretty long. My story was a little different than the others. I didn’t get searched one but twice! Come on, what do you think happens when you look at a border patrol officer and say “I have a social media marketing class in which I have to write a blog. Mine is called Adventure Detroit. I decided to come over to Windsor and review the downtown area.” Also, a piece of advice, when they ask how you know the people in your car, do not say church. Even if that is the truth, just lie. After my 15min car search was complete we were free and clear to go.

Overall, Windsor is pretty nice. If I you want to get out of the house, visit some new places, and just do something different, go to Canada. You might discover some new places or have another funny story to tell. Who knows?

Stephen Moore

Adventure Detroit

Habanos

286 Ouellette Ave

Windsor, Ontario N9A 1A5

519-258-9878

BB Branded Lifestyle & Sneaker Boutique

347 Ouellette Ave

Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J1

519-253-3960 (Shop)

INFO@BBBRANDED.COM

www.bbbranded.com

facebook.com/bbbranded

twitter.com/bbbrandedstore

instagram.com/bbbranded

The Coffee Exchange

266 Ouellette Ave

Windsor, Ontario N9A 1A%

http://www.coffeeexchange.ca