Treat Yourself: How To Have A Date Night in Detroit For Under $100

Let's be honest - we all deserve a trip out of town. And while you may be wistfully dreaming of spending your time off on a beach or somewhere warmer. But, you can have an amazing day trip date night right here in Michigan without breaking the bank.

My boyfriend and I packed our bags and hit the road from Grand Rapids to check out Detroit and all the fun you can have without spending tons of money on fancy dinners or overpriced drinks. Here's what we got into:

Stopped For Gas (and games) at the Fowlerville Family Farms Restaurant / Mobil

approximate cost: $20

Sure, people don't think of gas station's as a "place to see" but, I'm obsessed with this little treat right off exit 128 on 96, just outside of Detroit. They not only have an adorable family restaurant you can enjoy, they also have a coin machine stuffed full of fun things (and a distraction) to give you a break after your drive.

The Detroit Institute of Art

approximate cost: $14 per adult ($28 total)

Some people have this thought that art museums have to be stuffy or unfun, but that couldn't be further from the truth when it comes to the Detroit Institute of Art. Especially right now, where you can check out their really awesome exhibit on the history of car design, and drool over the beauty of this original firebird like I did.

The Heidelberg Project

approximate cost: free

Detroit has a lot of abandoned buildings, but it also has a few really unique and crazy art projects happening on lots (and streets) that are abandoned. The Heidelberg Project is a block long street art installation that people are allowed (and encouraged) to contribute to. It's a perfectly fun place to grab a cool selfie too.

Hamtramck Disney Land

approximate cost: free

Speaking of crazy public art projects, this one takes the cake. This is Detroit's answer to the fun and whimsy of Disneyland. Tucked into an alleyway, this art installation and experience is worth peaking at. During warmer months, you're able to have a tour of deeper into the property.

Taystee's Burgers

approximate cost: $22

Sure, there are a million places you have to try when you're talking about food in detroit, but I can't tell you how impressed I was with the overall experience we had at Taystee's. Not only do they have a huge selection of decadent burgers (I had their pizza burger, it was INSANE, and the lemon pepper fries will have me back soon) They also offer a clean and friendly experience for you to grab a quick bite as you wander around the city.

Motor City Casino

Approximate cost: $20

After you eat, it's only smart to walk some of that dinner off, so why not do it at Motor City Casino? Detroit's newest and biggest casino has lots to offer for anyone looking to test their luck to see if they can win.

And pro tip: if it's your first time you can sign up for their rewards program to receive some free play to make your stay go a little longer.

Astoria Pastry Shop

Approximate cost: $8

What date night is complete without a sweet treat, and this pastry shop has an incredible selection and is open late, so you can stop on your way out of town or to your hotel or Air B&B. I highly recommend their cheesecake, but you can't go wrong with anything that sounds good to you!

While some of these prices may vary based on your budget and preferences, it's easy to have a weekend getaway without leaving Michigan. Let me know some of your favorite places to visit that we may have missed