You Auto Come To Michigan

Welcome back, future accounting superstars! The University of Michigan Ross School of Business is in Ann Arbor (AA or A2), but Detroit is only a 45 minute drive away (and the Detroit International Airport is 30 minutes from AA by car). I’ve had the pleasure of going to Detroit a few times this year and I’d like to share with you my trip there last weekend.

Kia decided to "go blue" with the new Stinger

Detroit is known for its role in the industrial Revolution and for being the birthplace of the American automobile, with Henry Ford creating Ford Motor Company in 1903. One of the largest car shows in the world, the North American International Auto Show, takes place annually in Detroit.

Learning about cars has always been a hobby of mine. I went with a couple friends from the MAcc program who were a lot less into cars than I was, and they still enjoyed it! It was super interesting to see what was new from all the automakers. Many companies brought concept vehicles that showcased their latest and greatest technologies, but might not ever reach the market.

Detroit river, Canada behind us

A lot of advancements are currently underway in the self driving or autonomous vehicle arena. Automotive and tech companies are racing to develop hardware and software to enable cars to drive without human input. If this effort is successful, then the amount of fatalities from car crashes should significantly decrease as a result of removing human error from the equation.

I walked along the Detroit river for the first time, where I witnessed large chunks of ice being carried by the current. You can see Windsor, Ontario across the water. It’s amazing to think that Canada is just across a bridge or through a tunnel! Toronto is about a four and a half hour drive from Ann Arbor.

Detroit is in the midst of making a comeback as a great American city, and one of the ways this is evident is in the restaurant scene. I am a foodie and love trying new and interesting restaurants. We ate at Townhouse, which combines “American comfort food with fine dining”.

Veggie burger with bacon

Appetizers included brussel sprouts (balsamic brown butter, parmesan, pistachio) and cauliflower (Moroccan olives, golden raisin caper compote, feta, arugula) and my entree was a veggie burger (Black Beans, Brown Rice, Mirepoix, Topped With Sriracha Aioli, Bibb Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado Purée) with bacon and fries. Considering my addition of bacon, I’m not a vegetarian, but I do love a good veggie burger and Townhouse did not disappoint.  Dessert was a key lime pie, which I highly recommend trying.

It was a great day trip, chance to bond with MAcc classmates, and opportunity to explore a great American city. Detroit, Chicago, and Canada are all a short drive away if you live in AA! I had a lot of fun and look forward to future visits to Detroit.

Best of luck as you prepare your applications and GO BLUE!