Summer Vacation in Detroit: Part 1

Perhaps it's nothing more than a weird coincidence that as I finally sat down to write this article, the Detroit Lions had just beaten the Minnesota Vikings, ending their 20 game losing streak. The Lions victory at Ford Field in downtown Detroit would be a sign of hope that maybe the fledgling NFL franchise was beginning to improve, but what about the city and it's vast amounts of poverty, crime and abandoned buildings surrounding the domed stadium? When is Detroit itself going to recover?

I want to make it clear to those reading that this article isn't intended to be an attack on Detroit. As we explored the city we met many friendly people and saw some of Detroit's greatest urban assets and attractions. We saw examples of redevelopment and hints that eventually the city may come back around. It can't be ignored though that Detroit is a shell of it's former self. With the country's highest crime and murder rates and a local government that is the laughing stock of the internet, many questioned why my friends and I would want to travel to Detroit for any reason other than seeing a Tigers game or going to the casinos. However, when exploring and photographing abandoned buildings is your hobby, Detroit is your Disneyland.


-The Skyline of Detroit, Michigan.

Steel City Shutdown

About eight months ago the citizens of a fellow Ohio River city rioted in the streets after their beloved Steelers claimed their sixth super bowl trophy, the most in NFL history.






-These photos come from Mike Muder. Despite being from Pittsburgh and being a Steelers fan, Mike is one of my favorite photographers and his photography helped inspire Queen City Discovery.

Cincinnati Streetcar - Virtual Tour

Right about the time I started this website in October 2007, I began hearing about the proposed Cincinnati Streetcar project. I had remembered learning about the abandoned subway and the failed 2002 light rail initiative, but at the time the idea of a modern streetcar in Cincinnati was news to me. As updates about the progress of the project continued to come forward, so did the skepticism and opposition of the project.

Streetcars had once helped Cincinnati thrive into a prosperous American city and with any luck, they will again.


-Streetcar tracks of Cincinnati's past lay dormant on Elm St. in front of Music Hall.

Captured in Photographs, Summer Ends in a Blaze of Disappointing Explosions Above a Midwestern Skyline

The smoke began to clear over the river and was blowing north towards downtown engulfing the skyscrapers and skyline in a haze. "That was it?" I muttered to Venkman and Seicer. We had been waiting all summer since we had discovered our super secret fireworks viewing spot and all we had to say was: "That was it?"


- Smoke fills downtown following the 33rd annual WEBN Labor Day Fireworks.

Queen City Discovery Announces New Exhibit

Last January I teamed up with fellow explorer and photographer Sherman Cahal to create the "Forgotten Cincinnati" exhibit that was on display at Park+Vine. This Fall, friend and photographer Craig Moyer joins us to create "Exploring Cincinnati," an expanded exhibit that features even more photographs from our photographic work and exploring of the Cincinnati area over the past year. Here's the press release:
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For Immediate Release:
Exploring Cincinnati on view at The Betts House
October 3 – November 19, 2009
Opening Night: Friday, October 2, 2009. 5-8 P.M.