20 metro Detroit places introverts can be alone in public

Avalon International Breads

422 W. Willis St., Detroit; 313-832-0008; avalonbreads.net
Nothing screams “leave me alone” like being surrounded by freshly baked loaves of bread. Wait, what? Anyway, Avalon International Breads has been serving the Cass Corridor for more than 20 years and, in recent years, has expanded with downtown Detroit, New Center, and Ann Arbor locations. However, the original Avalon is the perfect spot for the coffee-addicted “freelance” introvert because the international sign of “don’t fucking talk to me” (ie: wearing headphones/ear pods) is actually respected. Also, if you’re a shut-in variety of introvert, the place is heavily windowed so you can still be inside, get your vitamin D, and avoid uncomfortable and unwanted human contact.

Photo via Avalon International Breads / Facebook

Detroit Public Library

5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-481-1300; detroitpubliclibrary.org
Libraries — the orginal introvert’s playground! The stately main branch of the Detroit Public Library has a number of magnificently outfitted reading rooms for settling in with a new book. Or take a stroll around the building to get a look at the library’s frescoes, mosaics, and elaborately decorated ceilings.

Photo via Detroit Public Library / Facebook

Belle Isle Conservatory

4 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit; 313-821-5428; belleisleconservancy.org
Belle Isle is the ideal destination for a day of solitude, offering a chance to enjoy natural beauty just a short drive from the bustling streets of Detroit. One highlight is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservancy, an Albert Kahn-designed building that boasts a collection of palms, cacti, ferns, and tropical fruit trees. Pack a picnic and catch a view of Windsor from one of the pavilions, or stroll the formal gardens and pretend to be a cast member on Downton Abbey.

Photo via Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory / Facebook

Meta Physica Wellness

1701 Trumbull Ave. #3, Detroit; 313-303-7611; metaphysicamassage.com
Located in the heart of Corktown, Meta Physica Wellness provides everything necessary for a millennial’s R&R dream: raw vegan juices, massage therapy, acupuncture, full-body waxing, and yoga. They even offer Cranial Sacral Therapy, a light-touch massage technique that is said to treat everything from anxiety to chronic pain. The meditative atmosphere is perfect for overworked introverts to grab some much-needed me-time.

Photo via Meta Physica Wellness Center / Facebook

John K. King Used and Rare Books

901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-961-0622; johnkingbooksdetroit.com
There’s nothing quite like wandering the aisles of this behemoth of a bookstore — where you can easily spend hours without running into another human being. The four-story former warehouse has books about nearly everything, all organized by category (and sub-category, and sub-sub-category). Grab a map and get your browse on.

Photo via John King Used & Rare Books / Facebook

Kresge Court

5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org
Check out this light-filled atrium cafe for a late-afternoon lounge. The location (in the middle of a world-class museum) and the decor (tasteful but cozy) will warm any introvert’s heart. A curated menu includes innovative options like a lavender latte and cauliflower salad, while the dessert selection features Detroit classics such as bumpy cake and Faygo floats. After wandering the museum, this is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth and people-watch in peace.

Photo courtesy of the Detroit Institute of Arts

AURA AURA

4200 W. Vernor Hwy., Rear Unit on Scotten St., Detroit; auraura.co
Looking to map your introverted aura? Try Aura Aura, an experimental portrait studio that specializes in capturing bio-magnetic energy through a unique photographic process. This intimate practice uses long-exposure techniques to allow participants’ metaphysical selves to appear in a portrait. The product is a one-of-a-kind piece of art to bring some color to your introvert depression den.

Photo via AURA AURA / Facebook

168 KTV Bistro

32415 John R Rd., Madison Heights;248-616-0169; 168karaoke.com
Underrated: solo karaoke. Head to this Madison Heights venue for authentic Asian cuisine; stay for the private karaoke rooms. The dishes here are made with fresh ingredients, and the menu (like karaoke) isn’t for the faint of heart — many options are made in the spicy Sichuan tradition. This is the spot to belt out some Journey with no one but your steaming hot pot to judge.

Photo via 168 KTV Bistro / Facebook

Cliff Bells

2030 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-961-2543; cliffbells.com
Cliff Bell’s is one of Detroit’s original jazz clubs, dating to 1935. The Art Deco interior is complemented by an elegant Americana-inspired menu — think braised beef cheek, French onion soup, and dressed-up wedge salad. Grab a solo seat at the bar to enjoy one of the establishment’s signature cocktails, like the Detroit Dirty (Tito’s and pickle brine) or the Cliff Bell, an Aperol-based concoction.

Photo via Cliff Bell’s / Facebook

Ford-Wyoming Drive-in

10400 Ford Rd., Dearborn, 313-846-6910, forddrivein.com
Drive-ins might conjure memories of first dates or family nights out, but they’re also a great place for a solitary movie night. This Dearborn drive-in, which dates back to 1951, allows introverts an opportunity to enjoy the big-screen experience inside the privacy of your own car.

Photo via Photo by Austin Evans Eighmey

Planet Rock Climbing Gym

1103 W. Thirteen Mile Rd., Madison Heights; 248-397-8354; planet-rock.com
With locations in Madison Heights and Ann Arbor, Planet Rock is a convenient spot for first-timers as well as experienced climbers to get in some solitary sweating. Time for a little Free Solo-ing of your own.

Photo via Planet Rock Climbing Gym / Facebook

Detroit Riverfront

Various locations, 313 566-8234; www.detroitriverfront.org detroitriverfront.org
The bustling centerpiece of Detroit’s RiverWalk is Rivard Park, a hub of activity that includes a cafe, carousel, and sand volleyball courts. There’s also a bike rental for those hoping to cycle the area, as well as a variety of chairs and picnic tables that are terrific for a solo picnic-and-read. For the musically inclined, the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre offers a variety of concerts and events. Or indulge in fresh-off-the-food-truck bites at Spirit of Detroit Plaza, where local chefs offer delicious treats just steps away from the Financial District.

Photo via Detroit Riverfront / Facebook

Palmer Park

910 Merrill Plaisance, Detroit; 313-757-2751; peopleforpalmerpark.org
Palmer Park, a primeval forest in Detroit’s historic Palmer Park neighborhood, is a local treasure. In addition to its natural wonders, the park contains a swimming pool, tennis and handball courts, and a historic log cabin. Snag a bench near the lake or take a run on one of the park’s well-maintained trails for some transcendental-style relaxation.

Photo via People For Palmer Park / Facebook

Candy Bar

1509 Broadway St., Detroit;313-277-4736; candybardetroit.com
Located in the Siren Hotel, the Candy Bar is a plush, bubblegum pink slice of paradise. The 1970s-era disco ball throws a glittery glow over the room, but it’s the 1,500-pound chandelier that dominates the space. Treat yourself to a classic cocktail or bar snack while luxuriating in the bar’s old-Hollywood allure.

Photo via The Siren Hotel / Facebook

The Old Miami

3930 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-831-3830; facebook.com/theoldmiami
This longstanding Cass Corridor veteran's bar (Miami stands for "Missing in Action Michigan") is known by Detroiters as a low-key, no-frills hangout where you can kickback. While weekends can guarantee an unwanted run-in with an old friend, weekdays at the Old Miami are relatively quiet with so many cozy hiding spots to sink your introvert-ass into. Not to mention, a huge, manicured patio space perfectly suited for the introvert looking to disappear.

Photo via The Old Miami / Facebook

Eastern Market

2934 Russel St., Detroit;313-833-9300; easternmarket.org
On a sunny Saturday, head over to Eastern Market for a stroll through the produce vendors and brightly-colored mural district. Check out the stalls selling local art or baked goods, or refresh your palate with fresh coffee, juice, or tea. Eastern Market is packed with sights, smells, and tastes — and with no whims but your own to follow, let yourself go where the fragrant wind blows you.

Photo via Eastern Market Partnership / Facebook

Dequindre Cut

Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit; detroitriverfront.org
Just a block away from Eastern Market is Dequindre Cut, a two-mile stretch of former railroad transformed into a greenway. This urban path has lanes for pedestrians as well as bicycles, and rollerbladers can often be spotted whizzing by. The pathway is known for its graffiti and urban artwork, and it’s studded with reproductions of classic paintings from the DIA’s Inside|Out initiative. This is an incomparable urban treasure, ideal for an unaccompanied walk or bike ride.

Photo via The Dequindre Cut / Facebook

Ready Player One Arcade Bar

407 E. Fort St., Detroit;313-395-3300; rpodetroit.com
This bar acade, located in the basement of the former Globe Tobacco Building, is a 3,500 sq. foot gamer’s paradise. The bar offers cleverly-named themed cocktails (Gintendo and Spyro Lemonade, for instance) alongside updated childhood favorites like nacho fries, wings, and even reimagined Rice Krispies treats. Order some snacks and check out the venue’s collection of arcade games and pinball machines from the 1980s and 1990s. Single-player for the win!

Photo via Ready Player One: Bar and Arcade / Facebook

The Painted Lady Lounge

2930 Jacob St., Hamtramck; 313-874-2991; facebook.com/paintedlady.hamtramck
This Hamtramck dive is the perfect place to sit back and unload after a long day at the office. Plus, it has this vibe where you can acknowledge your fellow bar regular, but not necessarily have to engage in a conversation. This spot is destined to become a footnote in the history of some elusive writer with a whiskey habit.

Photo via The Painted Lady Lounge / Facebook

Motor City Wine

1949 Michigan Ave., Detroit;313-483-7283; motorcitywine.com
Take yourself out on a date to this cozy modern-day speakeasy. Wine is sold by the glass as well as the bottle, and an offering of salty bar snacks are a delicious companion to the daily line-up of jazz musicians and DJs. With a 50-seat maximum, introverts will enjoy Motor City Wine’s intimate environment. Pro tip: the spacious patio is just screaming for an introvert to crack open a fresh book over a popped bottle.

Photo via Motor City Wine / Facebook