Editor’s Note: This is part three of a three part series “Griffin Maria in The Big D”, written by Playboy model Griffin Maria, about her recent adventures in Detroit. In part three, Griffin Maria recounts her visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts. She caps off her trip with a stop at an old timey apple cider mill.
The last leg of my Michigan trip was a perfect blend of culture and comfort. I was only able to escape the Arizona heat for a few days before having to head back to reality. I knew going into the vacation that I wanted to focus on only a handful of destinations. The idea for the last couple of days was to take in some art and still have time to kick back and relax. After all, this was supposed to be a vacation! I’m happy to report that I managed to do both like a pro.
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The Detroit Institute of Arts: A Must See Museum
One of my absolute favorite places to visit when I head back to Michigan is, without a doubt, the Detroit Institute of Arts. The museum itself is beautiful, but the treasures inside are truly spectacular. With multiple levels to explore, you can time travel from the present day all the way back to ancient Egypt when the pyramids were still new.
It’s easy to lose yourself in the Detroit Institute of Arts. Like the world of art itself, the museum is constantly changing and evolving. There are rooms dedicated to different cultures, time periods, and individual artists. In just a few hours I took in works from Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and more. I also learned about artifacts from every part of the world.
I wandered from room to room, surrounded by incredible works done by hands that weren’t all that different than my own. It’s humbling and inspiring all at the same time. Standing in front of these beautiful pieces where every brush stroke left behind some new detail, it struck me how each exhibit showed the passing nature of our existence and the durability of our actions all at once. I mean, the artists themselves were long gone. But their works, their passions, their legacies were still here on display for us to see. It’s a powerful experience. And an important one to remember in this world of TikTok and Instagram reels. Our attention spans and memories have been de-evolved to that of a goldfish.
Last Stop, Franklin Cider Mill
With two days of tourist activities behind me, I had scratched the culture itch and the next day I was ready to slow things down. I think a lot of people equate Detroit to an industrial city dominated by tall buildings and factories, but moving just outside of the Big D you’ll find yourself in a whole new world. And in this world, you can get yourself a nice warm apple cider on a chilly day.
There are nature preserves, trails, and quiet nooks where the larger world around you can seemingly disappear if you know where to look. And one of those places on this go ‘round happened to be the Franklin Cider Mill. Taking in the fresh air with a hot apple cider and freshly made donut was good medicine in so many ways.
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The air was crisp and cool. This was such a perfect change of pace from the streak of hot weather in Phoenix. Time slows down in a place like this, if you let it. And there’re plenty of things to see while you sip your cider. You can check out the mill and watch the workers as they squash apples into cider. Or, you can roam around the meandering river. But the best part has to be all the treats and goodies they have to offer: pies, donuts, cheesecake, and more. So, how do you like them apples?
I’m back in AZ now. And like any good vacation, I’ve got some good memories. I’ve also got plenty of pics to tide me over until the next one. It’s a strange experience to visit your old stomping ground once you’ve grown up and moved away. But I personally take issue with the slogan “you can never go home.” The trick is to head back with an open mind and open heart, ready to shed some of the nostalgia we typically carry around and look around with fresh eyes.
Cynics may disagree, but my trip was nothing but fun. And I can honestly say I’m looking forward to my next visit, whenever that may be. Check out my Playboy Club page for more photos from the trip!
Griffin Maria is on The Playboy Club. Talk to her now.
