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A pit stop at Michigan's oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn

The New Hudson Inn is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Business

The divey New Hudson Inn in western Oakland County claims to be the oldest bar in the state, and it&#x27;s worth a visit for history buffs.The big picture: The neighborhood spot with a rich history dating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back to 1831" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" data-vars-content-id="ffef79f5-efbe-4a09-9d0f-322c380ecbd4" data-vars-headline="A pit stop at Michigan&#x27;s oldest bar, the New Hudson Inn" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newhudsoninn1831.com/" target="_blank">back to 1831</a> is known for its burgers, jovial atmosphere and popularity with the biker crowd.

Michigan tops UConn to win NCAA title

The Wolverines used defense and transfers to secure their first title since 1989.

Sports

U-M survived a brawl with UConn Monday night, 69-63, to win the men&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college basketball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/03/michigan-arizona-final-four-2026-matchup-preview" data-vars-content-id="9a7afb30-8742-4856-b3b6-ac1b296c4ed2" data-vars-headline="Michigan tops UConn to win NCAA title" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/03/michigan-arizona-final-four-2026-matchup-preview" target="_self">college basketball</a> national championship.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first Wolverines title since 1989, snapping a four-game losing streak in the title game.

Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy

Confidence is falling among small-business owners, per a recent national survey.

Some Metro Detroit business owners are echoing the economic stress felt by entrepreneurs across the country.Driving the news: Confidence among American small-business owners fell for a second consecutive quarter, according to the recently released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" data-vars-content-id="3e70fab0-836b-47da-b649-189d083e546b" data-vars-headline="Metro Detroit small businesses weigh in on economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/small-business-index-q1-2026" target="_blank">U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index</a>.

What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living

STEM and skilled trades workers have higher homeownership rates here than nationally.

Real Estate

Management and business professionals are most likely to own a home in the Detroit area, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis of Census Bureau data.The big picture: Homeownership occupation trends in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area diverge from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national pattern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" data-vars-content-id="fb0d51db-90e9-49f1-92d4-c5396ae7790a" data-vars-headline="What Metro Detroit homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/homeownership-rate-job-occupation" target="_self">national pattern</a>, as we have higher overall rates of homeownership here among all the careers studied.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: April 10-12

Events April 10-12, including a clothing swap festival, vendor fair and giant car show.

Things to Do

🏒 Cheer on the Red Wings for the final time at Little Caesars Arena this season.<ul><li>5pm Saturday. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Resale tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/080062EAAC852CC4?brand=redwings&amp;artistid=805938&amp;wt.mc_id=NHL_TEAM_DET_SCHEDULE_GM41&amp;utm_source=NHL.com&amp;utm_medium=client&amp;utm_campaign=NHL_TEAM_DET&amp;utm_content=SCHEDULE_GM41&amp;_gl=1*1krhd14*_ga*MTc0NDAwMzU4Ny4xNzYyODc3MjAy*_ga_XZHCNEQSGP*czE3NzU3NjA2NjEkbzQzJGcwJHQxNzc1NzYwNjYxJGo2MCRsMCRoMA.." data-vars-content-id="2fc15005-dac1-45d4-a790-994a8631635d" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: April 10-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/080062EAAC852CC4?brand=redwings&amp;artistid=805938&amp;wt.mc_id=NHL_TEAM_DET_SCHEDULE_GM41&amp;utm_source=NHL.com&amp;utm_medium=client&amp;utm_campaign=NHL_TEAM_DET&amp;utm_content=SCHEDULE_GM41&amp;_gl=1*1krhd14*_ga*MTc0NDAwMzU4Ny4xNzYyODc3MjAy*_ga_XZHCNEQSGP*czE3NzU3NjA2NjEkbzQzJGcwJHQxNzc1NzYwNjYxJGo2MCRsMCRoMA.." target="_blank">Resale tickets</a> start at around $84.</li></ul>🛍️ Shop local for handmade goods, treats and home decor at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="All Things Detroit Day" data-vars-click-url="https://events.allthingsticketing.com/events/ATDDAY2026" data-vars-content-id="2fc15005-dac1-45d4-a790-994a8631635d" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: April 10-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://events.allthingsticketing.com/events/ATDDAY2026" target="_blank">All Things Detroit Day</a> at Eastern Market.

Visit the Dambo troll installations closest to Detroit

Take a road trip to see these whimsical troll sculptures.

Culture

🪑 Annalise here, sitting at my desk and dreaming about when I can go see some more trolls.The big picture: Danish artist and activist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thomas Dambo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thomasdambo.com/" data-vars-content-id="65f7ba3c-3c7b-4815-b429-b4af5f151813" data-vars-headline="Visit the Dambo troll installations closest to Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thomasdambo.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Dambo</a> has created giant troll figures out of recycled materials and wood all around the world.

Food trucks return downtown for 14th season

More than 80 food trucks are back with weekday lunches through early October.

Food and Drink

Downtown&#x27;s food truck scene, with more than 80 vendors in rotation, returned this week to Cadillac Square for its 14th season.Why it matters: The trucks <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draw big lunchtime crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWyy1W3DdQC/" data-vars-content-id="706bd4a4-94f5-4fb7-b18e-da5ddb2e9b63" data-vars-headline="Food trucks return downtown for 14th season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWyy1W3DdQC/" target="_blank">draw big lunchtime crowds</a> downtown each spring and summer.

In an online world, indie bookstores build third spaces

Indie bookshops are a growing retail market in Detroit and elsewhere.

For a shy, self-described &quot;booktrovert&quot; like Erin Cambron, bonding over reading is an easy way to break down barriers and connect with others.Why it matters: Indie bookstores are seeing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renewed growth" data-vars-click-url="https://parade.com/news/bookstores-are-thriving-again-defying-years-of-predictions" data-vars-content-id="9be70c3d-cc49-42b7-bc86-1bcaf8552ccf" data-vars-headline="In an online world, indie bookstores build third spaces" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://parade.com/news/bookstores-are-thriving-again-defying-years-of-predictions" target="_blank">renewed growth</a> across the country. Many see a giant chunk of that success as coming from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="community gathering" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/modern-bookstore-revival" data-vars-content-id="9be70c3d-cc49-42b7-bc86-1bcaf8552ccf" data-vars-headline="In an online world, indie bookstores build third spaces" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/launch-pad/modern-bookstore-revival" target="_blank">community gathering</a> these shops facilitate in our increasingly isolated world.

Spring gardening season starts in Metro Detroit

Gardeners are prepping soil and starting seeds as spring planting season gets underway.

Environment

Whether you&#x27;re a green gardener or an old hand with well-worn raised beds, it&#x27;s time to rejoice and get started — planting season is here.Why it matters: Anyone who&#x27;s watched their herbs fade from green to brown knows gardening is a fickle hobby, and timing is of the essence.

Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: March 27-29

Egg hunts, DJ sets, ceramic art exhibitions and more!

🏺 Check out various public exhibitions of ceramic art around the city as part of a giant national conference <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taking place now through Saturday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/24/ceramics-conference-exhibits-region-nceca" data-vars-content-id="20a0512e-0672-4d7f-bb46-7d9ad0921877" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: March 27-29" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/03/24/ceramics-conference-exhibits-region-nceca" target="_self">taking place now through Saturday</a>.🦁 It&#x27;s a big weekend for theater with multiple shows of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Lion King" data-vars-click-url="https://us.atgtickets.com/events/disneys-the-lion-king/detroit-opera-house/" data-vars-content-id="20a0512e-0672-4d7f-bb46-7d9ad0921877" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: March 27-29" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://us.atgtickets.com/events/disneys-the-lion-king/detroit-opera-house/" target="_blank">The Lion King</a>&quot; at the Detroit Opera House now through April 5, and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mamma Mia!" data-vars-click-url="https://us.atgtickets.com/events/mamma-mia/fisher-theatre/" data-vars-content-id="20a0512e-0672-4d7f-bb46-7d9ad0921877" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: March 27-29" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://us.atgtickets.com/events/mamma-mia/fisher-theatre/" target="_blank">Mamma Mia!</a>&quot; at the Fisher Theatre through Sunday.

Tigers kick off 2026 season on the road

The home opener at Comerica Park is set for April 3.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Tigers&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/01/detroit-tigers-aim-for-playoff-return-in-2025" data-vars-content-id="076d226b-55a2-4052-9cc0-b527505a38ee" data-vars-headline="Tigers kick off 2026 season on the road" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/04/01/detroit-tigers-aim-for-playoff-return-in-2025" target="_self">The Tigers&#x27;</a> season starts Thursday at 4:10pm on the road against the San Diego Padres.Why it matters: Baseball is back, but you&#x27;ll have to wait until April 3 for the home opener at Comerica Park.

Clay takes center stage in Detroit this week

A major traveling ceramics event features exhibitions across the city open to the public.

Thousands of ceramicists are descending on Detroit this week for a national conference that&#x27;ll show them how the city&#x27;s arts scene is taking shape.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts" data-vars-click-url="https://nceca.net/" data-vars-content-id="10100560-4e36-4b00-a330-20f6ef992847" data-vars-headline="Clay takes center stage in Detroit this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nceca.net/" target="_blank">National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts</a> (NCECA) Wednesday-Saturday is seeing record registration numbers of over 5,000, per an email sent to attendees.

Frame Work: Soul Studio exhibition celebrates artists with special needs

"A Little Bit of Light" exhibit opens in Bloomfield Hills.

A new art exhibition in Bloomfield Hills was inspired by the quote: &quot;A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.&quot;The big picture: The artwork on display is from about a dozen artists with special needs who participate in a program called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soul Studio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.friendshipcircle.org/locations/soul_studio" data-vars-content-id="002a12ff-0c69-45c4-bae1-6c03fac2d43c" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: Soul Studio exhibition celebrates artists with special needs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.friendshipcircle.org/locations/soul_studio" target="_blank">Soul Studio</a>.

Best Detroit patios for spring drinks, coffee

From rooftop views to cozy cafes, these Detroit patios are prepping for spring.

It&#x27;s the first day of spring, and we&#x27;re already craving that first patio beer.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a long winter. We deserve a local drink out in the sunshine without wind or snow pummeling us.

Things to Do 🗓

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: April 10-12

Visit the Dambo troll installations closest to Detroit

Food trucks return downtown for 14th season

In an online world, indie bookstores build third spaces

Things to do: Tigers host 2026 home opener