Detroit’s rap belies its many awesome alter egos (Motown, Motor City, Paris of the West). The city buzzes with energy, thanks to a recent revitalization. We tapped Meghan McEwen, a former CS Interiors editor who now calls Detroit home, to get her picks for a perfect weekend (and threw in a few of our own).

The newest, most charming place to stay is Honor & Folly. Helmed by McEwen herself, the tiny Corktown inn displays pieces designed by artists based in Detroit and throughout the Midwest.

Stop down the street for Prohibition-style cocktails at Sugar House or nosh on pulled meat from Slows Bar B Q, located just below Honor & Folly.

Hit up Cafe D’Mongo’s Speakeasy for excellent live jazz. Go for the stiff drinks, stay for the throwback vibe.

Locals break fresh-baked organic bread at Avalon International Breads. Carbo-loading was never so fun.

For ridiculously delicious coffee, look no further than Astro Coffee, a newish nook that has taken the city by storm. Coffee, pastries, community. Yes, please.

In Mexicantown, uncover a slew of authentic taco joints — McEwen loves El Barzon for Mexican-Italian fusion, an unlikely but winning combo.

Making up for a lack of big box shopping are myriad locally owned spots like Nest.

For even more handmade home goods, hit Nest’s sister outfit, City Bird.

Visit Rachel’s Place for covetable vintage, personal service, and friendly prices (2124 Pine Street, 313-964-9008).

The rotating pop-up indie art shop hosts a rotating lineup of emerging artists and designers.

Start your Saturday at Eastern Market, which has served Detroiters fresh produce, spices, and meats since 1891. Walk around Hamtramck, a heavily Polish section of the city, stopping for pierogis and beer along the way.

Pedal through the Dequindre Cut Greenway, a pedestrian pathway lined with eye-popping urban art. Exit at Lafayette Street and meander through Lafayette Park, Mies van der Rohe’s modernist townhouse development. Then travel to Belle Isle, a 985-acre island park in the Detroit River.

Everyone loves The Heidelberg Project, a nonprofit public art initiative that you’ve got to see to believe. Public Pool hosts an ever-changing roster of up-and-comers at its cooler-than-thou gallery. 

Get schooled in the history of rock at the Motown Museum. Then test your groove skills at a Haute to Death dance party at Temple Bar (2906 Cass Avenue, 313-832-2822).

Treat your inner bookworm to reads at Leopold’s Books or John K. King Used & Rare Books.

Don’t miss Diego Rivera’s famed murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts; for contemporary art, MOCAD (reopens February 10)  is your place.

Lovers of live jazz can catch crooners six nights a week at Cliff Bell’s.

For pizza, head to Supino Pizzeria in Eastern Market. For a little bit of soul, Sunday Dinner Company serves comfort food with a side of good while employing people affected by crime and poverty (6470 East Jefferson Avenue, 313-877-9255).