Rink

I f you've been on the fence about coming to NARCE this year, let this memo serve as the push you need! I used to look forward to going to Chi- town every May, but was always a little bummed that Shoeless Joe's was the fur- thest I ever ventured from the hotel. Apart from the networking opportu- nities, education, and the tradeshow, that is the core basis of NARCE, there is a ton to do and experience in the 'D'! Take this as an insider's guide to getting the most out of your trip! The Tigers have a home stand May 13-17. Even if you're not that into base- ball, Comerica Park is a cool venue with plenty to experience including a baseball shaped Ferris wheel and huge white- stoned tigers guarding the entrance. Right across the street is the legendary Fox Theater, but even better are two great sports bars that give the 'D' its Hockeytown moniker. Cheli's Chili Bar is owned by Chris Chelios and has a great display of memorabilia throughout the restaurant, (and there's a second Cheli's just down the road from NARCE headquarters in Dearborn). Just a stones throw away is the Hockeytown Café which has all of the NHL stuff you would expect, but also holds a ton of sports-themed motorcy- cles and has a neat wall of Illitch family history (owners of Little Caesars, Red Wings and Tigers). If cars are your thing, don't miss out on the Henry Ford Museum. The price of admission is worth the trip and it's just down the road from the Hyatt. When in Detroit, make no negative comments about the Red Wings, Tigers, or even Lions and if anyone asks what type of car you drive, Ford, GM or Chrysler are the only right answers. And on that note, if you rent a car, insist on one of these brands; the agent at the counter will understand. Finally, if you must wear a hoodie, refrain from pulling the hood up and telling people to call you Rabbit because if you do, you better be able to run ... like a rabbit. ★ Want to join The Knife Nation? Call the STAR offices and find out how! the final cut by Johnny "The Knife" Monteleone STARrinks.com ■ Just livin' the rink life. MEMO To: Knife Nation From: The Knife RE: Unofficial, official guide to all things Michigan for NARCE BILL BOWEN Road To NARCE • There's no bet- ter place to sink your teeth into history than The Henry Ford, a comprehensive look into the automaker's life and accomplish- ments. • Henry and Clara Ford's enor- mous home estate, Fair Lane, is another sight for sore eyes. The 31,000-square foot, six- level estate was listed in "America's 10 Grandest Mansions" by Budget Travel Magazine. Inside, visitors can grab a drink or a bite to eat at the mansion's restaurant, which was converted from an indoor pool. • While you're downtown, check out Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions. Ford Field offers group and individual tours throughout the week. • For some hearty eating, the Dearborn and Detroit area's got you covered. The Travel Channel's pop- ular television series Man vs. Food filmed Lafayette Coney Island and its next- door neighbor American Coney Island in downtown Detroit. Just 10 miles south of Dearborn lay Mallie's Sports Grill and Bar, which is home to the Guinness Book of World Record's largest commercially available ham- burger at 164.8 pounds for the low, low price of $399. Bring your appetite and tell them The Knife sent you. 54 R INK MAGAZ INE March/April 2011

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